January 2019 Inside this issue: General Managers Report New Members Events Review Member Spotlight Sponsor Shout Out 5 Minutes For Business
CHAMBER at a glance
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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Message From the President
H
appy New Year! With the part of the Province, and ensure holidays now behind us, there is accountability for the businesses across Brandon expected growth. His insight on the are ramping up for a successful 2019, work done to date is commendable, and the Chamber is no different. We and hearing from Dave himself as to are building off of the amazing work how it effects Brandon and Westman that has been accomplished over the directly will be great to hear . last five months by our board and volunteers in order to identify issues Our own economic development affecting our discussions have members and continued to ramp keeping our ...Our board and up. We feel that government although our business accountable. governments are development trending in the Our Chamber right direction, committee has luncheon for there is still much spent time January should be work to do to interesting as promote growth considering Dave Angus, coand reduce our different chair of the sole reliance on Growing government. Our alternatives as Manitoba’s board and Business to how the Economy Report, Development will be our guest Committee have private sector speaker. The spent time can enhance the report is an considering excellent first economic different step, however alternatives as to development there is still work how the private process. to be done to sector can enhance relate the the economic Economic Growth Action Plan to our development process. I am pleased
Jeff Hood 2018- 2019 Chamber President
to announce that Cathy Snelgrove, Vice President of the Brandon Chamber and a senior partner at Siere, has agreed to spearhead this project as our task force chair, and will take this project further. Our board believes that this project is important to the growth for our region and our members and the next step is to determine the appetite within our community. We are also approaching the budget season for the City of Brandon and the Brandon School Division. As businesses and individuals, we are all interested in the amount of taxes we pay and the value that we are getting (Continued on page 6)
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER’S DESK
GM REPORT
Mid-Year Report Happy mid-year! As the Chamber marks the half way point through our 2018/2019 year and reflects on our work, it’s been a busy several months and things don’t look like they will be slowing in 2019. Here are a few highlights of our recent activities and what to look forward to in the next several months.
the municipal elections, we developed our key advocacy priorities and shared the answers from of our candidate’s questionnaire. We hosted a special Friday Coffee with Brandon School Division (BSD) Trustee candidates, as well as a Mayor and Councillor candidates Meet & Greet. We met with local elected officials and administration and on issues related to city and school Building Renovations If you were visiting downtown late this division taxes, development cost summer/early fall you may have noticed charges, red tape reduction and the school division’s continuous construction crews and a flurry of improvement program. activity outside our office building. In August, the Chamber undertook a major restoration project of the exterior of our This year, Chamber reps across the historic building at 1043 Rosser Avenue. province participated in a full ‘Day of Advocacy’ at the legislature which This was no small undertaking and required months of construction, which provided the opportunity to speak with ten Ministers and staff and both was mostly completed this past opposition party leaders. As a united October. voice, we were able to speak to a number of issues impacting business Having received provincial heritage designation in 1987, it was also decided including economic competitiveness and taxation, improving our workforce and to seek municipal designation in preparation of our ongoing restoration bringing business and education together, and access to capital for efforts. Originally constructed in 1907 growing and expanding businesses. for the Merchants Bank of Canada, it was home to the Brandon Public Library from 1944-1983 before becoming home In the New Year, we will continue to to the Brandon Chamber of Commerce voice concerns and provide input to in 1986. It’s history still lives within our government officials, work within the walls, and on occasion, we even still get national chamber network for change, and be active advocates for our the odd visitor looking for the library. members. This building has a long history of serving our community and stands as a pillar of downtown. Our investment will Events help ensure its continued preservation This fall saw another busy events and will serve us well into the future. calendar with workshops, an AGM Reception, our popular luncheon series and several Business After 5 events. The Advocacy HR Conference saw record attendance Our advocacy efforts have been in full and our well attended First Friday swing this past fall. In preparation for
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coffees every month have proven to be a great opportunity to make connections and meet new people. Moving into the New Year, we are excited for our slate of luncheon speakers including Dave Angus, Kevin Chief, and Jan Wescott as well as Premier Brian Pallister and Mayor Rick Chrest. Our Business for Breakfast Series will return, featuring panel discussions on ‘Diversity in the Workplace’ and ‘Women in Leadership’, and of course we look forward to the much anticipated Annual Awards Gala. Planning continues so stay tuned for details and more announcements. It’s exciting times at the Chamber! We invite you to make the most of your Chamber membership by getting involved. Regardless, know that we are working hard behind the scenes to provide support and opportunities for our members and help make Brandon a great place to live, work and do business!
