Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce and Invest WindsorEssex launch the Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force

Invest WindsorEssex and Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce/Media Release

WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Feb. 13, 2025) The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and Invest WindsorEssex are announcing the establishment of the Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force (Windsor-Essex ETTF). This initiative brings together local businesses, leaders, and community stakeholders to serve as a unified voice for economic development and trade in the Windsor-Essex region.

In light of the potential trade disruption between Canada and the United States, the Windsor-Essex ETTF aims to work in a timely manner to collect, coordinate and disseminate information on strategies, programs and other remedies to alleviate the impact this will have on the well-being of workers, entrepreneurs and businesses in the Windsor-Essex regional economy.

Windsor-Essex has been predicted to be the third most impacted region in Canada by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce if the proposed tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States take effect. This comes as no surprise with Windsor-Essex’s economy depending heavily on auto production and manufacturing and the Windsor-Detroit crossing being the busiest commercial border crossing between Canada and the U.S., handling approximately one-third of all trade between the two countries.

“The Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force is committed to supporting the economic interests of the region through a coordinated and responsive approach,” said Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Ryan Donally. “By fostering collaboration and providing timely updates, the task force aims to enhance economic resilience and growth within Windsor-Essex.”

Through local input and community engagement, the task force will:

  • Provide valuable insights through diverse communication channels.
  • Provide up-to-date resources, support programs and relevant information.
  • Submit recommendations to government bodies.
  • Highlight the impact of economic developments on local businesses and industries.
  • Advocate for supportive measures to relevant government agencies.

“Invest WindsorEssex is committed to fostering a strong and competitive business environment for our region. The Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force will play a vital role in ensuringthat businesses have the necessary resources and support to navigate the current trade challenges. By working collaboratively with our partners, we will advocate for policies and solutions that protect jobs, increase productivity and global competitiveness, and sustain economic growth in Windsor-Essex.” – Keith Andrews, Strategic Advisor to the Board and Chief Operating Officer, Invest WindsorEssex

The Windsor-Essex ETTF is also launching an online resource to provide the region with current information, resources, supports and contacts to help local businesses navigate these challenges. As the task force develops this tool, businesses are encouraged to visit WEtarifftaskforce.com and submit their contact information to receive regular updates. 

Media Inquiries:

Ryan Donally
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Phone: 519-966-3696 ext. 222
Email: rdonally@windsoressexchamber.org

Gina Meret-Dybenko
Director, Marketing and Communications 
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223
Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com