January 2018 Inside this issue: Chamber Mid-Year Review New Members Events Review Member Spotlight 5 Minutes for Business Recommended Reading
CHAMBER at a glance
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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
President’s Message
I
cannot believe another Glance and income sharing were at the top is already out! It has surprised of the list of concerns. However, in a me by how quickly my term as recent article I read, I was happy to president has gone by. I was recently see that the small business tax rate recalling the advice given to me by will be lowered from 10.5% to 9% by past Chamber Presidents’ who had January of 2019. It was also warned me that no matter how hard announced that the federal I will try to schedule my time and government have retracted the predict my year, it will not go as changes to the lifetime capital gains planned. How true those words have exemption as they said, “they heard been. If anyone would have asked Canadians loud and clear.” me last year if I would be focusing on and discussing an extreme federal I am very proud as I truly believe that proposed business tax change that the Chamber of Commerce was one could affect of those voices our local that the Federal ... the federal businesses, government government have Climate Control heard loud and taxes and the clear. Our local retracted the changes most Brandon to the lifetime capital controversial, Chamber was gains exemption as the legalization among the of marijuana, I hundreds of they said, “they would have other Chambers heard Canadians loud thought they that came and clear.” were silly. together using social media to There were extreme reactions when create the #ProtectGrowth the proposed tax increases were campaign. For this campaign, many announced this past July. Discussions local and surrounding businesses on tax rates, capital gains exemption, created videos stating their concerns
Tami-Rae Rourke Chamber President
about the proposed taxes, and how it would negatively affect them. We are a strong voice when we all come together and stand united. This is what your membership allows for; a stronger voice. Another focus was the legalization of Marijuana that will take affect across Canada on July 1, 2018. The largest voiced concern was from employers and how to accommodate these concerns. Our Chamber held a very informative breakfast in November where a panel of three experts discussed the creating as well as implementing of policy standards and practices for businesses, which are both lawful and practical. The Brandon Chamber is very sensitive to our members concerns and this (Continued on page 6)
GM REPORT
GM REPORT
Chamber Mid-Year Review Happy New Year! For the Chamber, January marks the mid way point of our presidential year when we assess progress on our goals, celebrate our successes to date, and refocus our efforts for the remainder of the year. The last several months has been busy and the following is a recap of some of our work.
out to one of these great events yet, we the voice of hope to see you soon! local business and help Our ‘Thank You Thursday’ videos shape Brandon continue to be very popular on our as a great social media channels, while providing place to live, us an opportunity to simply say thank work and do you to some deserving members. This business! fall we launched our ‘I am a Member’ Campaign with testimonials from Based on feedback from members for members sharing why they continue to more opportunities for networking and be members, as well as our ‘Share and fun, we added some additional events Shop’ referral initiative that encourages Carolynn Cancade to this year’s calendar with our Business members to refer a potential member General Manager for Breakfast Series and Pub Nights. to earn gift cards and Chamber Before the workday, attendees marketing dollars. If you have ideas on how we can gathered for our Women in Leadership provide more value for membership, and Marijuana in the Workplace In terms of advocacy, the last several please let us know! I can be reached at breakfasts. These events have departed months have brought forward a gm@brandonchamber.ca from our typical luncheon format, with number of issues impacting business: open seating and a buffet style federal corporate tax changes, carbon breakfast, and feature panelists in open taxes, new marijuana legislation, discussion. While we have only hosted NAFTA, and discussion on taxation of one Pub Night so far, feedback has health benefits to name a