Glance
Chamberata Chamberata
A Message from Your General Manager
KICK-STARTINGANEWSEASON
As summer winds down, there’s a noticeable shift in activity at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. The end of the season signals the start of our busy event calendar, and this year, we’reexcitedaboutwhat’sinstore.
Our luncheon lineup this year is particularly strong, featuring a mix of local and national speakers who will provide valuable insights on a variety of topics relevant to our business community. Whether you’re looking to gain new perspectivesorstayinformedonindustrytrends, theseluncheonsarenottobemissed.
We’realsolookingforwardtoourBusinessAfter5 events. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity for Chamber members to get a behind-the-sceneslookatwhatlocalbusinesses are doing. It’s a chance to network in a relaxed settingwhilelearningmoreabouttheinnovative workhappeningrighthereinBrandon.
Thisyear’sLeadershipBrandonparticipantshave been selected, and we’re excited to see what they will accomplish. This program continues to beacornerstoneofoureffortstodevelopstrong, capable leaders within our community, and we’re confident this year’s cohort will rise to the challenge.
Ourcommittees WorkforceAlignment,Business Development, and Government Relations are also beginning to come together. They’re in the process of setting their goals for the year, focusing on initiatives that will drive growth and address the challenges facing our members. These committees play a crucial role in shaping the Chamber’s agenda and ensuring we’re meetingtheneedsofthebusinesscommunity.
As part of our ongoing efforts to elevate Brandon’s business community, we’re excitedtobringprovincialrepresentativesto our city Whether it’s through economic bus tours, roundtables, or direct meetings with our board, we’re committed to ensuring that the voices of our local businesses are heard attheprovinciallevel Theseinteractionsare crucial for fostering strong relationships and advocatingfortheneedsandinterestsofour members We’re ready to once again showcase the strength and innovation of Brandon’s business community and work together to drive economic growth in our region
Theplanningwe’vedoneoverthesummeris nearly complete, and we’re eager to move from preparation to execution We’re confident that this year’s events and initiatives will provide value to our members and help strengthen the Brandon business community
We look forward to having you join us as we kick off another successful year at the Chamber Whether you’re attending a luncheon, participating in Business After 5, attending a First Friday Coffee or getting involved with one of our committees, there are plenty of opportunities to engage and make a difference Let’s work together to makethisyearasuccessforallofus
SEPT5,2024|10:00-11:00AM|1043ROSSERAVE FREEEVENT,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED.
FIRSTFRIDAYCOFFEE
SEPT6,2024|9:00-10:00AM|1043ROSSERAVE NOREGISTRATIONREQUIRED
CHAMBERANNUALAGM
SEPT10,2024|11:30AM-12:30PM|VIRTUAL FREEEVENT.REGISTRATIONREQUIRED.
zoomlinkwillbeemailedtothoseregistered*
BUSINESSAFTERFIVE
SEPT12,2024|5:00-7:00PM|117518THST FREEEVENT,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED.
SEPT19,2024|11:00AM-1:00PM|CLARIONHOTEL REGISTRATIONCLOSESSEPTEMBER16TH.
EVENTS
2024 - 2025 EVENT LINE-UP
SEPTEMBER
5th:Chamber101
6th:FirstFridayCoffee
10th:AnnualAGM
12th:BusinessAfterFive
19th:PathwaystoEconomicReconciliationLuncheon
OCTOBER
3rd:Chamber101
FEBRUARY
6th:Chamber101
7th:FirstFridayCoffee
20th:EmpoweringYouthRetentionLuncheon
TBA:BusinessAfterFive
MARCH
5th:WomenofWestmanConference
6th:Chamber101
4th:FirstFridayCoffee
21st:SmallBusinessEconomicWorkshop
24th:CelebratingSmallBusinessSuccessLuncheon
NOVEMBER
1st:FirstFridayCoffee
7th:Chamber101
21st:EconomicInsights
TBA:BusinessAfterFive
DECEMBER
5th:Chamber101
6th:FirstFridayCoffee
11th:HolidayHappyHour
JANUARY
9th:Chamber101
10th:FirstFridayCoffee
16th:TheFutureofAgricultureLuncheon
7th:FirstFridayCoffee
20th:BuildingBridges&CommunityLuncheon
APRIL
3rd:Chamber101
4th:FirstFridayCoffee
17th:StateoftheCityLuncheon
TBA:BusinessAfterFive
MAY
1st:AnnualAwardsGala
8th:Chamber101
15th:StateoftheProvinceLuncheon
TBA:BusinessAfterFive
JUNE
5th:StateoftheChamberLuncheon
6th:FirstFridayCoffee&SummerBBQ
TBA:GolfTournament
TBA:Chamber101
Registrationformosteventsisnowopen!Besuretocheckoureventcalendarfordetails.Fullregistration foralleventswillbeavailablestartinginSeptember.Don’tmissout reserveyourspottoday!
