In 1987 the film Wall Street introduced movie goers to one of the greatest corporate villains of all time. Gordon Gecko was originally developed as an anti-hero, but became iconic for his qu ... more... >
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The perilous path to sustainable economic growth
As published in the Guardian Newspaper July 31st, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
There is nothing more exhilarating than witnessing development and growth. Whether it is a young child, new business or even an economy, progressive development is very positive.

Construction in all its various forms is a visible measurement of progress. If construction is obstructed, the mar ... more... >
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The Rippa Affect
As published in the Guardian Newspaper July 17th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
The business story of the week may be the visit of Regis and Kelly to PEI. While I did not attend any of the tapings at Confederation Landing, I did watch them on PVR; and the exposure PEI received was over indulgent – but genuine.

Kudos is warranted to the organizers, not only for bringing t ... more... >
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The Absent Voice of Reason
As published in the Guardian Newspaper July 10th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
If you listen carefully on a quiet summer evening, you might be able to hear it, the objective voice of reason.

Who addresses issues that affect business? Where is the unbiased and tempered voice of reason on issues of relevance?

A casual observation may suggest it is increasingly diff ... more... >
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless
As published in the Guardian Newspaper June 19th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
Our Canadian Economy is weighted by the natural resource sector. Any businesses that operate with the resource base recognize the finite limitations of this base and the imperative to protect and nurture these valuable resources.

Our province has never been blessed with an abundance of natura ... more... >
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Island Recruiting Expands
Press Release: June 7, 2010
Island Recruiting is pleased to announce their recent expansion and relocation.

As a response to the challenging labour conditions within the region, Island Recruiting is expanding both their depth of service offerings and physical premises in response to the growing demands of Island busines ... more... >
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Mr. Bubbles, economic development and the construction sector
As published in the Guardian Newspaper May 15th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
I don’t know if Mr. Bubbles is still on the shelves of pharmacies and grocery stores, but I do remember the product added an element of excitement to bath time thirty-five years ago.

Bubbles are a lot of fun. Not two weeks ago I was in the front yard with my kids making soap bubbles while they c ... more... >
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Newcomer Information session
As published in the Guardian Newspaper May8th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
Octavian Group held their most recent newcomer business information session. The sessions have been growing in interest with both the newcomer community and local business operators. This session had over sixty participants with representation from nine countries.

Presenters at this session inc ... more... >
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The Impact of the Budget on Business
As published in the Guardian Newspaper April 30th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
In preparing for the budget address I was left wondering what the impact of the budget would be to business on PEI.

The obvious business issues such as input costs (labour, electricity, harmonized taxation, etc), are not explicitly addressed. Also absent was any amendment to the business tax s ... more... >
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Perspectives on the Debt and Deficit
As published in the Guardian Newspaper April 24th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyl
I am of two conflicting minds in my reaction to the provincial budget tabled today.

On one hand, there is a sense of relief that the budget has not spiralled to $100M, as trial balloons may have suggested. The genius of this strategy is that the deficit of $55 million is viewed euphorically as ... more... >
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Sham Wow, Slap Chop and the sustainability of agriculture on PEI
As published in the Guardian Newspaper April 17th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
If you have concern about what you ingest, then you must have consideration for the agricultural community on PEI.

Clearly fresh produce in winter is not grown locally, but when you investigate the origins of frozen vegetables, fresh meats or dry goods the impacts of globalization become unsett ... more... >
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Dollar Paridy, Party or Parody
As published in the Guardian Newspaper March 23rd, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
We have passed another important milestone on our journey through winter. We have transitioned through March Break.

This is the time of year when students, parents and teachers recharge their winter drained batteries and embrace the coming of spring. For many this passage often involves trave ... more... >
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Revealing the present job market conditions on PEI
As published by the Employment Journey, Gloria Welton, March 1, 2010
Island Recruiting is a professional human resource consulting firm that opened its doors on PEI in 2008. This recruiting service helps employers solve hiring challenges. The company recently surveyed over 900 Island employers in all Island sectors about their hiring plans for 2010.

