A Message From Your President

Well, we certainly have gone through some interesting times over the last few years Now we are faced with inflation and interest rates that some have never seen before This is when we need to come together to support each other’s businesses Buying local has never been more important than it is today With challenging times, we need to continue to support to ensure that everyone survives these times

We must remember that it is the local business owners that are supporting our children’s sports teams, wedding socials and our local charities. You typically do not see a local child’s soccer team with a big box store name on the shirts.

Local businesses are the ones that are providing jobs for our community. Without business we would not be able to be the size that we are.

We must remember that it allows us to be less dependent on other communities and allows us to be seen as a competitive place for new businesses to come and open shop

Purchasing from local businesses gives money to that business, that they then in turn use to buy from other businesses, which stimulates our whole economy and makes us a stronger force to be reckoned with

Keeping a strong business community helps us to keep our value of the city up, allowing strong housing prices and increasing our equity. It also allows for overall satisfaction with the city of Brandon as our chosen place to live. The local tax dollars are used to support infrastructure and community recreational facilities that will allow us to be competitive when someone is deciding where to move to. By showing that we as a city and surrounding area are strong shop local people, we will make Brandon a more attractive place to open business which will in turn give us more selection.

With increased businesses we will have increased traffic created from travel, allowing for more money to come into our community It also allows us to be competitive to bring in large events which are a win-win for everyone

Local businesses know our community and therefore will sell product or services that are needed in our area We will also get great service as the owners have a better understanding of our needs It allows for unique options as more businesses can start up with creative ideas if they know that our community will support them By supporting local businesses we will keep funds in the city so that they can support you.

Supporting small business allows more people to stay in our community. As our community stays strong and grows, we will be able to attract others including the medical professionals which are needed.

The environmental impact of shopping locally is not as severe which is of upmost importance currently. Remember the convenience of shopping local will not be here if we don’t support each other

We encourage innovation which is what is needed for our city to continue to grow and be competitive in Manitoba let alone Canada

Small business is the backbone of the economy It is up to us to ensure that our businesses continue to thrive! Have a great summer and get out there to shop local!

Jaime Pugh 2023-2024 Board President Brandon Chamber of Commerce

Setting the pace for a greater Brandon since 1883.