January 2016 by Brandon Chamber of Commerce

January 2016 Inside this issue: GM’s Report Member Spotlight New Members Events Review Committee Mid-Year Review Workforce Development Workplace Wellness

CHAMBER at a glance

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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Advancing Business Issues

s 2015 comes to close, I hope we can all celebrate another prosperous year here in Brandon. As business starts to wind down with the holidays, personally, I like to spend some time reflecting on the year I’ve had and laying plans for the year ahead. I’m going to use my space in this newsletter to discuss our Chamber activities in 2015 and outline some of the things we will achieve in 2016.

policy is in an active follow-up stage. We’ve met with developers, City management, and directors of Development Services to express member concerns with process and customer service issues multiple times. We’re pleased to see recognition of these issues by the management team and look forward to the implementation of new customer service initiatives, and the new developer portal system that On the following pages, you’ll see midwere part of our recommendations. year updates from each of our standing After some initial pushback from the Committees City, feedback from outlining all of the management of the hard work that goes departments has been “Using our on at our Chamber. positive. We look forward councillor I’d like to extend a to further improvements in pairings, we hearty thank-you to 2016, as we continue to our volunteers that check in with all were able to make this happen. A stakeholders. communicate vast majority of the our message.” initiatives our 2) The Keystone Centre Chamber takes on Funding issue was a hot come from these committees and the issue around our board table, full of people who work on them. lively debate from all of our directors. It’s not a secret that the At the executive level, we’ve worked Keystone Centre is a significant diligently on drafting three new policies, economic driver in Western engaging stakeholders, and finally, Manitoba. The Centre hosts events advocating for our recommendations: large, and small; providing our community with a large part of its 1) The Municipal Red Tape Reduction social, recreational, and cultural

Jordan Ludwig, Chamber President fabric. For this reason, we were strong advocates of a long-term funding model for the Keystone Centre. This long term funding model allows the Centre to make strategic decisions - proactively solving problems rather than reacting to problems after they present themselves. Using our councillor pairings, where our board members meet with City councillors one-on-one, we were able to communicate our message. Now that the City has committed to the funding, we’re looking to the Province to come to the table. While we are aware of the importance of the Centre to our community, we are also cognizant of the responsibility to the tax-payers of Brandon and the Province at large. For this reason, we also encourage the board and leadership (Continued on page 6)

FROM THE GM DESK

GM REPORT

Working For You

anuary marks the mid-way point of our presidential term and it has been a busy time. The following provides a recap of some of our work and what to anticipate in the months ahead.

Committee Members and staff are involved in. We have continued our advocacy Starting in October, the Support Brandon work by Committee launched its ‘Taking It to the meeting with all levels of government to Streets’ Campaign. Volunteers visited discuss important business issues, as well businesses across the city, in this three day putting concerted effort into policy campaign, to share the importance of development. Nationally, we represented supporting local and challenged businesses Brandon business as the Canadian Chamber to sign the Support Local Pledge. The campaign was well received with almost In the coming months, we look forward to a convention helping to shape the national policy platform for the year ahead. At the 200 businesses signing the pledge. continued full slate of events with several workshops, Chamber Coffees and Business local level we continue to build our policy platform. From economic competitiveness, After 5s. In January we will present the We continued to work on enhancing our budgets and taxation to labour challenges results of our Business Survey. With our communication tools with members, and and red tape issues, we continue our role as last survey conducted in 2012, it will be have seen consistent growth of our business advocate; it is perhaps the most interesting to see how business leaders in Facebook and Twitter accounts. Through behind-the-scenes, yet important role your our community evaluate the current promotion of our Member Information Chamber plays. With what looks to be an business climate and what they see as the Centre, we have seen increased member exciting provincial election race this spring, most pressing issues they face. Of course, engagement. (If you haven’t already we will bring that advocacy front and we also look forward to our signature checked it out, this easy to use member centre, with a number of activities in the portal allows you to update your company events: Annual Awards Gala, our State of works including a Leaders Debate and local or personal information, register for events, the City Address, Changeover Luncheon MLA forums. and Annual Chamber Golf Tournament. pay invoices, and add hot deals, job postings or your own events.) We have also There is a lot going on at the Chamber and been working on a new website – keep However, perhaps our most anticipated we look forward to what the New Year will your eyes open for the launch in January. event in the New Year is our first ever bring! As always, we invite you to take Business to Business Summit in February. advantage of your chamber membership by Participants will have up to five scheduled The fall produced another busy events getting involved, but regardless know we 20 minute, speed networking meetings calendar which saw the addition of two with potential customers, suppliers or other are working hard for you! new conferences – the 2015 Westman HR partners. The event will also feature Conference: Motivating & Engaging Employees and Harvesting Value: Business presentations on procurement (with Opportunities in Value-Added Agriculture. presenters from the City, Province and Shilo), Manitoba Synergy Stories (featuring Carolynn Cancade Both were successful, received a lot of positive feedback and will likely see second local businesses who will share their General Manager partnership successes) as well as a Keynote editions in future event calendars. Our popular Luncheon series featured speakers Address on the economic climate from Bill Contact Carolynn by phone at 204-571-5342 or by Chornous of Investors Group. email at gm@brandonchamber.ca from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Innovation Alley, McCain Foods as well as a special Federal Election Debate. Our Business After 5 Series included showcases of members Sunrise Credit Union and Daughter on Call, as well as featuring new

