Glance
A Message from Your General Manager
As of last night, the tariffs that had been temporarily paused have come into effect, and Canada has implemented retaliatory tariffs in response These new measures come on the heels of the results from our recent Tariff Impact Survey, in collaboration with Chambers across Manitoba, which highlighted the uncertainty and challenges faced by Manitoba businesses Manufacturing, transportation, and wholesale/retail industries were identified as being among the most vulnerable, facing rising costs, supply chain disruptions,andshrinkingmarketcompetitiveness.
The Chamber is committed to responding strategically to thesechallenges,andweareeagertohearyourexperiences andconcernsaswenavigatethisdifficultperiodtogether
In exciting news, I’m proud to share that our Vice-President, Jennifer Ludwig, has been appointed to the US Trade Council This is a key opportunity for Brandon and Westman businesses to have a voice at the table as we work to strengthen our trade relationships and address these ongoingchallenges.Asthetradesituationevolves,wewillbe suretokeepyouinformedwiththelatestnewsandupdates. Inthemeantime,weencourageyoutocontinuesharingyour feedbackwithussowecanbestsupportyourefforts
Pro-rated membership is now available for businesses wishing to lock in this year’s membership rate until May 31, 2026 Membership with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce offers many opportunities to connect, network, and strengthen your professional relationships in Brandon. Take advantage of events like our First Friday Coffee (bring a friend!),BusinessAfterFives,andourupcomingLuncheonson thethirdThursdayofthemonth.
We are excited to host our Building Bridges and Community luncheon on March 20, featuring a keynote address from Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk, Base Commander of Canadian Forces Base Shilo His presentation, “Canadian Forces Base Shilo - Your Canadian Armed Forces in the BrandonandWesternManitobaArea,”willprovideinsightinto the important role of the Canadian Armed Forces in our region.ThiseventwillbeheldattheBrandonArmoury,home ofthe26thFieldRegimentMuseum.
Looking ahead, don't miss our State of the City Luncheon in April with Mayor Jeff Fawcett, and the State of the Province Luncheon in May with PremierWebKinew.Wealsoinviteyoutoattend our Business Awards Gala on May 1, where we willcelebratethededicationandsuccessofour local businesses and community leaders The evening will be filled with celebration, recognition, a vibrant reception, delightful dinner, and the excitement of the awards ceremony Stay tuned this year’s theme will be revealedsoon!
Additionally,weareproudtohosttheWomenof Westman conference this Wednesday, March 5, brought to you by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and Westoba, a division of Assiniboine Credit Union A special thank you to everyone who has registered and to our sponsors for making this event possible We are excited to bring this important event to life and to champion the role of women in leadership, business,andbeyond.
Olivia Boyce
CHAMBERGENERALMANAGER
Glen
and Executive
Simard
Committee, CBC Interview with Jennifer Ludwig, February Luncheon, Leadership Brandon
Events Lineup
MARCH5,2025|ALLDAYEVENT|KEYSTONE REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
FIRSTFRIDAYCOFFEE
MAR,7,2025|9:00-10:00AM|1043ROSSERAVE FREEEVENT,NOREGISTRATIONREQUIRED! WOMENOFWESTMAN-THISWEEK!
BUILDINGBRIDGES&COMMUNITYLUNCHEON
MAR,20,2025|11:00AM-1:00PM|BRANDONARMOURY TICKETSONSALE,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
ANNUALAWARDSGALA-SAVETHEDATE MAY1,2025|KEYSTONECENTRE MOREDETAILSTBA*
2025 - 2026 EVENT CALENDAR
MARCH2025
5th:WomenofWestmanConference
7th:FirstFridayCoffee
20th:BuildingBridgesandCommunityLuncheon
APRIL2025
4th:FirstFridayCoffee
17th:StateoftheCityLuncheon
MAY2025
TBA:AnnualAwardsGala
9th:FirstFridayCoffee
15th:StateoftheProvinceLuncheon
JUNE2025
5th:StateoftheChamberLuncheon
ChamberBBQ
ChamberGolfTournament
SEPTEMBER2025
5th:FirstFridayCoffee
10th:AnnualGeneralMeeting
18th:EconomicReconciliation Luncheon
OCTOBER2025
3rd:FirstFridayCoffee
16th:SmallBusinessLuncheon
NOVEMBER2025
7th:FirstFridayCoffee
20th:EconomicOutlookLuncheon
DECEMBER2025
5th:FirstFridayCoffee
11th:HolidayHappyHour
Besuretocheckoureventcalendarregularlyfordetailsandtoregister. Don’tmissout reserveyourspottoday!
EMPOWERING YOUTH RETENTION
EVENTRECAP
The February luncheon at the Brandon Chamber of Commercewasinspiring,gatheringmorethan300business leaders, young professionals, and community stakeholders, including nearly 100 youth. Featuring an engaging keynote from Cora Dupuis, she has led co-operative education programs at the University of Waterloo, the University of Manitoba, and now at Brandon University, where she continues to champion the integration of education and work experiences. With nearly two decades of experience in post-secondary education, Cora has empowered thousands of students through transformative learning experiences.