Carolynn Cancade General Manager
www.brandonchamber.ca
MEMBERSHIP ZONE
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc. Agriculture Centre focused on agricultural innovative and research.
220-530 Century Set. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 mbfi.ca/
Alliance Electric & Solar Ltd. Business specializing in Electrical and Solar services for your building.
424 14th Street Brandon, Manitoba R7A 4T3 electricalliance.ca
ProCare Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic Chiropractor and massage therapy services.
#1-335 18th Street Brandon MB R7A 5A8 facebook.com/ProCareChiro
Technology Solve MacMor Industries “One-Stop-Shop� for all of your industrial, safety and rigging needs.
IT business specializing in home tech support, business tech support, cloud services and web development.
Unit C - 135 Industrial Drive Brandon, MB R7A 7S6 macmor.com
318 16th Street Brandon, MB R7A 4X8 technologysolve.com
World Financial Group
Carberry Small Animal Veterinary Clinic
Financial literacy education and brokerage for financial products including insurance, investments and mortgages.
1321 Rosser Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 7J2 wfgconnects.ca/brianburrows
January 2019
Full service animal hospital for emergency, routine medical, surgical, and dental care.
115 Third Avenue E Carberry, MB R0K0H0 carberryvet.ca
Orangetheory Fitness Canada Science-backed, technology-tracked, coach -inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out.
#100 -10357 109 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5J 1N3 orangetheoryfitness.com
Sand Hills Casino Casino featuring over 300 slot machines, blackjack, double deck blackjack, roulette, live poker, and more.
777 Sand Hills Drive Carberry, MB R0K0H0 sandhillscasino.com
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EVENTS
First Friday Coffees November 2nd & December 7th Our Friday Coffees are a great way for Chamber Members to meet somebody they may not normally meet in their day to day business life, which can lead to new & exciting opportunities for them and their business. A great example of this was at our November 2nd Coffee, where we were surprised with a visit from Premier Brian Pallister, as well as several MLA’s from across Manitoba.
Business After 5 @ Christie’s Office Plus November 8th Our Business After 5 was hosted by Christies Office Plus in their new location in the Town Centre, where dozens of members were able to hear about their story of recovery after the fire that burnt down their old storefront, and get some insight into their next steps as a business. One lucky attendee won a state-of-the-art office chair for their desk.
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Chamber Luncheon—US/Canada Relations with the US Consulate November 15th
their network, grow their business, and make lasting change in the business community of Brandon.
The Chamber was pleased to have had the US Consulate, Anthony Pagliai, speak at our November luncheon to discuss the relations between the United States and Canada, with respect to trade, security, and of course, hockey.
Chamber Holiday Luncheon December 6th
Lunch and Learn - Small Business Tax Tips and Audit November 20th The Chamber brought in representatives from FBC for a workshop for our members to give tips on how small businesses can save money at tax time, the minimum records you need to keep, audit triggers and tips and more!
Chamber 101—Maximize Your Membership November 26th
The Chamber decked the halls of the Victoria Inn at our Holiday Luncheon, jammed to the brim with fun activities, such as a 50/50 raffle, an ugly sweater contest, and some great DJing from Trident Music. Throughout this event the Chamber was able to raise over $1,000 for our Dollars for Scholars scholarship fund
Holiday Coffee December 21st 2018 went out with a bang as we hosted our final event of the year with some coffee and hot chocolate!
Attendees were encouraged to vote on their favorite gingerbread house (as designed by our staff members), and don We were able to give members both new their holiday apparel one final time before and experienced alike the full rundown of the Chamber closed up for the holiday how they can utilize the Chamber to expand break.
www.brandonchamber.ca
EVENTS & ANNIVERSARIES
Thank You to our Sponsors for the Following Events!
Luncheon Sponsors
Friday Coffee
Lunch & Learn
BA5 Sponsor
Booth & Table Sponsors
member
SPOT LIGHT
Joe Beevers, The Dock, Prairie Firehouse, Brandon University (Table Sponsor) St. Johns Ambulance (Booth Sponsor)
ProCare Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic Dr. Manish Chaudhari
What are the goals of your business? Our clinic currently offers quality Chiropractic and Massage Therapy services in a caring and supportive environment. Whether you are dealing with a new injury or a chronic condition, or you are looking to transition to a healthier lifestyle, we will work with you to help you and your family reach your health goals. We will try our best to give you the relief and stability you are looking for.
