I have spent the first two months of my tenure learning about immigration and labour shortages, a 30M wastewater expansion project, public service salary positions, fertilizer emission reduction initiatives by the federal government, and what some of our members are facing, including, but not limited to, high sick time and high stress loads
And as August moves on I notice how on my early morning walks with my dog, host less light than July. It makes me feel like fall is closer than I would like, although I am a fan of fall, I am also a fan of long summers
You can’t win ‘ em all
Among our members the most consistent thing I am hearing is how worn out folks feel, no matter if they took a vacation or not, folks in general, seem to feel exhausted, mentally, and physically. This is a piled up effect from two years of substantial volatility and uncertainty. And what I see, and feel for myself, is a demand for resiliency A demand for businesses to continually adjust and reorganize depending on the market, their staffing situation, supply shortages and delays, plus a multitude of others
They can’t win ' em all.
This leaves them choosing the best outcome for the situation, constantly. The irony is that I think as a business you have always done that, maybe the situations are different, or more pronounced, or there is no break in between the choosing, and now it feels more arduous, almost heavy, and never ending But, in the words of Ricky Gervais from the series Afterlife, hope is everything And hope is a key to building resiliency, because like resiliency, hope is also a choice
Resilient people aren’t happy all the time, or positive all the time, or even hopeful all the time. Resilient people face and move through hardship by adjusting their view to be more positive and hopeful, among other things
Resilience is proactive, it’s a mind set, a choice, much like confidence. Resilience is an ability, built through exposure to challenge. It is all about adaptability, how you put hard things into perspective, how you practise self care, and how tackle things that throw your world off its axis curveballs, surprises, shocks
Because no one wins ' em all
Below is a list of ideas to build your resilience, both personally and within your business, I found this in the US State Departments archives from 2019 but it feels very current to me.
Maintain a sense of perspective. Ask yourself, “How big is this problem really?” and “What do I need to do?” Remember not to blow things out of proportion or catastrophize, recognize that you have a choice in how you handle challenges You can choose to react to changes and problems with hope and a positive attitude.
Learn how to calm yourself. When you feel yourself reacting to a challenge with escalating stress and anxiety, take steps to calm yourself (deep breathing, replacing negative thoughts, taking a walk)
Accept change and overcome your fears. Change and uncertainty are part of life and all of us feel fear, especially when we ’ re faced with a change But fear can hold us back from new experiences and opportunities for growth If you are faced with a challenge that feels scary or overwhelming, start with the simplest thing you can do that takes you in the direction you want to go. Ask yourself, “What’s the smallest thing I can do to get started?” Once you ’ ve thought about it, do it
"RESILIENCE IS PROACTIVE, IT'S A MINDSET, A CHOICE, MUCH LIKE CONFIDENCE."
Let go of your anger and take action. A difficult challenge can cause us to feel angry and upset These feelings are normal, but they won’t help us move forward. Work through your anger and try to let go of negative feelings Avoid dwelling on problems Focus on solutions instead Figure out what you can do and then do it, one step at a time
LAUGH. Even when things seem to be falling apart around you, try to find time to smile and laugh. It’s very healing and it will help you forget your worries for a few moments Rent a movie that makes you laugh or spend time with a friend with a good sense of humor or hang out with your dog and spend time outside
(Adapted from: US State Department, last updated January 17, 2019, What is Resilience? https://2009 2017.state.gov/m/med/dsmp/c44950.htm)
be resilient.
win ' em.
1:00 2:00pm | Wednesday, September 21st, 2022
Zoom | Free | Registration Required
Landscape of Employment
with Megan Foster, Founder of Mosaic Engagement
11:30am 1:00pm |Thursday, September 15th, 2022 |
Keystone Centre| Registration Required
with the Backyard on Aberdeen
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Ribbon Cutting @ 4pm, Chamber Business After 5 to follow
1624 13th St Unit B| Free | Registration Required
9:00am 10:00am| Friday, October 7th, 2022
Sponsored by Sunrise Credit Union
Sponsored by Tim Hortons
Free | Brandon Chamber of Commerce Office | No registration Required
with Kari Hammersley, Owner of Muse Bridal
11:30am 1:00pm |Thursday, October 20th, 2022
Clarion Hotel & Suites | Registration Required
Business After 5 with Career Connections
5:00pm 7:00pm | Wednesday, October 12th, 2022
Sponsored by Compass Credit Union
EVENTS EVENTS C05 HAMBER AT A GLANCE | SEPTEMBER 2022 710 3rd St| Free | Registration Required
Here in Brandon, the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council, in tandem with the city, will hold its second Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 27 to October 2 at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.
On September 27 we will raise tipis and on September 30 we will walk from the Riverbank to the site of the former Brandon Indian Industrial/Residential School. We will honour the Indigenous children, families and communities who suffered at the hands of individuals who were following disastrous Canadian laws and governing policies.
Truth and reconciliation cannot be contained in a mere singular week.
On October 4, we will walk from Stanley Park to Dinsdale Park and honour the many lives lost that walk is called Sisters in Spirit
This week happens because many Brandonites, Manitobans and Canadians understand we all have much to learn, much to discuss, and much to change
Countries born of colonial efforts are very difficult entities Much was done to tame the land and the people Yet most who came after those tamers were trying to make a life for themselves and their families Some have won the privilege game and some have lost that game and millions of people on the spectrum in between experience wins and losses on any given day This is heavy material But Truth and Reconciliation Week will offer teachings, and opportunities to speak with each other We can learn ways to hold each other Here we are together Here we are together
So come this year. Attend Truth and Reconciliation Week. It’s about all of us, who we are on the inside and how we are neighbours and friends, how we respect and care, and how we repair.
Do some heavy lifting for your Indigenous friends and neighbours. Do some research. Talk to others about what you learn.
Then, come celebrate with us. Healing by the River on the evening of October 1 is about the pain and the hope. It is about the spirit, the creator, which we all carry within us in some way. It is about celebrating what is not lost amongst us and what together we can create.
Let us cherish each other
This year, Truth & Reconciliation week will be held from September 27th October 2nd at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, with the Sisters in Spirit walk being held on October 4th
For a full list of all the programs that the BUAPC have put together, you can view their Facebook Page Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples' Council
You can also contact the Brandon Chamber for a copy of this program by emailing members@brandonchamber ca or stopping by our office
Michèle LeTourneau is the Community Coordinator for the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council.
A T
We are a family salon offering a wide range of services, including hair, nails, lashes brows, make up, and spray tans.
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It has been dream since childhood and after learning so much from some pretty amazing people in this industry, I knew this was the ultimate goal I can fully put my heart into every aspect To top it off, I have a the most wonderful team that makes me love this industry more and more everyday
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CHAMBER
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Relations &
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& Program Coordinator
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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
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Jessica Saler Member Relations & Marketing Coordinator
Erin Houck Events Coordinator
Connor Ketchen General Manager
Emily Belhumeur Office Coordinator