NOVEMBER 2021
Chamber at a
Glance
In This Issue
How The Chamber is #SupportingLocal This Holiday Season 3 Funding Streams You NEED to Know About Business Achievement Award Nominations Now Open!
Mark Your Calendars 12.03.21 Holiday First Friday Coffee - In Person 12.09.21 Chamber Holiday Luncheon 01.06.22 Business Award Nominations Close
BUY IT, BRAG IT, TAG IT
"When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance." This
the fall air giving us a warning of things to
Manitoba
come! I had to do a light scrape of the
Brag,
windshield and turn the heater on high for
“Shop
a
recognized
member reading this to provide at least
several summer road construction crews
one recommendation of a fellow business.
Your
hurrying
A restaurant where the food and service
that groups of people can be together
were
that
and be safe. Our luncheons and coffees
diesel is now available at the pumps and
offered a little extra or that super one-of
have returned with strong attendance and
companies
a-kind find you discovered while exploring
most importantly no indication of Covid
snow clearing.
our shops. We all experience these events
spread. We have followed Public Health
regularly in our community. Let’s celebrate
rules
them on social media and shine a bright
membership’s
light
desire
while.
before
As
Along
to
get
the
the
the
a
end
are
on
many,
it
the
closures,
the
winter a
I
asphalt season.
me
turns,
to
we
as
season
busy
season.
Christmas,
of
calling
means
holiday
lift
of
calendar
focus
route,
the
schedule
business
ahead.
last
For and
year’s
challenges
Tag”
and
Local”
all
work.
exceptional,
on
our
greatly
with
campaign
of
of
our
I
Chamber’s
challenge
the
store
incredible
the “Buy,
each
clerk
Brandon
and
Chamber
and
to
has
helped
been
respectful
safety
interact
demonstrate
as
with
well
others
of
our
as
their
from
the
Westman business! Tag us @bdnchamber -
business community.
so we can multiply the effort!
Your Brandon Chamber continues to work
the scramble to develop websites, there is
continuing to hire additional staff, either
committee
a certain calmness to business this year.
to deal with new sales, or just to get back
business.
We have been through the gauntlet and
to their regular requirements. We have all
customers are excited to spend time and
are still standing! Take a moment to be
done
money
proud of that accomplishment. And revel
customers,
our
in the hustle and bustle of busy stores.
throughout
the
Missing that last year will help us all enjoy
implemented
it now, no matter how hectic!
recommendations
their
we
This Christmas season will not be easy.
continue to demonstrate how safe it is to
Supply chain issues will result in shortages
be back in our stores for customers and
of certain items and will likely disappoint
staff. Hesitancy by both consumers and
some of the “last minute” shoppers. We
prospective employees is real. I recently
should
saw
sure
to
encourage
this
risk
leverage
of
delivery,
in
Many retail stores and restaurants are
all
pickup,
of
ties
Chambers
and
reduce
curbside
Winter
Christmas
After
with
down
concept
We have been through the gauntlet and are still standing!
Driving to work this morning, I could feel
early
shopping
disappointment.
our
local
strength
to Be as
a
tremendous
a
of
teams
Manitoba
statistic will
and
ourselves We
Public often
Let’s
that
protecting
and
pandemic.
expectations.
consumers
job
Health
exceeded
make
indicated
select
have
sure
85%
of
accommodations
based on higher cleanliness standards. I
items on the shelf are a much better bet
think
it
is
reasonable
to
than ordering online and hoping it shows
businesses will be judged by this desire
up!
from our customer.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021
believe
all
with all levels of government and at the level
to
find
ways
to
grow
But business grows best when
with
you.
This
next
couple
of
months will form a strong base that builds consumer confidence going forward.
I know you will all hit it out of the park!
Barry Cooper President Brandon Chamber of Commerce
02
1
4
Ways the Chamber is #SupportingLocal This Holiday Season
Discover the best of the season with Wrapped —
the
ultimate
sought-after
guide
gifts
and
to
the
holiday
region’s
most
experiences.
We’re bringing all of holiday 2021’s greatest gift-giving
ideas
together
in
one
place.
