NEWS ARCHIVES .................................... Employment Growth As published in the Guardian Newspaper, February 13th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle The strength of an economy can be measured by the employment opportunities it creates. By this standard, the Canadian economy continues to perform exceptionally well.
According to Statistics Canada employment grew by 46,000 positions in January. This growth pushed the national unemployment ra ...
more... > .................................... Silver Lining As published in the Guardian Newspaper, January 30th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle Anyone who observes world events y will recognize that PEI is not insulated from global activities. From rogue market traders in Paris, to social unrest and military conflicts, to US economic crisis; the impact of all world activities ripples to our shores.
There are many economic challenges ...
more... > .................................... Apple and Macworld As published in the Guardian Newspaper, January 17th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle According to the old adage, there is nothing better for your health than an apple. Today there are many tech investors who would agree with this simple statement.
This week marks Apple Computers twenty-third Macworld event and once again it is being held in San Francisco. Macworld is Apple’s o ...
more... > .................................... Predictions for 2008 As published in the Guardian Newspaper, January 2nd, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle With 2007 winding down it is time to focus our attention on the year ahead and what 2008 may bring for Prince Edward Island.
Most pundits suggest that the effects of the US sub-prime mortgage crisis is not yet over. Worse still, as a result of a number of inter related factors the US economy ...
more... > .................................... UPEI Rugby Club fundraising As per UPEI Rugby press release: December 26th, 2007 The UPEI Men's Rugby Club today announced that it has received a cash donation from Scotiabank.
The donation will be used to purchase and maintain training equipment, team
uniforms, and help supplement the club's travel expenses. The club had 27
members this past season.
"We are very pleas ...
more... > .................................... Credit Management As published in the Guardian Newspaper, December 26th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle This past week the province of Prince Edward Island experienced an improvement in their credit rating. This is a notable achievement and one that passed with little fanfare or acknowledgement. One of the principal benefits of an improving credit rating is the expressed confidence of the markets and ...more... > .................................... Retail Rally As published in the Guardian Newspaper, December 12th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle We are well into the final stages of the most important retail season of the year. This is the period that will determine if many Island companies will make a profit or experience a loss for the year. The importance of this season for small companies over the Christmas retail period cannot be unders ...more... > .................................... Supporting Farmers As published in the Guardian Newspaper, December 6th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle The momentum continues to build in support of our smaller agriculture producers. Agriculture and agri-food are pillars of our Island business community. Challenges experienced in this sector quickly reverberate through our entire economy.
The farming sector has been under various degrees of s ...
more... > .................................... Diminishing dollars and parity As published in the Guardian Newspaper, November 21st, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle The purchasing power for individuals and businesses is a very topical discussion these days. There are many factors that affect the power of a consumer’s dollar; but in today’s environment two very basic attributes are taxes and parity.
Dollar parity has both very serious consequences and opp ...
more... > .................................... China Rising As published in the Guardian Newspaper, November 1st, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle The impact China is having on the global economy is well documented. A less defined certainty is how China is impacting business on PEI and what strategies local firms are employing to address these predicable challenges. Prince Edward Island can play a role in the dynamic global economy, but only i ...more... > .................................... Impact of Small Business as published in the Guardian Newspaper, October 17th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle This week marks the first anniversary for the Business Edge column. It is particularly fitting that the column began during small business week. At this time last year the column explored the impact small business has on Prince Edward Island; an impact that is profound an undeniable.
