ANNUAL REPORT
Our Vision
Avibrant,growingorganizationwithadiverse, inclusivemembershipthatreflectsthedynamic businessenvironmentinBrandonanddelivers recognizedvalueforitsmembers.Through strategicpartnershipswithbusinessand communityorganizationsandleadershipinthe chambermovement,theBrandonChamberisa catalystforbusinessdevelopmentandgrowthin theregion.
Respectedatalllevelsofgovernmentandthe communityasahighlycredibleandinfluential organization,theChamberisthevoiceof Brandon’sbusinesscommunity.
OurMission To encourage growth in the Brandon community by fostering a progressive business environment, favourable to enhancing existing andattractingnewbusiness.
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is an independent, membership funded, non-profit organization that represents Brandon business fromthegrassrootslevel.
1 2 3 4
STRATEGICFOCUS
ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT
StrengthenregionalEconomicDevelopmenttosupportacompetitiveBrandon, attractbusinessanddevelopment,andreduceredtape.
WORKFORCEALIGNMENT
Provideresourcestosupportemployers’humancapitalneeds.
ORGANIZATIONALEFFECTIVENESS
Organizationalimprovementsthatmaximizevalueformembershipinvestment
ORGANIZATIONVALUE
Enhance the success of Chamber members by offering valued business support,servicesandprograms.
Our Executive committee meets monthly with local MLA’s to ensure that our business community’s needs are top-ofmind.
2023 - 2024
BOARDOFDIRECTORS
JaimePugh President MNPLLP
LoisRuston VicePresident,InterimPresident YWCA
JenniferLudwig SecretaryTreasurer SuperThriftyDrugs
TanyaLaBuick PastPresident CW2, Guardian Fencing &LaBuickCo.
MattBerg
LivingstoneOutdoor& Livingstone LandscapingLtd.
TildaFortier GreenstoneBuilding Products
sFinley rgroup
MeredythLeech LeechGroup
BrentMilller VictoriaInn
manthaFalloon one&Koodo rizedDealer
CourtneyBaxter BushelPlus
EmelioBrown Intritech
pLaw
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
As we reflect on the past year, it's clear that adaptability, collaboration, and focus on the needs of our members have been at the heart of the Brandon Chamber’s work. We've navigated significant changes together, ensuring that the Chamber remains a vital and effective voice for our business community. We are proud to say that despite the challenges, we emerged stronger, more connected, and better positioned to continue making meaningful progress.
One of our top priorities this year was ensuring our members' needs were at the forefront of all our initiatives. In a time of economic shifts and evolving government priorities, we stayed focused on fostering relationships at every level of government. Our new relationship with the provincial government was crucial in giving the Chamber a stronger voice. Through continuous engagement, we ensured that the business community in Brandon was heard and considered in provincial decision-making Simultaneously, we maintained a strong connection with our municipal government, meeting numerous times as they faced their own set of challenges over the past 12 months These conversations helped us not only advocate for our members but also partner on solutions that positively impact the community
future progress, and the coming year will see further efforts as we engage directly with our members to build on this foundation. This consultation represents a big win for the Chamber, and the insights we ' ve gathered will guide our strategies moving forward.
In addition to advocacy and consultation, the Chamber’s event lineup this year was truly remarkable. Many of our events saw attendance exceeding pre-pandemic levels, a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our business community. We struck a balance between local and national speakers, offering a diverse range of perspectives and opportunities for our members. Whether through luncheons, Business After 5 events, or specialized workshops, the Chamber provided countless opportunities for networking, learning, and growth.
The Chamber is in a strong position to continue moving forward, making a significant impact on our community and beyond. We remain dedicated to providing value to our members, building relationships, and leading initiatives that foster long-term success As we look ahead, we are confident that the work we ' ve done this past year has set the stage for continued growth and innovation in the years to come
A major milestone for us this year was the successful completion of the GROW Brandon consultation This initiative has laid the groundwork for
Thank you to our members, partners, and the entire Brandon business community for your ongoing support and engagement. Together, we are driving meaningful change and ensuring the continued success of our region.
THECHAMBER
The Brandon Chamber is aligned with the Canadia Chamber of Commerce and the Manitoba Chambers Commerce, the largest and most influential busine organizations in Canada and Manitoba Through th ChamberNetwork,weworktogethertoshapepolicyth willmakeadifferencetobusinessinourregion
Theseorganizationshaveachievednotablesuccesses influencing policy for the benefit of our members an Brandon Chamber delegates attend both AGMs support and debate various policy resolutions th addressbusinessconcerns
Provincially, we worked with other local chambers advocate on shared issues, bring members together make new connections (via our events) and deploy an builduponnewprojectssharedwithinthenetwork.
WorkingTogether
From events to advocacy, the Chamber works with a variety of volunteers, partners and stakeholders to better serve our members. By leveraging the talents and passions of a diverse group,weareabletoworkoncommongoals awin-winforall.
