SEPTEMBER 2014 Inside this issue: GM’s Report Member Spotlight Upcoming Calendar Events Review Business Awards Ask the Expert Recommended Reading
CHAMBER at a glance
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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Election Hot Topics
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s fall slowly descends upon us, ernment relations have prepared a list of it is time to look forward to objective questions to put forth to the municipal and school board candidates in four areas that the chamber elections. These elections pro- considers important to business. The revide not only the opportunity to voice our sponses of the candidates will be recorddemocratic opinions as to who will proed and compared to a marking key of devide the leadership to two of Brandon’s sirous business stances, and from this a largest institutions, but also the opporreport card will be issued that will allow tunity for our future leaders to inform us for easy comparison between candidates of their position on current issues as well as to where they stand on business issues. as other subjects they deem important. The chamber will also be hosting a mayorMunicipal governments have a strong al debate as this position holds significant influence on the many challenges that influence on areas of business. businesses face; The goal of it is important both of that we, as “We want to hear the these initiachamber memtives is to plans of our candidates bers, determine not only and understand to achieve their goals, provide a each candidate’s tool to edunot unrealistic conflicting platform in order cate our to make inpromises ” members formed decisions but to proas we head to vide a recthe ballot box. ord of these candidate’s opinions so that Western Manitoba has held a strong we have something to hold them accounteconomy for the past few years. We able to afterwards. would like to see this continue and realize When looking at a growing Brandon, our that strong leadership at municipal levels members in the residential and commercan promote this. As a chamber, we incial development businesses inform us tend on taking a new initiative this year that Brandon needs to provide new areas that will work towards this goal. Our govfor development – simply stated, they are
Todd Birkhan, Chamber President running out of places to build. For our community to grow we need to overcome this obstacle. The search for new leadership to take this issue head on will be a priority. We need leadership to engage the business community, develop a strategy for creating space for future development, and to reduce bureaucracy in the process. By placing high importance on this area we can assist Brandon in creating a flourishing development community. The City of Brandon is facing an infrastructure deficit, further complicated by the high water event of 2014. Growth has its costs, and there is a growing pressure on the rising costs of service delivery, especially in the area of salaries. Municipal governments do not have control over significant portions of its revenue, with the exception being property taxes which they do set. The pressure put on the
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FROM THE GM DESK.
GM REPORT
No Slowing Down at the Chamber
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ot too long ago, summers at the Chamber typically represented a break from events and regular committee meetings. That time has long past, as it has proven to be extremely busy over the last few months as many of our committees continued meetings to work on upcoming projects, and we continued to host a number of events.
involvement. Join us in November for our next session.
With the upcoming fall Municipal Election, our In July, we hosted a Chamber 12@12. As Government part of its advocacy effort, last year the Relations Carolynn Cancade Brandon of Commerce introduced 12@12 Committee General Manager member input sessions, where a small worked over group of Chamber members share details the summer to develop a candidate’s about the issues that affect them as questionnaire to learn more about Brandon business owners, and where the candidates’ positions on issues of Chamber learns how best to provide importance to the business community. We support. The invitees are as diverse as our will be sharing this with our members in the membership, with representation from coming days to help them in their decisionbusinesses of all types, sizes, and industries. making process. Partnering with the In fact, we go out of our way to include Brandon Sun and CKLQ/StarFM, we have members that we don’t regularly hear also been organizing a Mayoral Debate for from, to gain new perspective and mid-October to hear from the mayoral feedback. These have been extremely candidates directly on the hot issues of this insightful meetings and have also proven to election. be great networking events with many Our Events Committee has been working to business cards exchanged. We will be solidify another great slate of events and hosting more in the fall and spring so doesn’t be surprised if you get an invitation. speakers, and it is looking like a full fall If you are interested in attending, please let calendar. On the schedule are a number of Business After 5 events, Workshops, our us know. annual AGM, a Chamber 101 session, as We also hosted a Chamber 101 information well as our popular monthly luncheon session to help members learn more about series. We have some interesting speakers the Chamber and how to maximize their already confirmed with Manitoba Pork and membership. From money-saving Tim Hortons, and we are working to discounts, marketing options and confirm a couple others that we are very networking opportunities to our advocacy excited about; stay tuned! efforts and committee work, we shared tips Our Business Development Committee is on what members can be doing to get the also in the process of developing our most out of their Chamber membership. second oil and gas event to educate our This will be a regular feature to our business community on the opportunities calendar and is open to everyone: new members, potential members, and current in the Bakken and we are excited to once members who would like a refresher about again be partnering with World Trade Centre Winnipeg to host this event. the features and benefits of Chamber With all our work over the summer, it is 2
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
Maximize Your Membership! To learn more call the Chamber at 204-571-5340 or email external@brandonchamber.ca
shaping up to be a busy fall here at the Chamber. Look out for more information on the many events and activities planned and as you settle back into your fall routine, we hope to see you at an upcoming event.
