JUNE 2021
Chamber at a
Glance
In This Issue The Business of Recovery
Member Connection Letter to the Ministers
Mark Your Calendars 06.01.21
Membership Renewals Start
06.23.21 Chamber 101 Workshop 07.09.21
Second Friday Coffee
THE BUSINESS OF RECOVERY
B
usinesspeople have optimism in their DNA. How else can we explain their willingness to risk capital and invest years of their life building their own or their employer’s company? Getting knocked down just provides one more opportunity to get back up! The past 16 months have certainly tested this resolve as we have battled our way through this pandemic. Employee and customer health, additional equipment costs and training, and changing government mandated protocols have challenged every business. We have found creative ways to continue. Whether embracing on-line ordering, curb side pickup, delivery or just working harder, most of us have survived. Along the way we have also rediscovered how incredible the community support is for having local business. People have actively sought out ways to purchase from us and shop where they live. Companies have also looked for ways to support other local business with their purchases, encouragement, and recommendations.
Keeping up with our member’s optimism and creativity, the Chamber recently honored business excellence with our online Awards Show. It was presented in a brand-new format, made possible with the support of many local member businesses. For the first time this year we also presented two new awards, The Westman Top 4 under 40 and the Young Entrepreneur awards. Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners!
"Along the way we have also rediscovered how incredible the community support is for having local business" B A R R Y C O O P E R The next few months won’t be easy. We will need continued support from levels of government to help us recover from the mandated shutdowns and restrictions that have decimated many of our balance sheets.Your Chamber will continue to advocate loudly and clearly for assistance and a road map to allow us to get back to “normal business”. cont'd pg 8.
centre AMC Surgical 1202 Princess Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 0R3 (204) 717-1136 amcsurgical@outlook.com dentalcard.ca Baby Bump 728 18th Street Brandon, MB R7A 5B5 (204) 724-2795 (work) hello@thebabybump.ca thebabybump.ca Brandon Bus Lines 1838 - 17th Street E Brandon, MB R7A 7V2 (204) 571-0231 info@brandonbuslines.com brandonbuslines.com H & X Transport Ltd. 30 11th Street Brandon, MB R7A 4J3 (204) 520-2100 (work) hx.transportservices@gmail.com hxtransport.ca McCain Foods Canada Box 70 Carberry, MB R0K 0H0 (204) 834-6324 paula.gros@mccain.ca mccain.com
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Unit Q 940 Princess Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 4E9 (204) 721-2174 westman@moodmb.ca mooddisordersmanitoba.ca River City Cigar Company Ltd. 761 18th Street, Unit 3 Brandon, MB R7A 5B6 (204) 726-0472 rccc@wcgwave.ca Sisson Auto Finance and Sales 1625 Parker Blvd Brandon, MB R7A 7P7 (204) 717-5500 jason@sissonauto.ca sissonauto.ca Vanderschuit Lamb & Associates IG Wealth Management 857 18th Street, Unit A Brandon, MB R7A5B8 (204) 740-0081 calvin.vanderschuit@ig.ca facebook.com/vanderschuitlamb Westman Aphasia Inc. susan_aphasia@mymts.net westmanaphasia.ca
MetCredit 400, 10310 Jasper Ave Edmonton, AB T5J 2W4 (888) 797-7727 bsummerfelt@metcredit.com metcredit.com CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | JUNE 2021
Chamber Group Insurance Canada’s #1 insurance plan for small-to-medium businesses, delivering more benefits for you and your company. Contact: 204-638-7528 or brandon@avantafinancialservices.com
First Data | Firserv First Data Canada offers merchants a wide selection of devices and payment options, so you never have to say “no” to a customer’s preferred payment method. To help your business be more competitive, contact Mohamed-Ali Kessentini at 905-602-3548 or visit www.firstdata.com.
Purolator has developed a tiered courier pricing structure for members that offers the most opportunity for savings ranging from 25% to 45% off our rates, depending on your organization’s annual volume. For more information, please contact Tim Hick, Purolator Alliance Partner Program, 1 (877) 324-0002 for a quote for your business. And that's just the beginning. Call 204 571 5340 to learn how the Chamber can help you save money!
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"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success."- Henry Ford
It is that time of year again when the Chamber asks for your re-investment in our organization. We have long promoted ourselves as the voice of business offering valuable services to our members – leadership in advocacy, networking opportunities, information and education, and money savings benefits. This past year, your investment in our organization allowed us to serve our businesses and the community in ways we had not anticipated at the start of the year and for that we are extremely grateful.
What exactly does your organization do? We sell and finance preowned vehicles. Mostly 2015 and newer with lower kilometers.
What are the goals for your organization? To provide an easier, faster, and more comfortable buying experience
What is your favourite part of your job?