POLICY MATTERS: ECONOMIC RECONCILIATION
POLICYSOLUTIONS
There are a number of government and corporate policies that can help advance economic reconciliation. Here are just a few specificexamples:
WHAT’SNEXT?
Economicreconciliationiscomplex,andwhile policysolutionsmayseemfar-removedinthe realmofpoliticsandgovernmentbureaucracy, thereisnoshortageoftangibleactions businessesofallsizesandsectorscantake.
ForEmployers
Identifyandcreateopportunitiesfor mentorshipprogramsthatcansupport Indigenousemployeesandfostertheir professionalgrowth.
Establishcommitteesormechanismsto createculturallysafeworkenvironments thataccommodatethediverseneedsand backgroundsofIndigenousemployees
RecognizethattheIndigenouscommunity isnothomogenous.EachIndigenousnation, reserveorcommunityhasdifferent traditionsandtailoredapproachesto addresstheirspecificneedsandchallenges arenecessary.
Encouragethedevelopmentofideasand initiativesthatpromotecollaborationand modifytrainingprogramstofacilitatethe hiringandinclusionofIndigenous individuals.
Recognizeandsupportinitiativeslike OrangeShirtDaytoraiseawarenessabout theexperiencesandchallengesfacedby Indigenouscommunities.
Addressandeliminateabusivebehaviours andpracticesintheworkplace
We’dliketothanktheIndigenousvoicesandleadership intheCanadianChamberNetworkwhoinformedthe contentandrecommendationsincludedinthisedition ofPolicyMatters.
Formoreinformationandtoaccessthefullarticle,visit:https://chamber.ca/policy-matters-economic-reconciliation/
JOIN US AS A SEASON SEAT HOLDER
SeasonSeats
Season seats are now available for purchase, offering you an unparalleledopportunitytoenhanceyourbusinessexperience with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. As a Season Seat holder, you'll unlock exclusive benefits and access to our premier luncheons and events, designed to propel your businessforwardandfostermeaningfulconnectionswithinour community.
SecureYourSeatsToday
Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to elevate your businessexperience SecureyourSeasonSeatstodayandtake advantage of hassle-free registration and early bird pricing Whether you opt for an individual seat or a full table of eight, investing in a Season Seat is an investment in your business's success.
IndividualSeasonSeat
$364.50fortheseason
$40.50perluncheon
$4500intotalsavings
ReferaNewMemberandEarn$150inMarketingCredit!
AttheBrandonChamberofCommerce,webelieveinthepowerofcommunityand thestrengthofaunifiedbusinessvoice.Usethiscreditforadvertisinginour "ChamberataGlance"weeklynewsletteror"Glance"publication.Theseplatforms provideexcellentvisibility,allowingyoutopromoteyourbusinesstoanengaged audience.Byreferringanewmember,youhelpgrowourChamberandgain valuablemarketingopportunities.It'sawin-winforeveryone.Startreferringtoday!
EncouragestafftobecomeInSchoolMentors andallowthem1houreachweektomeet withtheirmentee(Oct-June)
Sponsormatchesata participatingschool ($5,000-$10,000)
meet a member:
brandon friendshipcentre
How long has the Brandon Friendship Centre been servingourcommunity?
December 2025 will mark our 60th anniversary. To celebrate, we’ll be hosting a national meeting in July, bringing together Friendship Centres from across Canada.
WhatdoestheBrandonFriendshipCentredo?
WhenIstarted40yearsago,theCentreoperatedfrom asinglebuildingwithabingohallupstairsandayouth drop-incenterdownstairs.Now,wehaveninelocations, includingoneinPortageLaPrairie.Ourservicesspanall ages, from prenatal nutrition to daycare, youth homelessness prevention, and FASD respite support. Wealsoofferprogramsforadulteducation,community wellness, Indigenous languages, men’s group, and employment services, all open to community members.
WhatiscomingupfortheBrandonFriendshipCentre thatyouareexcitedtoshare?
We’re excited about the upcoming opening of our youth safe lodge this fall. After three years of planning and renovation, this new space will offer six drop-in beds, hostel style, with 24-hour access, and three transitionalunitstosupportyouthinfindingpermanent housing Rightnowthere’snotalotofplacesyouthcan go,andweknowhowhardwinteris
We’ve also moved into our new space at 603 Princess Avenue This location has our administration and finance offices, along with our board room, drop-in centreandtheBearClan
In the coming months, we’ll be hosting an open house touracrossallourlocations
What is your favorite part of this work? If someonewasconsideringgettinginvolvedasa staff member or volunteer at the Brandon FriendshipCentre,whatwouldyoutellthem?
Our volunteers and staff love the atmosphere of beinghereandhelpingpeopleinourcommunity Weworkcollaborativelywithotherresourcesand committeesinBrandon,sowhenpeoplecomein, wecandirectthemtowheretheyneedtogoand make sure they find the support they’re looking for There is such a need to be there for people, and the Brandon Friendship Centre is there for people,they’reournumberonepriority.
