Chatham-Kent #MadeInCK Tariff Recovery & Support Program

1) Purpose: Chatham-Kent’s Economic Development department is actively addressing the impacts of U.S. tariffs on local businesses and is providing support and resources to help navigate the changing trade landscape. This includes a dedicated webpage with information on tariffs and access to support programs, along with marketing initiatives like #MadeInCK and Shop Local campaigns to promote local products and services.

Timing is critical for businesses during challenges in which the Municipality of Chatham-Kent wants to provide all available support and resources in a timely manner. Increased marketing efforts can help leverage awareness of businesses that manufacture, make or produce products to increase supply chain opportunities across Canada. Direct one-on-one consultations to discuss potential funding opportunities and various diversification strategies can help retention and strengthen businesses during uncertain times.

2) Anticipated Outcome: By being proactive the overall goal is to help strengthen businesses with all relevant resources and programs available and to help them adjust to tariff impacts.
3) Program Breakdown: The program consisted of the following components
 Tariff Support Webpage providing information and resources related to U.S. tariffs (https://www.chatham-kent.ca/EconomicDevelopment/businessresources/Pages/Tariff-Support.aspx)
Highlights of what is featured on webpage:
• Latest Tariff News & Updates
• Canada Tariff Finder
• Trade Support & Resources
• Live Info Sessions
• Ontario Manufacturing Directory
• Support Local Directories
• Showcase Your Business
• Funding & Financial Assistance
• Sector-Specific Support

 #MadeInCK (Support Local) Social Media Campaigns
Featuring local businesses which produce, make/manufacture products within CK. (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/investck/posts/
Additional marketing to promote Ontario Made, provincial programs and supports for the business community during the tariff challenges.
 Shop Local Downtown Business videos (Facebook)

 Tariff Business Retention & Expansion business visitations:
• Business meetings to discuss tariff related challenges and find solutions.
• Support Programs and tariff resources provided to businesses during visitations.
• Province of Ontario & Federal Government partnering with BR&E/Funding Program meetings in Chatham-Kent with EDO’s.

 Local Tariff Support Webinar “Reach New International Markets & Innovate Your Business for Success”

 Alignment with Provincial and Federal government for funding support and resources related to diversifying businesses, exploring new markets and becoming less reliant on the U.S.
 Featuring MEDJCT, Trade Commissioner Services/Global Affairs Canada, OMAFA

4) Challenges & Changes Made: The program is undergoing continuous changes due to the evolving tariff news and programs available. There is continuous monitoring of the website and ensuring staff understand the latest tariff grants or resources available.

5) Outcome & Results:

 Tariff Support Website: Feb 16, 2025 – June 26, 2025 (1,688 total views, Average engagement time per active user = 3m 09s, during peak times 40 minutes)
 #MadeInCK Social Media Campaign (LinkedIn & Facebook): 13 total business spotlights promoted to date (As of July 2025).

6) Effectiveness/Meeting Objectives: Feedback has been very positive regarding the tariff recovery & support program. The webinar hosted by Economic Development has been well received. BR&E visitations have been successful in funding program uptake with potential employment growth and job retention.

7) Sustainability: Opportunities may emerge for businesses to compete in new markets or develop new products and services. The experience with tariffs is serving as a catalyst for diversification and a renewed focus on Canadian Economic Development