Over the past 12 months the Chamber has worked closely with otherorganizationstoadvocateandcreatemoreopportunitywith our members. We worked closely with Westman Immigrant ServicestodevelopandlaunchourLeadershipBrandonprogram. Worked with the Downtown Biz as they started up & were able to secure funding to provide a strong voice for downtown business Through our General Manager, we were appointed a seat at the Premiere's Business and Jobs Council Lastly, our Chamber was the center of the GROW Brandon initiative, bringing multiple community leaders around the table to discuss the future of our city Along with many other boards, committees & events the Chamber participates in, we are continually positioning ourselves tocollaboratewithinourcommunity
GovernmentRelations ADVOCACYRECAP
This committee reviews the provincial and municipal budgets and provides consultations to both, as wellastheBrandonSchoolDivision.ItdiscussespriorityquestionsforourStateoftheCityandStateof the Province luncheons A key focus this year was equitable funding for post-secondary institutions across the province During our State of the Province luncheon, Premier Wab Kinew announced additionalfundingforbothBrandonUniversityandAssiniboineCollege Thiscommitteestaysontopof government matters, working closely with organizations like the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba(CARM).
BusinessDevelopment
This committee serves as a direct connection to our local economy. Tours this year included visits to Bushel Plus and the Water Treatment Plant We also had a productivemeetingwiththePoliceChieftoaddressthe rising crime rates impacting the business community The committee continually explores opportunities and works to better connect with our local economy while identifyingpotentialgaps.
WorkforceAlignment
This committee focuses on workforce issues and solutions In May, we hosted a successful event featuringbothlocalandnationalspeakers,withafocus on workforce retention and integrating newcomers In the coming year, the Workforce Alignment Committee will examine the connection between secondary and post-secondaryschoolsandtheirrelationshipswiththe businesscommunity.
LuncheonSeries CONNECTION
What a year it has been! Our luncheon series saw tremendous growth, with over 600 more total registrants than the previous year This increased our averageluncheonattendancefrom221to280 Highlightsincludedhostinga provincialdebatewithallthreepartyleaders,PremierWabKinew'sfirstState of the Province address, and a dynamic mix of local and national speakers who tackled key issues important to our membership. These events underscoredthepowerofknowledge-sharingandcommunityconnection.
AnnualGolfTournament BusinessAwardsGala
OurAnnualChamberGolfTournament,hostedatWheatCityGolfCourse,wasasold-outsuccessthisyear Withperfectweather,fantasticsponsor-ledactivities,andadeliciousmealprovidedbytheEaglesNestBar &Grill,itremainsoneofthemostenjoyableandsought-aftereventsoftheyear Itwasadayfilledwithfun, networking,andcommunityspirit
The Business Awards Gala was our biggest celebration of the year, honoring excellence and innovation within our business community This glamorous event recognized the hard work and achievements of outstanding businesses and individuals who continue to shape and elevate our community We are immensely grateful to everyone involved in planning and executing this event and extend our heartfelt congratulationstoallthenomineesandawardrecipients.
FirstFridayCoffee
First Friday Coffees continue to be a favorite among our members Each month, we welcomed enthusiastic faces eager to network and build meaningful connections This event has grown steadily and has become a relaxing, casual way to end the week and start the month, providing the perfectatmosphereforfosteringconversationsandcollaboration
WomenofWestmanConferen
Our newly rebranded Women of Westman Conferen success,sellingoutwithover300registrants Asourfa featured inspiring keynote speakers, panel discuss leaders, and important conversations on navigating world We were proud to have the Women's Resource recipient, and we look forward to building on this e comingyears
RECOGNITION&CELEBRATION
COMMUNITYIMPACT
GlenParker
COMMUNITYIMPACT-BUSINESS
KuipersFamilyBakery
YOUNGENTREPRENEUR
TyWorthington,PinnacleEventRentals
TOP4UNDER40
MayurNankar,West-FitPhy
KatiePeters,AlairHomes
MeganFoster,MosaicEngag
KimMagalhaes,Westman CommunicationsGroup
EVENTSPONSORS
BUSINESSAFTERFIVE
HelpingHands
NutrendKitchen
LeechGroup
GreenstoneBuildingProducts
FriendsFurLife
SUMMERKICK-OFFBBQ
HeritageCo-op
HOWTOFIND&KEEP TALENT
VictoriaInnHotel& Suites
FIRSTFRIDAYCOFFEE
TimHortonsWestman
LUNCHEONS
SunriseCreditUnion
CompassCreditUnion
AssiniboineCollege
BrandonFirst
WestmanCommunications
Group
CW2Construction
Children’sHospitalFoundation
CorralCommunications
BrandonUniversity
CentumMortgageChoice
WestmanImmigrantServices
SVBenefits
FusionCreditUnion
BrandonSchoolDivision
AssiniboineCollegePeters
SchoolofBusiness
ContinuingStudiesat
AssiniboineCollege
SentinelSafety
ShiloMilitaryFamilyResource
Centre
TheBrandonDowntownBiz
ManitobaChamberof Commerce
BrandonSalutes
IndigenousChamberof Commerce
CurbridgeConsulting
WOMENOFWESTMAN
WestobaCreditUnion
CPHRManitoba
FirstPeoplesDevelopmentInc
RBCRoyalBank
SuperThriftyDrugsCanadaLtd
ChemtradeElectrochemInc
BDOCanadaLLP
BrandonUniversity
EppLawOffice
LightandMe
HeartandStrokeFoundation
ProfessionalTransportDriver
TrainingSchool
RobinsonCancadePrivate Wealth
Reesor’sJewellery(1978)Ltd
YWCAWestman
TownCarRentalLtd Lunch
Sponsor:
GREYPEARLInteriorDesigns
GreenstoneBuildingProducts
LeechGroup
FITPerformanceCentre
RENUHygienics
TheWellnessClinic
VanishSkinClinic
WestmanPromotions
CreateMarketing
Trident
141ANNUALAWARDSGALA
BDOCanadaLLP
FriendsFurLife/Duke’sPlace
AlternativeGroup
PinnacleEventRentals
BellMediaInc
BellMTS,adivisionofBellCanada
BrockieDonovanFuneraland CremationServices
CanadianNationalRailway
FusionCreditUnion
KochFertilizerCanadaULC
MapleLeafFoods
WorkersCompensationBoard
Brandon
GreenstoneBuildingProducts
KeystoneAgricultural&
RecreationalCentreInc.
