March 2021 by Brandon Chamber of Commerce

MARCH

2021

Chamber at a

Glance

In This Issue The Year Of The Pivot

Superwoman 2.0 Conference THE YEAR OF THE PIVOT

Meet Our New Members!

Mark Your Calendars 03.05.21

First Friday Coffee

03.11.21

Superwoman 2.0 Conference

03.18.21 Speaker Series with Brien Convery

have to admit, I tried hard NOT to write about the pandemic for this edition. Like you, I am done with ‘pivoting’ and the ‘unprecedented’ ‘new normal’, but as we near the anniversary of the upending of our lives, it seemed a bit obtuse to simply dismiss the journey of the past year, especially given the struggles and sacrifices of so many.

This time last year, we were making the final preparations for the Annual Awards Gala, our premiere event of the year. At the time, I couldn’t possibly have imagined that 12 months later we would be facing a second pivot to our awards celebration, but with the continuing public health restrictions we have been forced to rethink our annual tradition. In the end, it has actually turned into an opportunity to reimagine what this celebration could be. In many ways, this philosophy has shaped the way we work every day. For the Chamber, it’s been an opportunity, not without its challenges and stresses, to embrace technology, develop new ways to engage members, expand and highlight our advocacy work, and strengthen the Chamber network.

For many of our member businesses, it has been a similar arc, and while every journey has had its unique set of struggles, barriers and frustrations, we have also seen evidence of determination, innovation, and reinvention.

"...I have to admit, I tried really hard NOT to write about the pandemic for this edition" CAROLYNN CANCADE It is homage to that entrepreneurial spirit that we will celebrate our 2021 Business Achievement Awards. While the Awards presentation recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of a select group of finalists, it is truly a celebration of our entire business community. There are many stories of resilience of those that have been able to see the opportunities that have presented themselves, stories of those that have lent a hand, lifted up others and given back to their community, and stories of those that continue to endure, have faltered or are unsure of what the future holds. cont'd pg 6.

BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

news

E-COMMERCE PROGRAM WITH LEECH PRINTING Are you a local business looking to get your business online? The Brandon Chamber of Commerce E-Commerce Program covers the first investment of $495 for up to 30 local businesses who do not currently have an online ecommerce platform. Applications are still open. The Shopify platform allows for all types of industry with a current website, or not to get up and running quickly. Don't miss this opportunity. For information about the Brandon Chamber E-Commerce Program, including eligibility criteria and to begin the application process contact: members@brandonchamber.ca

2021 BUSINESS CLIMATE SURVEY RESULTS As we work to secure Westman's future, it is crucial that the Brandon Chamber of Commerce understand what issues are most important to businesses. The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses and to inform elected officials about the issues and concerns of our business community. We will be a launching a virtual presentation of the results during the month of March 2021. The Business Climate Survey is made possible in partnership with MNP, LLP. For more information, please visit: https://brandonchamber.ca/business-climatesurvey/

GET NOTICED WITH CHAMBER SPONSORSHIP Sponsorship with the Chamber is an effective way to promote your company! Get noticed by your fellow Chamber members when you sponsor and advertise with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. The power of advertising through sponsorship is that your investment instantly buys you a multifaceted marketing strategy through: brand association, publicity, business relationships and advertising. Ready to learn more? Contact Erin, Event & Program Coordinator: Phone: 204 5715343 Email: events@brandonchamber.ca

BE FEATURED IN A CHAMBER PUBLICATION! Get Featured! The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is currently looking for local business stories to fill up our editorial calendar for 2021 and 2022. We are looking for stories on perseverance, adaptability, community support, if you have won a prestigious award, have moved locations, have changed your business dramatically or just have a great fun story to brighten our days! Send your submissions to members@brandonchamber.ca Please note that due to the volume of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee publications for all entries.

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2021

BRANDON CHAMBER ADVOCACY priorities The Chamber is an active advocate for its membership by providing a voice for the business community with all levels of government. At any given time, there are a wide variety of issues that may arise. The items below represent the current advocacy priorities.

IMPROVING THE REGIONAL ECONOMY:

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE:

The Chamber believes that business expansion and job growth are critical components to a vibrant community, and that government should invest in economic development that results in jobs and investment.