What is a product or service your organization provides that people might not know about? That we offer free and confidential
Being able to participate in the
automotive credit consultations. If
excitement our customers have
someone has questions regarding
when they take their vehicle home.
their credit, we get together either in person, by phone or virtually to
What is the most challenging part of your job? Finding vehicles that meet our high
review their specific situation and educate on credit scores and how they apply to purchase a vehicle.
standards. We generally view up to 1000 vehicles to find 1 vehicle that fits our guidelines for condition and value.
What are the most important issues facing your organization today?
There is much more to do to recover and strengthen our economy through 2021 and beyond. With your support, the Chamber will continue to enhance and adapt our programs and services to meet your changing needs. We will continue to advocate on your behalf to secure the resources you need to navigate this uncertain landscape, and we will continue to engage with you so that we can collectively champion and positively impact our entire community. Together we will work to recover, rebuild, and be stronger in 2021-22!
Growing our business and adding new team members.
Why is your organization a member of the Chamber?
Carolynn Cancade | General Manager The Brandon Chamber of Commerce
We appreciate the lobbying and the awareness the Chamber provides for Brandon Businesses
1625 Parker Blvd Brandon, MB R7A 7P7 (204) 717-5500 (work)
and want to support these efforts.
Want to be featured in an upcoming Chamber publication? For
FREE?
Call Alix 204 571 5344 Spots are limited.
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CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | JUNE 2021
*Please note that all dates, times, speakers and topics are subject to change.
CHAMBER 101
1:00pm - 2:00pm | June 23, 2021 Come meet your Chamber team and learn tips to get the best value out of your membership! Get an insiders look at what's available to promote your business, save money, provide benefits to your staff, and make the connections that you need to grow your business and your career.
ZOOM | FREE | Registration Required
SECOND FRIDAY COFFEE 9:00am - 10:00am | July 9, 2021
Join us as we meet and greet with special guest Margot Cathcart, the new CEO of the Rural Manitoba Economic Developement Office. These mini events are an excellent
networking opportunity
for you and your
business.
ZOOM | FREE | Registration Required Register online at
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | JUNE 2021
brandonchamber.ca
04
138
th
Congrats to all our nominees and winners!
Thank you for your continued support!
HOST SPONSOR GOLD SPONSORS Business Person of the Year
Outstanding New Business
Gus Vasilarakis
Chez Angela Cafe & Bakery
SILVER PLUS SPONSORS Fusion Credit Union Leech Printing LLP Maple Leaf Foods MNP LLP Sunrise Credit Union
Business Excellence (Large)
Business Excellence (Small)
Joe Beeverz Canadian Pub
A&L Cycle
Westoba Credit Union
SILVER SPONSORS Behlen Steel Buildings Brandon University Excel 7 Guild Insurance Brokers Jacobson & Greiner Group of Companies Meighen Haddad LLP RBC Royal Bank Zeke's Quality Jewellers Ltd.
Lifetime Business Builder
Community Impact
Bob Jenkins (accepted on his behalf
Rocked Community Fitness
by his family)
BRONZE SPONSORS Assiniboine Community College Atom-Jet Industries Better Business Bureau Brandon Business Interiors Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd. Cando Rail & Terminals Humble + Fume Greenstone Building Products Livingstong Outdoor Shoppers Mall
Young Entrepreneur Matt Berg
Siere
Westman's Top 4 under 40 From top left: Danielle Adriaansen, Jordan Ludwig, Hailey Jefferies and Parker Easter.
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RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities Western Financial Group
SUPPORTING SPONSORS Fast Fired by Carbone
Martie Kruger Immigration
Jamieson Construction
Services
Keystone Centre
Velvet Dip
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | JUNE 2021
The Chamber wouldn't be able to do what it does without the time and commitment of many members. Thank you for a great 2020/2021!
Board Development Committee
Events Committee
Barry Cooper
Brad Danielson
Cathy Snelgrove
Courtney Matienzo
Jeff Hood
Daniel Hanna
Jordan Ludwig
Katrina Sigurdson
Scott Norosky Spencer Day
Government Relations Committee
Terry Burgess
Barry Cooper
Business Climate Survey Taskforce
David Docherty
Barry Cooper Cathy Snelgrove Jaime Pugh Jeff Hood Spencer Day Tanya LaBuick
Emily Simon Laurie Brugger Lois MacDonald Mike Brolund Sheila Lynne Gonty Shep Kaastra
Business Development Committee
Membership Committee
Aida Tahhan
Allison Reville
Emeka Henry Egeson
Ashleigh Hamm
Heather Day
Emelio Brown
Jaime Pugh
James Montgomery
Michael Maendel
Jay Buizer
Charles Tweed
Whitney Sharkey
Ingrid Reuvekamp-Been
Wyatt Garden
Sandy Trudel Tamra Rapsky
Workforce Alignment Committee
Tanya LaBuick
Andrea Julie Epp
Business Recovery Taskforce Chad Wallin Chris Griffin Glen Parker Jeff Cristall Jordan Ludwig Kevin Bower
Chris Finley Cora Dupuis Gail Nykoliation Meredyth Leech
SPEAKER SERIES SPONSORS
HOST SPONSORS Westoba Credit Union Westman Communications Group
SERIES SPONSORS Brandon First (X2!) Compass Credit Union Assiniboine Community College myITsource Centum Mortgage Choice Brandon University Progressive Westman Siere
PRODUCTION SPONSORS WCGtv Studios Provincial Exhibition - Dome Building
WORKSHOP HOSTS Acuity HR Solutions Chez Angela Bakery & Cafe Create Marketing Curbridge Consulting Konica Minolta MNP LLP People's First HR RealEyes Capacity Consultant Siere Tech MB
Ryan Jacobson Sandy Trudel Tracy Williams
Spencer Day Tami-Rae Rourke Todd Birkhan
Are you interested in getting involved and giving back to the business community?