technologies with Brandon University’s 3D Printer and the Assiniboine Community College’s Drones. We hosted several specials guests at our Chamber Friday Coffees over the fall (both scheduled and drop in) from all local federal election candidates to the Shilo Base Commander, to local MLAs, MP and even Premier Selinger at our last Friday coffee of 2015. Including our AGM Wine & Cheese and Chamber 101 Membership Session, we have hosted over 30 events thus far.

These are the very visible activities that our members are aware of and active with. What you may not be aware of are the many other activities Chamber Directors,

www.brandonchamber.ca

MEMBERSHIP ZONE

member

SPOT LIGHT The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Family Visions Inc. to our membership Can you provide a description of your business services? Family Visions is a non-profit organization that supports adults with intellectual disabilities by providing residential and day services. Day Services offers a place to meet and visit with other individuals which include leisure, learning and health-based activities. Residential Services support people to enjoy a full and meaningful life in the community through support staff.

How is the organization made up? Family Visions has a Board of Directors, eight administration staff, and 100 unionized staff that work together to ensure our individual’s personal interests, needs, and goals are met in a way that is supportive and respectful. We have 17 residences located around the City of Brandon and we are currently supporting 36 adults with intellectual disabilities.

How long have you been in business? 15 yrs What are your business goals? We are committed to establishing a high quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities. They are treated with dignity and respect and valued as important members of our community.

Family Visions is located at 2705 Victoria Avenue. Contact them at 204-726-502 or www.familyvisions.ca

What are your business hours? 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Mon - Fri

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Aida’s Catering 2037 Princess Ave Brandon, MB R7B 0H5 204-725-2792 aidascateringmb@gmail.com

Nate! Plumbing & Heating LTD 2506 Southern Ave Brandon, MB R7B 3W8 204-570-1113 nateplumbing@outlook.com

Bromley's Menswear 934 Rosser Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 0L4 204-726-5554 bromleysbrandon@gmail.com

Prairie Handyman 1201-20th Street Brandon, MB R7B 2P5 204-441-0863 prairiehandyman@prairiehandyman.com

Brandon East PC Association – Len Isleifson 449 Laurence Crescent Brandon, MB R7A 2E7 204-726-4984 lenj@mymts.net

The Chilli Chutney 555 34th Street Brandon, MB R7B 3PS 204-571-9310 negi@thechillichutney.ca

Elegant Cutters Hair Studio 2430 Victoria Ave – Unit 2 Brandon, MB R7B 0M5 204-717-1659 elegantcuttershairstudio@gmail.com

The Manitoba Lung Association PO Box 20029 Brandon, MB R7A 6Y8 204-725-4230 westman@mb.lung.ca

January 2016

Bradly Zander - Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson LLP 360 Main Street, 30th Floor Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G1 204-957-4649 bdgz@aikins.com R.P. Robinson & Associates Private Wealth Management A-857 18th Street Brandon, MB R7A 5B8 204-729-2000 nonny.cancade@igprivatewealth.com Freedom 55 – Scott McMullan Brandon MB, R7A 0L5 scott.mcmullan@wcg.wave.ca

EVENTS

Business Information Series: Chamber 101 November 12, 2015 Gathered around the Chamber boardroom, new and established members learned more about the features of membership, and how to get involved and maximize their investment. Look for future sessions in 2016.

