SUMMERSIDE - Sean Aylward is committed to promoting the same values as he takes on the position of the newest president of the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce.
On Wednesday, the organization held its 118th President’s Dinner, celebrating the members of the chamber, the outgoing president and their new leader.
“I think Sean will do a fantastic job as president. He brings a unique skill set, perspective and great energy to the position and to the chamber,” said outgoing Chamber president Dan Kutcher.
Kutcher served two terms as Chamber president. Now he’s looking forward to seeing a new person take the reins.
“He represents what, I think a lot of us heard tonight, that Summerside is on a roll.
“It’s critical that we continue in this direction. It’s something we need to continue to say, to believe and then we need to continue to repeat. Because the more we talk about it, as long as it’s rooted in our belief and reality, the more we spread that word and the more it inspires people.”
Over the past few years a lot of great things have been happening for a variety of reasons and it’s important to continue to champion that, Kutcher concluded.
Aylward, a Summerside native, is excited to take on the role.
“We’re going to maintain what we’ve always done. The Chamber’s main role is to advocate and support our membership. We want to continue to promote Summerside as a destination to do business and to choose Summerside to live in.”
A priority of the Chamber is the Forward Summerside initiative. Aylward says they are continuing to work on the project and maintain dialogue with the three levels of government. They also plan to maintain the annual scorecard.
“The Chamber is in a good spot right now. I don’t think there is any reason to drastically change it.”
He also teased the Chamber’s desire to form a buy local policy.
“It’s something we have talked about over the last few years under Dan. But it’s something we want to make more of a step towards.
“We want to have a procurement policy for the Chamber,” he explained. “Something that we share with the rest of the community and get everybody else on board with. We hope it will be something to strengthen and build with our members and show that we are looking locally first so that we support our own first.”
Aylward says he sees Summerside in a strong position moving forward.
“There are a lot of young entrepreneurs and new businesses in the community. I’m excited to be that new eye and guide by keeping the Chamber relevant with entrepreneurs and show the value that our organization has.”