Featuring makers, creators, artists, designers, shops,
and
eateries
from
Brandon
and
the
Westman area, Wrapped Holiday Gift Guide is a catalogue of editor-approved picks that will both uplift and inspire.
With magazine-style layouts and curated product collections, each advertising partner will be featured to maximum effect. This project was put together by Leech Printing Ltd. and The Brandon Chamber of Commerce, hitting mailboxes November 2021.
2 Shop locally this holiday season on our Shop Local Guide, where you
3
can find the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list, no matter your budget.
Whether you're shopping for him, her, the kids, something great to snack on or a relaxing treatment, the Shop Local Guide is home to tons of unique stores and services, located right in our backyard! Check out this online guide for gift ideas, but beware, you may even end up buying a little something for yourself. #shoplocal
We LOVE featuring our members! And we do this in a variety
of
ways
throughout
the
year.
From
member
profile articles, to social media engagement, award presentations and business anniversaries.
Visit: brandonchamber.ca/shop-local/shop-local-holiday-guide/
4
Starting this holiday season we are working with local production company Trident X on a significant amount of member profile videos, showing all that our great city has to offer.
Watch our social media feeds (@bdnchamber - Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) for contests, or attend one of our upcoming events, to be entered into a draw to win #local giftcards for you to share, spend and enjoy over the holiday season!
Keep your eye out at Landmark Cinemas to see them for yourself!
How will you #SupportLocal this holiday season?
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021
03
FUNDING STREAMS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Developed with the growth of your business in mind.
DIGITAL MANITOBA INITIATIVE
BRANDON ECONOMIC RESTART PROGRAM
The Digital Manitoba Initiative will invest $15
The
Million
Brandon in response to a recommendation
economic
recovery,
from the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
Manitoba,
the
businesses through two funding programs:
Commerce
TechUP, allocating grants of up to $5,000
The program provides a maximum one-time
Winnipeg launched Retrain Manitoba. The
for
grant
$12.5
into
the
development
of
essential
and
digital
registered
asset
PowerUP,
adaptation
and
Manitoba
system
providing
a
and
upgrades,
maximum
of
$25,000 for capacity-building projects.
Offering
two
Manitoba
levels
Chambers
of of
funding,
the
Commerce
BERP
up
was
to
created
$2,500.
by
the
City
Applications
will
so
they
and can
evolve
most
has
Legally
operating
within
effectively
be
any
secondary
of
the
the
City
health
independent consultants registration
and
application
Be
home
able
to
based
of
is
Development
a
grant
for
required
to
keep
up
with
the
Who is eligible to apply?
following:
organization,
institution,
craft
online
of
changing needs of business.
meet the shifting needs of their customers.
The
of
Chambers
Economic
program
Manitoba’s
Province
upskilling
government
strategies
operations
in
the
Manitoba
and
million
steps
Business Eligibility:
their
business
next
Not
adapt
the
$2500 per employee for any retraining and
Brandon on or before Jul 12, 2020
assets,
of
until available funding is depleted.
their
digital
part
businesses. They can be reimbursed up to
invest
their
be
As
evaluated on a first come first serve basis
created the opportunity for businesses to in
of
RETRAIN MANITOBA
Any
post-
business,
of
any
size
that
is:
A
Manitoba-based, active and registered
authority,
business
businesses,
with
a
valid
Manitoba
business number. In good standing with the Manitoba Companies Office.
demonstrate
business
net
A
business
account
holder
with
a
forms are designed to be straightforward,
income has been negatively impacted
Canadian financial institution, with the
and you can start and finish each process in
by the COVID 19 pandemic
account
30 minutes or less. The first step is creating
Approved grants will receive 90% of the
Manitoba business number provided.
an account and registering for the Digital
eligible
Able
Manitoba
maximum of $2,500
Initiative
through
the
intake
investment
refunded,
to
a
Eligible Investments:
Be prepared to provide your…
active
What costs are eligible for funding?
onward
Personal and business information
Funding can be applied to a range of
Professional
Bank deposit details
business
services
consulting,
(web
design,
accounting,
courses including in-person, online and
legal
industry-recognized
advice, strategic planning)
Applications Manitoba
will
be
Chambers
and
first
reviewed of
come,
by
Commerce first
served
the on
Marketing
a
media
basis.
of
$15
Million
in
grants
to
ads,
(website
photography,
social
Tuition
videography
development, software enhancements)
businesses.