Small B ...
more... > .................................... Observing and Managing Debt as published in the Guardian Newspaper, October 3rd, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle The ability to access debt capital can be a remarkable luxury for both business and personal financing. Without the flexibility to borrow money, very few of us would ever be in a position to own a home. Businesses too can leverage money to enhance operations; investing in factories, equipment, marke ...more... > .................................... Social Networking as published in the Guardian Newspaper, September 12th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle Parents, students and teachers have now adjusted to the first full week back in school. In a preemptive response to socially disruptive behavior, many schools in North America have banned access to mobile devices (MP3 players, gaming devices and wireless handsets). I have no issue with limiting the ...more... > .................................... Connecting to PEI as published in the Guardian Newspaper, August 29th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle The world is connecting to Prince Edward Island. 2007 has the distinction of being the 10th anniversary for the Confederation Bridge, Northumberland Ferries have been serving the sea faring public for sixty-six years and the Charlottetown airport is poised to record its strongest year in history.
...more... > .................................... Back to School as published in the Guardian Newspaper, August 15th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle As we near the midpoint of Old Home Week, the pending departure of the midway also takes with it the warm breezes of summer. The arrival of fall air signals the return to school of our Island students.
There are approximately 21,000 students enrolled in grades one through twelve on PEI this ...
more... > .................................... The Paradox of Economics as published in the Guardian Newspaper, August 1st, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle Although we are an Island, we are not isolated to the effects of the global economy or monetary policy. World demand for oil or metals not only impacts us as consumers, but benefits to our sister provinces may also inhibit our economic progress.
Two recent drivers of Canada’s accelerating gros ...
more... > .................................... The Collective Voice of Business as published in the Guardian Newspaper, July 11th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle To some, a Chamber of Commerce may appear to be a mysterious group of cloaked business people who greet each other with secret handshakes. In fact it is a more open than Paris Hilton’s social calendar. For those who have wondered what exactly a Chamber of Commerce is please read on.
The first Cha ...more... > .................................... Atlantica, Achieving Common Objectives as published in the Guardian Newspaper, June 27th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle There was a little celebrated conference in Halifax earlier this month. The concept being discussed was the practicality of creating an economic trading zone across Atlantic Canada and extending through the New England states. This ‘trade corridor’ and regional economic cooperation is referred to as ...more... > .................................... Is Tourism Relevant to PEI as published in the Guardian Newspaper, June 13th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle The tourism market across North America has been challenged since September 11, 2001. Increased boarder security, unprecedented fuel costs and a strengthening Canadian dollar have all been accused as contributors to decline. However, there are other factors to consider, such as global travel destina ...more... > .................................... Election Hangover as published in the Guardian Newspaper, May 30th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle The election confetti has just been swept up, and we have elected a government with many promises to deliver on (this was written before the election results were known - but can be applied equally to all parties).
The democratic process of PEI is fueled by party allegiances, many dating back ...
more... > .................................... Critically examining election promises as published in the Guardian Newspaper, May 16th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle
In the early 1870’s, the government of PEI encountered serious financial challenges. As a result, the leaders of the day made a retrospectively wise decision. In business terms, they went to the only capital market available to them and joined the union of Canada.
The consequence of this ...
more... > .................................... Leadership and the Business of Politics as published in the Guardian Newspaper, May 2nd, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle The strength of any organization is a test of its leadership. This axiom is as relevant for military conquest as it is for business success.
Leadership is a unique quality that can rally troops or motivate employees, effective leadership can conquer enemies and capture market share. A popular ...
more... > .................................... Productivity or Distraction as published in the Guardian Newspaper, April 18th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle Workplace productivity has experienced dramatic improvement over the last decade, or at least witnessed the potential for dramatic improvement. This is primarily resulting from the adoption of technology, the influence of the Internet, and the increased ability to multitask thanks to new tools and a ...more... > .................................... An Island in a Flat World as published in the Guardian Newspaper, March 28th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle This past week the UPEI business society held their 30th annual business luncheon. Attendees were addressed by guest speaker Alex MacBeath, Executive Partner & CEO of Grant Thornton Canada.
Alex MacBeath was an excellent choice of speaker to address the 320+ crowd of local business people. As ...
more... > .................................... Perfect Population Storm Brewing as published in the Guardian Newspaper, March 21st, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle Last week Statistics Canada released initial reports from the 2006 Canadian Census. The data available is limited but it does reinforce a troubling trend.
