January 2012 Inside this issue: GM’s Report Member Spotlight Event Reviews Calendar of Events Business Books: Recommended Reading Social Media and its Overall Effectiveness
CHAMBER at a glance
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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Looking for efficiency and value in increased taxes
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s we enter into a new year, hopefully refreshed and ready to go following a short break, we begin to focus on the year ahead. There are a number of issues and items to deal with as a carry over from 2011.
dollars. At some point, we need to begin this process and it appears that this is a first stance to address that concern.
I believe that a tax freeze may not be in the best interest of our city. We have a number of issues that need to be First and foremost is the issue of taxes. invested in, including current repairs to We are definitely going to see some sewers and streets and preparation for higher taxes in 2012, even before we see expansion. It is important as a Chamber what happens with the school division and a community to increase retail increases. For some, the expected opportunities, and to diversify the tax Chamber stance is to not increase taxes, base. Leading up to the public but a more accurate statement would deliberations, the Chamber of be that we look for efficiency and value Commerce met with the Mayor and City for tax dollars. We as an organization Councillors to discuss the infrastructure believe municipal spending must be held shortfall. The one caution we have in check and we challenge governments issued is that if there is to be any to be more efficient in their operations. increase in taxation, there needs to be We expect our political leaders to be value for services, and be mindful of the very respectful with the revenues they capacity of citizens to pay. The have available. Each and everyone of deficiency in infrastructure can not be our own businesses struggle with the made up in one, two or even three years. same challenge as we continually look By now you have heard that the mill rate for the right balance between bottom will grow by an additional 5.28% to make line results and putting enough away for it balloon to 21.02%. In a year when future opportunities. It appears that the properties have been reassessed, this City has not done a good job of the “put means that even without the 5.28% a little away” part as we face an increase, there would have been more in infrastructure deficit of $165 Million the city coffers thanks to the provinces
assessment. The municipal taxable assessment has increased by $231 million (14%) to a total property value of $1,933 million. That means the city is already working with a larger tax base, and traditionally the mill rate is not raised in years when there is an assessment. This year the circumstances are different. What does the property tax increase mean? That is difficult to say because the overall impact will be different for each property owner. In a Financial Post article published on January 29, 2008 author Kevin Gaudet, wrote that “when paying taxes one cares less about the rate paid or the details of the complicated formula used. Instead, one cares about how much money is being taken year over year. That is the only comparison relevant to a taxpayer, not whether the rate is 0.82 in one city versus 1.15 in another city.” How much more will this all cost once (Continued on page 8)
FROM THE DESK OF...
GM’S REPORT
Past, Present and Future
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t has been an exciting and busy month and a half since taking the reins at the Chamber. I have attended many meetings and a variety of events to solidify and build relationships, while educating myself on the many Chamber and community projects. My experience and knowledge of the Chamber has made the transition relatively smooth, but the depth and breadth of Chamber initiatives and membership concerns continues to be challenging.
motivated team that I believe will be a great asset to the Chamber organization.
We are midway through the Presidential Chamber year and have had a very busy fall with a full calendar of events. In addition to our monthly luncheons, we hosted two election forums, organized several workshops and information sessions as well as providing many networking opportunities. The Chamber will continue to work towards providing The Chamber is a long standing pillar of quality events, networking the community, and I appreciate the opportunities and professional opportunity to lead the Chamber into development forums. We have planned this next phase. I look forward to the another great slate of speakers in the new challenges and opportunities new year and we look forward to seeing ahead in my new role as General you there. Manager, and I think my unique perspective of how the board operates This fall we were also active in meeting and Chamber activities will provide with government leaders and great value for the membership over community stakeholders and we will time. continue to address membership concerns in the new year. One of my first duties has been the building of a new staff team. Ashleigh One such issue the Chamber has been Salo, previously our Internal Relations closely monitoring the city budgeting Coordinator, has moved to the position process. We hosted an information of External Relations Coordinator. She session for members to attend as well, brings great creativity to her new role, Chamber representatives have as well as previous marketing and sales attended various city budget expertise. A new face to our team is consultations and the city budget Stacie Bourgeois, who is our new deliberations. We will continue to be Internal Relations Coordinator. Stacie engaged in the budgeting process for has already transitioned quickly and has both the city and school division. As we brought some new enthusiasm to our are facing significant tax increases, the group. The learning curve of the new Chamber will continue to remind and existing staff will take some time, councillors and trustees of efficient use but together we have a talented and of tax dollars and voice member
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concerns of a troubling and crippling tax burden. One of the new projects we will undertaking in the new year will be working on developing a new website that will be more user friendly. It will include features that will enhance member experience and allow members to highlight and maximize their business opportunities. This is an exciting project; please stay tuned for future updates. The Chamber continues to be the voice of business and as we begin a new year I would like to thank you, our members, for your continued support. I look forward to representing you in 2012 and I encourage you to visit us at the Chamber office. Stop by our weekly ‘Chamber Coffee Breaks’ every Friday 9:30am to 11:30am and we will even treat you to free coffee and treats!
