May 2012 Inside this issue: GM’s Report Membership Annual Dinner Review Calendar of Events Business Books: Recommended Reading
CHAMBER at a glance
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Events Review 6-7
a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Budgets start to reveal the impact on businesses
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ow that some time has passed since the presentation of both the federal and provincial budgets, details are starting to come forward to reveal the impact to business owners in the Brandon region. There are a number of items that weren't specifically addressed when Jim Flaherty delivered his deficit-cutting budget March 29, 2012, but they are coming to light now. As with any budget that deals with cuts, many were concerned about what the budget may do to productivity for industry and agriculture, two areas that affect our region. While most of the 19,200 federal job cuts are in the Ottawa region, there are some nervous people in our region are still waiting to hear how the announcement may impact them. We do know that there was no negative news affecting CFB Shilo which is a tremendous economic contributor to our region. It has been revealed that Agriculture and Agri-food Canada has some cuts in the province. The Cereal Research Centre in Winnipeg is closing in 2014. Some of the jobs from that facility are being dispersed to both Brandon
(gaining six jobs) and Morden (picking up 51 positions). For our friends in agriculture, things are not quite as positive following the provincial budget which was delivered on April 17, 2012. The 2.5 cents / litre gas tax that we all cringe at will be even higher at 3 cents per litre for marked gasoline for farmers.
beginning in of the year. Individuals and companies with taxable income higher than $500,000 are negatively impacted by this and it makes our province less desirable to attract new business.
One of the biggest surprises of the budget was the expanded PST eligibility A further negative impact will be the $35 on various insurances, including group vehicle registration fee. This will impact life insurance, travel insurance, baggage, casualty and property insurance. Also all of us individually, but also for all included is PST on land titles insurance. aspects of business including ag operators. The only bright spot will be if These go into effect July 1, 2012 and are those tax dollars are actually earmarked not viewed a very positive move for businesses. Some have said that will for improvements in our roads and continue to wick some of the optimism infrastructure. as the province erodes any competitive There is a lot of criticism that this budget advance that Manitoba has to offer. contained many identified and hidden The amalgamation of the RHA's (going tax increases. The reduction on eligible from 11 in the province down to 5) will dividends paid to shareholders by impact our region, but it stands to companies subject to the general reason that Brandon will remain a critical corporate income tax rate will be hub for health care administration. decreased by 11% to 8%. Today the eligible tax dividend for a top rate (Continued on page 6) income earner is 28.12%. That jumped to 32.26% and is retroactive to the
FROM THE DESK OF...
GM’S REPORT
Maximizing, Renewing & Getting the Most out of your Membership Being a member connects you. Without a doubt, the most common reason for On behalf of the Chamber, I would like to joining a chamber is the networking congratulate this year’s award recipients. opportunities, and we do this quite well. If you missed our Annual Dinner, it was a From luncheons and Friday Coffees, to our annual gala dinner and golf fabulous evening of celebration of our tournament, we offer a variety of events, business community. We are always casual and fun to formal and informative looking to improve our services and events. Thank you to all who filled out the where you can promote yourself and your business to make those connections and event survey as it will guide us for exposure. Business is about relationships planning of next year’s event. and the Chamber is a great avenue for connecting you with others.
Annual Dinner
Maximizing Your Membership, Renewing Your Membership, & Getting the Most out of Membership
Being a member makes you a better business person. The Chamber provides opportunities for professional development through informative guest speakers, workshops and forums. We As a membership driven organization, the keep you informed through our e-news, Chamber requires your re-investment publications, and we have been active in into our organization each year. With a using social media to update our wide cross section of businesses and membership. By being involved in a industry, there are a variety of reasons committee, members learn about issues businesses join a Chamber, and I am in our community and influence decision always interested in learning why or how and action, while developing skills that different businesses and individuals can make them better business people. become involved. Each member sees the value of their Chamber membership Being a member saves you money. By differently and while there is a lot of utilizing any one of the discounts offered value in a Chamber membership, I often through the chamber affinity program wonder if every member is getting the you can improve your bottom line. The most out of it. Chamber offers a great Group Insurance Generally speaking, the goal of a business joining a chamber falls under three main themes: to build your relationships, to build your business, to build your community. In fact, most businesses would consider all of these factors in their decision in varying degrees. Whatever your goal, we work to achieve it.