The Chamber believes strategic infrastructure investment is necessary for growth and for creating a competitive environment attractive to business. The Chamber supports: Enhanced strategic infrastructure investments that facilitate economic growth by utilizing federal and provincial initiatives and funding A strategic, sustained, disciplined approach to investment in core infrastructure

The Chamber supports policies that focus on growing our economy by: Developing of a proactive regional economic growth strategy that addresses the needs and opportunities of Southwest Manitoba Creating performance-based economic development incentives that supports growth and attraction of new business Improving cost competitiveness and removing barriers that inhibit the growth of existing businesses or prevent the attraction of new investors to our community

GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY AND TAXATION: The Chamber believes in a fair and equitable system of taxation that promotes private sector growth and makes Brandon more competitive. The Chamber believes that all levels of government should exercise fiscal restraint and control program spending by seeking out efficiencies and implementing priority or performance-based budgeting. The Chamber supports fiscally sustainable budgets that: Evaluate programs to ensure measurable outcomes and achieve desired results Ensure sound fiscal management with strong budget reserves and consideration of long term planning Adopt spending priorities that have clear and measurable outcomes and encourage transparency and accountability. Do not stifle investment and create a tax burden for business and citizens The Chambers supports market competition as the most efficient means of ensuring high levels of service, innovation and competitive pricing and as such supports public and private partnerships where cost savings can be realized. The Chamber opposes increases to business taxes and fees that would negatively impact Brandon’s competitive environment

To learn more, visit CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2021

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: The Chamber believes that there must be a strong alignment of education and workforce development with employer needs and that immigrants are a critical source of workers and entrepreneurs for our economy. The Chamber supports sustained funding and programming for our local community colleges and university to continue quality workforce training that aligns with business/industry needs.

FAIR GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS AND REDUCTION OF RED TAPE: The Chamber believes that a well-designed and effective regulatory environment supports businesses, protects consumers and contributes to healthy communities. The Chamber supports policy that: Improves efficiencies and timeliness of permitting Provides clear and transparent guidelines that businesses can rely on Removes roadblocks to risk-taking, innovation and investment

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: The Brandon Chamber believes environmental management must take a balanced and reasonable approach that protects the environment without placing unnecessary burdens on business.

REGIONAL COLLABORATION: The Chamber believes in working with local businesses, government and other partners to advance policies and cooperative efforts that build and sustain regional prosperity.

brandonchamber.ca 03

Current

BY THE

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES $0

PROVINCIAL BUDGET

Every year, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce submits a pre-budget commentary to the provincial government’s public consultation process. In our most recent meeting, with Minister Fielding, we shared our priorities to restart the economy and provide strategic investments.

The starting cost of attending one of our many events. Pay what you can allows you to join for FREE! #memberperks

Visit brandonchamber.ca to view our 2021 Provincial Budget Submission.

Total number of formal letters sent between the Chamber and the Provincial Government, advocating on behalf of Brandon businesses in the face of Code Red shutdowns.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Amid COVID-19, the BCC has been unwavering in our commitment to Brandon businesses. Through countless calls and meetings we’ve advocated for real relief, in particular for businesses forcefully affected by public health COVID-19 prevention orders. Our Board of Directors had multiple communications with the Provincial Government and Public Health advocating for a safe reopenings during the Code Red restrictions: Letter to the Premier and Dr. Roussin (Dec 2, 2020) Letter to the Premier and Dr. Roussin (Dec 22, 2020) Correspondence from Minister Eichler (Dec 30, 2020) Letter to The Premier and Dr. Roussin (Feb 23, 2021) Copies of this correspondance is available on brandonchamber.ca

Total number of Chamber events since June 1, 2020. More than 1 event every single week! Join us and get networking!

67+

Total number of nominations received for our Business Achievement Awards! Best of luck to all of our nominees!

$100

The amount of Chamber credits you will receive if you refer us a business who signs up for membership, through our Member Referral Program.

104

RED TAPE REDUCTION

The Chamber believes that a well-designed and effective regulatory environment supports businesses, protects consumers and contributes to healthy communities. The Chamber supports policy that improves efficiencies and timeliness of permitting, provides clear and transparent guidelines that businesses can rely on, and removes roadblocks to risk-taking, innovation and investment. Our Government Relations Committee has advocated and consulted with both the municipal and provincial governments on ways to reduce red tape with recommendations provided through our Red Tape Reduction Policy. Success Update: December 2020 – Bill 7: The City of Brandon now has subdivision approval authority

The total number of days in which Prairie Mountain Health has been under Code Red restrictions since November 12, 2020.

$495

Total dollars covered by the Chamber through the Brandon Chamber E-commerce Program in partnership with Leech Printing Ltd.

