TORONTO — Enterprise Holdings’ impact on the Canadian economy was nearly $2.8 billion in its fiscal year 2016, according to the company. Enterprise Holdings is the largest car rental company in Canada and the owner of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.

“Enterprise has a significant economic impact in Canada overall, but I think the role Enterprise plays in local economies is our best-kept secret,” said Steven Tudela, Corporate Vice President of Canadian operations for Enterprise Holdings. “As we grow, we hire, spend and give locally. Our goal is to strengthen the fabric of the neighbourhoods where our employees live and work.”

Enterprise’s overall annual economic impact in Canada included the following key contributions:

• $2.2 billion in vehicles purchased in Canada
• $270 million in companywide purchases from Canadian suppliers
• $102 million in provincial and local tax payments
• $216 million in payroll expenses
• $2.4 million in total charitable giving
• $1.6 million in total United Way donations (including Enterprise Holdings Foundation match)

New and expanding Enterprise airport and neighbourhood locations and business lines have resulted in hiring in every province throughout Canada, he added. More than 500 new employees were hired into Enterprise’s Management Training Program last year, which teaches college and university graduates how to run a business, empower teams and provide excellent face-to-face customer service.

A major driver of the company’s promote-from-within culture is the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Management Training Program, which is consistently successful in developing new hires into the next generation of business leaders.

With continued growth, expansion, and promotions, Enterprise anticipates steady hiring this year. Enterprise Holdings’ diverse brand portfolio accounts for more than 750 fully staffed neighborhood and airport locations and more than 5,400 employees across the country.

“We’re a large international company. But we have the mindset and the culture of a neighbourhood business,” said Tudela. “Every time we open a new location, or expand a business line, that’s another Canadian community that we get to be a part of, and that’s what keeps us vital and inspired.”

Enterprise projects continued expansion across Canada, with plans to open up to 15 new neighbourhood branches in 2017.