September 2015 Inside this issue: GM’s Report Member Spotlight New Members Events Calendar Business Achievement Workforce Development Recommended Reading
CHAMBER at a glance
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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Putting Business into the Election
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ow that summer has come to a close, we’re all back to reality and back to business. One of the most important things on our desk at the Chamber is the calling of the Federal Election for October 19. Election time is when the Chamber really has a chance to shine. It is our responsibility to put Business into the election; ensuring that our federal candidates know the issues that are important to our continued success. It’s not a secret to those close to the Chamber movement that the success of business is directly tied to the health of the broader community and it’s residents. We at the Chamber recognize this and will put our key issues in front of those vying to be our next Member of Parliament. It’s been a continued theme from our last Business Climate survey, through today that our businesses struggle to hire the skilled workers that are required in their organizations. In partner with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, we’re asking that the federal parties commit to addressing the serious processing issues and the inflexible features of the Temporary Foreign
Worker Program that is negatively affecting some of our largest employers access to workers and ensuring that immigration changes stop unduly limiting employers access to the international talent that they need to operate at full capacity. The issue of access to a skilled, knowledgeable and powerful workforce for the industries that drive our local economy is of major importance to keeping commerce alive and well here in Brandon. We call on all political parties to take notice of the employment problems our businesses are facing, and
“take notice of the employment problems our businesses are facing” will continue to face in the near future and announce innovative plans to tackle these challenges head-on in their respective platforms.
Jordan Ludwig, Chamber President Our members see the importance of balanced budgets at the federal level, but we need to temper this expectation with the major strategic investments in infrastructure that are required to compete not only domestically, but on the world stage. We, as a country, cannot afford to lag behind those that are investing in telecommunications, transit and transport, and utilities which pave the way to commerce. We’ve seen considerable commitments to Brandon and Westman recently, including the expansion of the Daly Overpass, the McGill Airfield/Brandon Airport expansion, and the Business Innovation Zone at BU. We look to the candidates to prioritize strategic investments in key infrastructure that show economic benefit to the local (Continued on page 6)
FROM THE GM DESK
GM REPORT
What Does the Chamber Horizon Hold?
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recently had the pleasure of being part of a strong Canadian contingent that attended the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Conference in Montreal. With most of the representatives Americans, it was the first time this conference has been held in Canada, or outside the United States for that matter. This was a great opportunity to share and learn from Chamber peers all across Canada and the United States, and while there are some differences with our southern neighbors with regards to the political landscape and cultural nuances, most of the challenges and opportunities we share are quite universal.
Chambers, communities and economies over the next 10 years:
we represent and serve. That is the The Nature of Belonging and Gathering nature of change, and Communications and Technology no doubt, Scarcity and Abundance there has and Global Impacts will continue Population Shift to be multiple influences that shape how Political and Social Fragmentation we do business in the future. Resource Alignment Catalytic Leadership
