OUR OWN BACKYARD

I was pleasantly surprised to read Peter Moreira's Entrevestor piece “Focus on entrepreneurs, not just innovators,” Dec. 6.

Peter seems to recognize that, while important, the high tech, distributive and IPO-focused economic development policies of government and its support agencies are not the only game in town.

The ecosystem that he refers to includes several interdependent elements. Commercialization is at one end of the spectrum and we rightly celebrate it at every opportunity. However, it doesn't happen in isolation. At the foundation is a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that is manifest in education, strong communities and strong volunteer organizations dedicated to creating and enhancing an enterprising environment that's focused on growing the quality of life of this province and region.

I was glad to see Peter recognize those organizations dedicated to this cause, but somewhat disappointed that he did not recognize the one that exists in his own community.

Chris Pelham, president,

St. Margarets Bay Community Enterprise Centre