September 2011 by Brandon Chamber of Commerce

September 2011 Inside this issue: GM’s Report Member Spotlight Calendar of Events Remember to Vote! Recognizing the Importance of Small Business Business Books: Recommended Reading

CHAMBER at a glance

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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Protecting Businesses in the Future

eptember is the time of the year when it’s “back to school”, “back to work after summer holidays” and generally “back to more routine”. In a year when spring started off less than routine for everyone, many are welcoming a sense of routine. The threat of spring flooding had a dramatic impact on merchants, the agricultural industry, and much of our membership. The forced evacuation for those in the potential flood area caused disruption in business patterns including planning, ordering stock and the change in consumer spending, which in some cases hasn’t returned to normal. Our Agricultural industry had a difficult wet spring that left millions of dollars of unplanted crops that will undoubtedly have an impact on our local and provincial economy. Over the past number of months, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce has been busy working behind the scenes preparing for the fall business

cycle. One of the most active areas for the Chamber of Commerce was to survey flood affected businesses. Over seventy of those businesses were contacted about the direct impact of the “high water event” and asked what happened to consumer confidence as a result of the flood, and what the individual businesses capacity was to withstand another potentially devastating spring flood. The overwhelming majority of business indicated that they wanted to make sure every effort is made to protect our community from future flooding events. This is a strong message to municipal and provincial leaders that we must take advantage of the time and weather to prepare now. Since the sand bags have been removed from both major arteries (1st & 18th Streets) we can see that the Assiniboine River still remains high and will likely be a challenge again in 2012. As the costs of the flood prevention efforts are being tabulated and

prepared for submission to the provincial government, the concern now is for when the money will be paid out to the various municipalities that are carrying the burden of the costs. Clearly, there will be a pronounced affect on local taxpayers to pay for the measures necessary to protect the city and it citizens’ property and livelihood. There will also need to be a significant investment to put in place long term protection for the businesses and homes forced to evacuate during the past. The time for planning is now. The Chamber will continue speak on behalf of business to every level of government to ensure that our business community is heard.

Cam Cam Clark Chamber President

FROM THE DESK OF...

GM’S REPORT

Thoughts on the changing Downtown Brandon...

owntown development has always been a challenge for Brandon as it is in many parts across the country. Communities often face a vacant historical commercial zone left behind for more modern malls and mainstream stores. Few cities in my experience, especially Brandon’s size, have found the balance between modern developments of a growing city with the healthy success of a downtown district. Those who attempt often come to the table with one size fits all solutions that encourage a focus on just residential, or commercial, or professional offices, or café restaurants. The simple truth is that it will take more than anyone of these alone to bring success to our downtown. Downtown success needs a multifaceted approach to succeed.

some of the common challenges facing downtown. Some of them have met with success already. The angle parking changing of several north/south streets in the core has improved traffic flow and increased free parking. Bringing more people downtown and addressing the most common criticisms of shoppers— paid metered parking.