Carolynn Cancade General Manager Contact Carolynn by phone at 204-571-5342 or by email at gm@brandonchamber.ca
www.brandonchamber.ca
MEMBERSHIP ZONE.
M E M B E R H S I P M AT T E R S
Get Connected with your Community member
SPOTLIGHT
Do you have a motto? We are industry-engaged
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to feature Synergy Land Services Ltd. from our membership! What type of services/products do you offer? Synergy Land Services is a mid-size, growing land services company engaged by energy companies and government agencies. Our role is to represent parties in their respective projects by consulting and negotiating on their behalf to achieve success. We are proud to service clients in the following sectors: Power, Pipelines, Renewable Energy, Transportation, Oil and Gas, and Telecommunications.
What are your business goals? Through professionalism, continuous training, and genuine care for the communities where we work, we aim to achieve true synergy with the public and industry. What are your business hours? 7:30-4:30 Mon-Fri Where are you located? 1506 Park Ave. Brandon MB R7A 1J4 Synergy Land Services can be reached by phone at (204) 7284400 (or Calgary (403) 283-4400, (877) 961-5263) or by visiting their website at www.synergyland.ca
How long have you been in Business? We have been in business for 8 years with our head office in Calgary. The Brandon branch was established in 2012, and currently has 4 staff in place.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Kiwanis Club of Brandon -Assiniboine Inc. Monthly Meetings held at Canad Inns P: 204-728-4311 E: Assiniboinekiwanis@gmail.com
Gray Wealth Management Unit B 2800 Victoria Ave Brandon, MB – R7B 3X1 P: 204-571-3700 E: shelley@graywealth.ca
Aqua Splash Pools & Spas Butterfly Consultants Box 296 Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 P: 204-679-7806 E: butterfly@mts.net W: www.butterflyconultations.com
150 Frontage Rd East Box 937 Virden, MB – R0M 2C0 P: 1-844-748-7665 E: sales@aquasplashpools.ca W: www.aquasplashpools.ca
Make your investment in the Chamber a rewarding one. Working with a committee is a great way to network and meet people new people on a more personal level. Join a committee to be involved in issues that interest you, and develop and practice leadership skills.
If you know a business that could benefit from Chamber membership, let us know and you could be rewarded!
September 2014
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EVENTS. UPCOMING EVENTS
Season Seating
S E P T — D E C
SEPTEMBER September 18th
Don’t miss a monthly Chamber Luncheon… or any Chamber Events by booking your Season Seat!
Luncheon: The Future of the Hog Industry Victoria Inn, Grand Salon Sponsor: Sunrise Credit Union
Convenience: Never forgot to register again! Avoid Pre -registering online or by phone each month.
September 18th
Guaranteed seating for all ten 2014-2015 Regular Chamber Luncheons.
BA5: Sutton-Harrison Realty Unit 50- 99 18th Street
Premium Seating: Get the best seats available to each luncheon.
OCTOBER October 7th
Priority Purchasing: Receive exclusive access to presale of other Chamber events before they go on sale to the general membership.
Brandon Chamber AGM To be announced
October 14th
For more information contact Becky at 204-571-5340 or internal@brandonchamber.ca www.brandonchamber.ca
Forum: Mayoral Election Debate Keystone Centre Host Partners: Brandon Sun & CKLQ/StarFM
Individual - $270.00 Table of 8 - $2160.00 includes GST
October 20th Luncheon: Small Business Week Kickoff Royal Oak Inn & Suites Sponsor: Entrepreneurship Manitoba
Reserve your seat today!
October 23rd
Making the most of a Luncheon
BA5: Brandon Area REALTORS 312 10th Street
NOVEMBER November 12th Luncheon: TBA Victoria Inn, Grand Salon Sponsor: Assiniboine Community College
The popular monthly events feature presentations topical information of importance to the business community. Since these luncheons draw a large attendance, they provide prime networking opportunities.
