DECEMBER 2021
Chamber at a
Glance
In This Issue
How You Can Give Back This Season Plan Your 2022: 10 Chamber Events To Fill Your Calendar Get Noticed: Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Shop Local. Dine Local. Think Local. Love Local.
KINDNESS IN THE AGE OF COVID
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” - Winston S. Churchill The holiday season naturally lends itself to
Holiday
a feeling of goodwill and giving. It’s that
which donated $500 to 12 different non-
time
profits across the communities they serve.
of
year
when
we
look
outside
Happiness
Campaign
contest,
ourselves when purchasing gifts for loved
ones,
We also watched many local businesses
donating
time
or
goods
to
local
charities, and simply pondering the many
run
things we are grateful for in our lives.
resources for various charities. A big shout
– your family, elderly, strangers
out
Share
Which is a good thing. months,
I
have
Murray
Velvet
events
Dip,
to
help
Vanish
Chevrolet,
Skin
Brandon
raise
Don’t make anyone feel like a burden
Clinic,
Chrysler
good
news
and
beautiful
pictures on social media
conversations
Dodge, Champion Towing, Heritage Co-
Don’t hoard
op, Youth Revolution, Princess Auto, Apple
Send someone a nice note, a box of
patience and kindness. The world is on
&
chocolates, or a coffee.
edge
Western
standing dealing
whether
in
line
with
yet
at
many
to
and
about everyone’s diminished capacity for
and
had
Over the last few
drives
"kindness restores hope (both for the recipient and the giver)"
it’s
when
the
another
you
grocery tech
are
store,
issue
at
Pine,
Maxim
Sobey's
West,
Manitoba Truck
and
Shopper
Regional Trailer,
Mall,
Library,
Maple
Open a door for a stranger
Leaf
Ask
Foods and so many more!
how
people
are
doing
and
actually listen
work or seeing the dirty dishes stacked in
the sink, it seems it doesn’t take much to
Your
boil over these days. The world is need of
volunteers) recently helped with hamper
Thank a loyal customer and tell them
a little kindness.
packaging
you appreciate them
Cheer and launched a ‘Random Acts of
In
a
recent
article
I
read,
the
writer
Support a local business and tell them own
Chamber
and
team
deliveries
(staff
with
and
why you like them
Brandon
Shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk
Kindness’ Campaign.
Be patient
attributed our ‘misbehaviour’ largely due
to fear and that ‘fear stamps out hope’.
Kindness can be as simple act but make a
Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled
While
big impact. Here are several ideas on how
with time with family and friends, and a
degree I think everyone is just tired out. In
you can spread kindness cheer:
new
either case, kindness restores hope (both
optimism...and lots of kindness to share.
there
is
truth
in
that,
to
a
large
year
filled
with
prosperity
and
for the recipient and the giver) and can
Tip higher than you usually would.
be a catalyst for our own well being.
Show appreciation for delivery drivers,
I know you will all hit it out of the park!
postal
is
doing day to day work that you might
Luckily,
we
businesses
are
blessed
leading
the
to
have
way
many
through
workers
and
anyone
Smile and make eye contact
Share
take
year
we
the
community
watched
time
to
in
some
many
give
businesses
back
really
BIG
to
a
positive
review
of
your
favourite business on social media
the
Contact
ways.
Notably, Meighen Hadded LLP launched a
who
normally overlook.
positive action for the community.
This
an
old
friend,
distant relatives to say hello
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | DECEMBER 2021
colleague,
Carolynn Cancade General Manager Brandon Chamber of Commerce
02
FOUR WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS
BRANDONWESTMAN CHRISTMAS CHEER: ADOPT-A-FAMILY CAMPAIGN Help
us
make
brighter
for
community! be
new
the
families
in
Donations and
unwrapped perishable
holidays our must
could toys,
food
be: non-
items,
baby
HOLIDAY
PROVINCIAL EXHIBITION OF MANITOBA: WINE FUNDRAISER
HELPING HANDS CENTRE OF BRANDON: BOTTLES OF WATER DRIVE Did
you
know
we
SEASON
Holiday
are
different 6 bottle options,
our
are
one all reds and one reds
having
a
and whites, for $130 and
year,
we
we
a delicious gourmet food
home
–
basket
donations
Health
our
takeout in
Due
restrictions
serving
are
?
we
lunches
capacity need
to
of
in
and
bottles
of
pick
ages,
craft
our
Building
paper
or
mittens,
cloth
hats,
gift
bags,
neck-warmers,
earmuffs.