In the past year, Brandon’s Downtown has shown signs of renewed energy with several major private and public construction projects underway in the core. The CN building development is a promising one bringing more people into the downtown area on a daily basis while renovatThe changes have resulted success for ing one of our most historically significant some and failures for others, most nota- landmarks. The McKenzie Seeds developbly the closure of one block of Rosser ment promises to address much needed Ave. During the City’s meeting with housing capacity while bringing people Downtown merchants on August 22nd, downtown to live and hopefully shop, several Rosser east businesses noted the eat, and play. The recently completed drastic depletion of commercial traffic to Kristopher Campbell Memorial Skatetheir business caused by the closure of board Park has been a success in bringing Rosser, while business on the newly young people downtown while adding formed ‘pedestrian mall’ had seen signifi- new recreation opportunities to our City. cant increases in customers due to walk The upcoming construction of the new That is why I am so encouraged by the in traffic. I should emphasize that the Brandon Family YMCA will also be a huge development of the ‘Downtown Biz’, a model, as presented, is only a trial for a impact on the downtown as a whole. group of voluntarily associated businesses short period until mid September when Culturally, the redevelopment of Dance that are looking the city will Studios and Music in the Park have to work with the return the brought many new visitors downtown City and Comstreets to their who may have otherwise stayed away. munity at large previous model. to achieve sucHowever, if the The challenges facing downtown are still cess in the change is made many, one would only have to take a downtown area. again next short drive to note the empty store fronts Over the past summer, its and vacant buildings, but I find it promisyear, they have clear ing to see so much thought, discussion, been working to completely and action on how to address these tradibuild and grow cutting off tional roadblocks to achieve the downtheir organizaRosser would town that we as a city can be proud of. tion to be an effective private enterprise be a mistake that could cost some of the advocate for downtown. The recent longest tenants of downtown Brandon developments by the city to change their business. Yet, I am very encouraged traffic patterns and parking in the down- by the attention of the Council to down- Nathan Peto town area show that the City is willing to town development coupled with the re- General Manager try new things to attempt to address newed presence of downtown private Nathan can be reached by email investment and involvement. at gm@brandonchamber.ca 2

www.brandonchamber.ca

MEMBERSHIP

member

SPOTLIGHT

“C

B Casinos & More” is based out of Brandon under the sole ownership of long time resident and recent entrepreneur, Clint Cox. “CB Casinos & More” is all about Vegas style fun right here in the Westman and surrounding area. The professional service provides all the gaming experiences that you would expect from the Casinos of Vegas, right here at your finger tips. We cater to groups from as few as 30 people to

groups of more than 300 guests. All games can be enjoyed by both experienced players and beginners alike. We provide games of chance, such as Black Jack, Texas Hold’em, slot machines, laser games to horse racing and more. While catering more to the adult crowd, we also have games of chance that the young or young at heart can participate in.

Remember, “You bring the people, We bring the Fun” “CB Casinos & More” can be reached at (204) 761-6759 or by email at bcox@wcgwave.ca

Welcome New Members Jani-King Phone: (204) 725-3517 brandon@jani-king.mb.ca CB Casinos & More Phone: (204) 761-6759 bcox@wcgwave.ca Sharpe & Company Chartered Accountant Ltd. Unit B7—800 Rosser Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 6N5 Phone: (204) 571-1226 ksharpe@mts.net

Membership Matters… Get Others Involved! Tell us about a business that would benefit from Chamber membership. All referrals will be personally followed up by Chamber Staff.

Did You Know? As a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, you are automatically associated with the Manitoba and Canadian Chambers of Commerce! www.brandonchamber.ca

If you are celebrating a milestone anniversary this year, we want to know! Please send information to

internal@brandonchamber.ca or call (204) 571-5340

EVENTS

Chamber Friday Coffee

Brandon Chamber of Commerce

Calendarof Events Manitoba Bold Breakfast & Leaders Forum Monday, September 12 Victoria Inn | 8:00am-11:00am Sponsor: BDO Canada LLP

Local Candidates Debate Wednesday, September 21 Keystone Centre 6:30pm—Brandon East | 7:30pm—Brandon West Sponsors: Brandon Sun, Star FM/CKLQ, Brandon University Student’s Union, Brandon Chamber of Commerce

BIS: Using Interpretive Services Seminar Thursday, September 22 Chamber Office—1043 Rosser Avenue 11:30am—1:00pm

Join us Fridays 9:30am—11:00am for casual networking over free coffee and treats! Great networking event— Stop by and see for yourself!

Chamber Office 1043 Rosser Avenue

Post-Flood Update Luncheon Wednesday, September 28 Victoria Inn| 11:30am—1:00pm Sponsor: Sunrise Credit Union Ltd.