Carolynn Cancade General Manager Carolynn can be reached by email at gm@brandonchamber.ca
www.brandonchamber.ca
MEMBERSHIP
The Chamber would like to Welcome… Stacie Bourgeois Internal Relations Coordinator I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Internal Relations Coordinator at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. I officially started in the position at the end of November and have been quickly learning the role, and my responsibilities. Having been born and raised in Brandon, I have strong roots set here with family and friends. I am proud to say that I have completed my secondary education at Brandon University, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and developing a strong interest in advertising, and marketing. During my time in university I was a part of a non-profit organization known as SIFE Brandon. I held the VP of Public Relations position, and was very involved with the community programs they implemented. I am very excited for this new opportunity, and getting started at the Chamber. I’m looking forward to participating in the upcoming events, and getting to meet more people in the Brandon community.
member
SPOTLIGHT
Welcome New Members Venture Accounting Group Ltd. 3900 Van Horne Avenue Brandon, MB R7B 4E2 P: 204-573-0176 E: ventureaccounting@mts.net www.ventureaccouting.webs.com
Viking Vault— Vincent Massey High School 715 McDiarmid Drive Brandon, MB R7B 2H7 P: 204-729-3170 E: Gustafson.mathew@brandonsd.mb.ca
Budget Blinds of Southwest Manitoba 635 10th Street Brandon, MB R7A 4G6 P: 204-727-4766 E: swarbrick@budgetblinds.com www.budgetblinds.com/southwestmantioba
Anderson Strath, Certified General Accountants 1—3000 Victoria Avenue Brandon, MB R7B 3Y3 P: 204-726-1995 E: sanderson@andersonstrath.com
Reg Helwer, MLA Brandon West Unit 2, 20-18th Street Brandon, MB R7A 5A3 P: 204-728-2410 E: reg.helwer@leg.gov.mb.ca www.reghelwer.ca
Golfing Greys is an association of members, who aim to uphold and maintain the tradition of golf, but also love to travel, dine out, shop and do it with a discount. Golfing Greys has over 700 members and over 130 golf courses & businesses involved. Their website (www.golfinggreys.com) is very interactive. It serves as a meeting place for members, participating courses and businesses. The site features special offers, audio/visual presentations, maps, directions, RSS feeds and much more. They also utilize social media including Twitter & Facebook.
Golfing Greys INC PO Box 22005—Downtown Brandon, MB R7A 6Y9 P: 204-725-0649 E: info@golfinggreys.com www.golfinggreys.com
McKenzie Towers 30—9th Street Brandon, MB R7A 2R6 P: 204-720-1542 E: sales@mckenzietowers.ca www.mckenzietowers.ca
Golfing Greys has recently expanded into Saskatchewan, Alberta, North Dakota, Barbados and plan to be operating across Canada in the future.
Asper School of Business— University of Manitoba
Participating golf courses must offer a non-restricted, minimum 20% discount on advertised green fees. As well, participating businesses must offer a minimum 20% discount to members on selected products or services.
322 Drake Centre 181 Freedman Crescent Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4 P: 204-474-9221 E: marci_elliott@umanitoba.ca www.umanitoba.ca/asper/mba
Golfing Greys is owned by John Lorenowicz, Ross Paddock and Dave Scinocca. How much money can they save you?
www.brandonchamber.ca
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EVENTS Federal Issues Luncheon November 10, 2011 The Honorable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, addressed a crowd of over 200 people at the Royal Oak Inn, speaking about his confidence in Canada's economic future. Toews pointed to employment and prosperity successes stating that 600,000 more people are working today than when the recession ended. These figures show that Canada is the only G-7 nation to have gained on employment after the 2008 recession.
Toews also addressed flooding issues in Manitoba. He spoke of developing a national flood mitigation strategy that would provide help to provinces that are hit hard by flooding on a more frequent basis. Congratulations to our door prize winner Jeff DeSarno, of Westman Communications Group. Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor , Assiniboine Community College.
Minister Toews speaking at the 2011 Federal Issues Luncheon
Christmas Luncheon December 8, 2011
the Department of Institutional Advancement at Brandon University.
