March 2017 Inside this issue: Network Resources Member Spotlight Events Review Recommended Reading Workforce Development Board Nominations
CHAMBER at a glance
2 3 4 5 7 8
a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The Evolving World
A
s I look ahead a couple of months and reflect back on recent past, I am immediately cognizant of the amount of change happening around us due to the technology boom. There are absolutely no businesses, organizations or individuals who have not been impacted by advancements in the evolving digital world.
Clients are demanding access to products and services now! Amazon, Apple and Google are industry leaders in using technology to get their products and services in the hands of clients. Local Businesses are now competing with them for shelf-space and sales traditionally delivered at storefronts throughout our City.
Many of our members are We can look to several local recognizing the need to change and businesses who have grown out of are taking steps to activate through the need to meet the ever increasing social media, new delivery models, demand for access to and applications so they can communication, technology, service compete locally and access global and efficiency improvement. NetSet markets now available because of Communications, technology. Behlen (Robotic Car dealers are Manufacturing), listing sales “Local Businesses and Skip the through an are now Dishes are AutoTrader competing with examples of “app”! businesses who Realtors are them for shelfhave recognized posting listings space and sales ” opportunity and through are heavily Twitter and invested to win in Facebook! their new and emerging industries. Restaurants have websites with their It is change or become redundant. menus and ability to order meals on-
Terry Burgess, Chamber President
line. A majority of routine financial transactions are now completed through on-line banking, ATM’s, debit cards and mobile phone networks. Enhancing economic development becomes even more challenging in this evolving marketplace. The role of the Chamber will continue to be a place for information, training and networking. Helping businesses find new opportunities and ways of doing business. We are also continuing our work with the City on First Nations Urban Development Areas as well as advocating for the elimination of Red Tape and the transparent implementation of Development Charges. We absolutely need to (Continued on page 6)
7 Things You Can Do Over the Lunch Hour
M
ajor overhauls of a business take time, buy-in, and frankly, they can be a little frightening. Not so of these mini tweaks. These seven things can help you move the meter in your business in less time than it takes to wolf down a sandwich and check your voice mails. Find Out What They Like Your customers are more valuable to your business than from just a revenue perspective. Knowing what they respond to can help you shape services and products, create more meaningful content, and engage them more on social media. So, don’t be afraid to ask them what they like. Create a short survey and email it to them or “hang” it on your website if you get a lot of traffic. Keep it short. Ask for Reviews Depending on the type of business you have, spend a few minutes reaching out to satisfied customers for reviews, referrals, or testimonials. It may feel awkward at first but these types of social proof go a long way for potential customers. Think of it as giving people an opportunity (and a gentle reminder) to share something that will be of value. In your communication to them explain why reviews are so important to the success of your business. If you’re asking for reviews, make it easy for them to respond by inserting URLs to the review site in your email request. If you are asking for testimonials, communicate them when you get them. If referrals were what you were after, give them an incentive to do so or surprise them with a discount later.
2
Reach Out to a Complementary Business for a Special Program Another way to get more interest in your business is to offer something your competitors aren’t. A simple way to do that is to partner with a complementary business for a special offering. For instance, if you’re a health food store you could partner with a local caterer to host a “healthy meals in minutes” program in your store. This could attract new business for both of you.
out your most loyal. Now make sure you follow them on social media and share their content, where appropriate. Add in flattering comments like “Good advice” and “Love this perspective.” This will make them feel good and people will be more likely to click on the links and share if they know why you like it.
Share the Love Go through your customer files and pull
*The Schapiro Group Study on Chamber Effectiveness
Small business owners are busy people. But you don’t need much time to make a little progress every day. Make a list Rework Your Electronic Cover Images of things you can do that only take a Change colours or photos to give a few minutes. Then when you have a quick update during your lunch hour. Or moment before a meeting or while enlist in local design services for a series you’re eating lunch, you can make the or set of seasonal changes you can most of your most valuable resource – update yourself to keep your business your time. looking fresh. This will help attract more eyes and give consistent visitors something new to look at. Christina R. Green is a regular blogger at Frankjkenny.com, a Chamber Go Live on Social Media consultant providing training, content If you have your phone with you, you and best practices. can go Live during your lunch hour. Not sure what to talk about? Think about a question you’re often asked at your What your Chamber business and answer it. Encourage membership does: people to ask questions of you as well. You can broadcast for up to 90 minutes 80% Increase in the but keeping it between 15-20 minutes likelihood that a is probably sufficient. You’ll get more consumer will patronize your business views if you remain live for at least 15 minutes. Then save the video and post 73% Increase in consumer it to your site. awareness Figure Out Your Most Popular Posts Look at the data and figure out what hit 68% Increase in your home with your audience then do more local reputation when of it. If you notice image quotes make compared to the up most of your engagement, keep that competition in mind when creating content.
www.brandonchamber.ca
MEMBERSHIP ZONE
member
SPOT LIGHT The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome On The Run Mobile Oil Change to our membership! How many years have you been in business? 8 months Can you describe your business services? We provide oil and filter changes while you stay in the comfort of your own home. We come to your house, business or anywhere and change your oil fast, efficient and with a smile! Do you have a motto? Don't waste your valuable time, we'll come to you! Where is your business located? We are completely mobile. What are your business hours? 24/7 “We are in the business of saving you time, if you value your time, you should be using our service.”