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businesses , but the entire community. Together our collective voice works to make Brandon a great place to live and work and by supporting the Chamber you are supporting your community. In fact, that voice extends the boundaries of our region. As a Chamber member you are part of something bigger – the Chamber Network. Through the Canadian Chamber you are a part of a network of over 190,000 businesses across Canada and have the benefit of policy makers at the federal level. Through our affiliation with the Manitoba Chamber, you have access to provincial lobbying efforts. With an office of three, the resources available through our national and provincial bodies, as well our affiliation with other local chambers provides an invaluable wealth of support and information to ensure that you are well presented and have the tools you need. Our continued success is determined by an active membership, dedicated leadership through the board of directors and tireless work of our staff. Without the support of volunteers, the board of directors, and the membership at large, the work we do would not be possible.
Plan. Chamber members also receive discounted rates to all our events, as well We realize, not every member is active in as access to free events. our events and projects. Rest assured your membership dollars work to further Being a member gives you a voice. The chamber initiatives and work. The Chamber is your advocate in discussion stronger our membership, the stronger with government officials and stakeholders. We work hard to ensure a our voice and together we can make a positive difference. strong economic environment by addressing business and community (Continued on page 3) issues that benefit not only member
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MEMBERSHIP (Continued from page 2) These are but a few of the benefits of membership. While there are a variety of reasons of why you might have joined the Chamber, perhaps you are only utilizing a small portion of the benefits. If you are interested in learning more on how to make the most of your membership, please give us a call. We continue to strive to provide value for your membership dollars and we are always looking to improve services to our members, whatever your goals. However, if you have suggestions on how we can create more value for your chamber membership we would love to hear from you. Whatever your reasons for joining, I challenge you to make the most out of your membership!
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL It is that time again! The 2012-2013 Chamber year is approaching fast , being kicked off with our first official event: the 23nd Annual Golf Tournament! Please note that membership invoices will sent out the first week of June via email. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your invoice please contact the Chamber Office at 204-571-5340 or by email at internal@brandonchamber.ca
Welcome New Members Canadian Red Cross Society Unit 1—817 Rosser Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 0L5 P: 204-729-4970 F: 204-727-0349 E: infomanitoba@redcross.ca www.redcross.ca/manitoba
Teleco Supply Co. LTD Unit B3-1128B 18th Street Brandon, MB R7A 5C2 P: 204-727-0100 E: lloyd.carr@teleco.ca www.teleco.ca
Word Design 33 Winston Bay Brandon, MB P: 204-726-5744 E: odriscoll33@gmail.com
Tasmanian Gravel Ltd. 512—23rd Street Brandon, MB R7B 1V9 P: 204-727-8200 E: linda.tasmanian@wcgwave.ca
Lube 1 Inc. o/a Pennzoil 10 Minute Oil Change Rosser & 18th Street Brandon, MB P: 204-729-8497 F: 204-284-6104
Carolynn Cancade General Manager Carolynn can be reached by email at gm@brandonchamber.ca
advertise Advertise to a here targeted market. The Chamber at a Glance reaches over 650 Brandon and area businesses and over 850 delegates!
The Mortgage Centre-Chris Turcotte 930 Lorne Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 6K9 P: 204-720-4002 E: chris@christurcotte.ca www.christurcotte.ca
World Financial Group Unit 4—940 Princess Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 0P8 P: 204-570-2785 E: westmanwfg@gmail.com www.wfgopportunity.ca
Your best connection to Brandon’s business community. For more information contact the Chamber at 571-5344 or external@brandonchamber.ca
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EVENTS
Recognizing Excellence, Honouring Achievement, Celebrating Business!!
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his year’s 129th Annual Dinner was a wonderful evening of great food, wine and socializing with friends and colleagues in the business community. Attendees also enjoyed Steppin’ Time Dance Studio’s Shadow Dance performance and words from an expert, Dianne Buckner host of the Canadian Reality TV show Dragons Den.
Borden Hadley of Smooth Freight was honoured with the Business Person of the Year award, recognizing his years of leadership and commitment to the Brandon community. We also presented awards to two businesses whose dedication to business and community make them leaders of Business Excellence. The recipients of this year’s Business Excellence awards were D & B Sprinklers for a business with 15 employees or under, and to B.O.B. Headquarters for a business with over 15 employees. Congratulations to all our award recipients!
Borden Hadley accepts the Business Person of the Year award from Chamber president, Cam Clark
A special thank you to our auctioneer of the evening, Mr. Noah Njegovan, the Annual Dinner Committee, Steppin Time Dance Studio and last but certainly not least our sponsors. This event would not be possible without the support that we continually receive. Thank you to our auction bidders who raised a generous $5500. Thank you to all those that attended our event, we hope to see you in 2013 at our 130th Annual Dinner.