There is no crystal ball to foresee what the Much of this has been the discussion in our future holds. How will these factors affect Brandon? What will be our challenges and own Chamber circles over the years. How how can we capitalize on the will the changing demographic of retiring opportunities? The ultimate value in this baby boomers and growing millennials report is it gets people thinking and impact our workforces? How will exponentially advancing technologies shape discussing the future of their communities. At our own Chamber, we will use it develop innovation, communication and One of the highlights of the conference was efficiencies? In an increasingly more our own ideas about the evolving role of the Horizon Initiative: Chamber 2025 connected world, how will global influences our organization and how we can better Report, which outlines the key influences serve, you, our member. impact our local businesses and how can that will shape the next decade for they use that to grow and expand? Indeed, Chambers of Commerce. Recognizing the these factors will have to be addressed by rapid pace of change in the world today, government, business and citizens alike, the Horizon Initiative Taskforce tapped into and thus Chambers as well. the collective chamber wisdom and other Carolynn Cancade resources to identify the top eight key General Manager Over our 132 year history, we have factors and how they that might shape certainly changed and adapted to remain relevant to the businesses and community
Contact Carolynn by phone at 204-571-5342 or by email at gm@brandonchamber.ca
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)
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Great for small business & non-profit organizations
Join us for Friday Coffee! 10:00am 10:00am--11:00am | Chamber Office Starting in September Watch the Insider for Special guest announcements
www.brandonchamber.ca
MEMBERSHIP ZONE
member
SPOT LIGHT The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Dash! Dining and Entertainment Can you provide a description of your business Services? We provide a mobile application to the public that has information on every dining and entertainment establishment in their city. We provide affordable direct local advertising to the business and a line of direct communication so they can be sure their business is always viewed in the best light with up-to-date information. How long have you been in business? 1 yr What are your business goals? Our aim is to achieve a 10% smart phone penetration rate in every major city in Western Canada. Currently, we have reached that target in Brandon, and are almost half way there in Regina. The app is launching in September in Saskatoon and will launch in Winnipeg in the new year.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Browns Socialhouse Brandon
Gordon's Crematorium
Unit B 1260 18th Street Brandon, MB R7A 5C3 204-721-4101 brandon@brownssocialhouse.com
Box 36 Souris MB R0K 2C0 204-483-2526 spike3576@gmail.com www.gordonscrematorium.com
BSI Insurance Box 261 Brandon, MB R0G 1C0 shane.demasson@bsimb.com
Dash! Mobile Dining and Entertainment Inc. #3 - 930 Lorne Ave Brandon, MB R7A 1X5 204-901-0440 chris@dashapp.ca www.dashapp.ca
Good to Go Home Check Brandon, MB 204-761-2681 goodtogo@mymts.net www.goodtogohomecheck.com
Landmark Cinemas Brandon 1570 18th Street Unit 100 Brandon, MB R7A 3A4 204-571-0900 lcc400-gm@landmarkcinemas.com www.landmarkcinemas.com
Westman Steel 927 Douglas St Brandon, MB R7A 7B3 204-578-3739 www.westmansteel.ca
MW Construction & Electrical Inc. 19-13th Street 204-727-8097 Brandon, MB R7A 7V3 info@mwconstruction.ca www.mwconstruction.ca
Do you have a motto? Drink well, Dine often How can the services be accessed? Our app is free for Android and Apple by searching “dash mobile dining� on the store. It can also be easily accessed by visiting our website. What are your business hours? 8am-8pm everyday. Where are you located? #3 - 930 Lorne Ave, Brandon
If your business is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year, we want to know! Email: info@brandonchamber.ca
Dash! can be reached by phone at 204-901-0440 or www.dashapp.com
September 2015
@BdnChamber
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EVENTS
2015-2016 Chamber Events
*Dates are tentative and are subject to change. Visit our website for current information
SEPTEMBER September 10th
OCTOBER October 8th
NOVEMBER November 19th
Chamber Annual General Meeting 5:00 - 6:30 pm Blu Kitchen & Bar
Forum: Federal Election Debate Keystone Centre, UCT Pavilion
Harvesting Value Ag Conference Champion of Agriculture Luncheon BA5: Innovation for Tomorrow Reception Keystone Centre
October 21st September 17th Luncheon: Winnipeg Blue Bombers Victoria Inn, Grand Salon Sponsor: Sunrise Credit Union
September 18th BA5: Sunrise Credit Union 2305 Victoria Avenue
Luncheon: Small Business Week Royal Oak Inn & Suites Sponsor: Entrepreneurship Manitoba
Luncheon Sponsor: Assiniboine Community College
October 22nd
Christmas Luncheon Victoria Inn, Grand Salon Sponsor: Keywest Photo Image by Design
BA5: Daughter on Call Unit B-2412 Victoria Avenue
DECEMBER December 10th
October 28th September 23rd Westman Human Resources Conference Royal Oak Inn & Suites
Information Session: Chamber 101 Chamber Office
*Did you know that you can post your events on the Chamber website? Call Becky for login assistance at 204-571-5340.