Friday Coffee: Special Guest November 13 Members had the opportunity to meet the new General Manager of Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corp, Carly Gasparini. Discussion ranged from upcoming projects to downtown renewal strategies.

Friday Coffee: Open House December 18 We were treated to impromptu special guests Greg Selinger, Drew Caldwell, Reg Helwer, Rick Chrest & Jeff Fawcett as we enjoyed treats, coffee and networking as we ended these casual networking events for 2015.

Conference, Luncheon and Business After 5: Harvesting Value: Business Opportunities in ValueAdded Agriculture November 19, 2015 The seeds of many new business ventures were planted during the full-day event. Organized through the Ag Committee to bring the community together to explore ag-product processing within our province. Attendees were treated to inspiring seminars, panel discussions and keynote speakers featuring Manitoba success stories and resources available for business opportunities. The event was paired with the customary Champions of Ag Luncheon, and an Innovation for Tomorrow Business After 5. Thank you to our sponsors:

Luncheon Series: Christmas December 10, 2015 Members gathered to celebrate the festive season and were treated to the musical talent of Jherrad Cumming, as well as the Ecole Harrison choir supplied by Westoba Credit Union. The generosity of our members through 50/50 sales raised $3,660 to the YMCA Brandon Strong Kids Campaign. Thank you to Julie Hominick of 3% Realty for donating back her winnings, and to Juggernaut Computers & Financial for donating a draw prize. Booth Sponsors: Manitoba Lung Association and Brandon Salutes Luncheon sponsor:

Growing Forward 2 Manitoba Agriculture Food & Rural Development Economic Development Brandon Assiniboine Community College Brandon University Farmery Estate Brewery Keystone Centre Thank you to our Luncheon sponsor:

Sponsored by:

www.brandonchamber.ca

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

Committee Mid-Year Review Your Chamber committees have been busy working for you. See below for a high-level list of the first half of the Chamber Year.

Workforce Development Committee Mandate: To be a catalyst to foster a workforce that meets the evolving needs of  the community.

Business Development Committee  Mandate: Promote existing business, foster an environment for new business, provide education seminars and information sessions and pursue partnerships to address specific business development concerns  with the community. 

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Created an interview guide for the Business Outreach Program, where the committee toured and met with large businesses in the Westman area, and have more scheduled in 2016. Planning for the business “speed dating“ event scheduled for Feb 10th, to give local businesses the opportunity to network efficiently with other businesses and learn how to do business with some of Brandon’s large organizations. The Business Achievement Awards have be simplified in regards to the nomination process and award categories. The Shop Brandon Taskforce launched a Support Local campaign where committee members visited local Brandon businesses and ask them to sign a “pledge” to shop local.

Events Committee Mandate: Design, organize and host events for the Chamber membership to provide information beneficial to business decisions as well as create opportunities for valuable networking and socializing. 

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Designing the special events of the year: Annual Dinner and Golf Tournament that are enjoyable to members and valuable to sponsors. Planning local success story Luncheon speakers for the 2015-2016 year. Actively seeking event feedback to improve the quality and value of events for our membership.

January 2016

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Revised mission and action plan to better understand the evolving workforce needs, identify critical issues, and collaborate with partners to develop and communicate strategies. Engaged with stakeholders to learn more about the services to support HR. Continued to bring awareness to the membership of employment programs and supports through Chamber at a Glance articles. Through a joint-venture sub-committee with Economic Development Brandon and Entrepreneurship Manitoba, hosted the inaugural 2015 Westman HR Conference focusing on motivating and engaging employees.

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Agriculture Committee Mandate: Strengthen and grow the agriculture industry in Western Manitoba by promoting and educating the general community about agriculture; attracting value added business; maintaining and growing existing agriculture business; promoting agriculture as a career; and fostering new ideas.

 Government Relations Committee Mandate: Facilitation and promotion of the Chamber with all levels of government including the City of Brandon and the Province of Manitoba, and the gathering and sharing of information with same.  

