DECEMBER 2020
Chamber at a
Glance
In This Issue Think Local First
Covid-19 Activity Timeline Meet a Member
Mark Your Calendars 12.04.20
First Friday Coffee
12.10.20
Inclusivity Workshop
12.17.20 Chef Inspired Happy Hour
SUPPORTING LOCAL: SHOP WHERE YOU LIVE
T
wo months ago, I am not sure any of us would have predicted a complete closure of business in Manitoba, again. We have fielded countless phone calls with local businesses as they try to figure out the new rules and restrictions, share their frustrations and tears, and look for ways to capture sales in what is the busiest and most profitable time of their year. We thank you because it is these examples that help us advocate on your behalf and illustrate the impacts of these restrictions and identify the gaps in supports. We know that businesses have been doing everything possible to try to reduce the risk of exposure and spread and have often been exceeding the guidelines and recommendations set out by health officials. Unfortunately, part of our current reality is that Manitoba is leading the nation in Covid-19 cases and in an effort to reduce positive cases and the pressures to our health care system, the province has closed all non-essential
store fronts and restricted the selling of non-essential items. While we know you would rather be able to open to share your products and services, there are financial supports available to help you manage during this difficult time. Two of the newest programs are the provincial $5,000 Bridge Grant Program, which provides support for those businesses that were forced to close their front doors
"We encourage you to continue to spread the word. ‘Support local’ is not new, but it is needed now more than ever." CAROLYNN CANCADE
cont'd pg 4.
THE zone MEMBERSHIP
MEET A MEMBER
Welcome New Members!
Livingstone Outdoor 1610 Byng Ave Brandon, MB R7A 7J7 (204) 578-5131 outdoor@livingstoneltd.com livingstoneltd.com
Assiniboine Rehabilitation and Wellness Group What exactly does your organization do? Assiniboine Rehabilitation and Wellness Group is your Disability Management Experts! We provide the A-Z services for employers and employees by assisting with injury prevention/education, applying for short-term/long-term benefits, communicating with the insurer, interpreting and coordinating medical services, developing rehabilitation programs (physical, emotional, vocational), implementing return to work policies/schedules, exploring retraining, career guidance and providing job search assistance.
Once Upon A Child Unit C 1240 18th Street Brandon, MB R7A 5C8 (204) 724 2507 onceuponachildbrandon@gmail.com onceuponachildbdnmb.com
What is a product or service that your organization provides that people may not know about? We understand that illness and injuries do not just affect us physically, there is often an emotional component, which is why we provide supportive/mental health counseling as What is your favorite part of your job? well. The services are completely confidential, people can self-refer and The best part of our job is to see the positive impact we have on the lives of the we offer direct billing when available. people we work with; whether it be an What are the goals for your employer keeping their employees safe organization? and actively at work, to the client who Simply put, our goal is to continue to adapts to a completely new career path grow, help businesses retain healthy because of an injury. employees and help individuals with Why is Assiniboine Rehabilitation and injuries to get back on their feet. Wellness Group a member of the Chamber? We enjoy being part of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce because they have helped us meet new people, given us opportunities to share our services and knowledge and they organize fun events!
Covid-19 Action Timeline
The Chamber network has worked tirelessly to support local businesses since Covid-19 entered Brandon in March of 2020.
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March 12, 2020 The first cases of Covid-19 are reported in Manitoba.
March 12, 2020 The BCC cancels the 137th Annual Gala erring on the side of caution.
March 20, 2020 The BCC begins to send email updates twice a week to stay on top of all the changes.
March 18, 2020 The BCC launches the public Brandon & Westman Covid19 Business Connection on Facebook
Petmobile Vet Clinic Inc. 36 6th Street North Brandon, MB R7B 2P1 (204) 573 7266 mobilevet@outlook.com petmobilevetclinic.com The Salvation Army Brandon Corps 9 Princess Ave. East Brandon, MB R7A 1R8 (204) 717 8332 stephen.frank@salvationarmy.ca salvationarmy.ca/prairie/ Westman Security and Automation Ltd. 2010 Currie Boulevard, Unit 6 Brandon, MB R7B 4E7 (204) 717 5599 info@westmansecurity.ca westmansecurity.ca
PO Box 20153 | Brandon South PO Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6Y8 (204) 728-6630 nicole@assiniboinerehab.ca assiniboinerehab.ca
March 11, 2020 The Brandon Chamber first announces warning for businesses in the face of a potential Covid-19 outbreak.