JANUARY January 28th
MAY May 17th
Information Session: Chamber 101 Chamber Office
Information Session: Chamber 101 Chamber Office
January 27th
May 19th
Luncheon: Business Climate Survey Keystone Centre, MNP Hall Sponsor: Corral Communications
Luncheon: State of the City Address Keystone Centre, UCT Pavilion Sponsor: Brandon First
FEBRUARY February
JUNE June 9th
Enjoy priority seating with all seat
B2B Luncheon & Conference
Luncheon: Changeover Ceremony Royal Oak Inn & Suites Sponsor: Crocus Credit Union
Receive exclusive access to event
MARCH March 10th Luncheon: MB Success Story Royal Oak Inn & Suites
SEASON SEATING For your convenience, register once
and you are done for the year; never forget a luncheon again! Guaranteed seating for all regular
Chamber Luncheons. assignments at each luncheon. tickets before they go on sale.
June 15th Chamber Golf Tournament
March 17th Annual Dinner
APRIL April 7th Luncheon: Election Forum Sponsor: Westman Communications Group Victoria Inn, Grand Salon
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Note that event updates, workshops, and Lunch & Learn sessions will be communicated electronically in the Chamber Insider. Subscribe your staff 204-571-5343
Contact Becky at 204-571-5340 or info@brandonchamber.ca to order yours today
www.brandonchamber.ca
AWARDS
New Nomination Process
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·ward əˈwôrd noun a mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement.
Does the following describe anyone you know? An individual at the peak of their career that exemplifies outstanding business practices? The Chamber Business Development An individual finishing their career who has Committee has been busy re-designing the successfully achieved, toiled and process to award business excellence “we contributed to Brandon’s success through wanted to make sure that members business & community service? understand the individual award categories A business that demonstrates continual and to make it easier for our members to business excellence through exemplary nominate businesses in the various customer service & commitment to quality? categories” says Frank Arndt, committee A new business that has succeeded through member. innovation and growth through a unique approach? The new nomination process is very brief: An individual or business with outstanding 1. Submit nominee name & select an award community service to business & 2. Describe why the nominee deserves the contribution to the well-being of the award community as a whole? 3. Provide two supporting nominators The selection committee will do the rest! A business may nominate themselves for an award (with the exception of the Business The Brandon Chamber of Commerce offers a Person Of The Year). All awards will be full range of business awards to recognize, presented to the recipients at the Annual celebrate and profile the accomplishments of Awards Gala in March. members. It is a prestigious opportunity and comes with a host of benefits raising the Nominate a deserving individual or business profile within the community organization for a business achievement through all Chamber publications, including a award today! Nominations end October 9, feature article in the Brandon Business Review 2015. Forms can be found on our website. Magazine, as well as added exposure though post event media coverage.
Sponsored by: Brandon Chamber of Commerce & Prairie Mountain Health As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week October 4-10th, 2015 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 18th Annual Best Boss Recognition Award! Describe why you think your boss deserves public recognition for promoting employee mental health in the workplace. The more we can learn about your boss, the more likely they are to be selected!! Deadline for nominations: September 25th 2015 Open to all private and public sector organizations located in the Brandon Area. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce Call: 204-571-5340 info@brandonchamber.ca
September 2015
Mental Health Promotion Clinic Call: 204-578-2450 tyoungridgen@mph-mb.ca
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President’s Message (Cont’d from page 1)
economy, while keeping taxes on the businesses that drive our economy low. This necessarily involves a hard look at all expenditures and a prioritization of spending.
2015 FEDERAL ELECTION FORUM October 8th Keystone Centre 11:20 am -1:00 pm Luncheon Hear candidates views of keeping commerce alive and well in our community and other election issues Registration open to the public Visit our website for further details
Speaking of the Innovation Zone at BU, the recent 3D printer setup is something that is new and exciting for Brandon. I would encourage you all to make yourselves aware of the potential uses of this machine, and what it may mean for prototyping new products in your business. Building on that, with the right energy and mindset this could be the beginning of a local venture capital industry that funds local-start ups that are born right here in the Innovation Zone. Access to capital is essential for the growth and expansion of start-ups, and existing businesses. We look to the federal parties to introduce better tax incentives for venture capital and angel investors. If money can flow to those who need it with an incentive to do so, we can foster new business right here in our community. As the election ticks on between now and October 19, we’ll be putting these issues and talking points in front of each of our local candidates. We’ll be hosting a debate with our federal candidates, each candidate has confirmed a Friday coffee date at the Chamber, and we’ll be constantly engaging them in social media. Be sure to follow us, and please reach out with the issues affecting you and your businesses so we can make sure that business is part of election 2015!
