CALEB NICKERSON
CLARENDON
March 15, 2018
On March 15, the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce met for it’s general meeting at the Little Red Wagon Winery in Clarendon. The night featured wine and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a talk from Pontiac Warden Jane Toller featuring an overview of the economic landscape in the region, as well as strategies moving forward.
Toller was introduced by Chamber President Mireille Alary, who spoke to the 20 or so local stakeholders about why she thinks businesses should collaborate for the benefit of the entire region.

“I truly believe that working together is the key,” she said, also thanking the hosts for the evening: Jennifer Dale and Scott Judd.
Toller began by giving an overview of the economic situation of the Pontiac MRC, which is currently the fourth poorest in the province, with agriculture representing the largest sector at 31 per cent.
With a note of optimism, she explained that though most business owners in the Pontiac are over 50, very few plan to leave their businesses in the next five years.
“This gives us an opportunity to get behind these businesses,” she said, pointing to efforts like the Economic SWAT team and her recently unveiled list of regional priorities as key ways the MRC is supporting local economy.
She detailed a plethora of projects to bring more tourism and development to the region, from increased bus service and ATV trails, to a possible composting facility in Litchfield and funding to address farmers’ drainage issues.
She said the region is positioned well, and would also be working to combine the websites of the local municipalities with the MRC’s site.