Thank you to Herb LeGrange of the Viscount Gort for donating two Winnipeg Jets tickets and a two nights stay at the hotel, to go to the 50-50 Festive entertainment was provided by winner as well. the talented Ann Germani, musician The generosity of attendees amounted and teacher at The Music Studio in to $1310 donated to Brandon Food for Brandon. Thought Program. A gathering of friends and colleagues came together on December 8th to celebrate the holiday season.
Cam Clark presents check for $1310 to Kevin Sumner, Brandon Food for Thought Representative.
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Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor, Keywest Photo Image by Design for their beautiful display of photography as well as the generous donation of canvas print won by Shawna English of
Congratulations to City Councillor Stephen Montague for being the grand prize winner of the 50-50 draw.
www.brandonchamber.ca
EVENTS It was a device focused event which gave attendees the a chance to network with ACC’s November 2, 2011 tech-savvy faculty, suppliers and other Chamber Members Approximately 70 attendees while trying out some new enjoyed the Business After 5 gadgets and talking over event in celebration of National student projects. Technology Week at Assiniboine Community College.
BA5: Assiniboine Community College
BIS: Twitter November 16, 2011
participants of proper Twitter lingo and etiquette. A very informative BIS session. We’ll be tweeting in no time.
We had a full house for our Twitter Seminar put on by Steve Langston of Dirty T-Shirt Thanks to all that attended, Productions. Steve covered the and Steve for his expertise. basics of how Twitter works and what it can do for business, as well, he informed
Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Calendarof Events Gerry Ritz Luncheon Tuesday, January 17th Royal Oak | 11:30am-1:00pm Sponsor: Juggernaut Computers & Financial
Brandon RHA Update Luncheon Thursday, February 9th Victoria Inn | 11:30am-1:00pm Sponsors: Crocus Credit Union
Champion of Agriculture Thursday, March 8th Royal Oak Inn & Suites| 11:30am—1:00pm Sponsor: Corral Communications
129th Annual Dinner Thursday, March 15th Keystone Centre | 5:45 Cocktails, 6:30 Call to Dinner Sponsored in part by: BDO Dunwoody LLP
State of the Province Wednesday, April 25th Keystone Centre | 11:30am—1:00pm Sponsor: Westman Communications Group
State of the City Thursday, May 10th Keystone Centre | 11:30am—1:00pm Sponsor: Brandon First
Presidents Luncheon & Changeover Ceremony Thursday, June 7th Royal Oak Inn & Suites | 11:30am—1:00pm Sponsor: Meighen Haddad LLP (Note: Tentative dates subject to change)
Chamber Friday Coffee Join us Fridays 9:30am— 11:00am for casual networking over free coffee and treats!
www.brandonchamber.ca
Chamber Office 1043 Rosser Ave
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Working for you...
The Critical Aspects of Social Media and its Overall Effectiveness Social media has established a prominent presence as form of marketing utilized by companies in countless industries worldwide. There are a variety of inherent factors that can prove to substantially increase a company’s brand equity and visibility, or possibly victimize a company’s reputation. The way in which a social media strategy is implemented and monitored can go a long way in determining its overall effectiveness. Today’s market features a wide array of consumers who have certain expectations of brands, products, and services. Discontented and social media savvy consumers are simply awaiting any opportunity to voice their opinions via Twitter, Facebook, and associated social channels. This makes it even more vital for a company to thoroughly research and consider what methods of social media are most appropriate and beneficial to their needs. There are a number of steps that can be taken in order to avoid the aforementioned social media disasters that occur frequently in today’s online marketplace. The first involves being realistic and properly understanding the relationship between conversations on social networks and other types of customer interactions. The next step includes utilizing a multi-channel strategy for customer sales and service. While social media is quite effective, interactions taking place at brick and
mortar locations, on toll-free lines, and during online customer service chats are also very important in providing a comprehensive view of consumers’ opinions. The following step focuses upon viewing your data and evaluating the technology that is currently in place in order to understand consumer behavior and the voice of the customer. The final measure that can be taken to avoid social media disaster is to have a designated employee that specializes in the customer experience delivery chain.
measure social media effectiveness using BI solutions. Mapping out the ideal marketing process flow that will best transform prospects into quality sales leads is an exceptional starting point. Another practice involves determining the online marketing initiatives and campaigns that will be implemented to attract and engage prospects. Selection of the appropriate outlets to use is quite important in safeguarding the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Each initiative that comprises the A company that does not currently possess marketing plan must then have a prea strong presence in social media does not established audience profile, outreach, have to fear making a huge investment in social media. There are a number of low cost options that can be practiced to make that initial leap into the realm of social media marketing. Starting a blog about Showcase Your relevant industry news, trends, or intriguing applications of your product line Business at a is an excellent way to embark into the Chamber world of social media. Creating a LinkedIn Luncheon! group, Facebook page, Twitter account, a customers-only discussion forum, or a YouTube channel can provide unique opportunities to present and inform users Sponsorship includes: and fans alike of current company A table to display highlights and information.