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savings programs to bring more value to our membership Promoting the Ambassador Program at Chamber Events to assist with member networking. Improving social media outreach and engagement, including a future initiative called “Thank You Thursdays” coming in 2016. Designing a new member education tool and informative Membership Manual.

Developed questions and format for Federal elections debate. Met with  Larry McGuire after election and discussed local priorities. Met with City manager and treasurer to  discuss City budget and growth strategies. Continually advocating and identifying Chamber top priorities to all levels of government. Following up with City councillors on last year’s election campaign promises and reviewing progress.

Organized the Harvesting Value: Business Opportunities in Value-Added Ag Conference with presentations on Factors for Successful Enterprises, Manitoba Success Stories, and Advancing Ideas - Getting Shelf Ready. Conducted Ag Industry interviews to learn more about the Value Added Ag Businesses in our region. Discussed current Ag related issues and opportunities. Profiled Ag Committee and businesses in Brandon Business Review Magazine.

Membership Committee Mandate: Garner opinions and concerns of members on a regular basis, promote the benefits of membership, and increase the general membership numbers and of the Chamber. 

Improvements made to bring clarification to the Affinity and cost

President’s Message (Cont’d from page 1)

group of the Keystone Centre to explore additional revenue generating opportunities, including charging for parking and the leasing of surplus lands to bring additional dollars into the Centre. 3) Workforce issues continue to be one of the most common challenges facing our member businesses. The skills-gap between jobs available and employees available to take these positions poses a problem. Working with Assiniboine Community College, Red River College and Brandon University, we’ve drafted a policy advocating for a flexiblefunding arrangement for postsecondary education institutions. Presently, the turnaround for approval of funding of new programs approaches two calendar years. We’re in business, we know that opportunity rarely sticks around for that long. In

order to be timely, and respond to market conditions, we ask the Province to set aside an unrestricted portion of post-secondary education program budgets that can be used to deliver training programs that are responsive to the market.

Innovation Alley and experience first hand the exciting work happening there. We hope to build upon this momentum and bring a culture of innovation back to Brandon with us.

But what good is innovation, without investment? Manitoba is quite good at Looking forward toward the mid-point of encouraging entrepreneurship, but our next year when I hand over my gavel to venture capital well is basically dry. Every Terry Burgess, we’ll be focusing our policy province in Canada, with exception of P.E.I, efforts on innovation funding and access to invested more into venture capital as a venture capital. We were really excited to percentage of GDP than Manitoba did. have the group from Innovation Alley and Unfortunately, without access to capital Assentworks present at our luncheon in here in Manitoba, the real thinkers, November. While we have the beginnings dreamers, movers and shakers are leaving of an innovation zone and at Brandon our communities and starting their University, I’d like to see our community get businesses where they have access to behind a real investment in innovation so funding. I, for one, would like to keep these we can incubate and grow new businesses people here so they can add to the right here in Brandon. The Chamber, along experience that Brandon, Manitoba has to with Entrepreneurship Manitoba, has offer. identified a stakeholder group to travel to You’ll see that we’ve had a busy year and will continue to keep busy working on behalf of the Brandon Business Community. We look forward to engaging as many people as we can in the process, and ask that you, as business leaders continue to bring your concerns and comments to our board members and committees so we can continue to advocate for issues relevant to your business.

Jordan Ludwig President Jordan can be reached at president@brandonchamber.ca

Join us for Friday Coffee! 10-11:00am | Chamber Office

www.brandonchamber.ca

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Meet Our New Chamber Staff The Chamber would like to introduce Katie McMillan: Membership and Marketing Coordinator. I moved to Brandon in 2006 and fell in love with everything Brandon has to offer. I decided to plant my roots in this city that I now call home. My career initially launched in sales but quickly expanded into marketing. I feel that my background in sales and marketing will aid in strengthening our thriving Chamber and ensure growth in membership numbers and member satisfaction. I am very excited to undertake my new role as the Chamber’s new Marketing & Membership Coordinator and particularity excited to work with all of our wonderful members. Since starting, Katie has been busy engaging with members through social media, calls, and visits. Contact her at 204-571-5344 or members@brandonchamber.ca to make the most of your membership investment!