602

Total number of BCC member businesses at the time of printing! Thank you for being a member!

1579 CITY + BSD BUDGET REVIEWS

Every year, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce participates in pre-budget consultations with the City of Brandon through stakeholder meetings, by participating in public consultations, and attending budget deliberations. The proposed 2021 City Budget is now available for public review online at https://brandon.ca/budget/2021-budget Through stakeholder meetings and consultations, the Brandon Chamber provides feedback to the school division on their annual budget and to keep updated on the school division’s Continuous Improvement Plan. For more information on the Budget process visit: bsd.ca/board/consultations/budget/pages/2021-2022-budgetpreparation.aspx

Total number of attendees at Chamber events since June 1, 2020. Who says you can't make connections at virtual events?

$5,000

The top amount your business can receive through the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund (CUSBRF). This fund helps small businesses offset the cost of expenses to open safely or adopt digital technologies to move their business online.

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2021

NUMBERS $110,000,000+

"What does International Women's Day mean to you?" In honour of this year's International Women's Day (March 8, 2021) we asked our Board and Staff to tell us what International Women's Day mean to them.

Dollars paid out to 11,658 businesses from the Manitoba Bridge Grant.

$109,822,700

The Brandon School Division proposed budget for 21-22. Every year, through stakeholder meetings and consultations, the Brandon Chamber provides feedback to the school division on their annual budget.

$85,552,821 City of Brandon proposed budget for 2021. An increase of 2.1% over 2020 approved City Budget,

$50,000,000

The MB Gov Long Term Recovery Fund of $50M is being rolled out gradually to support businesses in partnership with business associations and Chambers.

$5,000,000

$5M has been made available through the Dine-in Restaurant Relief Program. The rebate will help offset additional costs related to food delivery services, whether a restaurant provides its own delivery service or uses a third party delivery company.

$1,052,065

The Brandon Area Community Foundation granted a record breaking $1,052,065 throughout the year.

500,000

Manitoba reached a testing milestone February 14th by completing 500,000 tests for COVID-19 at provincial sites.

33,000

Total number of responses on Engagemb.ca in response to the Feb 12, 2021 reopening plans from the MB Gov.

11,000

With the MB Government's 20 New Schools Guarantee, Manitoba is well on the way to more new schools to house 11,000 students. So far, 3 schools have been planned for Brandon.

5,962

Total number of followers across our social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook). If you have something great to share, tag us, and we will help spread the word! Follow us @bdnchamber

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2021

"The foundation we stand on as women today was laid by the determination, grit, and relentless perseverance of the women that came before us. May we never forget the sacrifices they made as we continue working towards a better future for our daughters." LAURIE BRUGGER | Century 21 Westman Realty

“International Women’s Day is about recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of all the women before us, celebrating the resiliency and accomplishments of the women who stand beside us, and lifting up those women who will come after us.” CAROLYNN CANCADE | General Manager, Brandon Chamber

The world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality. International Women's Day gives the world a day to observe the United Nations goal of reaching gender equality by 2030." ALIX COUCILL | Director of Member Relations, Brandon Chamber

"International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the many achievements that women have made over the years. As a woman it is not only exciting but also empowering to be able to celebrate these achievements!" ANDREA EPP | Epp Law Office

"To me this day is about honouring all the women before us who have fought for women’s rights and to inspire women today to keep reaching for new levels of success". ERIN HOUCK | Program & Events Coordinator, Brandon Chamber

"In both my grandmother’s lifetimes they did not have the right to wear pants or vote, this day is recognizing those before us, and those among us. As business owners, service providers, stay-at-home parents, or all of the above - we have contributed to the growth of our generations, our economy, our world. " TANYA LABUICK | LaBuick & Co.

"International Women's Day to me is about celebrating the achievements of all women and honouring the women who have stood up for women's rights and equality." MEREDYTH LEECH | Leech Printing Ltd.