Furniture & Equipment
Visit: digitalmanitobainitiative.com or call 1-204-298-0549 to learn more.
Visit: economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/ berp or email econdev@brandon.ca to learn more.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021
by
third
fees
or
fees
charged
by
an
external training provider. Mandatory participant fees.
Technology Improvements (mobile app
local
courses
party trainers.
funneling,
services)
Ultimately, the project will have invested a
an
the
Eligible investments made July 13, 2021
Manitoba Business Number
provide
with
communications with the program.
total
associated
address and phone number to maintain
portal.
rolling
to
name
»
Course
examination fees.
Visit: retrainmanitoba.com or call 1-866626-4862
04
CHAMBER EVENT LINEUP
Mark Your Calendars
FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE - HOLIDAY EDITION 9:00am - 10:00am | December 3, 2021
Join us as we meet up for our annual in-person Holiday Coffee. Share some coffee (and hot chocolate) and reconnect with the Chamber network at our legendary networking event. Coffees are an excellent opportunity for you and your business to meet with new and existing clients. Sponsored by: Tim Hortons Westman.
1043 Rosser Avenue | FREE | Registration Required
CHAMBER HOLIDAY CELEBRATION LUNCHEON 11:00am - 1:00pm | December 9, 2021
The Chamber Holiday Luncheon is back! Get your favourite cozy (read: ugly) holiday sweater, and head on down to spread some cheer! BONUS POINTS if you also wear a holiday themed mask! Get ready to have some fun with games, a 50/50 draw, and some general merrymaking!
Victoria Inn | $35/per person (+tax) early bird | Registration Required
BUSINESS AFTER 5: MEIGHEN HADDAD LLP 5:00pm - 7:00pm | January 26, 2022
Buisiness After 5 is BACK! Join us as we jump back into evening networking with our featured business, Meighen Haddad, LLP. Check out their newly updated space while noshing and sharing a drink with new and old colleagues.
Members Only | FREE | Registration Required *Proof of double immunization required at all in-person Chamber events. Please note that all dates, times, locations, formats, speakers and topics are subject to change or cancellation. Visit brandonchamber.ca or call 204 571 5340 to learn more.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021
05
THREE WAYS THAT BUSINESS OWNERS CAN CREATE MOMENTUM TO DELIVER GROWTH
5 Minutes for Business / November 4, 2021 / Author: This special guest edition of 5 Minutes for Business is written by Chris Fowler, President and CEO, CWB Financial Group. Chris Fowler most recently appeared at our AGM & Convention 2021 speaking on our Building an Inclusive Recovery panel.
clients
–
finding
whose
better
top
concerns
ways
to
include
manage
cost,
attract new clients, or plan for retirement – know that you are not alone if you feel uncertain about achieving everything on your
to-do
become
list.
As
small
medium-sized
and
businesses beyond,
the
right coaching, mentoring and advice from trusted sources, like your financial services partner,
can
help
you
pinpoint
and
address crucial gaps to support your path to success.
2. Take an inclusive approach to attracting talent Employing
the
right
people
in
the
right
positions is vital to maximize future growth opportunities for your business. Given the Positioning businesses for growth might be
to build momentum for growth in a post-
growing
the
Canada’s
pandemic Canadian economy.
shortages
COVID-19
recruitment
most
economic
important recovery
factor from
in
the
small- and medium-sized enterprises, and
1. Know your business – and be honest t about what you don’t know
while
Creating
pandemic. Most Canadian companies are
many
business
owners
in
this
momentum
starts
with
labour
November
across is
many
highly
4,
2021
sectors,
2
talent
competitive,
and
those that create diverse, equitable and inclusive work environments will have the advantage.