Opportunity Found The Canadian Chamber of Commerce issued a report entitled Opportunity Found: Improving the Participation of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada’s Workforce. The report highlights productive initiatives to improve the workforce participation of Aboriginal peoples and the resulting competitiveness of employers. Unemployment on First Nation (FN) Communities is high and the Métis community also has a significant population seeking jobs. Both Métis and FN job seekers have access to training and skill development options. As well, the Government of Canada’s Employment and Social Development department offers various initiatives to promote the hiring of underrepresented groups. Partnered with IANE (Interprovincial Association on Native Employment), the Brandon Chamber has designed the Annual Aboriginal Job Fair to allow quick connections between job seekers and employers with available full, part time or casual employment opportunities. Watch your mail for further details.

Office space available in the Chamber Building   

Utilities included Available parking Boardroom access

info@brandonchamber.ca for more information

January 2016

Chamber at a Glance is published six times per year by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce 1043 Rosser Avenue | Brandon, MB R7A 0L5 Phone: (204) 571-5340 | Fax: (204) 571-5347

info@brandonchamber.ca www.brandonchamber.ca

EDITING & DESIGN Brandon Chamber of Commerce

PRINTING Leech Printing Ltd.

2015-2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jordan Ludwig—President Brandon Business Interiors

Terry Burgess—Vice President RBC Royal Bank

Tami Rae Clements—Secretary/Treasurer NetSet Communications & I-Netlink Wireless Todd Birkhan—Past President BDO Canada LLP

Frank Arndt myITsource/MTS Connect - Corral Centre

Terry Carlisle Cando Rail Services Ltd.

Greg Crisanti Tim Hortons

Karla Dane Meighen Haddad LLP

Jeff Hood MNP LLP

Karen MacDonald Assiniboine Community College

Bonnie Nay-Draper Entrepreneurship Manitoba

Jordan Trotter C & C Rentals

Whose Job is Workplace Wellness? It's a strange new world we live in. Technology has freed up more time for us, but it's also opened up a brand new demand on our time. Movement, physical exertion, and calorie expenditure used to be part of a day’s work. Now, with automation, we can sit in one spot for eight hours and make enough money to feed ourselves and provide ourselves shelter. Due to this new way of working, health and activity now have to be planned for, to keep the body healthy. Wellness Works came into existence to bridge the gap between the need to have health and the how to get healthy, and to offer talking points for wellness in the workplace. If you haven't identified yourself as a Wellness Works Workplace, sign up and start the conversations at work. The goal of the pledges is to open the communication between employer and employee. If employees know about this program they can ask about certain initiatives and have confidence their workplace supports them. If employers are seen to be serious about helping employees improve their health, the conversation around workplace wellness can begin. Healthy people perform their work better.

As a starting point, employers need to let their employees know:  There is an open door to discuss needs for wellness  There is a community and a culture of wellness at the office Employees need to let their employer know:  You want to be healthy to be more productive  You want to work in a workplace that promotes health The job of creating a healthy, well workplace is a partnership between employees and employers. It can't be mandated, but it is critical to overall productivity. Open the lines of communication, work with individual needs and take time to build a culture that includes everyone. That's the goal of Wellness Works- start taking the pledges today. Taken from Jordan Cieciwa’s Health and Wellness Blog for the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, who have partnered with the province of Manitoba’s Wellness Works Program.

As an employer, if you want a full day of work out of your people, it's important to realize what they are giving up, and then give them what they need. Being stuck indoors and sitting means their body’s metabolism will slow, and their muscles and ligaments will shorten. That means, the more they sit, the more they lose energy and run the risk of losing time with back pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain.

Jason Thorpe Thorpe Construction Ltd.

Rosa Villamizar Behlen Industries LP

CHAMBER STAFF

As an employee, you need to come to work with a mission- to be as mentally sharp, happy, and energetic as possible. You need to value your health and longevity to the point of asking for help from your employer.

Carolynn Cancade General Manager

Becky Farguson Office Coordinator

Katie McMillan Membership & Marketing Coordinator

Allison Reville Events & Communications Coordinator

Who we are: The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is an independent, membership funded, non-profit organization that represents Brandon business from the grassroots level.

Our Mission: To encourage growth in the Brandon community by fostering a progressive business environment favorable to enhancing existing and attracting new business.