LeechGroup
34ANNUALGOLFTOURNAMENT
KochFertilizerCanadaULC
CW2Construction&DesignLtd.
BrandonSourceforSports
BurnsMaendelConsulting
EngineersTld
GuildInsuranceGroup
RBCDominionSecurities–Nestibo
Wealth
DenrayTireLtd
Reesor’sJewelry
SVBenefits
T-Birds|FunFoodGames
WestobaCreditUnion
ManitobaPCCaucus
MNPLLP
PrairieBuildingMaintenance
RBCRoyalBank
SunriseCreditUnionLimited
West-FitPhysiotherapy&Sports
InjuryClinic
WestmanCommunicationsGroup
BEHLENIndustriesLP
BetterBusinessBureauofCentral Canada
BurnsMaendelConsultingEngineers
CandoRail&Terminals
CommunityFuturesWestman
FirstPeoplesDevelopmentInc.
GuildInsuranceGroup
IndigenousChamberofCommerce
ShoppersMall
ShreemSystems&Solutions
Pvt.Ltd.
Siere
TownCarRental
WesternFinancialGroup
SissonAutoFinanceand Sales
HeritageCo-op
WheatCityGolfCourse
SobeysBrandonWest
SissonAutoFinance&Sales
GreenSpotHome&Garden
LivingstoneOutdoor
T-Birds|FoodFunGames
HolidayInnExpress
McPhailTravel
KeywestPhotoImageby DesignInc.
UniversalDoors&Truck Accessories
MurrayCadillacBrandon LeechGroup
ConstructionAssociationofRural
Manitoba
WesternFinancialGroup
HeritageCo-op
CorralCommunications–ABell
MTSDealer
McMunn&YatesBuildingSupplies
&JenkinsFlooring
FYidoctors
St.JohnAmbulance–
BrandonBranch
West-CanHR
Westman Communications
BusinessSolutions
Mazergroup
BlueMoonWaterInc
ForbiddenFlavours
Roastery
SubwayCourse:
WheatCityGolfCourse
last year ' s
FINANCIALREPORT
On behalf of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff, the following represents a brief summary of our year-end financial statement for 2023-24. The full statement is available to any member by visiting our office at 1043 Rosser Avenue or requesting a digital copy by email.
This year, we experienced significant financial growth, largely due to an increase in event-related revenue Our events saw higher participation, engagement, and sponsorships, which positively impacted our overall revenue. Membership revenue also exceeded our projections, thanks to strong retention rates, timely renewals, and the addition of many new members This not only contributed to our bottom line but strengthened our ability to deliver highquality programming. As a result, both revenue and event expenses saw an increase, reflecting the Chamber's growing presence, community engagement, and influence on local business development.
A key financial milestone for the year was the full repayment of our CEBA loan, allowing us to benefit from the loan forgiveness program. This move further solidified our financial standing, ensuring a positive position for the future. We also continued to make progress on our building loan, with another lump sum payment made, keeping us ahead of schedule in reducing this liability and positioning us for long-term financial stability
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce saw significant financial growth this year, driven by event participation and membership expansion, positioning us for continued success and community impact.
As we continue to make a greater impact on the provincial level, travel expenses have grown, reflecting our ongoing commitment to advocacy, representation, and ensuring the Chamber's voice is heard in key decision-making spaces. Additionally, our strategic pivot to an almost 100% electronic marketing approach has increased our bottom line by cutting print expenses and enhancing our digital outreach, allowing us to communicate more effectively with members and provide timely, relevant information that meets modern communication standards.
Overall, it was a strong and successful year financially, positioning the Chamber for continued growth and success in the years to come We remain committed to managing our resources effectively, providing exceptional value to our members, and adapting to the evolving needs of our community. By maintaining strong financial health and forward-thinking initiatives, we ensure that the Brandon Chamber continues to lead and advocate for the business community in a rapidly changing landscape