Cora's keynote, "Building Community: Retaining Youth Through Inclusive Work-Integrated Learning," explored how individuals,institutions,andgovernmentscanworktogether to empower young people and encourage them to build their futures in Brandon. She emphasized that workplaces must get creative in engaging young talent, welcoming them back during weekends, spring breaks, and summer breaks to maintain strong community ties. Her message to youth was clear: "There is room for you in Brandon, and Brandonneedsyou."
CorareferencedakeyreportpresentedbytheCanadaWest Foundation at last year’s Manitoba Chambers Economic Summit, which examined why young professionals leave and,moreimportantly,whatmightencouragethemtostay.
Cora’s keynote left attendees inspired, encouraging everyone to invest in the next generation and to see youth retentionasasharedresponsibility.
By fostering a sense of belonging, creating meaningful opportunities, and showcasing Manitoba’s strengths, Brandon can continue to grow and prosper as a community where young professionalschoosetostayandbuildtheirfutures.
THANKYOU,SPONSORS
A special thank-you to our Luncheon Sponsor: St. John Ambulance and to our Booth Sponsors: the Brandon Career Symposium, Westman Immigrant Services,CEYS Brandon,andChambersPlanfortheir support We also appreciate the Clarion for hosting andTridentforensuringaseamlessevent
ConnectED conference inspires students
EVENTRECAP
TherecentConnectEDconference,heldonFebruary 20,2025,attheClarionHotelinBrandon,markeda groundbreakingcollaborationbetweentheBrandon ChamberofCommerce,BrandonUniversity,and AssiniboineCommunityCollege Asthefirsteventof itskind,ConnectEDsuccessfullyconnected100 studentswith24industryprofessionals,creating invaluablementorshipandnetworkingopportunities
Designedasahalf-dayconference,ConnectED utilizeda"speeddating"model,allowingstudentsto engagedirectlywithindustryexpertsfromvarious sectors,includingnon-profit,technology,accounting, humanresources,financialservices,marketing, media,andmanufacturing Thisdynamicformat ensuredthatstudentshaddedicatedtimetoask career-relatedquestions,gaininsiderinsights,and buildprofessionalnetworksessentialfortheirfuture careers
Inadditiontothespeednetworkingsessions,students attendedtheBrandonChamberofCommerce luncheon,whereCoraDupuis,BrandonUniversity's Co-operativeProgramCoordinator,spokeaboutthe vitalroleyoungprofessionalsplayinfosteringa thrivingandresilientcommunity Heraddress underscoredtheimportanceofretainingyoungtalent withinBrandontostrengthenthelocalworkforce.
ThesuccessoftheConnectEDconferenceexemplifies howcollaborationbetweeneducationalinstitutions andthebusinesscommunitycanpreparestudents forsuccessfulcareerswhileaddressingregionallabor marketneeds.Byfosteringthesecriticalconnections, Brandonstrengthensitspositionasagrowinghubfor professionalopportunitiesandeconomic development.
Brandonremainsadynamicandexpanding community,withinitiativeslikeConnectEDensuring thatyoungtalentremainsengagedandinvestedin theregion’sfuture
TheWomenofWestmanConference, broughttoyoubytheBrandonChamberof CommerceandWestoba,adivisionof AssiniboineCreditUnion,isanevent dedicatedtoinspiration,connection,and growth Thisyear’stheme,EmpowerHer,is allaboutchampioningwomeninbusiness, leadership,andlife Tomorrow,welook forwardtowelcomingthosewhohave registeredforanincredibledaypacked withempoweringsessions,networking opportunities,andpersonalgrowth.
Throughouttheday,attendeeswillhave thechancetoparticipateinempowering workshopslikeCrashtheParty:Howto NetworklikeaPro!andMotivationMastery: EmpoweringYourselftoConquer Procrastination.Thesesessionsare designedtoprovideactionablestrategies tohelpwomengrowbothpersonallyand professionally,equippingthemwiththe toolstheyneedtoexcel
TheafternoonwillfeatureaWomenof WestmanPanelDiscussionwherediverse voicesandexperienceswillcometogether toinspireandencourage.Thedaywill culminatewithStephanieStaples’muchanticipatedkeynote,RevitalizeYourWork& Life!whereshe’llsharepracticaltoolsto reclaimenergy,findbalance,andshowup asyourbestself
Wecan’twaittoseeyouthere!
grow through whatyou gothrough
“Well behaved women seldom make history.” PROGRAM WomenofWestmanConference
TIME SPONSOR TASK
MORNING MIXER
WEMB Quiche tartlets, mini Danish pastries, muesli protein bars, and freshly brewed coffee
Create Marketing
MORNING SESSIONS
Homefield People and Strategy
The Wellness Clinic
Accent Accounting
LUNCH
Relaxed and stylish professional headshots at the Signature Portrait Lounge
Crash the Party - How to Network like a Pro!
