Maple Syrup in Our Veins

Taking on the role of CEO at the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce is a role I’m honoured to step into. Our business community is remarkable—not just for what it achieves but for the dedication and grit it shows every day. Businesses here are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs, innovating, and shaping the future of our region.

We all know that running a business isn’t easy. Having spent two decades as an entrepreneur, I’ve seen the gamut. There are incredible highs and not so great lows. Sometimes you have success and hit all your marks, other times you struggle with difficult decisions to make payroll. We all know necessity is the mother of invention and as difficult as that saying is – it’s a hard truth. We improvise, innovate, and sharpen our pencils to get things across the line and hopefully to be stronger in the end. But it isn’t without sleepless nights and sacrifices.

Through recessions, market shifts, and even a global pandemic, businesses have adapted, found new ways to serve customers, and shown an unwavering commitment to moving forward. It’s a testament to the strength and determination that runs deep in our regions’ DNA.

Now, we’re facing another challenge—one that will affect all of us in some way. The potential for U.S. tariffs on key industries has raised real concerns. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce released a report on Feb 11, stating that Saint John as the most vulnerable city in the country to these tariffs. This was a study that was conducted by their Business Data Lab that assessed risk across 41 of Canada’s largest cities.

Consider this; in 2023, over $11.8 billion USD worth of goods crossed the border between New Brunswick and Maine. A 25% tariff on those goods would ripple through our economy, affecting industries like energy, seafood, tourism, forestry, and agriculture. These aren’t just numbers—they are jobs, businesses, and the livelihoods of people in our community.

It’s not an easy road ahead, but if there’s one thing this community knows how to do, it’s to rally together. That’s where organizations like the Chamber, ONB, and the NB Business Council come in. We’re here to bring people together—businesses, local leaders, and policymakers—to tackle these challenges head-on. Currently, our Chamber is working in collaboration with the Fredericton, Moncton, and Bangor Chamber of Commerce to partner with Premier Susan Holt and Govenor Janet Mills for the continued strengthening of relationships between New Brunswick and Maine. By working with partners at the provincial and national levels, we’re advocating for smart solutions and standing up for the interests of our province.

Also, to add to our at home efforts, we recognized the need for information, resources and support. We have several initiatives underway, such as actively building a round table discussion with export experts soon to be released. Also, we are working to get feedback locally and are conducting a membership poll informing us of how local businesses are affected and the best way to support them. We want to navigate these waters together. That said, our office is open to all and contact details will be included below. Come by for a chat or drop us a line as we would love to hear from you.

At the same time, there’s something all of us can do to support each other. Shopping local and choosing Canadian made products isn’t just good for business, it’s good for the whole community. Every dollar spent here helps create jobs, strengthen connections, and keep our economy strong. It’s about making small choices that add up to a big impact.

Looking ahead, we also need to think beyond borders—both international and provincial. Diversifying markets and breaking down trade barriers between provinces are crucial steps to building a more connected and dynamic economy. This challenge’s silver lining is that it has opened long overdue conversations. It’s refreshing to see so many people on the same page. By working together to open up opportunities, we can create a stronger foundation for businesses in our region and beyond.

This is a moment for us to pull together as a country. Challenges like these can feel overwhelming, but they’re also a chance to show what we’re made of. That maple syrup runs in our veins, and we are proud of it. By sharing our uniquely Canadian ideals, supporting one another, and staying focused on what really matters, we can rise to the occasion, do the right thing, and stand for our values.

Our regions’ business community has always been about more than just transactions, it’s about people, relationships, and shared goals. That’s what makes it exceptional and why I’m so proud to be a part of it. The road ahead might be uncertain, but together, we’ve got what it takes to keep moving forward and build something even better.

Let’s take this opportunity to double down on what makes our community strong—our resilience, our collaboration, and our belief in a brighter future. Whether it’s through supporting local businesses, embracing new ideas, or working together to overcome challenges, we’ll continue to show why the Saint John region is a place where businesses and people thrive.

To reach us:
www.thechambersj.com
info@thechambersj.com
506-634-8111

Shannon Merrifield
CEO Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce