Acadian-style business social slated for Kensington

PERCÉ and STEP programs to be spotlighted

KENSINGTON – Jan. 6, 2020 – All members of the Kensington and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI (CCAFLIPE) – along with all business stakeholders – are invited to an Acadian-style business social at Family & Friends Restaurant & Pub at 45 Broadway St. North, Kensington, Thursday, Jan. 23. from 5-7 p.m.

Participants will get to network with each other and learn more about the PERCÉ internship program as well as the Strategic Tourism Expansion Program – Heart of the Island Initiative.

This free, bilingual event will be presented jointly by the two chambers, along with RDÉE Prince Edward Island, the Wellington Rural Action Centre and the STEP Working Committee.

“This is the first time that our two Chambers have collaborated on such a joint event, so we look forward to an entertaining and informative evening,” said Julia Cameron, executive director of the Kensington and Area Chamber of Commerce.

The evening will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres and lively Acadian music as the businesspeople from both chambers chat and get to know each other. A cash bar service will be provided. Great door prizes will be offered.

PERCÉ PROGRAM

After welcoming remarks from both chambers, Stéphane Blanchard, RDÉE PEI’s youth development officer, will give a presentation on the PERCÉ program, which provides salary incentives to employers who hire summer interns. The primary objective of this program is to help about 30 students in their last or second-last year of post-secondary studies find a good 8-10-week work experience in their field of studies here on the Island each summer. Employers across the province are then invited to host these interns. However, at any time, interested employers can place their names in a database in case an intern can eventually be found for them.

STEP PROGRAM

The STEP program is led by a group of stakeholders, business owners, and residents of the Kensington and area that are working together to create a five-year sustainable tourism plan. The Heart Of The Island Initiative will provide the region with a roadmap to help communities become in-demand, sustainable tourism destinations. Initiative chair Don Quarles will provide an overview of this program and give an update on its progress.

Those interested in attending are urged to confirm their attendance with Julia Cameron at kensingtonandareachamber@gmail.com or Raymond J. Arsenault at raymond@rdeeipe.org.

The alternate date in case of a storm is Jan. 30.

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PHOTO: Don Quarles, chair of the Strategic Tourism Expansion Program – Heart of the Island Initiative, will provide an update on the initiative during Acadian-flavoured business social Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Kensington. Stéphane Blanchard, RDÉE PEI’s youth development officer, will give a presentation on the PERCÉ internship program.

 

For more information:

Raymond J. Arsenault
Event coordinator
Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI
902-854-3439, ext. 231
raymond@rdeeipe.org

 

Julia Cameron
Executive Director
Kensington and Area Chamber of Commerce
902-836-3209
Kensingtonandareachamber@gmail.com