Visit
brandonwestmanchristmasche er.ca to donate money.
Call 204-727-2559 or email xmaschr@gmail.com to learn more.
a
MB
Mon-Fri
most vulnerable members of
wrapping
we
hosting
day
water
kits,
Usually,
person
games,
all
are
now available! We have 2
board
for
packs
serving up to 200 meals per
sleepers & children’s pyjamas, books
wine
THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTRE: UN-GALA 2021
to
disperse
community.
10:00am
-
to
the
deadline
Runs 3:00pm,
is
$75. Dec
at on
Order
raise
important ton are
but
work of
for
while
fun.
all
our
in
funds
This
staying
need
has
for not
for
changed. In fact, requests for our services are higher
Dec
16th
Visit denardi.ca/product/br andon-provincial-agholiday-fundraiser2021/ *Select "Pick Up" at checkout*
Email helpinghands@wcgwave.c a or call 204-727-4635 to learn more.
to
a
be
Dome
13th
the
between 4-6pm.
December 11, 2021.
Connect and give back.
up
for
would
fundraiser
than
ever
due
to
the
ongoing pandemic.
Make a general donation online at www.thewomenscentreb randon.com or call 204726-8632 to learn more.
Canadian Red Cross Society: (204) 729-4970 Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum Inc.: (204) 727-2444 Ducks Unlimited Canada: (204) 285-9779 Enactus Brandon (BUSU): (204) 720-5808 Family Visions Inc.: (204) 726-5602 Habitat For Humanity Manitoba-Brandon Chapter: (204) 717-0602 Heart and Stroke Foundation: (204) 996-3542 Helping Hands: (204) 727-4635 Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. Southwest Region: (204) 725-7520 Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (Westman Region): (204) 721-2174 Provincial Exhibition Of Manitoba: (204) 726-3590
Adult & Teen Challenge Super Thrift Brandon : (204) 949-9484 Assiniboine Community College Students' Association Inc.: (204) 725-8710 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon: (204) 727-1787 Bioscience Association Manitoba: (204) 272-5095 Brandon Area Community Foundation: (204) 571-0529 Brandon Community Drug and Alcohol - Youth Revolution: (204) 729-3287 Brandon First: (204) 729-2156 Brandon Friendship Centre: (204) 727-1407 Brandon Local Immigration Partnership: (204) 729-2490 Ext 112 Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation: (204) 578-4226
Royal Canadian Legion (204) 728-5026 Sexuality Education Resource Centre MB Inc.: (204) 727-0417 St. Boniface Hospital Foundation: (204) 237-2067 St. John Ambulance - Brandon Branch: (204) 727-4466 The Counselling Centre (204) 726-8706 The Salvation Army Brandon Corps: (204) 717-8332 The Women's Resource Centre: (204) 726-8632 United Way of Brandon & District: (204) 571-8929 Westman Dreams For Kids: (204) 729-8898 Westman Lions Manor (204) 727-4911
Brandon Salutes: (204) 571-7651 Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc.: (204) 571-2052 Brandon University Students Union : (204) 727-9660
For a full list of non-profits in the City of Brandon, contact us. 204 571 5340
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | DECEMBER 2021
03
CHAMBER EVENTS IN
October Friday Coffee:
October Member Meetup:
October Luncheon:
In Person @ the Chamber
Dark History Tour w/ BGMA
Small Business Week with Chez Angela
Business After 5:
November Luncheon:
November Luncheon:
The Riverbank Discovery Centre
Economic Reconciliation
Ron Helwer Presents
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | DECEMBER 2021
04
THE BRANDON CHAMBER of COMMERCE SENDS A BIG
Thank You to our Sponsors! October Luncheon September Luncheon
November Luncheon
Host
Host
Booth
Booth
Host
2021 Human Resources Conference
Member Meetup
First Friday Coffees
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | DECEMBER 2021
Business After 5
Workshops
05
CHAMBER EVENT LINEUP
Mark Your Calendars
SECOND FRIDAY COFFEE - VIRTUAL EVENT 9:00am - 10:00am | January 8, 2022 These mini events are an excellent networking opportunity for you and your business. Chamber Coffees promote the exchange of ideas and discussion and often we host special guests with insights on current issues and topics relevant to our members.