BIS: Leadership in the Workplace Seminar Thursday, October 13 Chamber Office—1043 Rosser Avenue 11:30am—1:00pm

Small Business Week “Kick Off” Luncheon Monday, October 17 Keystone Centre | 11:30am—1:00pm Sponsor: Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade

Workplace Diversity Awareness Breakfast Tuesday, October 25 Victoria Inn | 8:00am

BIS: Twitter Seminar Thursday, November 3 Chamber Office—1043 Rosser Avenue 11:30am—1:00pm

Federal Issues Luncheon Thursday, November 10 Royal Oak Inn & Suites | 11:30am—1:00pm Sponsor: TBA.

Christmas Luncheon Thursday, December 8 Victoria Inn | 11:30am—1:00pm Sponsor: Keywest Photo Image by Design Inc.

(Note: Tentative dates subject to change)

Visit our website for details and updates.

Don’t miss a monthly Chamber Luncheon… or any Chamber Events by booking your Season Seat! Convenience: Never forget to register again! Avoid registering online or by phone each month. Guaranteed seating for all ten 2011-2012 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 (i.e. Annual Dinner, special events etc.) before they go on sale to the general membership.

Individual - $265.00 Table of 8 - $2120.00 Prices include GST

Deadline for registration : September 21, 2011

www.brandonchamber.ca

EVENTS

Showcase Your Business at a Chamber Luncheon! Sponsorship includes: A table to display material One seat to the Luncheon Verbal recognition from MC Thank you in Chamber @ a Glance

For more information call 571-5344 or email external@brandonchamber.ca

PROVINCIAL ELECTION 2011

n October 4th, Manitobans will head to the polls to elect our next provincial government. We consider it an important responsibility that every Manitoban should participate in and we encourage you to exercise your right to vote. To help members make an informed choice, the Chamber has organized several events throughout September so members can gain information and insight on the candidates, election issues, and party platforms. We encourage you to attend and learn more about candidates running for local MLA seats as well as the party leaders vying for position of Premier of Manitoba. Please visit our website at www.brandonchamber.ca or call the Chamber office at 571-5340 for more information. Leaders Forum September 12, 2011 Victoria Inn www.brandonchamber.ca

Local Candidates Debate September 21, 2011 Keystone Centre

On Election Day make your voice count!

VOTE on October 4th!!

Working for you...

Recognizing the Importance of Small Business In a recent policy brief, the Canadian Chamber discussed the importance of small business as an “integral part of the country’s economic and social fabric” and provided policy recommendations for a positive business environment. The following is an excerpt from Vibrant Small Businesses Are Crucial to Canada's Economic Prosperity from the Economic Policy Series - August 2011.

enterprising individuals, are a source of new products and innovations, and play a crucial role in promoting competition and economic renewal.

Recognizing the important contributions smaller enterprises make to the Canadian Introduction economy, both federal Small businesses are the backbone of and provincial/ communities across Canada, an inte- territorial gral part of the country’s economic governments employ a range of and social fabric. According to Indus- preferential tax policies to encourage try Canada, 98 per cent of businesses the formation of small businesses and in Canada, or just over one million, are promote their growth. small (i.e. have fewer than 100 employees). Approximately five milHelping Small Businesses Realize lion people work in small enterprises, Their Full Potential or almost half of the private sector labour force. Roughly 25 per cent of Creating a business environment small firms operate in the goodsfavourable to entrepreneurship, producing sector while 75 per cent enterprise formation and small provide services. Small businesses are business growth requires a broad active participants in Canada’s internal range of mutually reinforcing and trade, accounting for one-quarter of supportive policies: the total value of exports. Minimizing regulatory and adminAs impressive as these statistics are, istrative burdens as part of a they do not fully convey the imporbroader regulatory quality agenda tance of small enterprises in our so business owners can dedicate dynamic economy. Small business more time to their business and offer a wealth of opportunities for

less time to compliance. In this regard, the Canada Chamber of Commerce eagerly awaits the release of the finding and recommendations of the Red Tape Reduction Commission. Promoting inward foreign direct investment which can serve as a vehicle for smaller businesses to access international markets indirectly by joining the supply chains of multinational enterprises. Lowering the barriers faced by smaller firms who wish to expand into global markets and become more export oriented. Making the tax system simpler, more transparent and easier to understand and follow. Improving the administrative management of the SR&ED program to ensure SR&ED investment tax credits are being delivered in a predictable, timely and costeffective manner to make it easier for smaller enterprises to invest in research and development.