(L-R) Todd Gudz (D & B Sprinklers), Darren Blazeiko (Events Committee Chair), Frank Arndt (Business Development Committee Chair) & Jeff Fawcett (D & B Sprinklers) accepting their award.
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Steppin Time Dance Studio students spelling Brandon during their beautiful Shadow Dance Performance.
Bob Ritchot (B.O.B. Headquarters) giving thanks after receiving his award.
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EVENTS
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all the generous Brandon businesses who supported our 129th Annual Dinner held on Thursday, March 15th, 2012. Your sponsorship is truly appreciated!
PLATINUM
GOLD SILVER PLUS Academy Florists Canad Inns Brandon MNP LLP Westoba Credit Union CHAMPAGNE Mazergroup SILVER Brockie Donovan Ltd. Business Development Bank of Canada Crane Steel Structures Ltd. Guild Insurance Brokers Inc. Leech Printing Ltd. Sunrise Credit Union Zeke’s Quality Jewellers Ltd.
A BIG Thank you to the ANNUAL DINNER COMMITTEE Darren Blazeiko - Cancade Company Limited Brad Danielson - Benmarks Katrina Sigurdson - The Party Professionals & Rental Co. Lynn Baker - Taylor Jackson Financial Chad Wallin - Joe Beeverz Bar & Grill Karla Dane - Meighen Haddad LLP Sharon Shepherd - West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Scott Dyke - RBC Royal Bank
Thank you to all these supporters as well! Noah Njegovan (Auctioneer) Brent Fitzpatrick (Piper) Beta Sigma Phi (Coat Check) Sharon Shepherd (Blessing) ACC Media Production Students (Award Videos) Seventy First Battery Twenty Five Twenty Royal Canadian Army Cadets (Program Handout) Crocus Photography Students (Photography) Brandon University SIFE Students (Ticket Collection) Steppin’ Time Dance Studio (Shadow Dance)
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BRONZE Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd. Brandon University Canexus Chemicals Canada Manitoba Hydro Manitoba Public Insurance Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. Western Financial Group Vanguard Credit Union Limited SUPPORTER Allen Leigh Security & Communications Ltd. Blinds by Anita SILENT AUCTION PRIZES West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Haven Salon and Spa The Marina on Clear Lake Montana’s Cookhouse Remington’s Seafood & Steakhouse Lady of the Lake A&W Trails West Motor Inn Gulliver’s Grill Joe Beeverz Bar and Grill Oak Island Golf Course
Free Coffee, Snacks & Networking every Friday at the Chamber between 9:30 - 11:00 am Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Calendarof Events Westman Manufacturing Summit Tuesday, May 8th Victoria Inn | 7:00am—4:00pm Sponsor: Business Development Bank of Canada
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
23rd Annual Chamber Golf Tournament Wednesday, June 13th Oak Island Golf Course Sponsored in part by: CGA Manitoba (Note: Tentative dates subject to change)
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EVENTS Champion of Agriculture Luncheon Thursday, March 8, 2012
Keystone Agriculture Producers (KAP) President, Doug Chorney addressed over 180 members at the annual Champion of Agriculture Luncheon held at the Royal Oak Inn & Suites on Thursday March 8, 2012.
Mr. Chorney discussed several key topics for producers and the agriculture industry. He also entertained the crowd with a slide show of flood pictures taken above Southwestern Manitoba. Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor, Corral Communications.
Doug Chorney, KAP President
(Continued from page 1) The minimum wage is going up once again. The increase in minimum wage by 25 cents/hour again this fall will impact many businesses. The costs usually are passed along to consumers through higher costs on goods and services.
3.9% is compared to last year, which reflected the costs of the flood. Yet the government remains committed to the aggressive goal of a balanced budget by 2014/15. The government seems rather proud that they will only have a spending deficit of $460 million this year, as it pales in comparison to last year when there was a 1.12 billion dollar deficit.
to be dependant on Federal transfers to balance the books, and instead make it a place to invest!