Zoom | FREE | Registration Required
CHAMBER WORKSHOP: SOCIAL MEDIA 11:00am - 1:00pm | January 11, 2022
In this one hour virtual lunch and learn, ACC instructor Liz Pittman will explain how to start a social media strategy, discuss the difference between organic and paid social media, chat about influencer marketing, and share why a content calendar is an important tool when using social media for your business.
Zoom | $15/per person (transferable) | Registration Required
JANUARY LUNCHEON: STATE OF THE PROVINCE 11:00am - 1:00pm | January 20, 2022 On January 20, 2022, The Brandon Chamber will welcome Manitoba’s 24th Premier, the Honourable Heather Stefanson, for her State of the Province Address. Manitoba’s business community will hear from Premier Stefanson on her vision for our province.
Victoria Inn | $15/per person (transferable) | Registration Required
BUSINESS AFTER 5: MEIGHEN HADDAD LLP 5:00pm - 7:00pm | January 26, 2022
Join us for a Business After 5 featuring host Meighan Haddad. This event is open to all employees of our member's businesses; bring a colleague! Registration is required, but you can come and go as your schedule allows.
Members Only | FREE | Registration Required
FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE - IN PERSON! 9:00am - 10:00am | February 5, 2022 These mini events are held the first Friday of every month and are an excellent networking opportunity for you and your business. Chamber Coffees promote the exchange of ideas and discussion and often we host special guests with insights on current issues and topics relevant to our members.
1043 Rosser Avenue | FREE | Registration Required
FEBRUARY LUNCHEON: BUILDING SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE 11:00am - 1:00pm | February 17, 2022 Join us on February 17th to listen to Ian Seunarine, Chair of Supply Chain Manitoba and CEO of the Duha Group talk on current supply chain issues and how we can rebuild business in a post-pandemic world.
Keystone Centre | $35/per person (+tax) early bird | Registration Required REGISTER FOR ALL EVENTS AT BRANDONCHAMBER.CA or CALL 204 571 5340 *Please note that things change! So keep in mind that dates, times, speakers, locations and formats can change and/or be cancelled. Double vaccination is required to attend Chamber in-person events. To learn more about how we are keeping you safe, visit brandonchamber.ca.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | DECEMBER 2021
06
CROSS PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR A STRONGER SMALL BUSINESS SEASON December 2021 / Author: Christina R. Mitchell / Source: FrankJKenny.com
T
his holiday season, we are supporting
shop
small.
We
want
to
celebrate
or even a billboard. Your local chamber
the
may
have
some
ideas
on
how
you
can
uniqueness of small business as well as the
defray advertising costs by partnering with
treasures and exquisite services that can
other similar or nearby businesses.
be
found
in
our
backyard.
But
small
businesses have challenges as they take
·Run a contest.
on
running
larger,
national
perception deals,
that
more
selection, takes
a
more
the
giants
attractive
can
be
creative
of
competitors.
the
have
hours,
strong.
to
a
If
holiday
you’re
planning
contest,
you
on
could
better
approach nearby businesses to see if they
more
will donate a prize and partner with you
and
That’s
approach
why
it
for even greater reach.
·Pop-up
capture
door to you, you may be able to create a
promotion can be a very effective way for
pop-up market and split the costs of tents,
small
entertainment, etc. For even more cross-
to
stand
dollars.
shop. If you have businesses next
Cross
business
holiday
The
out
during
the
holiday season.
promotional power, bring in a food truck
or
Why Cross Promotion?
additional draw.
Small
businesses
some
creative
promotion
have
things
both
the
agility
when
within
it
to
do
comes
their
home
business
for
entertainment
or
·Use
to
own
social.