Muddy River Enterprises Ltd. 54071 Road 108W - SW 6-10-18W Brandon, MB R7A 5Y4 (204) 729 1460 muddyriverent@outlook.com muddy-river-enterprises.business.site
April 2020 The BCC starts hosting regular Free Covid-19 related learning sessions.
March 24, 2020 The BCC launches the Covid-19 Resource Toolkit to help businesses navigate the pandemic.
April 2020 The BCC starts weekly Covid-19 calls with all levels of govenment.
April - May 2020 The federal government announced CEBA, CERCA and CERB. The Chamber network gives feedback on programs to all levels of government.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | DECEMBER 2020
SMALL BUSINESS IS A big
deal
MEMBER EXPERT ARTICLE
BUSINESS OWNERS… A PEAK IN BEHIND THE MASK
Article by: Siere | Building Your Mindset | November 18, 2020 The mental image most hold of business owners is that they are put together, strong, confident, outgoing, dynamic and driven. They are the “tough guys”.. The ones who never let anything get them down. They always have the answers and know what it takes to make things happen.
It simply doesn’t matter because the day you decided to own your own business, you looked the fear of failure in the eyes and said there was no way that it was ever going to win.
SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING
MANITOBA BRIDGE GRANT
It didn’t matter what it threw at you, there is no way it was ever going to win. The fear that I can tell you, first hand, most days I feel like you might fail, for a business owner, is always this. There are days when things are “clicking in the back ground…a constant reminder. You and banging” and I am meeting with hear it in the voice of the people who tell you wonderful people, feeling like I am making a that you are crazy to start a business. You are real difference. It feels good and it is in those reminded of it, when you sit down to figure moments where I am glad that I chose to out who is getting paid, when cash is tight. own a business. You see it when you miss out on a big deal and are second guessing your pricing. And On the flip side, there are days when this isn’t most of all, you feel it when you have to the case, especially over the past eight forego the family fun because you have to months. take care of business. That fear is the thing we all as business owners, fear most and yet, There are days, especially today in hearing it is the thing that motivates us until we fear it that a fellow business owner has decided to no more. shutdown their business, when I don’t feel so strong…or confident…or outgoing…or driven. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but In fact I feel sad and overwhelmed and today, as I sit here and contemplate the sad uncertain about what tomorrow will look news of my friend, there are three things I like.. I am scared because you see, if having would like to remind you of (because this is to walk away from your dream could happen the message I am giving myself): to them, then I would be a fool to not believe it could happen to me. - Remember that while you have the title of business owner, you are first and foremost…a None of us like to give up, especially person. There will be bad days, really sucky someone who owns a business. It doesn’t days, happy days and exceptional days. If matter that it is because of circumstances far there is one thing you can be sure of…this outside of our control. It doesn’t matter that too will pass and things will continue to it is because there is some sort of pandemic. change and morph…it makes it all worth it.
As of November 16, the Government of Manitoba will be accepting applications for the Manitoba Bridge Grant (the “MBG”) which provides financial support ($5,000) to businesses and organizations that have been affected by province-wide closures associated with the pandemic and accompanying public health orders. Eligible businesses and organizations do not need to repay the funding they receive through the Manitoba Bridge Grant. Businesses eligible for the grant include: - non-essential retailers; - restaurants, bars, beverage rooms, - brewpubs, microbreweries, distilleries; - recreation and sport facilities; - museums and galleries; - theatres and concert halls; - not-for-profit organizations, - faith-based organizations; and - registered charities. To apply visit: https://forms.gov.mb.ca/bridge-grant/ Questions? Contact us: 204 571 5340 or members@brandonchamber.ca Applications close: December 15, 2020
...continued on page 4. May 22, 2020 The Manitoba Chamber of Commerce launches B2B Manitoba connecting MB businesses with PPEs.
June 16, 2020 The BCC launches the Sponsor a Member program helping local business keep their Chamber memberships.