Nominations currently being accepted for

Outstanding Entrepreneur Of The Year and

Business Builder Of The Year PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR SPECIFIC CRITERIA AND DEADLINES www.brandonchamber.ca

www.brandonchamber.ca

Providing formal education and training to support small business owners. Facilitating access to capital through a wide scope of partners to foster the creation of small businesses, ensure their survival and growth, and encourage investment in productivity-enhancing machinery and equipment and new technologies and processes.

Advertise year round in the 2011-2012 Membership Roster. Sizes and prices are available below!

Full Page - 4.125 x 6.44”

Exploring ways to facilitate the succession planning process.

1/4 page –2.05 x 3.25”

Working to attract immigrants whose skills levels match those needed by employers of all sizes. These policy recommendations would not only help small business grow, they would also benefit large-size businesses– directly and indirectly. After all, neither small business nor large business operates in a vacuum. Each is deeply embedded it the overall Canadian economy, with extensive connection to each other. To see the Policy Brief in its entirety, or to see other work being done by the Canadian Chamber, visit their website at www.chamber.ca.

1/2 page - 4.125 x 3.25 inches PRICING

Source: http://www.chamber.ca/images/uploads/ Reports/2011/Small%20Businesses%20150811.pdf

Congratulations to World of Water!

1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

$200 (+GST) $250 (+GST) $475 (+GST)

Card Stock Inserts (space is limited) B&W 1/2 Page $300 (+GST) Full Page $550(+GST) Colour 1/2 Page $350 (+GST) Full Page $650 (+GST)

Winner of 2 tickets to the 129th Annual Dinner for paying their membership dues before August 1st.

BUSINESS BOOKS

Recommended Reading... Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter By Liz Wiseman (with Greg McKeown) HarperBusiness (2010) Are you a diminisher or a multiplier? This book explores the difference between these two leadership styles, and explains how to become a multiplier of talent and people and how multiplying can have a resoundingly positive and profitable effect on your organization.

www.brandonchamber.ca

2011-2012

Sponsored by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce & The Brandon Regional Health Authority Mental Health Services

Board of Directors Cam Clark, President CKLQ/ Star FM Nate Andrews, Vice-President Guild Insurance Brokers Inc.

as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week October 2nd to October 8th, 2011

Craig Senchuk, Secretary/Treasurer Atom-Jet Industries PJ Crane, Past-President Crane Steel Structures Ltd. Frank Ardnt myITsource.ca/MTS Connect Corral Centre Todd Birkhan BDO Canada LLP

Would you or your peers like to say “Thank You” to your boss for the ways they promote your mental health at work? Consider nominating them for the 14th Annual Best Boss Recognition Award! Describe why you think your boss deserves public recognition for promoting employee mental health in the workplace. Send us as much detail as you can, as the more we can learn about your boss, the more likely they are to be selected!! Winners will be recognized with an engraved plaque and a coffee party in their workplace!

Darren Blazeiko Cancade Company Limited Denny Bouchard Mazergroup Daniel A. Burns Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd.

Nomination forms and further information are available at: The Brandon Chamber of Commerce 1043 Rosser Ave Call: 571-5340 internal@brandonchamber.ca

Mental Health Promotion Clinic The Town Centre B13 - 800 Rosser Ave Call: 571-8340 youngt@brandonrha.mb.ca

Deadline for submissions: September 26th, 2011

Karla Dane Meighen Haddad LLP

Open to all private and public sector organizations in the City of Brandon

Kent Forman Forman Honda 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

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

We have the perfect place… The Chamber Boardroom Two 50” Flat screens Wireless PowerPoint 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: Carolynn Cancade 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.