Newcomers
to
Canada
and
segment say they remain optimistic about
understanding where you are at and what
women continue to be untapped sources
the
you require for the next phase. The stage
of talent and will play a critical role in
outlook
for
Canada’s
economic there
are
of your business’ growth – from scaling up
every
test
their
to expansion, maturity, and succession –
key is to create an environment that both
resilience and progress. After 20 months
will
supports
navigating
Whether
conditions,
they
challenges
cash
tell
that
the
flow,
us
continue
to
pandemic,
debt
concerns
obligations,
like
inflation,
guide
what
you
need
that
is
prioritizing
management
of
to
payments
and
better payroll,
people
to
be
The
their
true
selves and attracts those who have been systemically
marginalized.
Start
by
involving your leaders and employees in
buying
capacity, or getting a better grasp on the
conversations
trends and consumer demand. Yes, there
general
health
business
are social and economic factors always
specific
about
beyond control, but it does not leave them
and where you need help.
speak up and provide the information you
without
may
options.
ability
After
to
we
pursue
first
new
helped
what
needs
addressing
will
Ensure
be
the
everyone
missing,
areas
benefit
such
from
feels
as
of
your
diverse
they
how
to
can
best
reflect your customers and communities in
we are today, one thing remains clear to
for owners to know everything about how
employees’
us:
the
including them in your business planning,
operates.
We
businesses
about
which
company
small
talent.
that
increase in size, it becomes less practical
every
as
be
The
use
that
company,
and before focusing on their recovery as
companies
is
the
many companies survive the crisis early on,
successful
reality
of
building
your
workplace.
to
their
equipment,
on.
inclusive
supply chain and labour shortage continue undercut
more
focus
culturally
are
human
after all, and eventually we all have to
you
understand where they are now, before
decide
pursue
choosing where to go next. Here are three
where we must trust others to share the
specific actions that businesses can take
load. If you are like many of our business
available
resource
and
partnership
to
where
we
devote
our
time
and
you
will
operate. hearts
only
By
and
strengthen
short-,
engaging minds,
your
mediumand
ability
by
to
long-term
growth opportunities.
cont pg. 8
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021
your
and
06
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.
CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021
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
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
cont from pg. 6
3. Personalize and protect your digital experiences The
acceleration
of
digital
experiences
and
installing
systems.
If
regular
updates
something
particularly
is
for
your
unfamiliar
sensitive,
seek
through the pandemic has fundamentally
professional or legal advice.
changed the way many of us do business.
or out
cutting-edge
4. Rethink what you expect of yourself and your financial services partner
technology platforms are redefining how
The COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping in
we think about injecting a personal touch
its impact on business, but those poised
in our client interactions. More than ever,
for success reframed the downturn as a
it's important to anticipate your customer’s
time
needs, tailor unique solutions that make
operational needs in a way that builds
them feel like a partner, show your deep
momentum
knowledge,
competitors.
As in-person experiences slowly return to our
lives,
video
calls
and
and
make
their
experience
to
match
their
and
growth
an
edge
Developing
over deep
understanding
seamless.
imperative, but as the company matures,
As
your
a
to
with you – both online and in-person - feel
of
stage
business
is
any expectation the owner should remain more
businesses
ecommerce
and
smartly
digital
adopt
solutions
to
an expert on its every aspect, as well as how
it
overlaps
with
personal
finances,
enhance speed and efficiency, so to must
becomes difficult to fulfill. Your financial
they
partner should be there to support you as
be
proactive
about
mitigating
the
risks involved. The ceaseless presence of
a
opportunistic
proactively
hackers
awareness
and
where
concerns
it
requires
monitoring, moving
constant
natural
extension
of
defining
and
your
team,
addressing
especially
what’s most important: who you are, what
money.
you do, and how to be ready for growth
Safeguard your business by revisiting best
opportunities
practices
resurgence of the Canadian economy.
for
cybersecurity,
including
unique identities for those who manage
your
payment
systems,
notifications
for
that
will
power
a
when actions occur in your bank account,
For more information about the Canadian
implementing multi-factor authentication,
Chamber of Commerce, visit: chamber.ca
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.