JULY 2014 Inside this issue: GM’s Report Member Spotlight Events Review Golf Recap Meet the New Board Season Seating Recommended Reading
CHAMBER at a glance
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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Positive Future Ahead
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s I begin my term as president, difficult, whether from outside or when I look around Westman, I through shop local campaigns. Higher am pleased to see a strong busi- personal income taxes than our comness climate. We are buoyed by a coupeting provinces out west makes compeple of strong years in agriculture and we tition for employees difficult and dehave developing economic benefits of creases the spending power of income the oil and gas sector. From this, we are earners. Manitoba is also the only westexperiencing a growing population and a ern province with a payroll tax, making it momentum towards a second true city punitive for large employers to locate and service area in Manitoba. We have here. air service, WestJet has had very strong ridership numbers – we have even been In Brandon, Maple Leaf Foods is strugreferenced as a jewel of the Encore net- gling with its supply of hogs, resulting in work. We must recently continue to supannounced “I believe strongly in port Westjet to production not only provide days being Westman and intend on certainty to lost and making sure the chamber maintaining our production existing route being below makes a difference to the but encourage capacity. business community” future expansion Also loomin routes. ing is the negative publicity over the Temporary Yet, there are challenges. Provincially Foreign Worker Program, a key cog to we are struggling with an income state- Maple Leaf’s labor supply. At stake is a ment that shows expenses exceeding lot of jobs, and a lot of purchasing power revenues while having a taxing environ- that not only fuels our retail and service ment that carries higher levels of PST sectors but also supports real estate and and personal income taxes than our indirectly buoys our construction indusneighbors. A higher PST makes try. attracting people to shop here more
Todd Birkhan, Chamber President A year ago, Craig Senchuk announced that the chamber would be more strongly venturing down the road of economic development, and that this was more than a one year evolution. We intend to continue down this road. Its important to note, we are not in competition with the City in this endeavor; they play an integral part in this. We simply feel there are certain areas the Chamber is in a better position to deal with, being more in touch with the business community and not being saddled with the same level of politics. We intend to expand more strongly into the area of policy development in the current year. What do I mean by policy development? Determining what issues are of significant importance to the business community, developing a thorough (Continued on page 6)
FROM THE GM DESK.
GM REPORT
A New Chamber Year Begins
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une marked the end of our events season and the beginning of a new presidential year. It is also a time when we reflect on the progress and accomplishments over the past year, and this year we had an ambitious agenda. I will defer the details for you to read in our upcoming Annual Report, but in brief, this past year saw the addition of two new committees and a new taskforce, a new conference on oil and gas, a Shop Brandon Campaign, several new membership initiatives and an unexpected federal bylaw election forum to name just a few.
strength of our membership. The Chamber relies on member support and volunteers to help the efforts of its staff. Over the past year, more Carolynn Cancade, and more of General Manager you have stepped forward and we want you to know that we are grateful for your volunteerism.