There is a ‘perfect population storm’ brewing. Prince Edward Island is suffering from a pronounced demographic shift where the working pop ...
more... > .................................... Short sighted savings, the results of intellectual property theft as published in the Guardian Newspaper, March15th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle Businesses is driven by a singular objective; the pursuit of profit.
The more successful the business the more innovative the approach to securing and maximizing profits. However, there are increasing instances where the motive for profit can override common sense and even safety.
With the i ...more... > .................................... The Impact of Higher Education as published in the Guardian Newspaper, February 15th, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle Prince Edward Island is fortunate to have two nationally recognized post secondary institutions, including the University of PEI and Holland College. Of note, UPEI now offers five master level degree programs, including a doctorate in veterinary medicine, and Holland College boasts a 94 per cent gra ...more... > .................................... Managing our Consumption Taxes as published in the Guardian Newspaper, January 24, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle Prince Edward Island has elected to stand on it’s own amongst its provincial counterparts. In 1997 three Atlantic Canadian provinces and the federal government agreed to harmonize the provincial tax systems. This was considered in an effort to gain efficiencies and provide a consistent tax base acro ...more... > .................................... Getting the Most from your Human-Capital Investment as published in the Guardian Newspaper, January 3, 2007 - written by Blake Doyle How important are people to the operation of your business? Are you getting the most from the investment which is, arguably, the most important asset your company has? Are your people committed to your organization – are you committed to your people?
Treating employees well may be one of ...
more... > .................................... Looking forward to 2007 as published in the Guardian Newspaper, December 27, 2006 - written by Blake Doyle With 2006 winding to a close it is appropriate to examine what we might expect in 2007. While there were several sectors that experienced challenges last year, the outlook generally looks very good for PEI.
Nationally, we should see a continuing stabilization of energy prices. For PEI this is ver ...more... > .................................... Transforming the Tourism Sector as published in the Guardian Newspaper, December 13, 2006 - written by Blake Doyle The tourism sector on PEI has been in a period of transformation for the last several years. This is a result of many factors outside the control of operators and governments. The most notable change is the increasing competitiveness and accessibility of a global tourism market.
There have be ...
more... > .................................... The Business of Giving as published in the Guardian Newspaper, November 22, 2006 - written by Blake Doyle
Having just survived the frenzied fall season of solicitation as both a collector and donor, I thought it would be appropriate to examine how Islanders respond to the barrage of requests for donations. Statistics Canada keeps tabs on what is reported but there are countless activities that go unr ...more... > .................................... Microfinance and the Young Entrepeneur as published in the Guardian Newspaper, November 8, 2006 - written by Blake Doyle There is a unique conference in Halifax later this week focused on the issue of microcredit. This will be the largest conference ever held in Atlantic Canada with over 2,000 delegates from over 130 countries in attendance. Microcredit is a vehicle which provides very small loans to people in develop ...more... > .................................... Out-migration and Labour Supply as published in the Guardian Newspaper, October 25, 2006 - written by Blake Doyle There is a great deal of attention focused on the current movement of people to prosperous centers west of the Atlantic. This trend is causing significant labour shortages within certain sectors, and locations, across Prince Edward Island. Presently there are noted shortages in the areas of trades a ...more... > .................................... Small Business is Big Business on the Island as published in the Guardian Newspaper, October 18, 2006 - written by Blake Doyle This being Small Business Week, it is appropriate to discuss the impact that small business has on our Island economy. What exactly is small business? The definition will vary drastically depending on the source, location and purpose of the definition. According to the US Small Business Administrati ...more... > .................................... Business to Business Chamber of Commerce October 17, 2006 Business Expo
Blake Doyle of Octavian Group and Paul Montgomery of Aliant presented a technology seminar at the recent Biz to Biz Expo, sponsored by the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce. Topics co ...more... >