few. These been positive for the interactive and are in addition to the more local issues fun atmosphere. Stay tuned for the of development cost charges and prenext one! budget consultations for upcoming city and school division budgets. Whether it Our fall luncheon series featured a be voicing concerns and providing input great slate of speakers and topics: from to government officials, keeping being inspired by local entrepreneur members informed of the issues and Robyn Sneath, to celebrating small encouraging dialogue and action, or business and milestone anniversaries, working within the national chamber to learning about the impacts of the network for change, we have been proposed carbon tax. Our events active advocates for our members. calendar was also full with First Friday Coffees @ the Chamber, our third In the coming months, we have more annual HR Conference, workshops on great events and programming social media and marketing, Chamber planned, including our much101: Maximizing Your Membership anticipated Awards Gala and State of sessions and our AGM Wine & Cheese the Province and City Addresses. No Reception. With events offered at all doubt, the New Year will bring more times of day and at every price point opportunities and challenges and we (many for FREE), if you haven’t made it welcome the chance to continue to be
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MEMBERSHIP ZONE
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AJS Law 6-940 Princess Ave. Brandon, Manitoba R7A 0P6 204-717-8080 office@ajslaw.ca http://www.ajslaw.ca/
Daydreams Esthetics Spa 801 10th St Brandon, MB R7A 4H1 204-717-7500 info@daydreamsspa.ca http://daydreamsspa.ca/
Beaver Truck Centre 125 Middleton Ave East Brandon, MB R7C 1B6 204-571-9100 patrick@beavertrucks.com http://beavertrucks.com
Good 4U life Coaching Brandon, MB 204-761-1764 haley@mts.net
Bladeworx Barber/Salon B-12 800 Rosser Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 6N5 204-726-4248 jackiederhak@hotmail.com Brand Livestock Box 635 Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 204-764-0861 johan.brand@hotmail.com Canadian Institute of Management (Chartered Institute of Management) 1150 Waverly Street Winnipeg, MB R3J 0P4 204-612-0019 marketing@cimmanitoba.com
Greenstone Brandon Plant Ltd. 4000B Richmond Ave E Brandon, MB R7A 7P8 204-726-1426 info@greenstonestructural.ca http://www.greenstonestructural.ca Local Frequency 146 Commerce Drive Winnipeg, MB R3P 0Z6 204-272-2540 hello@thelocalfrequency.com http://https:// www.thelocalfrequency.com/ Multiplex Property Management Unit 50 - 99 - 18th Street Brandon, Manitoba R7A 0N2 204-720-3590 amy@multiplexpm.ca http://www.multiplexpm.ca
SAFE Work Manitoba - Brandon Regional Office Unit 1 - 457 9th Street Brandon, Manitoba R7A 1K2 204-570-2728 lfarman@safeworkmanitoba.ca http://www.safemanitoba.com Susan Dupuis Brandon, MB 204-761-8234 yogajoy@mts.net The Rourke Group Unit B, 5 Granite Road Brandon, MB R7A 7V2 204-724-4036 trourke@therourkegroup.com www.therourkegroup.com TowerCo Canada 5 Granite Road Brandon, MB R7A 7V2 204-724-4036 Westman Youth Football Association Brandon, MB 204-574-4760 5701171 MB Ltd. Shilo, MB 204-761-0018 Jimmi.sheri@gmail.com
Chez Angela Bakery and CafĂŠ Ltd. 29-10th Street Brandon, Manitoba R7A 7B7 204-721-0719 james@chezangela.ca http://https://chezangela.ca
@BdnChamber January 2018
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EVENTS
Luncheon Series: Carbon Tax November 16th We were joined by Cory Kolt, Director of Policy and Communications with the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce and James Battershill, General Manager at Keystone Agricultural Producers to hear how the pending carbon tax could affect businesses negatively and what we can do to have our voices heard. Thank you to Booth Sponsors: St. John Ambulance Local Frequency Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsors:
Workshop: Social Media Marketing November 22nd
at Prairie Firehouse. Members were treated to appetizers and a chance to network in a relaxing atmosphere in their Private Dining Room.
Business for Breakfast: Marijuana in the Workplace November 28th Our second breakfast event was around the topic of Marijuana in the Workplace. We featured a panel that included Jill Watt, Director of People at Cando Rail, Marc Watt, Director at Elite Safety Services and David Swayze, lawyer and Partner at Meighen Haddad. The panel spoke to standards and practices that could be implemented into businesses as well as taking questions from attendees.