We are able to accomplish so much with the support and collaboration of a dedicated board of directors, an engaged volunteer base, an active membership, and Our committees are the main mechanism the tireless work of staff. with which we carry out the Chamber’s various priorities and initiatives and they Thank you to the board for their rely on the breadth of knowledge and commitment and hard work. In particular, I experience provided by our members. would like to thank outgoing President Your Chamber of Commerce thrives on the Craig Senchuk, outgoing Past President talent and energy of its members, and in Nate Andrews and retiring director Chad the year ahead we look to you to add your Wallin for their time and service over the skills and voice. last several years –it is the commitment of community leaders like you that we are Join us in making this another successful able to represent the interest of the year at the Chamber! Brandon business community. Congratulations to our recently elected and returning board members. Led by our new president Todd Birkhan, their enthusiasm and drive will undoubtedly help build an even stronger and successful chamber and I look forward to the opportunity to work with them in the year ahead. Lastly, thank you to our membership and the many volunteers. It is said that the membership is the lifeblood of an organization, and certainly for the Brandon Chamber this is a motto that we live by. Put simply, the strength of our organization is directly related to the
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Heritage Co-op 1035 Richmond Ave Brandon, MB R7A 1M5 P: 204-867-2295 E: l.zacharias@heritagecoop.ca W: www.heritagecoop.ca
Camelot Personal Care C 305 18th St Brandon, MB R7A 6Z2 P: 204-725-0245 E: info@camelotpersonalcare.ca
Waves Leisure Unit 3, 99 18th St Brandon, MB R7A 0N2 P: 204-729-9289 E: trent@wavesleisure.ca
Richmond Surveys 1102 Rosser Ave Brandon, MB R7A 0L5 P: 204-761-0178 E: info@richmondsurveys.com
Wine Sense 1300 18th St. Brandon, MB R7A 6X7 P: 204-728-9463 E: vic@mywinesense.com W: mywinesense.com
Carolynn Cancade General Manager Contact Carolynn by phone at 204-571-5342 or by email at gm@brandonchamber.ca
Brandon Civic Senior Citizens Inc. 241 - 8th Street Brandon, Manitoba R7A 3X2 P: 204-727-6641 E: brandonprairieoasis@hotmail.com W: www.brandonprairieoasis.com
Do you know a business that could benefit from Chamber membership? Let us know and you could earn free advertising with the chamber or other great prizes through our Membership Referral Rrogram! Contact Allison at external@brandonchamber.ca or 204-571-5340.
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MEMBERSHIP ZONE.
Get Others Involved!
@BdnChamber
member
SPOTLIGHT The Brandon Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome Pivotal Elements to our membership! What type of services/products do you offer? We provide technical communication solutions such as IT support, off-site backup, website design and hosting, phone systems, as well as offering the products related to these solutions. Do you have a motto? Find the best technical solutions for each client. What are your business goals? To provide technical products and services which are pivotal to the success of businesses and organizations in Brandon and Western Manitoba.
What else should be know about Pivotal Elements? We provide technical solutions for the small to medium sized business who may not have an on-site IT department or staff member. We also work with clients as a resource for their IT staff in finding unique solutions for their projects. We enjoy the challenge of providing a good solution to meet the needs of each unique business! What are your business hours? Monday to Friday - 8am - 6pm Where are you located? We come to you! We usually work on-site for our clients. Pivotal Elements can be reached by phone at 204-730-1283 or by visiting their website at www.pivotalelements.com
How long have you been in Business? Part time since August 2012, Full time since July 2013.
Did you know… As a Chamber member you get:
Member rates for boardroom rentals and events Promotion of your new hires, awards, anniversaries and other news in our e-news A listing and link to your website on the Chamber’s website Business Referrals (we get calls daily from consumers) Free promotion of your events on our community calendar and social media Access to money saving affinity programs Marketing and branding opportunities Opportunity to display HOT DEALS on the Chamber’s website Listing in the annual Membership Roster Opportunity to promote your business location by hosting a Business After 5 Access to our monthly mailer to include your promotional material
THE POWER OF AFFILIATION 800 business people with one unified voice for business means protection for your business. Businesses faced with unfair government administration, taxation, or legislation can use the Chamber as a valuable resource. Well established channels to government and tthe power of representing over 800 delegates business people give the Chamber a voice that speaks louder than each business can alone.
Learn more about the many membership benefits and services by emailing external@brandonchamber.ca
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PAST EVENTS.
State of the City Luncheon May 8, 2014 A crowd of over 400 people were present for Mayor Shari Decter Hirst’s fourth annual State of the City address which was held at the Victoria Inn. Following her speech Chamber President, Craig Senchuk, questioned the Mayor on a number of local issues including the city’s development plans and possible hot issues for the next municipal election. Thank you to luncheon sponsor Brandon First and booth sponsor Sargent Lock and Safe.
Chamber Lunch & Learn: Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) May 27 & June 25, 2014 As part of our professional development sessions, the Chamber was pleased to host two Lunch and Learn seminars on the new Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation which comes into effect July 1. Karla Dane, from Meighen Haddad LLP, provided an overview of the new legislation and the impact that it will have for businesses.