material
The key to a company’s successful use of social media is all about the results and the ability to properly measure them. Industry analysts are publicizing self-service business intelligence as the so-called “golden child” of 2011. In terms of marketing, one area that could widely benefit from self-service BI is social marketing. There are a number of bestpractices that can be employed in order to
One seat to the Luncheon Verbal recognition from MC Thank you in Chamber @ a Glance
BUSINESS BOOKS
Recommended Reading... The Speed of Trust By Stephen M.R. Covey, son of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People author, Stephen R. Covey. Free Press (February 5, 2008) “Trust is not just a touchy-feely concept, it is a vital component of any viable business relationship. Covey says, “Nothing is as fast as the speed of trust.” Nothing better accelerates a transaction, a task, or project, than trust. When there is a high level of trust between parties in a business transaction, deals can be made in minutes with a handshake, yet many organizations are dysfunctional and inefficient because of low-trust cultures.”
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www.brandonchamber.ca
engagement, and outcomes. An even more thorough approach (Continued from page 6) includes tracking all the way through to incremental sales, value proposition, and budget that revenue and gross profit that is you are derived directly from online willing to spend. The most marketing. Business intelligence appropriate set of keywords must allows insight at the appropriate then be identified to ensure times during your social media optimal website content that is campaigns. It offers the ability to designed for those specific instantly alter campaign focus and keywords. Identifying and adjusting direction. Social media marketing paths on social networks, aligning can greatly benefit from the use of the website experience with business intelligence as marketers specific landing pages, and setting can produce and exhibit greater goals for desired actions are all value in their social media outreach best-practice techniques in order campaigns. to ensure continuity. It is also vital to measure all of the initiatives that Source: http:// www.articlecity.com/articles/ are being used at a given time to marketing/article_6724.shtml display your activity, outreach,
Social Media
Watch for the new Brandon Chamber website coming in 2012 www.brandonchamber.ca
www.brandonchamber.ca
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Presidents Remarks (continued from page 1)
2011-2012
Board of Directors Cam Clark, President CKLQ/ Star FM Nate Andrews, Vice-President Guild Insurance Brokers Inc. Craig Senchuk, Secretary/Treasurer Atom-Jet Industries PJ Crane, Past-President Crane Steel Structures Ltd. Frank Arndt myITsource.ca/MTS Connect Corral Centre
the final figures are in? You’ll find out once the Council votes on the budget and the School Division determines what kind of increase may be needed. In some instances, substantial increases may be coming. The concern is at what point will we tackle the burden of investing in the future? Throughout the process leading up to the budget deliberations your Chamber was active in discussing, attending public forums, monitoring the deliberation process, and the input on what will be reasonable from a business point of view. We will continue to be vigilant on your behalf, but it is important to have your voice heard as an individual as well.
Cities that take an aggressive stance in rapid expansion run the risk of overlooking proper development. Communities that take a passive approach miss out on opportunities to capitalize on growth. Brandon is wrestling exactly what the right number should be.
Cam Clark Chamber President
Todd Birkhan BDO Canada LLP Darren Blazeiko Cancade Company Limited
Office Space available for rent in the Chamber of Commerce Building
Denny Bouchard Mazergroup
1043 Rosser Avenue
Daniel A. Burns Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd.
All offices have access to the main and lower boardrooms on appointment basis.
Karla Dane Meighen Haddad LLP
Call the Chamber Office for more information 204-571-5340 | internal@brandonchamber.ca
Carla Milne MNP LLP Sharon Shepherd West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Chad Wallin Montana’s Cookhouse
Having a meeting? Member
Non Profit
Non-Member
We have the perfect place… The Chamber Boardroom
Half Day—$48.25 Full Day—$69.50 Hourly—$16.00
Half Day—$26.75 Full Day—$48.25 Hourly—$16.00
Half Day—$64.25 Full Day—$85.75 Hourly—$33.25
Two 50” Flat screens Seating for 18
CHAMBER at a glance Chamber at a Glance is published six times per year by: The Brandon Chamber of Commerce 1043 Rosser Avenue | Brandon, MB R7A 0L5 Phone: (204) 571-5340 | Fax: (204) 571-5347 EDITING & DESIGN: Ashleigh Salo PRINTING: Leech Printing Ltd. 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 favorable to enhancing existing and attracting new business.
www.brandonchamber.ca 8