Lincoln, ON – (March 12, 2025) – The Town of Lincoln, in partnership with the Downtown Beamsville BIA and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the formation of the Lincoln Tariff Response Team (LTRT)—a proactive initiative designed to support and advocate for businesses across the community in response to evolving trade policies and economic challenges.
The Lincoln Tariff Response Team brings together key leaders in local government and business advocacy organizations representing business stakeholders:
Town of Lincoln Economic Development Office – Director Paul Di Ianni
Downtown Beamsville BIA – Executive Director Stephanie Hicks
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce – Executive Director Emilia Amaro
Together, these organizations will monitor tariff-related issues, provide local businesses with critical resources, and advocate for policies that protect Lincoln’s economic prosperity.
Why Now?
With fluctuating trade agreements, new import/export duties, and supply chain disruptions impacting businesses, Lincoln’s business community requires a coordinated response. Many local industries—including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail—face increased costs and uncertainty due to tariffs and regulatory changes. The LTRT will ensure businesses have access to up-to-date information, support, and a unified voice in advocating for fair trade policies.
Mandate & Goals
The Lincoln Tariff Response Team is committed to:
Advocacy & Policy Influence
Engaging with provincial and federal policymakers to ensure Lincoln’s business interests are represented in trade discussions.
Education & Resources
Providing businesses with clear, timely information on tariff regulations and strategies to mitigate economic impact.
Business Support & Consultation
Offering one-on-one guidance, roundtables, and direct connections to trade experts.
Community Resilience
Launching a “buy local” campaign to support Lincoln’s businesses.
Identifying opportunities to strengthen local supply chains and promoting economic self-sufficiency.
What’s Next?
The LTRT will launch immediate outreach efforts, including Industry Roundtables, to gather business insights and shape future advocacy and programs. The team will also collaborate with regional partners through the Team Niagara initiative and economic development networks to develop strategic, tailored solutions.
Lincoln is already working with regional Economic Development teams to coordinate a unified response to trade disruptions. The LTRT will ensure alignment across Niagara, fostering a collaborative approach to tariff challenges.
Quotes:
"Lincoln’s economy is built on the hard work and innovation of our local businesses. As global trade policies shift, we must stand united to protect our industries, support our entrepreneurs, and advocate for fair trade practices. The Lincoln Tariff Response Team will ensure our business community has the resources and representation it needs to navigate these challenges."
~ Sandra Easton, Mayor of the Town of Lincoln
"Economic resilience is a top priority for the Town of Lincoln. By working collaboratively with business leaders and policymakers, the Lincoln Tariff Response Team will provide the necessary tools, information, and advocacy to help our businesses thrive in the face of evolving trade regulations."
~ Paul Di Ianni, Director of Economic Development and Communications, Town of Lincoln
"Lincoln’s business community is the backbone of our local economy, and these proposed tariffs could have significant implications for our members. The Chamber is proud to support this initiative, ensuring businesses of all sizes have a strong voice in trade discussions and access to the information they need to adapt and succeed."
~ Katy Letourneau, President, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
"Small businesses are at the heart of our downtown, and uncertainty in trade policies can have a direct impact on their growth and sustainability. The Lincoln Tariff Response Team will play a crucial role in equipping our business owners with the tools and support they need to remain competitive and resilient."
~ Jillian D’Archi, Chair, Downtown Bench Beamsville Business Improvement Area
For more information on the Lincoln Tariff Response Team, please visit lincoln.ca or contact:
Paul Di Ianni, Director of Economic Development
Town of Lincoln | pdiianni@lincoln.ca
Stephanie Hicks, Executive Director
Downtown Beamsville BIA | info@downtownbenchbeamsville.com
Emilia Amaro, Executive Director
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce | info@lincolnchamber.ca