President’s Luncheon & Changeover Ceremony June 5, 2014 At the Annual Changeover Luncheon, the new Chamber executive was inducted and incoming President, Todd Birkhan was welcomed as he shared his plans for the upcoming year. We also thanked outgoing President Craig Senchuck and retiring directors Nate Andrews and Chad Walling for their hard work over the last several years.
Thank you to Meighen Haddad LLP for sponsoring this event.
Thank you to Crocus Credit Union for sponsoring this event and thank you Associate Chief Judge Hewitt-Michta for performing the swearing in ceremony.
Past President’s Dinner May 27, 2014
BA5: Murray House May 28, 2014
Chamber Friday Coffees Every Friday Sept-June
At this year’s Annual Chamber Past President’s dinner, held at Remington’s Seafood & Steakhouse, the Chamber Board and an illustrious list of Past President’s thanked outgoing Past President, Nate Andrews for his contributions and presented him with an honourary Lifetime Membership.
It was a great turnout for the Brandon Regional Health Foundation ‘s (BRHF) Business After 5 event that celebrated the completion of ’Murray House’. Attendees were invited to tour the facility that was “built by the community ….for community” Thank you to BRHF for hosting this event and thank you to Leon’s Furniture Superstore and Leech Printing for sponsoring.
Our Chamber Friday Coffees were a popular networking event this year with many new faces venturing down to the Chamber office.
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We will be breaking for summer, but come join us in the fall when Chamber Coffees resume. Thank you our sponsor: Tim Hortons!
www.brandonchamber.ca
SIGNATURE EVENT.
l a u n n A h t 25 BER GOLF
T CHAMNMAMEN 014 TOUR ay, June 11, 2 es Wedn
Sincere gratitude and thanks to all the generous sponsors who made the Brandon Chamber of Commerce 25th Annual Golf Tournament a success...
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It was a great day of golf, despite chilly temperatures, for Chamber members at the 25th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament on June 11th. The day started at the Minnedosa Golf & Country Club and ended with dinner and presentations at the Victoria Inn. Congratulations to our Championship Flight winners: (from left) Paul Crane, Chad Wallin, Warren Wallin, PJ Crane & Jarod Crane!
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PRIZE SPONSORS CART SPONSOR Altus Geomatics Manitoba Professional IDC Communications Land Surveyors FLIGHT SPONSORS Business Development Bank Guild Insurance Brokers Inc. Behlen Industries Canadian Tire Brandon Sun Altus Geomatic Brandon Wheat Kings St. John Ambulance—Brandon Branch Brockie Donovan Brandon Source for Sports Bromleys Menswear HOLE SPONSORS Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers IMG/Leech Printing Ltd. CAA Manitoba Pattison Outdoor Advertising Cando Rail Services IDC Communications City of Brandon RBC Royal Bank CMS Services Ltd. Myphone.ca/MTS Connect Shoppers Mall Crane Steel Structures Ltd Total Eye Care - Fyi Doctors Shoppers Mall Economic Development myITsource.ca /Corral Communications Hardy Electric Ltd. MTS Inc. Joe Beeverz Bar & Grill Duraco Windows Keywest Photo Image by Design Inc. Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Meighen Haddad LLP Murray Auto Centre Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre Westman Communication Group Paddock Drilling Ltd. Western Financial Group Roy Johnston TDS Sargent Lock &Safe Taylor Jackson Financial Services Inc., Sun HUB International STRATA Benefits & Life Financial Consulting Union Shoe Store Victoria Inn The Dock on Princess InfoMetrics Incorporated BDO Canada LLP Samaritan House Murray Auto Centre Brandon West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Netset Communications Clinic CGA Manitoba—Westman Chapter Royal LePage/Martin-Liberty Realty Ltd.SILENT AUCTION Barry Rabe SPONSORS Blu Kitchen Bar Del Communications Minnedosa Golf & Country Club – Hashtag McMunn & Yates Building Supplies contest Canadian Tire NetSet Communications 2014 GOLF COMMITTEE BBQ SPONSOR Karla Dane—Meighen Haddad LLP Joe Beeverz Bar & Grill Terry Carlisle—Cando Rail Services 19TH HOLE SPONSOR Ashleigh Salo—Behlen Industries Westoba Credit Union Ltd. Chad Wallin—Joe Beeverz Bar & Grill/Blu Kitchen LUNCH SPONSORS Bar Blue Moon Water Rob Lussier—Sutton Harrison Realty Frito-Lay Canada James Ellis—Assiniboine Community College Subway Debbie Prichard—Minnedosa Golf & Country Club Tim Hortons
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WORKING FOR YOU. President’s Message (Cont’d from page 1)