Creating
videos,
reels/tiktoks, and other valuable content
businesses and in partnerships with others.
takes time. You could partner with another place coupons for a free gym session in
business
draw in new target audiences. With cross
all of their bags or as part of their sales.
amount of content you produce. You also
promotion, you can also show support to
will have access to each other’s following
Cross
promotion
can
be
lucrative
and
so
that
you
can
increase
the
other businesses and create partnerships
·Reciprocal agreements.
that will help increase sales long past the
want
holiday season.
promotional offer with another business,
·In-store.
you can (and should) agree to mutually
store or business cross promotion. Online
Examples of Cross Promotion
support
they’re
If you’re considering cross promotion as
innkeepers could agree to refer visitors to
Structure your business so that things that
part of your sales and marketing efforts
local restaurants, while wait staff at local
are
this year, check out these ideas:
restaurants could refer people to nearby
promoted either on display or verbally by
independent shops.
your
with very little effort this way.
·Partnering with a complementary business that provides products or services. For instance, a gym may partner
·Ads.
to
Ads
enter
one
can
into
a
another.
help
you
If
you
formal
For
reach
don’t
for even greater reach.
cross
instance,
a
large
You can also benefit from in-
referred
to
purchased
staff.
You
as
“also
together
can
boughts.”
are
increase
your
cross
sales
audience and build name recognition. But
This holiday season, consider exploring the
they can be costly. Splitting the cost with
opportunities
for
neighbor businesses can help you afford
promotion
members. The juice bar or clothing store
a larger ad in a newspaper, mailer, cable
audiences, build relationships, and spread
may, in turn,
TV spot,
good
with
a
juice
business
to
bar
or
an
provide
athletic
clothing
discounts
in
cross
promotion.
help
you
can
cheer.
And
couldn’t
reach
we
all
little more of that?
Are you interested in being a member expert? Contact Alix and have your insights featured in an upcoming Chamber publication. 204 571 5344 CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | DECEMBER 2021
07
Cross new
use
a
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
Barry Cooper | President Heritage Co-op
Tanya LaBuick | Vice-President CW2 Construction Guardian Fencing LaBuick & Co.
Jaime Pugh | Secretary-Treasurer MNP LLP.
Spencer Day | Past President Progressive Westman
Matt Berg Livingstone Outdoor
Laurie Brugger Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd.
Andrea Epp Epp Law Office
Chris Finley Mazergroup
Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products
Aida Harrison Aida's Catering
Ryan Jacobson Affordable Storage Brandon Forbidden Flavours Roastery
Meredyth Leech Leech Printing Ltd.
Jennifer Ludwig Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd.
Lois Ruston R&M Homes Ltd.
CHAMBER STAFF
Carolynn Cancade General Manager
Alix Coucill Director of Member Relations
Hillary Miller Events & Program Coordinator
Britney McNamee Office Coordinator
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is excited to open the call for nominations for 2022 Business Achievement Awards!
Help us celebrate business success, innovation, leadership and contribution to our community! We encourage interested businesses to nominate themselves, or to nominate any qualified and deserving individual or business!
The nomination process remains simple – complete the nomination online or download the form and submit by email or hardcopy.
Submit your nominee name
Select an Award
Complete the nomination online or download the form and submit by email at info@brandonchamber.ca or mailing to our office at: 1043 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 0L5.
Business Person of the Year* Business Excellence (Small & Large)
Outstanding New Business Community Impact Lifetime Business Builder* Young Entrepreneur Award Westman’s Top 4 Under 40
Tell us why you think they deserve to win In 250 words or less! A nomination only takes a few minutes to fill out, but can make a whole lifetime of difference to a local business!
It’s that easy!
To fill out a Nomination Form, please visit: brandonchamber.ca/business-achievement-awards/2021-nominations-now-open
Next Steps: Upon receipt of your nomination, the Chamber will notify nominees via email. Nominees will be asked to complete an award application or to be available for an interview for consideration by our selection panel.
Presentation of the Awards: Awards will be presented at our Annual Awards Celebration Dinner in April 2022.
*Please note: A business may nominate themselves for an award, with the exception of the Business Person of the Year.
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.