Scott Kasprick of Reaxion Graphics spoke to members at our Lunch and Learn about how to use social medium platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to market their businesses.
Chamber 101 December 5th
Pub Night @ Prairie Firehouse November 21st
Luncheon Series: Holiday Luncheon December 8th
packed crowd! There was a 50/50 draw which raised $947.50 for our Dollars for Scholars program that supports Assiniboine Community College and Brandon University (BU) students. Guests enjoyed music from BU Alum, Aren Teerhuis and BU Music Student, James Hamilton. We held our first Ugly Christmas Sweater competition which was won by Aida Tahhan of Aida’s Catering. There was also a live auction for a pair of Air Canada Return tickets that raised $2,000 for the Samaritan House. Thank you to Booth Sponsors: Westman Youth Football Association Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsors:
Special Holiday Friday Coffee @ the Chamber December 22nd
We ended 2017 with a special holiday edition Members learned more about the benefits of of our Friday Coffee events. membership, and how to make the most of their Chamber investment. Thank you to our Coffee Sponsor:
Our first Pub Night in our new series was held We held our annual Holiday Luncheon with a
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www.brandonchamber.ca
MEMBERSHIP
member
SPOT LIGHT
with
How long have you been in business for? Founded in 2017 What are the goals of your business? To join the strong Brandon downtown community and service Westman with great baking, making everything from scratch, supporting local producers and maintaining our focus of being environmentally conscience in everything from the way we prepare our foods right through to packaging. What does your business offer to customers? We are a full-service bakery specializing in artisan breads, pastries, cakes, pies and other treats. We offer a unique Bread Subscription service that allows people to try new breads from around the world every week. We also offer corporate and event trays for snacks, desserts and other occasions. Where is your business located? 29th Street, staring March 1st. We are currently operating out of a pop-up location at 1228 Rosser Avenue from 4pm6pm. We also accept pre-orders at https://chezangela.ca/events What are your business hours? 7am to 8pm (starting March 1, 2018)
Writing the Story of Great Baking - Chez Angela Bakery & CafĂŠ Ltd.
204-721-0719 james@chezangela.ca https://chezangela.ca
Share and Shop! Share the Chamber with a business and you could receive a $25 Gift Certificate to Shop at a local business!
Tickets Available Soon! January 2018
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CHAMBER NEWS President’s Message (Cont’d from page 1) breakfast was planned to continue the discussion on how the legalization of marijuana could affect the local workplace. Moving forward, the “planned “upcoming items that we will concentrate on will include the upcoming school board budget, the City budget, Carbon tax, and our local business climate results that will be presented at our January luncheon. However, in the words of my predecessors, we will also need to be prepared, nimble and ready to react to whatever is unknown and that presents itself in the upcoming year. What I can tell you is that your Brandon Chamber and the entire National Chambers are strong, willing, and able to pull together as fast as needed. It has shown in our recent results and will continue as we enter into 2018.
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I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and all the best in 2018. We are very fortunate to live in the beautiful country that we live in, and this beautiful city we call home.
Tami-Rae Rourke, President Tami can be reached at president@brandonchamber.ca
www.brandonchamber.ca
5 MINUTES FOR BUSINESS
In Praise of Profit This article first appeared in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s 5 Minutes for Business on their website
I
t may be politically incorrect to say this today. But, that doesn’t make it any less true. It’s good when businesses make money. Profits are important to the Canadian economy. They’re what generate jobs. They’re the mainstay of prosperity for the middle class—and for all Canadians.