“Traditiona ... more... >
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Warren Buffet management tactics, applied to PEI business.
As published in the Guardian Newspaper February 27th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
Warren Buffet is best recognized as a disciplined value investor and disciple of Benjamin Graham’s philosophies on investing. Despite consistently being one of the wealthiest persons in America, I am not writing about his investment strategies, wealth creation or philanthropic commitments. I wanted ... more... >
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Productivity Declines, Inputs Rise
As published in the Guardian Newspaper February 4th, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
Last week Statistics Canada released a report on labour productivity in Canada. This study left me thinking about our provinces productivity over the last decade; and more importantly how our labour productivity may be affected in the coming decade.

The basis of the Statistics Canada analysis ... more... >
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Island Recruiting Labour Survey
As published in the Guardian Newspaper January 21st, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
We are early into the calendar year and many businesses are optimistically looking forward to the coming year. Plans are being formalized and solutions to anticipated challenges are being formulated.

Labour promises to be a more complex input for business as the economic recovery continues. I ... more... >
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Local Employers Take Stock of Employment Market
Press Release: January 18th - Survey
Island Recruiting recently completed a labour survey of local employers to assess how prepared Island companies are for labour challenges in 2010.

Charlottetown, January 17, 2010 – Island Recruiting recently conducted a survey assessing employers on their employment plans for 2010. Over 900 ... more... >
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2010 Predictions for the Year
As published in the Guardian Newspaper January 1st, 2010 - written by Blake Doyle
As 2009 draws to a close, I for one am delighted to see an end to this past year. While there were a number of great opportunities, particularly in recovering stock markets it is still great to get closure from the old year and look forward to 2010.

It is tradition to come up with a few predic ... more... >
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Economic Glass Half Full - REPRINT 2009 PREDICTIONS
REPOSTED from January, 8th 2009 predictions
With the ink not yet dry on businesses 2009 cheque stubs, it is difficult for many to convey enough optimism to see the coming year as a glass anywhere close to half full. But with challenge comes opportunity – this is where energies should be focused for the coming year.

It will only be opti ... more... >
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Economic Renissance
As published in the Guardian Newspaper December 16th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
I picked up a book this week that is fresh on the shelves, and intriguing in its premise. The book is titled “Why your world is about to get a whole lot smaller”, and is written by the opinionated Jeff Rubin former Chief Economist at CIBC World Markets.

This book prophecies how world economi ... more... >
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Interperting the Economic Signals
As published in the Guardian Newspaper November 25th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
We are at the cusp of the season when many small businesses with calendar year-ends will be thinking about 2010 and planning for the coming year.

The challenge for small businesses is forecasting in uncertain times. There is lots of information to sift through and if you allow yourself to be ... more... >
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Smalll Business Impact on the Financial Ecosystem
As published in the Guardian Newspaper October 21st, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
There are not many days on our calendars unassigned to holidays, occasions or interest groups. Wedged between Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day we have a whole week dedicated to small business. Why would a week be dedicated to a single interest group? I would suggest it is due to the importance, the ... more... >
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Leadership in a Post Recession Environment
As published in the Guardian Newspaper October 17th

, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
PEI has been fortunate to resist the worst of the current economic downturn. There are many reasons for our resilience, not least of which is the population growth we are currently experiencing through progressive immigration policies.

But are we leading the pack in economic activity, or are ... more... >
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Clawing into new Markets
As published in the Guardian Newspaper September 23rd, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
Last week I had an opportunity to witness how government and industry can not only work effectively together, but also collaborate to achieve remarkable outcomes. It was refreshing to see government(s) play a constructive role to enable commerce – without interfering, too much, with functioning cap ... more... >
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Notoriously BIG economic challenges pending
As published in the Guardian Newspaper September 1st, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
My wife and I repatriated to PEI several years ago. We were motivated not by economic opportunity, but in selecting a location that would be most suitable to raise our young family. It is the core of this decision and the impacts to our children for which this article is written.