As this is my last “At a Glance” article – there are a number of items I would like to touch on. Elections for the Board of Directors are coming up soon. As you know we have an outstanding slate of The provincial budget has a bright spot; nominees and I encourage you to place the government recognized that we have your vote. I do want to say thank you to Hopefully, the government will continue some of the most restrictive Sunday one of our outgoing board members the practice of being fiscally responsible, shopping laws in the country. The Darren Blazeiko for his many years of but be even more aggressive in bringing Chamber applauds the government for finally identifying this and it appears to be truly balanced budgets forward in the next service to the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. He has made tremendous a good thing, as long as the outcome from number of years, while making our contributions to our board and we thank province more inviting to business the consultations determines that the him for his 6 years of service. As investment. We know that there are government won't mandate the retail President, this has been a tremendous many who looked at Saskatchewan a hours, rather leave it to the discretion of year of learning, growing, and working number of years ago, as a “have not” the merchants. province. Today, it is leading Manitoba in through many changes. Throughout this The provincial budget drains some of the growth and investment thanks to wise and year we have witnessed the results of a prudent practices. We urge the Provincial tumultuous civic tax process, the follow rainy day fund, and has an increase in Government to not continue to view our up from our own high-water event (its spending compared to the 2010/11 budget. The reduction of expenditures of province as a “have not” which continues (Continued on page 7)
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(Continued from page 6) hard to imagine it was just one year ago) and changes in personnel at the Chamber of Commerce administration. I want to say a number of “thanks’”. First I want to say thank you to the Board of Directors for their support. We have many talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries who have provided input and guidance for the Chamber this past year. Collectively they have helped to represent your interest to various governments and industry partners. I know that we will see some new faces at the Board table, but I can assure you that they will be committed to the mission of the Chamber and represent your business interests.
government, school division trustees, and provincial governments. He will be brining back the Business Climate survey to reflect our growing community, watch as we strive to bring air service back to Western Manitoba, and overseeing the 130th anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce in Brandon. I know Nate is committed to the upcoming year and has done a lot of work in preparation, and he will do a great job! I also want to say thank you to our great team in the Chamber offices. We have had some new faces in the Chamber offices welcoming Stacie Bourgeois as our Internal Relations Coordinator, and this year we saw the promotion of Ashleigh Salo as our External Coordinator. In addition we were fortunate to have access Next year, your Chamber President – Nate to the background and skill sets of Carolynn Cancade to move into our Andrews will have a number of items to deal with, ranging from the continued General Manager role. This has been a monitoring and partnering with municipal
great opportunity to refine our policies and internal development. Lastly I would thank you for your membership with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. We value your support and feel that we can continue to be a strong advocate for your collective interests and act as a voice of many like minded businesses. I know that this will continue once again next year as we head into the 130th year!
Cam Clark Chamber President
BIS: Effective Communications Skills
An interesting note from the Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch workshop, 93% of a spoken message provided by our BIS sponsor Joe Tuesday, April 17, 2012 is carried by its non verbal Beeverz Bar & Grill. communication. I wonder how much Provided by Workplace Education of that carries through email. Manitoba, Jan Sullivan educated a full Chamber Board room with tips on Perhaps next time, add a personal touch and grab the phone to call a giving constructive and positive instructions, being an active listener, customer or client rather than shooting them an email or text non verbal communication and so message. much more.
State of the Province Luncheon Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Selinger spoke about Brandon being an excellent place to live and work as well gave a list of completed or funded projects in Brandon.
Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor, In conjunction with the Capturing Opportunities conference, the State Westman Communications Group. of the Province address was very well attended. Premier Greg Selinger addressed a crowd of over 500 people at the Keystone Centre on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Premier Greg Selinger
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GET READY TO VOTE! Delegates: Keep your eyes open for the 2012-2013 Brandon Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s biographies and voting ballot.
2011-2012
The Chamber is the voice of business. Make your voice heard.
Board of Directors Cam Clark, President CKLQ/ Star FM Nate Andrews, Vice-President Guild Insurance Brokers Inc.
23nd Annual
Craig Senchuk, Secretary/Treasurer Atom-Jet Industries PJ Crane, Past-President Crane Steel Structures Ltd. Frank Arndt myITsource.ca/MTS Connect Corral Centre Todd Birkhan BDO Canada LLP Darren Blazeiko Cancade Company Limited Denny Bouchard Mazergroup Daniel A. Burns Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd. Karla Dane Meighen Haddad LLP
Sponsorship Opportunities Available by Calling 571-5344
Carla Milne MNP LLP Sharon Shepherd West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Chad Wallin Joe Beeverz Bar & Grill
Wednesday, June 13th, 2012 Oak Island Golf
Register today!
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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.
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