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Double Decker Tavern 943 Rosser Avenue Brandon MB R7A 0L3 204-727-47343 allenshalwani@hotmail.com doubledeckertavern.com
MJ Roofing 1625 Parker Boulevard Brandon, MB R2X 0A1 204-726-9397 tammy@mjroofing.net Naturally Amourified Canex Mall BLDG L125 Aldershot Road Shilo MB R0K 2A0 204 761-9588 www.naturallyamourified.com jennifirelovelymoes@gmail.com
Beeston Medical Corp. 40 Outback Drive Brandon, MB R7C 0C2 204-726-5036 beestonchris@yahoo.com Brandon Bee Clean Building Maintenance 19 13th Street Brandon, MB R7A 7V3 204-727-8322 brandonbeeclean@gmail.com www.bee-clean.com
On the Run Mobile Oil Change 1571 22nd Street Brandon , MB R7B 1T8 204-724-7593 Ontherunmobileoil@gmail.com Ontherunmobile.ca
CW2 Construction 2B 389 Park Avenue East Brandon, MB R7A 7A5 204-726-2270 admin@cw2constructionanddesign.ca GoodLife Fitness Shopper's Mall 1570 18th Street Brandon, MB R7A 5C5 204-727-4480 www.goodlifefitness.com brandon@goodlifefitness.com
Sycamore Energy Inc o/a Solar Manitoba 530 St. Mary Avenue Winnipeg MB R3C 5R8 204-926-8881 Justin.phillips@sycamoreenergy.com www.solarmanitoba.ca Tag ‘Em Entertainment 204-720-7569 Brandon, MB www.tagemlasertag.ca ty@tagementertainment.ca
Guardian Fencing 2B 389 Park Avenue East Brandon, MB R7A 7A5 204-573-7920 info@guardianfencin.ca
Friday Coffee @ the Chamber Conversation & Treats 9:00 - 10:00 am 204-724-7593 ontherunmobileoil@gmail.com www.ontherunmobile.ca
March 2017
3
EVENTS
Workshop: Boost Your Business with Facebook January 19th Over 200 small business personnel came to hear about the tools, insights and best practices for utilizing the giant social media channel. Attendees heard from the Facebook team, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, local business owners who shared their practical advice, as well as a host of organizations that provide resources to small businesses.
Luncheon Series: featuring Innovate Manitoba January 19th Representatives from Innovate Manitoba informed the audience of the support mechanisms that are available to businesses and entrepreneurs. Contact them to: become a mentor or sponsor, invite them to provide innovation training, or learn about the $100,000 in cash and inkind awards that have been distributed over the years. Thank you to our Table Sponsor: Keystone Centre
4
Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor:
amenities. He also touched on “fee-forservice” which is like a tax for municipal services and infrastructure. Thank you to our Luncheon Partner: Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce
Business After 5: Keystone Centre February 9th Among the culinary delights that were laid out, guests enjoyed mingling, draw prizes, refreshments and some information not widely known about the non-profit organization; the Keystone sees 1.2 million visitors each year!
Thank you to our Booth Sponsor: Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor:
Friday Coffee @ the Chamber Special Guests February 24th Luncheon Series: Understanding Urban Reserves January 19th Chief Dennis Meeches of Long Plains First Nation spoke about their Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg locations which include a training facility, office space and other
Chamber Coffees promote the exchange of ideas and discussion. We hosted special guests from the Brandon School Division to discuss the upcoming budget and current challenges. Coffee and treats provided by our
www.brandonchamber.ca
RESOURCES
Recommended Reading 5 Steps to Reducing Stress By Genella Macintyre Five Steps to Reducing Stress provides an essential strategy built upon understanding stress, taking stock, managing your external environment and then your internal one, and taking action. Corporate trainer and psychology expert Genella Macintyre pushes past the usual surface-level explanations for stress and digs deeper into the root causes. This book is a toolbox of practical micro-strategies based on discovering your personal stress-management style and recognizing what works. Genella is a local Chamber member, and she has delivered a workshop on the subject to public and private industry for years through Partners in Discovery. The book is available at genellamacintyrebooks.com as well as at Abby Rose boutique.
chamberplan.ca
March 2017
5
CHAMBER NEWS President’s Message (Cont’d from page 1) ensure we are viewed as being open and ready to do business. We believe it is a great time to work with First Nation Businesses and Investors on creating First Nation Urban Development Areas in Brandon. However, as I have learned, the challenges of navigating the process through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and in establishing a competitive Municipal Services Agreement with the local municipality (costs for services provided by the City) are long and laborious. It puts a whole new level of red tape in the way of doing business. I believe the City has anticipated these challenges and have been actively trying to pave the way for First Nation Business to do business in Brandon. Our Business Development Committee, under the leadership of Cathy Snelgrove, has been exploring further opportunities to reduce red tape and is finalizing a Policy on “Changes to the Planning Act for Cities outside of Winnipeg”. They have also been working with local developers and the City on the potential implementation of Development Charges. Potentially this could simplify some of the existing policies and establish clear/transparent costs for developing properties within the City. It could also add significant costs for developers and new red tape which would be both hinder growth in Brandon.