understanding of these issues and from this, developing stances or solutions to these issues to take forward. We intend on drawing upon the expertise within our chamber membership to not only identify what issues we should be dealing with but also to help develop solution based policies on these issues. To do this, we intend on developing fixed termed taskforces for specific issues with the goal of creating proactive solutions. We think this is a better way to effect positive change, rather than sitting back and throwing rocks at decisions that have already been made. The process of issue identification will be ongoing but a couple currently being considered are: 1. looking at the process and location for future development in the City of Brandon. We want to understand the issues slowing the process and see what part the Chamber can play in opening the doors for development. 2. we will be looking to further our understanding of the challenges Maple Leaf Foods has with hog supply and potentially the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and finding if there is a place where the Chamber can lend a hand to get and keep them functioning effectively in Brandon.
The goal is to get candidates on record for their stances on issues, hopefully not only providing information to voters but also providing something to hold the elected candidates accountable to after the election.
2015 with the goal of our membership getting more economic benefits from the Bakkan oilfield.
We will have continued efforts in the Shop Brandon campaign. This committee has great momentum and played a part in the significant reduction in border crossing for Black Friday that is an indicator of leakage to retail in the US. We want to build upon these efforts in the upcoming year.
Taking on this challenge is a strong diverse board of talented individuals supported by a hard working staff headed by General Manager Carolynn Cancade. I look forward to working with each of these individuals in the upcoming year.
We want our membership to have increased participation in committees. Please submit your names if you have interest in getting involved, you build relaBrandon will be hosting the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce annual meeting in tionships while providing important advice to the Brandon business community. May of 2015. We are doing our part to bring some business to Brandon. We also Please be receptive if approached, we need the input from our membership on plan to showcase Brandon to business people throughout our province to encour- not only committees but on our policy development and analysis. age future investment.
This will be an exciting year. I believe strongly in Westman and intend on making We will build upon the efforts of our newly sure the chamber makes a difference to resurrected Ag Committee. This is a very the business community over the next important sector of our economy, we are year. still an ag based economy. We believe strongly in Westman having opportunities in value added agriculture business and this committee is diving in with a strong group of ag experts Todd Birkhan, President We will be reaching out into our memberBrandon Chamber of Commerce ship for guidance on what other areas that Our newly minted Workforce Developwould make sense for us to prioritize and ment Committee is starting to get its feet Todd can be reached at present@brandonchamber.ca tackle. underneath it. This committee is in inception but has a strong combination of board We have a municipal election in the fall of and non board members. We look for2014. Our efforts will be spearheaded by ward to this group tackling issues related Carla Milne and the government relations to our labor force – a very important concommittee and will focus on getting busicern for Brandon business. An example of ness issues discussed so members can un- what this committee may do spawned derstand the differences between candifrom a meeting with the city, the Chamber dates. It is my belief it is the chamber’s and the RHA in the past year– to develop a role to get business issues out, no other framework or process for employers to get organization is more suited for this imspousal job placement when trying to portant job. To do this we have: attract talent to Westman, thus aiding re1. plans for mayoral debate cruitment efforts. This committee will be 2. plan to give a report card on candidates tackling this in the upcoming year. on business issues – i.e. ask candidates a series of question on areas of interest to 2014 hosted a very successful oil and gas the chamber membership and effectively event. With the foundation that was built grade the candidates on their answers. in 2014, we want to build on this event in
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www.brandonchamber.ca
LEADERSHIP.