What does your business offer to customers? Our primary goal is to help you achieve the highest level of health by reducing pain and restoring normal joint function and muscle balance. We also aim to educate our patients on avoiding further injuries by using proper body mechanics at home or work.
What are you most proud of about your business? We are extremely proud to be an integral part of our patients' health and wellness care team. It gives us the highest satisfaction to see our patients pain free and resume their normal activities of daily living. We are very pleased to be in a location where other health services are also available. There is a medical clinic (Trinity Medical Clinic) and pharmacy (Medsafe) on site as well.
What is something your business does that most customers don’t know? Most people think of seeking chiropractic care when there is pain and especially when in the back. There are more benefits to chiropractic care than simply backpain relief. We can help reduce stiffness and improve flexibility, improve joint range of motion, relieve headaches and pain in the shoulders, arms, legs and feet. For convenience, we bill directly to MPI, WCB and most insurance companies.
January 2019
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President’s Message (Cont’d from page 1) for our money. The Chamber will be involved as usual in stakeholder and public consultations regarding these matters to be the voice of business within the room. As always, our doors are open at the Chamber. We are working on many things of benefit to our membership base. If you have any comments or questions or what we are working on or not working on, please let us know. Here’s to a great start in 2019. All the best!
Jeff Hood Brandon Chamber President
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www.brandonchamber.ca
5 Minutes For Business
5 Minutes for Business: The Accelerating Pace of Change Written by experts from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
When we say the pace of change is accelerating, we mean that in many sectors, critical foundations of industry structure—the economic fundamentals, the borders of industries, the value of different assets, even the types of competitors—are rapidly shifting. Every December, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce predicts the issues, opportunities and outlook for the year ahead in our Crystal Ball Report. We gather insights from the people on the ground who are running
What your Chamber membership does: 80% Increase in the likelihood that a consumer will patronize your business 73% Increase in consumer awareness 68% Increase in your local reputation when compared to the competition 49% More likely that consumers have a favourable view of your business 10% More likely to a consumer that your product is better than the competition *The Schapiro Group Study on Chamber Effectiveness
January 2019
businesses, creating jobs and wealth, but also living through Canada’s economic challenges. At the global level, our members expressed difficulties navigating an environment where economic ties, trade routes and growth rates are constantly in flux. The long-term trend toward global economic connectivity appears to be stagnating, if not reversing. Total capital flows declined from 21.4% of GDP in 2007 to 6.9% of GDP in 2017. The growth of trade compared with the growth of GDP slowed in 2018 and is projected to continue to decline next year. The implications for Canadian business are profound as they contribute to economic uncertainty and have the potential to disrupt global supply chains, capital markets and labour mobility over the long run. At the national level, it appears likely that the Canadian economy is poised for late-cycle growth in 2019 and beyond. IMF anticipates Canadian economic growth will hover around 2.1% in 2018 and 2.0% in2019. Deloitte projects a decline to 1.4% growth in 2020. At the same time, the Canadian economy is in the process of a lagging structural transition from growth driven by consumption and housing activity to export-led growth and business investment. Rising interest rates and a deteriorating fiscal position are projected for 2019. Canadian businesses should take note as this will have important implications for growth prospects, employment costs, debt servicing and investment decisions. At the firm level, change cycles and
product cycles have been compressed, creating an operating environment driven by new technologies and competition. Not only is the speed of change getting faster, markets are able to adopt new technologies faster. Software, big data, social media, mobile devices, cloud and application programming interfaces are among the newest internet trends that allow businesses to have more innovation opportunities and more new channels they can leverage. These technology drivers are forcing a dramatic acceleration in what businesses can and should do to remain competitive and relevant. As new technologies are created at an increasingly faster pace and as they are adopted at record speeds by markets, we believe a firstmover advantage will be amplified as change continues to come at a breakneck speed. Now more than ever, it is crucial that Canada fosters an agile regulatory system so our businesses can move fast and create tax and fiscal policies that spur business investment in the technology and skills needed for our businesses to succeed. The world is moving fast and the economy is changing rapidly. While the degree of change can be uncomfortable or even destructive, it can also contain the seeds of opportunity. The uncertainty created by the accelerating pace of change begs caution, but ultimately fortune will favour the bold firms and governments that can seize upon the speed of the turning moment. For more information, please contact: policy@chamber.ca
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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 PRINTING 2018-2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAMBER STAFF
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