Indigenous Eats is another new initiative, can youtellusmoreaboutit?
Everythingtheymakeisdelicious.IndigenousEats givesyouththeopportunitytolearnappliedfood business skills The truck is booked every weekend,butyoucanwatchFacebooktogetthe updateontheweeklylocallocationandhoursof operation
Menu items include bannock bison burgers, bannocksmokiedogs,tacoinabag,andalocal version of a beaver tail called “bison hide.” A standout dessert is the Indigenous Delight a bannock bowl with rice pudding and saskatoon soup.
GAILCULLEN BRANDON FRIENDSHIPCENTRE
Welcoming Week - September 9 - 13 2024
You’reInvited!
The Brandon Local Immigration Partnership, in collaborationwithpartnerorganizationsandalllevelsof government, is hosting a Welcoming Week event to celebrate the values and people that make our communitywelcomingtoeveryone.
Eachdayoftheweekfeaturesauniqueeventdesigned to help newcomers and immigrants integrate successfullyandconnectwithlocalorganizations:
September 9: Governance Day - Learn about governmentservicesandmeetwithServiceCanada representatives.
September10:HealthandWellnessDay - Discover health services and privately-owned businesses offeringwellnessprograms.
September 11: Employment Networking Day – Join the speed networking event hosted by WIS, RMIEC, and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Match yourtalentswithemployers.
September 12: Let's Connect - Meet organizations offering housing support, youth and family programs,volunteeropportunities,andmore.
September 13: Community BBQ and Cultural Celebration - Enjoy games, dance, and a PowWow Dancefinale.
We are inviting businesses who are looking for new talent to participate in the event on September 11, it will run from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm RMIEC will have a training on attracting, hiring, and retaining newcomer talent followed by a speed networking event withjobseekers
Join us in making Brandon a welcomingcommunitforall
Forinquiries,emaillip@bnrccaorcall 204-729-2490ext 112
Please register on this link: EmploymentNetworkingDayEmployer RegistrationForm lip@bnrc.ca 204-729-2490 ext. 112
KATRINACASULLA
2024-2025SponsorshipOpportunities
LUNCHEONBOOTHSPONSORSHIPS
Secure your spot as a booth sponsor at our highly attended luncheons, drawing between 200 to 500 attendees each month. These luncheons focus on diverse and engaging topics, making them an excellent platform for visibility and networking
Booth sponsorship includes:
A display booth during the opening networking period
A verbal mention by our MC
A thank you in our publications.
Pricing:
Non-Profit: $300 (plus tax)
Other Businesses: $350 (plus tax)
Exclusive April State of the City and May State of the Province Luncheons: Additional $50
LUNCHEONTABLESPONSORSHIPS
Become a table sponsor for one of our luncheons, available for only one business per event.
This exclusive opportunity includes:
Placement of your promotional material at every table/setting
A display booth during opening
networking period
A verbal mention from the MC
A thank you in our publications
Price: $1,000 per luncheon
For more information and to secure your spot at out Chamber luncheons, contactevents@brandonchamber.ca.
CHAMBER101EVENTSPONSORSHIPS
Join us as a sponsor for our upcoming Chamber 101 events, starting in September These sessions are designed to welcome new members and provide valuable insights into membership benefits & our chamber's key programs and initiatives
Sponsorship Benefits: Logo placement on event materials (signage, presentation slides, handouts).
Speaking opportunity: 5-7 minutes at the beginning of the session.
Door prize sponsorship Networking opportunities: Engage with new chamber members during the event.
Promotion: Mention in pre-event promotional materials & recognition in the chamber's newsletter or website post-event.
Price: $500.00 per session
Event Sessions: First Thursday of Every Month | 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
BoardofDirectors
LOISRUSTON|PRESIDENT YWCAWestman
JENNIFERLUDWIG|VICEPRESIDENT SuperThriftyDrugsCanadaLtd
EMELIOBROWN |SECRETARY-TREASURER IntritechMarketing
MATTBERG
LivingstoneOutdoor&Livingstone LandscapingLtd
TILDAFORTIER GreenstoneBuildingProducts
MEREDYTHLEECH LeechGroup
BRENTMILLER VictoriaInn
ChamberStaff
CONNORKETCHEN GeneralManager
ERINHOUCK Office&ProjectManager
DESTINYMALUGA Events&MarketingCoordinator
OliviaBoyce MembershipCoordinator
CallieFowler Office&MarketingAssistant
Who We Are:
ROBSTARKELL
West-CanHRSolutions
CHRISFINLEY Mazergroup
KARINGRIFFIN AlternativeGroup
AMBERWHITE AnytimeFitness
CHARLESTWEED
TweediaSocialMedia Agency
ENVERNAIDOO
WestmanImmigrant Services
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, favourable to enhancing existing and attracting new business. September2024
