Page 6 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE_July 2025

CE0'S MESSAGE

A world of opportunities

awaits local businesses

"The Chamber will create
I can remember as a kid playing is better for the domestic economy, but the necessary momentum to
baseball, I had a coach who always Trump insists on playing an old board
looked for inspirational quotes game the rest of the world gave up on nurture and champion success
that would inspire and lift us up decades ago. He wants to repatriate by bringing together the
when we lost a tough game. manufacturing, which even a Grade 5 elements – on all sides of an
student can understand is easier said
One was, “There are billions of people than done. Americans want to wear Nike issue – to successfully cultivate
in the world that didn’t even know we shoes not make them, and they know
played a game,” basically suggesting that if their neighbours made them, they all that is good, and can be
playing the game was for our benefit couldn’t afford them. good, in our community."
and winning or losing only mattered to So, it is vital that we settle this issue one
us because we were the only ones who way or another because businesses need overseas or the U.S. because there are
really cared. The other was, “No matter certainty and clarity, and we just need many creative machine shops right here
what we do, whether we win or lose, to know what we are dealing with. If we that can do the job for you. Let’s try and
tomorrow the sun is going to come up in have tariffs fine (not), but then we will keep some of this business at home
exactly the same spot to give us another at least have a clearer understanding on because it helps all of us.
chance.” what we all need to do.
And lastly, please shop local for your own
Admittedly, these quotes were more Canada is one of the freest traders personal needs. Even if you like using
profound to me at the time. However, in the world and has 51 countries to Amazon, you can always search where the
considering what the world is going choose from to do business with. There product is from. Many Chamber Members
through right now these quotes now are other countries with no Canadian sell on Amazon, including our friends
remind me that it is me, and only me, trade agreement, but the tariffs are at C.A.S. Power Marine. I sometimes
that can pick myself up and drive me to minimal or non-existent. Heck, you’re an purchase their products from Amazon if I
pursue the next challenge. If you are an entrepreneur, selling what you do is how can’t make it out to their shop.
entrepreneur this is a built-in philosophy. you got to where you are.
Also, summer is filled with nice days so
Of course, over time we often can become But how can you as an entrepreneur go for a stroll in the downtown areas and
complacent with things when we have develop more trade opportunities?
reliable customers, weaker competition, check out stores and restaurants you’ve
and a strong desire for your product. First, jump on board with the Cambridge never been in before because you never
But we all know – especially after the Chamber because we will be setting up know what you’ll find.
past few months - things can suddenly some international trade missions. The So please support local and don’t be
change and not in the exact manner we first is scheduled for this fall to Saudi afraid to join us in finding new places on
want them to. Arabia which is begging to do business this planet where potential customers
Every expert I converse with regarding with Canadian companies. We will be are waiting. Believe me if Americans
casting a net out to local businesses want your “stuff” I guarantee the rest of
tariffs tell me that we should get used who meet the criteria for potential trade the world does also. Have a great summer
to them as part of regular trade with the deals so why not come with us and ‘roll and reach out if you want some help,
United States since President Donald the dice’? encouragement or just a conversation,
Trump loves tariffs. Why? Because they we are here.
fill the federal treasury with money. Second, and this may be even more
The rest of the world knows it’s a double- important, is to always local locally
for your supply needs. Source local
Greg Durocher
edged sword and is not the way the world companies if you need a machined President & CEO
economy has evolved. Common sense part that you are currently buying from Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
tells us that trading with more countries

6 Summer 2025 www.cambridgechamber.com