"International Women’s day is a special day outside of our normal day to day responsibilities where we can step back, take the time and appreciate those that blazed a trail for us and to be excited for the opportunities that lie ahead." JAIME PUGH | MNP, LLP

“Women’s Day, to me, is about celebrating how far we have come in achieving gender parity and to inspire women to reach for new levels of success, with the aim to actualize the incredible power that comes in being one.” CATHY SNELGROVE | Siere

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LOIS MACDONALD ALTERNATIVE LANDSCAPING

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RESERVE YOUR SPOT Half Day Conference Virtual Event (Hopin) March 11, 2021 8 AM – 12 PM $50 (tax) Visit brandonchamber.ca 04

SERIES SPONSOR:

S S P P R R II N N G G

2 2 0 0 2 2 1 1

CHAMBER SPEAKER SERIES PROVINCIAL UPDATE SESSION

STATE OF PRESIDENT THE CITY CHANGEOVER SESSION SESSION

TAKE A DIVE INTO THE CURRENT

PLEASE JOIN US AS WE

BE A PART OF TRADITION AS WE

STATE OF BUSINESS IN

CONNECT WITH MAYOR RICK

WELCOME OUR INCOMING

MANITOBA WITH MANITOBA

CHREST. LISTEN IN AS HE

CHAMBER PRESIDENT, BARRY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO,

DISCUSSES THE OPPORTUNITIES

COOPER, AND THANK OUTGOING

CHUCK DAVIDSON. GET UPDATED

AND CHALLENGES FACING THE

PRESIDENT, SPENCER DAY. THE

ON TRENDS, SUPPORTS AND

CITY OF BRANDON. A Q&A

NEWLY ELECTED BOARD

WHAT THE FUTURE OF MB

SESSION WILL BE HELD AT THIS

MEMBERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED

BUSINESS LOOKS LIKE.

EVENT.

AT THIS SPEAKER EVENT.

April 15, 2021

May 20, 2021

June 17, 2021

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Zoom Event

Sponsored by:

Member Pricing EVENT

PRICE

Individual Session

$20.00 (+tax)

Session Bundle (All 3 Sessions)

$50.00 (+tax)

To register, visit brandonchamber.ca or contact Erin: events@brandonchamber.ca | 204 571 5340 *Please note that all our events, speakers, dates and times are subject to change.

cont'd from pg. 1 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 Laurie Brugger Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd. Andrea Epp Epp Law Office Chris Finley Mazergroup Ryan Jacobson Forbidden Flavours Roastery, Affordable Storage Brandon 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 Erin Houck Events & Program Coordinator Alix Coucill Director of Member Relations Samantha Chapman Office Coordinator

Each of these stories deserves recognition and a salute. During these turbulent times, we must welcome the opportunity to celebrate the small victories and with all the adversities faced this past year, the celebrating may be just a little bit sweeter. So, what will this year’s celebration look like? Keeping with the theme of innovation, we have envisioned a whole new format for this year’s event. Our virtual Awards Show, moved from March to the May, will highlight three finalists in each category and keep the excitement of declaring the winner right up until the event day. We will also recognize up and coming talent with the presentation of our new Young Entrepreneur Award and the Top 4 Under 40. While an in-person segment to the event seems unlikely, rest assured we are looking at ways for ‘attendees’ to connect and engage – stay tuned. We’ve been given a lot of lemons this year, and while our lemonade doesn’t taste too bad, I am really looking forward to some iced tea.

Carolynn Cancade | General Manager The Brandon Chamber of Commerce

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NO minimum firm size, NO industry restrictions, YOU choose the coverage, YOU control the cost! Your Chambers Plan offers more than just financial support. See why more than 30,000 business owners have selected this plan. Visit www.chamberplan.ca or request a quote by contacting our new exclusive advisor, Scott Whitmore at 204-638-7744. The Esso and Mobil Business Fleet Card Program gives you exceptional fuel savings, powerful yet easy-to-use fuel management tools. Plus members of Brandon Chamber of Commerce receive 3.5 cents per litre discount regardless of volume. To Join, visit: https://www.essobusinesscards.ca/en/a/home/?org=chamber/ 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. If you have questions on the First Data offer or require additional information, contact Mohamed-Ali Kessentini at 905-602-3548 or visit www.firstdata.com. At Freightcom, we simplify your shipping by providing you discounted rates for your LTL and courier shipping needs. Freightcom not only provides SMEs with discounted shipping rates, but is also a platform that allows you to quote, book and track your shipments with a variety of carriers in one place. Contact Alix for your exclusive discount code. Purolator has developed a tiered courier pricing structure for BCC 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, contact Tim Hick, Purolator Alliance Partner Program, at 1 (877) 324-0002 for a quote for your business. Vexxit is a marketplace for professionals that uses advanced machine learning technology to match people with the lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and consultants they need, when they need them. For member professionals in the fields of accounting, legal, financial advisory, and consultancy will receive a 20% discount off Vexxit’s annual professional membership subscription. Contact Alix at 204 571 5344 or visit https://vexxit.com/ to learn more.

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.