Meet the New Board
We would like to welcome
NEW DIRECTORS…
The Chamber is pleased to announce the members of the Board of Directors for 2014-2015. Representing a broad range of industries and business sizes, they will bring a diverse prospective to the Chamber in the year ahead.
Greg Crisanti Tim Hortons
From left: Greg Crisanti, Todd Birkhan, Karla Dane, Terry Carlisle, Carla Milne, Jason Thorpe, Bonnie NayDraper, Daniel Burns, Lyndsay Murray, Terry Burgess, Jordan Ludwig, Craig Senchuk, Tyler Rice (missing Frank Arndt)
Have you renewed your Membership?
Jason Thorpe Thorpe Construction Ltd.
Chamber Membership renewal invoices were sent in June. If you did not receive yours, please contact the Chamber at 204-571-5340. Don’t miss out on the benefits of membership—renew today!
Join a Chamber Committee! The best way to take full advantage of your Chamber is to get involved in a committee. Working with a committee is a great way to network and meet people, be involved in issues that interest you, and learn and practice leadership skills. Make your investment in the Brandon Chamber a rewarding one—join a chamber committee! Call 571-5342 for more information!
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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
internal@brandonchamber.ca www.brandonchamber.ca
EDITING & DESIGN Carolynn Cancade
PRINTING Leech Printing Ltd.
2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Todd Birkhan—Vice-President BDO Canada LLP
Jordan Ludwig—Secretary/Treasurer
Season Seating Don’t miss a monthly Chamber Luncheon… or any Chamber Events by booking your Season Seat! Convenience: Never forgot to register again! Avoid Preregistering online or by phone each month. Guaranteed seating for all ten 2014-2015 Regular Chamber Luncheons. Premium Seating: Get the best seats available to each luncheon. Priority Purchasing: Receive exclusive access to pre-sale of other Chamber events before they go on sale to the general membership.
Brandon Business Interiors
Terry Burgess—Secretary/Treasurer RBC Royal Bank
Craig Senchuk—Past President AGRI-TREND Business Management
For more information contact Allison at 204-571-5344 or external@brandonchamber.ca www.brandonchamber.ca
Individual - $270.00 Table of 8 - $2160.00 includes GST
Bonnie Nay-Draper Entrepreneurship Manitoba
Carla Milne MNP LLP
Jason Thorpe Thorpe Construction Ltd. Daniel A. Burns Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd. Frank Arndt myITsource.ca/MTS Connect - Corral Centre Karla Dane Meighen Haddad LLP Lyndsay Murray Murray Auto Centre Brandon Terry Carlisle Cando Rail Services Tyler Rice Powell Construction Ltd. Greg Cristani Tim Hortons
CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager Becky Farguson Internal Relations Coordinator Allison Reville External Relations Coordinator
Reserve your seat today! Recommended Reading… The Greatest Business Decisions of All Time: How Apple, Ford, IBM, Zappos, and others made radical choices that changed the course of business. By Verne Harnish and the Editors of Fortune Magazine Publisher: Time Home Entertainment (Oct 2002) Decisions equal success-nothing happens until one is made. Businesses make millions of decisions every day. But once in a great while a leader makes a truly game-changing decision that shifts not only the strategy of a single company but how everyone does business. Here management consultant Verne Harnish, the CEO of Gazelles, and Fortune's editors provide the background stories behind the greatest business decisions of all time. You will get a glimpse into the thought processes leading up to these groundbreaking moments and will learn how the decisions have shaped the thinking of today's top leaders. The Greatest Business Decisions of All Time will spur stimulating debate and discussions in boardrooms and cafes about how these judgement calls apply to other businesses. 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.
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