Chamber at a
MARCH 2022
Glance
What's Inside:
Let's Celebrate Success! Meet The Newest Chamber Members Business Achievement Awards - Finalists Revealed
4 Steps to More Exciting (and Productive) Meetings
SUCCESS, RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION One of the most compelling parts of being connected to the
Next, we send you to task – find a way to congratulate them. Learn
Chamber network is having the advantage of being surrounded by
about their businesses, visit their businesses, or send a note. We
companies
could all use a pat on the back, a shake of the hand and a little
Chamber
and
individuals
publications,
who
attending
emanate events
success. and
By
reading
connecting
with
other Chamber members, we surround ourselves in an environment of inspiring business leaders.
Success can mean many different things to many different people. Still, regardless of the route, our business community year over year has produced inspiring examples of what it means to reach success.
Success
is
the
stories
we
hear
of
resilience,
determination, and ground-breaking growth. The triumph of the up-and-coming
star
who
is
disrupting
the
way
we
conduct
business. Or the work we witness of those who have lent a hand, lifted others, and given back to their community. These examples of entrepreneurial endeavours all deserve celebration, as their combined
efforts
create
the
legacy
patchwork
of
Brandon’s
growth and success.
celebration
in
our
day
to
day
lives.
This
is
what
growing
your
network looks like in action.
“Leaders don’t look for recognition from others, leaders look for others to recognize.” Simon Sinek As we prepare for the 2022 Awards Show, we hope that everyone, both nominees and winners, are left with a sense of being seen, heard,
In homage to our City’s entrepreneurial spirit, we will celebrate our 139th Business Achievement Awards this April. While the Awards presentation recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of a select group of finalists, it is truly a celebration of our entire
and
appreciated
in
their
endeavours
and
inspired
to
continue creating change. That is truly where the story of success lies. In the famous words of Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping
together
is
progress.
Working
together
is
success.”
business community.
Congratulations to all!
We encourage you to flip to page 4 of this Chamber at a Glance issue
to
see
community,
the each
remarkable having
list
of
finalists
demonstrated
a
nominated different
by
our
story
success.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2022
of
the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
02
CHAMBER MEMBER
MEET A MEMBER: C. BUHLER & ASSOCIATES LTD. What exactly does your organization do?
NEW MEMBERS
We lead clients who want to reduce or eliminate
their
debt
and
regain
control
over their finances by working with their creditors
or
liquidating
assets,
by
Brandon Literacy Council Inc.
using
blcbrandon.com
federal and provincial legislation to do so.
(204) 729-9964
What are the organization?
goals
for
your
129 - 12th Street
We aim to provide insolvency services for those
in
rural
blc@blcbrandon.com
and
remote
communities,
Why is your organization a member of the Chamber?
and to increase our visibility in the local
We
community and our trading areas.
community, and appreciate the support and
What is your favourite part of your job?
enjoy
networking
with
our
local
representation the Chamber provides.
will
be
able
to
sleep
at
night,
It is challenging to run a small business. Between employee concerns, technology issues, and marketing decisions, there is always
something
service
first
to
do.
becomes
Putting
the
focus
client of
my
(204) 573-0056
Brandon MB | R7A 5Y2
aren’t scared of a ringing phone anymore
What is the most challenging part of your job?
cleanyourfurnace.com
Site 250, Box 48, RR2
or
is very satisfying.
All Seasons Furnace and Duct Cleaning
info@cleanyourfurnace.com
I love helping people – to hear them say they
Brandon MB | R7A 4L8
C. BUHLER & ASSOCIATES LTD. 119 10TH ST BRANDON, MB R7A 4E7 (855) 352-3733 (WORK)119 10TH ST INFO@DEBTFREENORTH.COM WWW.DEBTFREENORTH.COM
energy.
Dr. Darichuk Psychology and Wellness Centre drdarichuk.com (204) 725-4174 info@drdarichuk.com 29-10th Street, Unit I Brandon MB | R7A 2X2
Jen Luckay Designs jenluckaydesigns.ca
What is a product or service your organization provides that people might not know about?
(867) 446-6219 jenluckaydesigns@gmail.com 663 - 16th Street Brandon MB | R7A 4Y5
We can help people in financial difficulty to reduce their payments on debt by using a
Consumer
bankruptcy,
a
Proposal. Consumer
Different
Lighthouse Wellness Centre
than
Proposal
lighthousewellnesscentre.ca
will
(204) 728-0054
combine all monthly payments into one,
office@lighthousewellnesscentre.ca
and ensure that it is affordable, given the
29 10th Street
situation.