PEI is a “sin ... more... >
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Pandemic Prepardness
As published in the Guardian Newspaper August 5th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
Media reports about the pending H1N1 virus and the pandemic potential are starting to gain momentum. By fall it will probably be the dominant media report. Is this a real threat, and if so what is the potential impact to Island businesses?

I believe the evidence is overwhelming - this is a ve ... more... >
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Tourism Transformations
As published in the Guardian Newspaper July 22nd, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
Tourism marketing and tourism product offerings are under increasing pressure. The target demographic profile is broadening, disposable income is shifting, experiences and expectations of travelers are changing, and the options for travelers have increased.

The global market for travel is mor ... more... >
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Digesting the HST
As published in the Guardian Newspaper July 9th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
There are few things as satisfying as a good meal. But any meal only tastes good once. Taxation has similar qualities; the more you digest it the less engaging it becomes.

I resist regurgitating of the HST discussion, but the subject seems to have garnered a bit of attention over the last few ... more... >
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Striking a Balance for innovation
As published in the Guardian Newspaper June 24th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
Have you ever tried to work with a truly creative person, like a graphic designer, and become frustrated with their irrational commitment to their art? Have you ever butted heads with an analytical accountant type who could not see past the numbers in an issue? This is a common conflict in business. ... more... >
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Commercial Property - the foundation of a capatialist economy
As published in the Guardian Newspaper June 12th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
Commercial real estate is a key underpinning of the economy. The stability of commercial developers, landlords and vacancy rates is a pulse of economic health. In an environment of socialist style infrastructure investment and government construction, it is a good time to review what is happening to ... more... >
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Organizations that help the labour force
As published by the Employment Journey, Heidi Riley, June 1st, 2009
“We represent 850 employers with a total of 16,500 employees,” says Blake.

Blake says businesses remain optimistic at this time of global recession. He mentioned a survey that measured the optimism of business people for the next 12 months. On PEI, 87 percent felt their employee numbe ... more... >
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Convenience 10 cents, cost of getting hooked on plastic cards - priceless
As published in the Guardian Newspaper May 27th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
What a great spring this is shaping up to be. The weather is starting to turn, school is coming to an end and consumers are once again able to exercise their right to swipe plastic cards on Sunday. (A casual observation of traffic patterns these past two weeks would suggest a great deal of support f ... more... >
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Unemployed Drawn to Opportunities
As published in the Globe and Mail, April 2, 2009
Signs of relative health in the region aren't confined to the labour market. Retail spending rose in all four Atlantic provinces in January, and the growth over the past year outstrips all other provinces except Saskatchewan, according to Statscan. Consumer confidence is climbing. And the most optim ... more... >
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Money for Nothing
As published in the Guardian Newspaper May 13th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
Money for Nothing. That is what Dire Straits told us in their 1985 number one billboard hit. And in 2009 with banks posting mortgages rates of under four per cent for five-year terms, money is almost for nothing. As a point of comparison, a five-year fixed mortgage rate was almost twelve per cent in ... more... >
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Organizations Help the Labour Force Adapt to Change
As published by the Employment Journey, Heidi Riley, May 1st, 2009
Blake Doyle, Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce

"We represent 850 employers with a total of 16,500 employees," says Blake.

Blake says businesses remain optimistic at this time of global recession. He mentioned a survey that measured the optimism of business people for the ne ... more... >
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Five tips for Retailing in a Recession
As published in the Guardian Newspaper April 29th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
Consumption statistics in PEI have remained uniquely strong relative to other areas of the country. However, there are some statistics that may be signaling change.

According to an RBC economics report issued earlier this month we are witnessing negative year over year change in some of our s ... more... >
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Budget for a Migraine
As published in the Guardian Newspaper April 15th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
Business planning, budgeting and forecasting are duties often neglected by many small businesses. Without a roadmap, how can a company ever get to where it is going? If the path is not clear how can an objective ever be attained and how much energy will be wasted languishing unproductively if the go ... more... >
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Giving Credit when Credit is Due
As published in the Guardian Newspaper March 25th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
We are in a funny environment here on our insulated little sandbar. At a time when collapse and fear are dominating the media, our micro-economy just keeps on chugging. Virtually all indicators, to this point, have defied global trends. As the 1973 PEI license plate once proclaimed, PEI is a “great ... more... >
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Rise of Generation X&Y
As published in the Guardian Newspaper March 11th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
This current recession has been placing a tremendous strain on all dimensions of our economy. From manufacturing and retail to governments to charitable donations, there are no sanctuaries from the ravages of this downturn.