November 13th
Arrive early and share your business cards with members. Wear a nametag. Set a goal to meet someone new at each event. Be yourself; wear what you wear to work. And lastly, have fun! Cha
Maximize Your Membership!
BA5: Brandon University 207 18th Street
mber Tip
November 19th Information Session: Chamber 101 Chamber Office
DECEMBER December 11th Luncheon: Christmas Victoria Inn, Grand Salon Sponsor: Keywest Photo Image by Design Dates are tentative and are subject to change. Visit our website for current information
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Showcase Your Business at a Chamber Luncheon!
A table & area to display your company material Two Luncheon Seats Verbal recognition from MC Thank you in Chamber at a Glance
$250
(plus GST)
www.brandonchamber.ca
Join us for Friday Coffee! 10:00am 10:00am--11:00am | Chamber Office Member Orientation Session: Chamber 101 July 24, 2014 Members gained insight on getting the most from their membership investment. The event was followed by a light reception with some of our Affinity Program partners who answered questions about the Chamber cost reduction programs. Watch the e-news for our next session! Business Information Session: Centrallia Manitoba August 27, 2014 Centrallia is the business speed dating event, opening doors to new business opportunities for Manitoba companies. Alberto Valesco from the World Trade Centre Winnipeg provided an overview and answered questions.
September 2014
celebrating an anniversary? Get your business milestone business anniversary recognized at the Luncheon in October, and mentioned in the next issue of the Chamber at a Glance! Contact Allison at 204-571-5340 or external@brandonchamber.ca
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WORKING FOR YOU. President’s Message (Cont’d from page 1)
budget is significant, and as a chamber we understand that. But we are also acutely aware of the cost pressures of our individual businesses, of which property taxes are a component. The customers for our businesses have individual pressures on their own personal finances, and property tax increases leave less discretionary income to spend and support a healthy economy. In each of our own households, we set a budget based upon our earnings, and from this, we prioritize what to spend our dollars on. This process forces us to separate wants from needs and to decide what is most important to spend our hard earned money on, as not everything fits within this budget. In this campaign, we will be looking for both our municipal and school board future leaders to provide their philosophy on taxation, and their strategy to guide the household they are entrusted with so voters will keep this in mind at the ballot box. We plan on using these stances to hold accountable the elected member at budget time. We would encourage candidates to voice their opinions as to where they stand on specific issues as well as to how they intend to reach their goals. It is easy to say we will hold the line on taxes, reinvest more dollars into infrastructure and promote a number of new projects during election time. It is far more difficult to balance priorities and develop plans for achievement. ‘A goal without a plan is a dream’ comes to mind from a past presentation that I believe fits this situation well. We want to hear the plans of our candidates to achieve their goals, not unrealistic conflicting promises. I would encourage each of our members to educate themselves on each candidate, and use the tools and feedback the chamber provides to its members as resources. Business issues are not the only issues that will affect voters, but they are important and must be made significant by the membership of the chamber of commerce. Strong economies are the backbone to strong cities. Make your vote count.
Sponsored by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce & Prairie Mountain Health Mental Health Services, Brandon As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week October 5-11th, 2014 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 17th 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!! Deadline for nominations: September 22nd 2014 Open to all private and public sector organizations located in the Brandon Area. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce 1043 Rosser Ave Brandon MB R7A 0L5 Call: 204-571-5340 internal@brandonchamber.ca
Mental Health Promotion Clinic The Town Centre B13 - 800 Rosser Ave Brandon MB R7A 6N5 Call: 204-578-2450
Go online for description and criteria www.brandonchamber.ca Deadline for nominations is November 5th
October 14 Keystone Centre Join us to hear directly from the mayoral candidates on where they stand on the issues of this election.
Open to the public Free Event Co-hosts:
Todd Birkhan President Todd can be reached at president@brandonchamber.ca
Brandon Sun CKLQ/Star FM Watch the Chamber Insider e-newsletter for more details
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www.brandonchamber.ca
MEMBER EXPERTS.
Are you a Professional Golfer (Business Owner) or a Hacker?