May 28, 2020 The BCC and Brandon Sun launch the Shop Local Contest to promote Westman businesses.
September 1, 2020 The BCC launches the Chamber Exchange in partnership with the Brandon Sun to help promote local business.
October 17-23, 2020 The BCC hosts a variety of initiatives and events highlighting SMEs during Small Business Week.
November 9, 2020 The Manitoba Bridge Grant is announced, launch date set for Nov 16, 2020.
October 30, 2020 Brandon enters Code Orange. The BCC starts advocating for funding from the Provincial government for business supports.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | DECEMBER 2020
November 11, 2020 Public Health moves all of Manitoba into Code Red. Non-Essential businesses are forced to close.
November 19, 2020 The BCC with MNP LLP host a Covid-19 Funding Answered seminar. November 23, 2020 The BCC launches an online Holiday Gift Guide for local businesses.
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Chamber at a Glance is published twelve 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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Spencer Day | President Progressive Westman Barry Cooper | Vice-President Heritage Co-op Tanya LaBuick | Secretary/Treasurer LaBuick & Co. Cathy Snelgrove | Past President Siere Mark Bailey R&M Homes Ltd. Laurie Brugger Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd. Andrea Epp Epp Law Office
cont'd from pg. 1 and the recently announced Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy Program that is aimed to support businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners. We strongly encourage business owners to revisit ALL the available financial relief programs as many of the eligibility and deadlines have changed since first being launched. Reach out to your accountant or other expert to make sure that you aren’t missing out. While we know these are not enough to make up for all the loss, it is something that can help. (For more information, check out our COVID19 Business Toolkit and/or watch a recording of our recent COVID-19 funding info session with MNP – both available on our website at www.brandonchamber.ca.) As we continue to live under code red restrictions, it is imperative we support our local businesses, especially those that have been forced to close. We know that a lot of businesses were relying on the Christmas rush to carry them through. As is referenced in our Chamber “Support Local Checklist”, buy gift cards from your favourite local retailers and service providers for future use or as holiday gifts. If you learn of a unique promotion or idea from a local business, share it online! Keep paying your memberships and subscriptions, even if the service has paused. Order from a local restaurant or café. In lieu of the holiday office parties that have been cancelled, show gratitude to your employee/colleagues by sourcing a local gift basket or service. While many businesses have had to close their front doors right now, they are still selling their products through their respective websites or their social media platform, and most are offering free local delivery and/or curbside pickup. Not sure where to look? Check out our new Shop Local Holiday Guide! This on-line shopping directory makes it easy to look up some of the great businesses available right here in Westman. (Want to be included on the list – just reach out to us). We know that many of you are already supporting local and I have been blown away by the grassroots initiatives from within our business community, like the local gift card giving chain started by Brandon Business Interiors that gained steam and has led to many additional businesses collectively spending thousands of dollars with other local businesses! We encourage you to continue to spread the word. ‘Support local’ is not new, but it is needed now more than ever!
Chris Finley Mazergroup Ryan Jacobson Forbidden Flavours Roastery, Affordable Storage Brandon
Carolynn Cancade General Manager The Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Meredyth Leech Leech Printing Ltd. Lois MacDonald Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Scott Norosky South End Lumber (1978) Ltd. Jaime Pugh MNP LLP. Aida Tahhan Aida's Catering CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager
cont'd from pg. 3 -It is better to have a dream and be driven to succeed than to not take on something because you are afraid to fail. The only way we can ever truly know what we are capable of, is by doing something we have never done. Failure isn’t in the doing, it is in the not doing. Chasing your dreams, in and of itself, is always success. - Focus on what you can control today and work on that. A dream isn’t fulfilled by someone else. Your dream is fulfilled by you and the things that YOU do, each and every day. When you let something outside of you take over, then it is no longer your dream. Remember that you are never in this alone. Be grateful for the people around you and remember to lean on them when you need to and be there for them when they need it in return. We are a unique breed and there is no one who know you better than someone who is chasing that same dream….continue to be amazing!
Erin Houck Events & Program Coordinator Alix Coucill Director of Member Relations Samantha Chapman Office Coordinator
Contact our preferred advisor Stuart Olmstead today! 204 834 3193
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, favourable to enhancing existing and attracting new business.