Brandon MB | R7A 4E4
What are the most important issues facing your organization today? Recovery won’t
be
from quick.
the
economic
We
are
Shippam & Associates Inc. shippam.com
downturn
training
to
(204) 728-3330
be
jason@shippam.com
ready to assist clients who are looking for viable
options
to
keep
their
personal
assets and businesses from bankruptcy.
3 Hedin Crescent
Cpt. Vanessa Durand & Cpt. Dagyeong Lee of Shilo CFB at the Feb 17, 22 Luncheon: Building Supply Chain Resilience
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2022
Brandon MB | R7A 7V9
03
Mark Your Calendars!
REGISTER TODAY & CURE YOUR F.O.M.O.
FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE: IN PERSON @ THE CHAMBER 9:00am - 10:00am | April 1, 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
Sponsor:
APRIL LUNCHEON: THE ECONOMIC FUTURE OF RURAL MANITOBA 11:00am - 1:00pm | April 7, 2022 Margot Cathcart, CEO of The Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corp and Chuck Davidson, CEO of The Manitoba Chamber of Commerce joins us to give updates on the RMEDCs progress and what the future holds for rural Manitoba's economy.
Clarion Hotel & Suites Brandon | $35 + GST (early bird)
Host Sponsor:
139TH ANNUAL CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS SHOW 5:30pm - 10:00pm | April 14, 2022 On April 28, 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
Keystone Centre | $150 + GST (early bird)
Host Sponsor:
SPECIAL LUNCHEON: STATE OF THE PROVINCE WITHY PREMIER STEFANSON 11:00am - 1:00pm | April 28, 2022
On April 28, 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
Keystone Centre | $35 + GST (early bird)
Host Sponsor:
MAY LUNCHEON: STATE OF THE CITY WITH MAYOR CHREST 11:00am - 1:00pm | May 19, 2022 Join us for our Annual State of the City address with Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest. In his final Chamber address, listen in as he discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the City of Brandon. A Q&A session will be held at this event.
Keystone Centre | $35 + GST (early bird)
Host Sponsor:
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. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Call Erin @ 204 571 5343 or email events@brandonchamber.ca CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2022
04
139TH ANNUAL BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FINALISTS BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Frank Arndt (myITsource) Kent Forman (Forman Honda)
Bernie Whetter (The Green Spot Home & Garden)
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE (LARGE) Kim's Asian Restaurant Meighen Haddad LLP Myphone | TELUS & KOODO Authorized Dealer
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE (SMALL) The Bloom Box GEM Services Velvet Dip
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Curtis Fedorowich Greg Crisanti Westman Communications Group
OUTSTANDING NEW BUSINESS Compass Coach Lines LINKS Institute
Resurrection Paint Correction & Auto Detailing JOIN US APRIL 14, 2022 TO FIND OUT WHO WINS! *P lease note that the Lifetime Business Builder, Young Entrepreneur and Westman's Top 4 Under 40 finalists will be announced the night of the awards.
THANK YOU TO OUR MONTHLY EVENT SPONSORS! February Luncheon
First Friday Coffees
Small Business Workshop Series
Host
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2022
05
STEPS TO MORE EXCITING (AND PRODUCTIVE) MEETINGS
or a local park near your business or even in the parking lot. Instead
of
sitting
around
a
table,
hold
a
walking
or
standing
Author: Christina R. Green / Source: Frankjkenny.com
meeting.
If you host regularly scheduled meetings or events (like a weekly
Routines can feel monotonous. Do something slightly different and
review) in your business, you may not even realize how detrimental
it won’t feel so much like drudgery.
"Instead of the conference room, host it at a coffee shop, or a local park near your business..."
they are to the productivity of your team.
According to the National Statistics Council, about 37 percent of employee time is spent in meetings for the average employee. You may also be surprised to hear that nearly half of employees (47 percent) believe that too many meetings are the biggest waste of time on any day—more than social media or email distractions. That
number
may
be
higher
in
your
business
if
you
employ
Step 2: Start on Time and With an Agenda
members of Gen Y and Gen X who have little interest in face-time
Respect everyone’s time and begin on the minute your meeting is
exchanges that could be accomplished through technology.
scheduled. If people aren’t there, that’s okay. Make it clear you’re not waiting for anyone.
So
if
you
find
that
your
status
meeting
consists
of
everyone
reading their part from a spreadsheet, it’s likely time you change it
Provide an agenda ahead of time that lists topics, goals, person
up.
leading the conversation on each topic. For example:
If this is news to you, don’t worry. There’s a lot that can be done
Company logo change: review designs and select final
about it.