It is an eventual certainty; we will recover from the decline. How we ... more... >
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Negative Economic Data
As published in the Guardian Newspaper February 25th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
I would like to think that one of these weeks, soon, business writers will stop dwelling on this downturn and change our focus to the rebounding economy. The sooner the journalist’s momentum switches, the sooner we will know we are in the recovery. Regrettably, we are not at that point just yet. < ... more... >
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Three Considerations in the Downturn
As published in the Guardian Newspaper February 5th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
I read an article this week in Harvard Business Review by David Rhodes and Daniel Stelter, entitled Seize Advantage in a Downturn. Considering the uncertainty many businesses are facing it seems appropriate to summarize some of the key points.

Many Island business owners are still trying to f ... more... >
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Steps to take in a Recession
As published in the Guardian Newspaper January 22nd, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
If you take solace in the comments of our elected officials, then you would have to believe that we are in the bowels of the economic storm. Why would you not believe what government(s) are professing, after all there are no vested interests involved…one should never waste a good crisis!

But t ... more... >
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Economic Glass Half Full
As published in the Guardian Newspaper January 8th, 2009 - written by Blake Doyle
With the ink not yet dry on businesses 2009 cheque stubs, it is difficult for many to convey enough optimism to see the coming year as a glass anywhere close to half full. But with challenge comes opportunity – this is where energies should be focused for the coming year.

It will only be opti ... more... >
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Concept of PEI Inc.
As published in the Guardian Newspaper December 24th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of listening to Allan Parker deliver a presentation on his recent business experiences in Russia and how he has quickly developed a significant agricultural enterprise in the evolving capitalist country.

Allan presented as an entrepreneur, advocate of ... more... >
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Politics & Economy
As published in the Guardian Newspaper December 10th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
These are interesting times to be involved in business, or politics and the two are tightly interconnected in these times of economic uncertainty.

Both federally and provincially, the actions of our elected officials have a great degree of influence on our business environment. The political t ... more... >
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Economy needs entrepreneurs, speculators and optimists
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, November 19th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
We have been talking about the pending economic contraction in the Business Edge for months. Monday the world’s second largest economy, Japan, acknowledged they had dipped into recession and most every pundit who can get on a soap box are accepting that we are in a global recession.

This is g ... more... >
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Recruiting Services are Appearing on PEI
As published by the Employment Journey, Heidi Riley, November
There are a number of ways for employers to find new staff. Often they start by asking associates and staff members if they know of anyone who would fit the job profile. They may also place an ad in the local newspaper or in trade magazines. However, as labour shortages increase, other recruitmen ... more... >
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Entrepeneurs distinction by origin
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, November 5th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
I came across a study this week that talked about the differences between entrepreneurs from various backgrounds. The article summarized a study by Bat Batjargal, a research associate from Harvard, who was looking at the distinctions between Chinese and Russian Entrepreneurs. The reason I thought th ... more... >
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Economic Expectations
As published in the Guardian Newspaper October 23rd, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
In the current economic environment, what can Island businesses expect over the course of the next year?