Chamber Group Insurance Canada’s #1 insurance plan
Contact the Chamber to
for small-to-medium businesses, delivering more
learn more 204 571 5340.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | JUNE 2021
benefits for you and your company.
Contact: 204-638-7528 or brandon@avantafinancialservices.com
06
What we did. Who we met. How we served.
Presented the First Nation Urban Development Areas (FNUDA) policy which was adopted by Manitoba Chambers Renewed Red Tape Reduction Policy Advocacy win: Subdivision authority (based on work of Municipal Planning Act Policy) Developed Policy on Meal Expense Reimbursement Advocated for our region through regular communications, letters and meetings Strengthened relationship and increased collaboration with other Chambers Developed several Support Local Initiatives to strengthen the local economy Developed a Business Recovery Taskforce of local business leaders to provide input COVID impacts and recovery strategies. Launched Business Climate Survey to get pulse of member businesses.
Presented the Skills & Opportunity Roundtable Summit to the Membership via a virtual event. Supported the RNIP Program to support Workforce growth through immigration with representation on RNIP Board Worked with BU COOP program to educate on Workplace Integrated Learning opportunities Continued to engage with the school division focus & support for measured outcomes of Continuous Improvement Plan Advocacy win: Flexible Funding Policy (renewed at Manitoba Chambers) Advocacy win: FNUDA First Nations Urban Development Areas (renewed at Manitoba Chambers) Hosted Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Presented 2 new policies that were adopted by the Manitoba Chambers: Tracking Students and Funding Post-Secondary Institutions (PSI) in Manitoba
Thank you for your continued support to help make all this possible.
Creating a Manitoba Post-Secondary Transfer Credit System Supported development of the IANE Aboriginal Job Fair Hosted virtual edition of HR Conference
Provided COVID-19 support to business and the community by being a resource for information and resources and advocating for support for business. Developed Shop Local Initiatives Hosted 60+ virtual events focused on timely current
Shop Local Holiday Guide
issue topics. (Business Development, Workforce,
E-Commerce Program
Diversity, COVID related)
Love Local GC Program
Launched new Superwoman Conference Feb 2020
Westman Support Local Contest
Launched Chamber Chain Videos
Support Local Bingo
Developed Sponsor a Member program
Support Local Checklist
Revamped Awards Process to recognize all awards finalists and launched two new awards to celebrate young business leaders. Provided COVID-19 support to business and the community by being a resource for information and resources and advocating for support for business.
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CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | JUNE 2021
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.
cont'd from pg. 1
IIf you are able to, please get vaccinated at your first opportunity. This is the key to our economic recovery. I look forward to representing you and welcome your input.
Barry Cooper| 2021/2022 President The Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to the newest Board
Thank you to our outgoing Board
Directors!
members!
Matt Berg Livingstone Outdoor
Scott Norosky South End Lumber (1978) Ltd. Served 2017-2021
Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products
Cathy Snelgrove Siere Served 2016-2021
Jennifer Ludwig Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd.
Andrea Epp Epp Law Office Chris Finley Mazergroup Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products Ryan Jacobson Affordable Storage Brandon Forbidden Flavours Roastery Meredyth Leech Leech Printing Ltd. Jennifer Ludwig Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. Lois MacDonald Alternative Landscaping Ltd.
As COVID-19 swept across the world and into our community, our members recognized the need to support the business community. Understanding that a membership to the Chamber would help benefit businesses going through the stresses of closure, changes in staffing,
Aida Tahhan Aida's Catering CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager
changes in operations and so much more, our members started reaching out, offering to sponsor new and existing memberships. As these offers started rolling in, we recognized that there was potential for a program to be built around this effort.
Thank you to the following businesses who joined the Sponsor a Member program in 2020/2021!
Erin Houck Events & Program Coordinator Alix Coucill Director of Member Relations Jordan Horkey Office 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, favourable to enhancing existing and attracting new business.