Jordan Ludwig President Jordan can be reached at president@brandonchamber.ca
Join us for a drink at the Chamber AGM Thursday evening, September 10th from 5:00 - 6:30 pm hosted by Blu Kitchen & Bar. RSVP 204-571-5340
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www.brandonchamber.ca
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Obtaining a Skilled Workforce
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ndustry Services of the Province of Manitoba is partnering with business, industry and labour to enhance workforce skills and knowledge. This focus recognizes that a high-performance workplace is directly linked to meeting business goals and improving bottom-line results. Tools like the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant help human resource planning and skills training development and delivery. What is the Job Grant? It is an employer-driven training support program that assists employers to obtain skilled labour to meet their needs and helps Manitobans gain the skills they need to fill available jobs. Employers are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 for each individual employee or prospective employee to assist with direct training costs. There is flexibility for small business (>50 employees)
September 2015
Who is eligible for training? Those that are: Contact Gail Nykoliation with Industry Services at: gail.nykoliation@gov.mb.ca or employed and seeking training to 204-726-6653 enhance their skills in an existing job underemployed and seeking training to get a better job unemployed and seeking training to get a The Chamber Workforce Development job Committee is striving to meet the evolving What are the eligible training costs? Tuition/external training fees; mandatory student fees; textbooks, software and required materials, plus examination fees.
workforce needs of the business community by bringing awareness of employment programs and supports to the membership.
What other services are available? identifying employer training needs connection with suitable job seekers Assistance with grant application information about training delivered by third-party service providers and other available workforce development programs and services
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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
info@brandonchamber.ca www.brandonchamber.ca
EDITING & DESIGN Brandon Chamber of Commerce
PRINTING Leech Printing Ltd.
2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jordan Ludwig—President Brandon Business Interiors
Recommended Reading… Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders By L. David Marquet PENGUIN GROUP. "Leadership should mean giving control rather than taking control" says David Marquet who was used to giving orders. In the high-stress role as captain of a nuclear-powered submarine, where there is no margin for error, it was crucial every job is done well. But the ship was dogged by poor morale, poor performance, and poor retention. This is a true story of worst-to-first by challenging the traditional leader-follower approach. No matter business or position, the defined radical guidelines pay off with a workplace where everyone takes responsibility for their actions, people are healthier and happier, and everyone is a leader. "One of the top 12 business books of all time." --Motley Fool and USA Today
2015 WESTMAN
Terry Burgess—Vice President RBC Royal Bank
Tami Rae Clements—Secretary/Treasurer NetSet Communications & I-Netlink Wireless
CONFERENCE
Todd Birkhan—Past President BDO Canada LLP
Frank Arndt myITsource/MTS Connect - Corral Centre
Terry Carlisle Cando Rail Services Ltd.
Greg Crisanti Tim Hortons
Karla Dane Meighen Haddad LLP
Jeff Hood MNP LLP
Karen MacDonald Assiniboine Community College
Bonnie Nay-Draper Entrepreneurship Manitoba
Jordan Trotter C & C Rentals
Jason Thorpe Thorpe Construction Ltd.
Rosa Villamizar Behlen Industries LP
MOTIVATING & ENGAGING
Register at www.embevents.ca
Your Employees Attend a full day of in-depth hands on training by leaders in the Human Resources field. The day will provide you with implementable strategies to increase employee motivation and engagement. Conference Details: Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Royal Oak Inn & Suites,
WORKSHOP SESSIONS: Unlock the Doors to Employee Motivation HR Strategies made Simple Lead Them to Water & Yes Make Them Think! Coaching Your Team to Success
CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager
Becky Farguson Office Coordinator
Allison Reville Events & Communications 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