Motivation Mastery: Empowering Yourself to Conquer Procrastination
Redefining Success - Finding Balance on Your Own Terms
Celebrating Diversity WIS
Treo Law
Grey Pearl Interior Design
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
Women of Westman
Stephanie Staples
Mediterarranean Pasta Salad
Mixed Wraps & Croissandwiches
Lemon Bars, Buttertart, Brownies, Mousse Cups
WOW Panel: Real and uplifting conversations, personal stories and hard-earned wisdom
Revitalize Your Work & Life!
Empowering Her Embracing the Future
News Updates
NEWS UPDATES
CHAMBER’S LUDWIG MAKES MANITOBA’S U.S. TRADE COUNCIL
Brandon Chamber of Commerce vice-president Jennifer Ludwig has been appointed to Manitoba’sUS TradeCouncil,presidentLoisRustontoldtheSun Thecouncil,establishedby Premier Wab Kinew, aims to support the province’s response to US tariffs and strengthen traderelations
CHAMBER LAUDS INTERNAL TRADE BARRIERS REMOVAL MOVE
In a united effort to represent businesses in ongoing discussions about tariffs and the Canada-U.S. trading relationship, Chambers across Manitoba asked for feedback from businesses like yours This information helped us understand the real-world impact of ongoingtariffnegotiations
HOW U.S. TRADE NEGOTIATIONS ARE IMPACTING MANITOBA BUSINESSES
In a united effort to represent businesses in ongoing discussions about tariffs and the Canada-US trading relationship, Chambers across Manitoba asked for feedback from businesses like yours This information helped us understand the real-world impact of ongoingtariffnegotiations
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’S WORK-SHARING PROGRAM CAN HELP BUSINESSES AVOID LAYOFFS
Steven MacKinnon, Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, encouraged Canadian businesses this week to consider the Government of Canada’sWork-SharingProgramasapossibletooltohelpnavigatepotentialeconomic disruptionsandprotecttheiremployees
leadership
B R A N D O N
Last month, our Leadership Brandon cohort had the opportunitytotakepartinCommunityLeadershipDay a session dedicated to building connections and gaining insightsfromlocalleadersinpublicservice
Throughout the day, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on key leadership themes, including the journeys that led these individuals to their roles, their passionforourcommunity,andtheirvisionsforBrandon’s future Conversations also touched on the challenges of leadership, the best advice they’ve received, and the qualitiesthatmakeastrongleader.
Ourcohorthadtheprivilegeofmeetingwith:
MayorJeffFawcett
CouncillorGlenParker
DirectorofLegislativeServicesReneeSigurdson
CommunityHousing&WellnessCoordinatorShannon
Sartarelli
HeadoftheWestmanCabinetOfficeJasonGoblin
MLA and Minister of Municipal and Northern Affairs
GlenSimard
Each leader shared their unique perspective on leadership,highlightingtheimportanceofresilience, collaboration, and a deep commitment to public service Theirstoriesreinforcedthatleadershipisnot just about holding a position it’s about taking action, listening to the community, and working towardabetterfutureforall.
A sincere thank you to all the leaders who took the timetosharetheirexperiencesandinsightswithour cohort Theirdedicationisapowerfulreminderofthe impactstrongleadershiphasonourcommunity.
BoardofDirectors
LOISRUSTON|PRESIDENT YWCAWestman
JENNIFERLUDWIG|VICEPRESIDENT SuperThriftyDrugsCanadaLtd
EMELIOBROWN |SECRETARY-TREASURER IntritechMarketing
MATTBERG
LivingstoneOutdoor&Livingstone LandscapingLtd
TILDAFORTIER GreenstoneBuildingProducts
MEREDYTHLEECH LeechGroup
BRENTMILLER VictoriaInn
ROBSTARKELL West-CanHRSolutions
CHRISFINLEY Mazergroup
KARINGRIFFIN AlternativeGroup
AMBERWHITE AnytimeFitness
CHARLESTWEED TweediaSocialMedia Agency
ENVERNAIDOO WestmanImmigrant Services
ChamberStaff
OLIVIABOYCE
GeneralManager gm@brandonchamberca
MACAYLALYONS
Events&MarketingCoordinator events@brandonchamberca
FREDERICRAMSAY
Office&MarketingCoordinator info@brandonchamberca
WeacknowledgethatBrandonislocatedonTreaty2territory, traditionallandsoftheCree,Oji-Cree,Dakota, Anishinaabe/Ojibwepeoples,andthehomelandoftheRed RiverMétisNation.Wehonorthehistories,cultures,and contributionsofIndigenouspeoplestoourcommunity.
SETTING THE PACE FOR A GREATER BRANDON SINCE 1883
TheBrandonChamberofCommerceisanindependent, membershipfunded,non-profitorganizationthatrepresents Brandonbusinessfromthegrassrootslevel.
OurmissionistoencouragegrowthintheBrandoncommunityby fosteringaprogressivebusinessenvironment,favourableto enhancingexistingandattractingnewbusiness.