The record of the last 30 years speaks for itself. First, look at the relationship between business profits and jobs. The more profitable Canadian companies are, the lower Canada’s rate of unemployment is. Changes in profitability (measured in terms of after-tax profits as a per cent of GDP) are followed immediately by changes in the unemployIt’s a fact all too often forgotten in toment rate. Canada’s unemployment day’s policy environment. Governments rate goes up only when profit margins at all levels seem more intent on raising come under pressure taxes on business rather than lowering them. Regulatory compliance costs are rapidly increasing. Governments are getting ready to unleash a flood of new charges and user fees for regulatory approvals. And, minimum wage rates and payroll contributions are being raised more rapidly than the cost of inflation. Whether it’s with respect to improving environmental performance, workplace health and safety or product Next, look at the relationship between standards, the first reflex of governcorporate profits and capital investment is to regulate and penalize, rarely ment by Canada’s business sector. to provide positive incentives for busi- Changes in the amount businesses inness to make the investments they vest in non-residential structures, maneed to be able to modernize and com- chinery and equipment follow closely ply. on changes in after-tax profits. Simply put, profit drives business investment. Clearly, these are measures put in place The most effective thing governments by people who know nothing about can do to incent companies to invest business finance, who all too often more in innovation, productivity enthink that higher business profits come hancing technologies and improved enat the expense of jobs and social policy vironmental performance is to leave goals. Just the opposite is true. It’s more money in the hands of business to when businesses are profitable that make those investments. they’re able to grow, create jobs and invest in the new products, processes and technologies required in order for them to meet more stringent stakeholder expectations while remaining competitive.
January 2018
The role profits play in driving business growth and assuring economic prosperity for Canadians should be a fundamental tenet of all government decision -making. Our governments must at least be aware of the negative impact higher taxes and regulatory compliance costs have on profits, job creation and business investment. It’s an important message for all of us to convey. So, let’s celebrate profit this holiday season! Let’s create jobs, incent investment and ensure greater prosperity for Canadians by championing a more profitable environment for Canadian business. For more information, please contact: Jayson Myers Senior Vice President, Policy 613.238.4000 (243) jmyers@chamber.ca
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Chamber at a Glance is published six times per year by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Recommended Reading UnBranding: 100 Branding Lessons for the Age of Disruption By: Scott Stratten and Alison Stratten
1043 Rosser Avenue | Brandon, MB R7A 0L5 Phone: (204) 571-5340 | Fax: (204) 571-5347
info@brandonchamber.ca www.brandonchamber.ca
EDITING & DESIGN Krista Powell
PRINTING Leech Printing Ltd.
2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tami Rae Rourke—President NetSet Communications & I-Netlink Wireless Jeff Hood —Vice President MNP LLP
Cathy Snelgrove —Secretary/Treasurer
We live in a transformative time. The digital age has given us unlimited access to information and affected all our traditional business relationships – from how we hire and manage, to how we communicate with our current and potential customers. Innovation continues to create opportunities for emerging products and services we never thought possible. With all the excitement of our time, comes confusion and fear for many businesses. Change can be daunting, and never have we lived in a time where change came so quickly. This is the age of disruption – it's fast-paced, far-reaching and is forever changing how we operate, create, connect, and market. UnBranding is about focus – it's about seeing that within these new strategies, technologies and frameworks fighting for our attention, lay the tried and true tenants of good business – because innovation is nothing but a bright and shiny new toy, unless it actually works. UnBranding is here to remind you that you can't fix rude staff, mediocre products and a poor brand reputation with a fancy new app.
Siere
Terry Burgess— Past President RBC Royal Bank
Greg Crisanti
It's time to solve problems, create connections, and provide value rather than rush strategy just to make headlines. UnBranding gives you the guidance you need to navigate the age of disruption and succeed in business today.
Tim Hortons
Spencer Day Progressive Sanitation
Tayona Jonas Sunrise Credit Union
Tanya LaBuick LaBuick & Co.
Steve McMillan VBJ Developments
Scott Norosky South End Lumber Ltd.
Trent Sholdice Meighen Haddad LLP
Jason Thorpe Thorpe Construction Ltd.
Jordan Trotter C & C Rentals
Jill Watt Cando Rail Services Ltd.
CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager
Krista Powell Events & Communications Coordinator
Alix Coucill Office Administration 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.
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www.brandonchamber.ca