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et me introduce Sam. Sam is a and other times, when you wonder whethsuper great, hardworking guy who er all the headaches are really worth it. has been operating his own business, going on 5 years. He is proud Running a business is in some ways, like of what he accomplished and has worked playing golf. hard. He has put in his fair share of long There is always the potential your hours, worked through challenge after next round (month or year of sales) challenge and today proudly wears the could be your best ever. battle scars to prove it hasn’t been easy. Great shots (deals) entice you to come Sam knows there have been a few bumps back for the next round. along the way, but he tells himself if it A great shot (plan) takes both strategy were easy then everyone would be doing and execution. it. The important thing, in his mind, is he Even in less than ideal course condihas been able to handle them, with few tions (business conditions) there is the people knowing the real story; the tight opportunity to win. cash flow and not paying himself, the giv- There is a thrill to being in business just as ing away of services in the hopes of a big- in playing golf however; here is where ger payoffs down the road that hasn’t business and golf differ. In golf, no one seemed to come, avoiding things (simply believes they will become a professional hoping by ignoring them they will magical- without; making an investment in themly disappear), selves (time, resources, the fear of energy and money), withwhether he out losing way more games “Continuing to do made the right than they will ever win, what is comfortable, move while without finding the best will not create questioning coaches to push them to anything beyond whether he become better, without might have been what it already is. ” knowing what their focus better off workneeds to be, by recognizing ing for someone certain areas of their game else. are weak and working on them and finally without having the vision When people ask Sam, “How’s business?” of making it. of course he is quick to respond, “Great, couldn’t be better.” After all, what else is Great business leaders and owners, have he suppose to say, “Actually, it is really some things in common. They understand slow and am not sure I am going to be able three things: to pay my bills at the end of the month. Their thinking or understanding of Thanks for asking!” Wouldn’t this one how the company will run, how the turn some heads, “It kind of sucks. I seem industry will move and what opportuto have two jobs; the one that I use to do nities are available, is reflected back when I was employed and now a second to them in the organization they run. one running the business and yet, I am A leader’s thinking and beliefs are making less money than before. Do you what limits or moves a company want to trade spots?” ahead. This story about Sam will either have you The knowledge they have in this mosmiling or in some way rejecting the noment, is what has got them to where tion, because deep down you know it’s they are today. In order to build true. Whether you have been in business something different, it requires them for three years or forty years, there are to learn something different. moments when the world is your oyster
September 2014
Continuing to do what is comfortable, will not create anything beyond what it already is. Getting pushed beyond their limitations is what grows them as a leader. They put in place the structure to ensure this happens. Success in business is the same as success in golf. If you want be a professional player then expand your thinking about what it means to be one and then immediately start doing something different to get there. Just ask anyone who have been successful in business and they will tell you when it flipped for them. Cathy Snelgrove
Cathy Snelgrove is a Partner in DiscoverYou, a company focused in the area of business and leadership development. She is the co-author of two books: It Is What It Is, Or Is It...All About Business and the award winning book, You Couldn’t Have Told Me This Before I Started My Business?. Contact her at Cathy@DiscoverYou.me or (204)571-6923
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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 Allison Reville Carolynn Cancade
PRINTING Leech Printing Ltd.
2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Todd Birkhan—Vice-President BDO Canada LLP
Jordan Ludwig—Secretary/Treasurer Brandon Business Interiors
Recommended Reading… You Couldn’t Have Told Me This Before I Started My Business? By Jeff Roziere & Cathy Snelgrove Publication Date: December 2013
A must read for anyone who is new in or is thinking about starting their own business. Learn about myths the new and aspiring entrepreneur has either been told or that they believe, which ultimately hold them back from achieving success early in their business. Understand the traps new entrepreneurs fall victim to including: Under financing your start up business; Doing what you know, rather than what you love; Not understanding what you are worth, or how to charge; Focusing on the unimportant, instead of making money; Believing that your friends and family are going to buy from you; Being influenced by people who have never done what you are doing; and much more Winner of the Community Choice Award for the 2014 Small Business Book Awards.
Terry Burgess—Secretary/Treasurer RBC Royal Bank
Craig Senchuk—Past President AGRI-TREND Business Management
Frank Arndt myITsource.ca/MTS Connect - Corral Centre Daniel A. Burns Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd. Terry Carlisle Cando Rail Services Greg Crisanti Tim Hortons Karla Dane Meighen Haddad LLP
CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager Becky Farguson Internal Relations Coordinator Allison Reville External Relations Coordinator
Bonnie Nay-Draper Entrepreneurship Manitoba
Carla Milne MNP LLP
Lyndsay Murray Murray Auto Centre Brandon Tyler Rice Powell Construction Ltd. Jason Thorpe Thorpe Construction Ltd.
CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager Becky Farguson Internal Relations Coordinator Allison Reville External Relations Coordinator
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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