Healthy workplaces are happy workplaces. Unsanitary environments are more susceptible to illness caused by bacteria, allergens and pests. Eat healthier. Opt for snack choices that are rich in nutrients. Nuts are full of protein and fibre, and have been shown to decrease your risk of heart disease. Keep your hands healthy. Between door knobs, parking metres and railings, we touch hundreds of surfaces everyday -
most of which we simply can’t keep clean on our own. Protect yourself in a pinch with hand sanitizer. A clean workplace is a healthy workplace. Regularly cleaning your surfaces reduces the risk of allergies, virus transmission, mould and stress. Keep surfaces sanitized. Breathe easier with an air purifier. Air purifiers eliminate airborne pollutants, decreasing your risk of cold, allergies and asthma.
@BdnChamber
We believe Economic Development and growth are key to our community’s success! We continue to explore new ways of attracting and supporting business growth and welcome any suggestions from our membership which could help make Brandon an even better place to live in and do business in!
Terry Burgess, President Terry can be reached at president@brandonchamber.ca
6
www.brandonchamber.ca
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Addressing Workforce Challenges: the Apprenticeship Ratio
I
n 2016, the Workforce Development Committee hosted three 12 @ 12 sessions inviting members to sit down and share some of their concerns and challenges from a workforce development perspective. In an effort to share information and present opportunities to address these challenges, common challenges that were brought forward will be addressed in this Workforce Development Series
• There are no longer an adequate number of journeypersons to train apprentices due to a journeyperson on leave (Ex. sick, parental, etc.). • The supervising journeyperson is performing other duties for a limited time and is unavailable to assist an apprentice.
• The remote/isolated geographic location of the employer means limited capability to locate and employ Challenging Many Chamber members in journeypersons. the Trades industry indicated that hiring • There is a shortage of certified apprentices can be a challenge in small journeypersons in the industry. to medium sized businesses. One of • The apprentice is in an Aboriginal or the reasons is the 1:1 ratio requirement Northern Community as defined under through Manitoba Apprenticeship that The Northern Affairs Act or a First requires one Red Seal certified journeyperson for one apprentice. Employers told the Chamber that the ratio can be limiting, especially when they may only have one journeyperson on staff but would like to grow their apprenticeship pool.
Nation Reserve as defined under The Indian Act. • The employer is interested in training an apprentice as part of the High School Apprenticeship Program. To apply for an adjustment, you can complete the Ratio Adjustment Application for Hiring Additional Apprentices. The application is short and straightforward.
Did you know: Apprenticeship Manitoba has a mechanism that allows employers to apply for an adjustment to the 1:1 ratio to hire more apprentices? Here are reasons for which a Ratio Adjustment Request may be considered: • An apprentice is on leave. • Existing apprentice(s) is/are attending their technical training requirements. • There is an increase in workload due to business expansion. • Employee(s) is/are not currently registered as an apprentice. • The employer currently has one or more senior level apprentices who require less supervision.
March 2017
7
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
Sponsorship is limited, get your space by calling 204-571-5344
EDITING & DESIGN Allison Reville
PRINTING Leech Printing Ltd.
2016-2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terry Burgess—President RBC Royal Bank
Tami Rae Clements—Vice President NetSet Communications & I-Netlink Wireless Jeff Hood —Secretary/Treasurer MNP LLP
Jordan Ludwig —Past President Brandon Business Interiors
Frank Arndt myITsource/MTS Connect - Corral Centre
Greg Crisanti Tim Hortons
Tayona Jonas Sunrise Credit Union
Karen MacDonald Assiniboine Community College
Steve McMillan VBJ Developments
Cathy Snelgrove Siere
Trent Sholdice Meighen Haddad LLP
Jason Thorpe Thorpe Construction Ltd.
Jordan Trotter C & C Rentals
Rosa Villamizar Behlen Industries LP
CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager
Allison Reville
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS In April, the Election Committee will be accepting nominations to stand for the election to the Board of Directors. Put your name forth and make a difference in the business community. Forms included in the mail. For more information contact: Carolynn Cancade, General Manager 204-571-5342 | gm@brandonchamber.ca The Chamber is the voice of business. Make your voice heard.
Events & Communications Coordinator
Kristina Timmer Membership & Marketing Coordinator
Tanya Lysack Office Administration Coordinator
8
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.
www.brandonchamber.ca