Prince Edward Island has always remained somewhat insulated from the economic swings which affect our national economy. This is due to a number of factors, not least of which is our lack of ... more... >
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Economist's View of Current Economic Crisis
As published in the Guardian NewspaperOctober 8th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
This week I had the pleasure of listening to one of the nation’s most respected economists share his thoughts on current state of the domestic economy, the impact of the global credit crisis and what we can expect in the short-term. Dr. Tim O’Neil made the presentation to the Charlottetown Rotary Cl ... more... >
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Hiring Foreign Workers
As published in the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce Magazine September 26th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
Prince Edward Island is enjoying a period of strong economic growth; this is largely a result of the growth occurring domestically. To PEI’s labour market disadvantage is our location, nestled between some of the most vibrant growth our nation has witnessed in a generation. Both East and West, the l ... more... >
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Economic Opportunity - or Peril
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, September 24th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
In the wake of one of the most serious economic crisis we have witnessed in a generation (arguable even eighty years) we are enjoying the surreal distraction of multiple elections. What a great pastime to evaluate the politics of economic strategy relative to who can either rescue the economy or ac ... more... >
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Donkey's or Elephants
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, September 11th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
Well it appears an election is upon us. There are scripted speeches, photo opportunities in well-staged locations and policies being unveiled and evolved as polls are reported.

As the strategists try to polarize the electorate, the media play the greatest role of all. The power in an election ... more... >
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Demographics and the School System
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, September 3rd, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
For anyone who has had their head in the sand for the last decade, the canary in the coalmine finally expired with the release of the “Schools for Tomorrow: Building and Sustaining High Quality Education Programs” report, as issued by the Department of Education this past week.

Witnessing t ... more... >
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PEI's New Graduate Program
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, August 20th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
There was a tremor last week which echoed small shock waves across the PEI business community. This vibration is precursor to what I anticipate being a significant advancement in the PEI landscape over the course of the next number of years.

The tremor was the launch of UPEI’s Masters of Busi ... more... >
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Using Tax Policies as Economic Development Tool
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, August 7th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
Tax policies are a delicate ballet of short-term revenue and longer-term vision for economic growth. Governments need taxes to fund the services society enjoys and business and constantly examining the impacts of taxes on their potential for profit. Rational businesses will examine tax implications ... more... >
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PEI Economy Strong, for now
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, July 10th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
Last week the PEI government released its thirty-fourth annual statistical review of the provincial economy. This review of 2007 data is released by the department of Finance and involves contributions from a number of departments including statistics and economics.

There is a great deal ... more... >
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Environment and Economics
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, June 25th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
Recently while I was sitting in PEI gridlock (waiting thirty seconds for a set of lights to change on University Avenue), I paused to think about the license plate that was staring at me as my car idled emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

“Canada’s Green Province”. The implication ... more... >
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Global Impact of Labour Movement
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, June 4th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
PEI is very much impacted by the actions of the global economy.

Domestically, PEI is witnessing the demographic flows from our province to those where economic opportunities tend to be greater. But these flows are not limited to the national stage. In a global environment labour moves to w ... more... >
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Charlottetown Chamber AGM
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, May 7th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
Monday marked the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce’s 121st Annual General Meeting. The event is an opportunity for the Chamber to report to members on last year’s activities and communicate the direction for the coming year. A significant part of the day’s events is the President’s Luncheon and the ... more... >
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Fail to plan, Plan to fail
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, April 24th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
How important is a business plan to the operation of a business? How important is a map and GPS if you are on a journey in an unfamiliar area? Without knowing where you are going how can you arrive at your destination?

According to Wikipedia, a business plan is a formal statement of a set of b ... more... >
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PEI's Labour Market Challenges
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, April 10th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
There is no better economic elixir than a strong economy. When the economy is operating at capacity people are working, paying taxes, investing back into the economy and supporting social systems. But what happens when an economy operates outside optimal levels?

Canada is enjoying a period of ... more... >
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Women in Business
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, March 26th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
A couple of weeks ago I doubled the size of my family with the addition of a boy and girl. This brought my family complement to three girls and a boy. In rare occasions when I get a moment to myself, I often reflect on what society may be like for these children and what opportunities will be availa ... more... >
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Event's Economic Impact
As published in the Guardian Newspaper, February 27th, 2008 - written by Blake Doyle
Event based tourism is becoming an increasingly important component of the travel tourism marketplace. You need look no further than the aggressive completion for concerts between Halifax, New Brunswick, Charlottetown and Summerside. Hosting events has demonstrable economic benefits to communities. ... more... >
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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... >
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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... >
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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... >
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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... >