Doug 15 minutes
Step 1: Do Something Different Most meetings are held first thing in the morning. This is not ideal
Make sure you stick to the agenda and stay on task. Start your
for several reasons:
meeting by reiterating the goals so everyone is clear what should be accomplished in your time together.
Mornings are the time for decisions. People tend to decrease in energy and decision-making powers as the day progresses.
If something starts to deride you from the agenda (or your goals)
Don’t tie up valuable power time in morning meetings.
but it’s important, table the discussion for another time. Assign
Employees often feel like this is a sneaky way for the boss to
follow-ups if needed.
get everyone in on time. Plus, if you offer flexible work hours or have employees who don’t work first thing in the morning, this
If you can’t meet your goal in the time assigned you’ll need to
meeting time can feel like a punishment.
return to it at another time. But only do this in very important
Morning
meetings
start
the
day
off
in
a
productivity
hole.
Everyone in that meeting isn’t doing what they get paid to do.
situations. In the above example, let’s say you had preliminary discussions and idea exchanges but didn’t vote in that 15 minute slot. Don’t call an entirely new meeting to do that. Instead, create
But what if you absolutely must have a morning meeting?
a
survey
and
use
technology
to
assist
you.
That
way
your
employees can vote when they’re on hold on a call or at some Then do something different. Instead of starting at 9, start at 9:05
other time that works for their schedule instead of a disruptive
or 8:50. Instead of the conference room, host it at a coffee shop
meeting.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2022
06
Continued...
Step 3: Kill Presentations With technology, there is no reason to make your entire team sit through a presentation or read materials in a meeting. That’s a waste of time. Give out homework before the meeting to watch or read the information. Meetings should be saved for exchange and brainstorming, not for things that people can do on their own.
If you’re worried that people won’t prepare for the meetings then enforce ramifications for lack of prep.
Step 4: Encourage All Voices in and Out of the Meeting During
your
meeting,
especially
if
the
point
behind
it
is
idea
exchange, you should ensure all voices are heard. However, keep in mind that not everyone feels comfortable enough to participate in group situations and others are better at coming up with ideas on
their
own.
opportunity
for
For
these
people
to
reasons,
make
contribute
by
sure
you
provide
brainstorming
on
an
their
own. You can do this by placing the idea needs in your agenda and encouraging people to think about it and submit ideas before
Digital Manitoba Initiative OPEN The Digital Manitoba Initiative will once again help Manitoba SMEs and
the meeting or allow for submissions afterward.
not-for-profit
organizations
with
digital
transformation.
This
second round application process will provide two levels of grants to Whether you gather ideas before or after will be driven by your deadline
needs.
If
you
need
a
resolution
by
the
end
of
the
support
immediately
actionable
projects,
including
upskilling
and
training.
meeting, give the homework upfront. If you plan to revisit it in the future, encourage people to share ideas after the meeting is over.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis in 2 streams:
With technology, meetings are less needed than they were in the TechUp (up to $5,000; application portal opens tomorrow, Feb.
past. They should be used for a time where clear exchange and
23 at 11 AM CST)
buy-in are required. Using them as a status update is a waste
PowerUp (up to $25,000; application portal ON TRACK to open
when technology can help you do that just as easily.
early March) Safeguard your employees’ time and they’ll be more productive
Visit www.digitalmanitobainitiative.com to learn more.
and happy. Work/life balance is important to most employees and when you keep them in meetings, they need to find another time to do what you pay them to do.
Join MB Pulse & Make Change MB
PULSE
is
a
subscription-based
community
insights
and
online
polling platform which will strengthen our members’ collective voice. In launching this tool, our goal is to collect point-in-time trends data to support our efforts in influencing government policy and decisionmaking.
As a MB PULSE community member, you’ll:
Speaking of Meetings... The Chamber has boardrooms available for rent! Rent out a piece of history in a great downtown location for board
have regular opportunities to share your thoughts on a variety of emerging
issues
from
proposed
legislation
to
forces
growth plans, marketing and export, and more; engage
meetings, staff training, or meetings with clients. You will
leaders;
have access to WIFI, a TV, kitchenette, and washrooms.
benefit
Coffee and tea is available at an extra cost.
business
affecting operations, such as HR and workforce matters, taxation,
with
from
colleagues
access
to
on
topics
that
information,
data
matter
(in
to
business
aggregate
form
only), and research themes so you can learn how others feel about relevant issues.
Contact info@brandonchamber.ca to check availability or call at 204-571-5340.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | MARCH 2022
To join, visit: https://mbchamber.mb.ca/mb-pulse/ 07
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
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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.