A message from the Executive Director

A message from the Executive Director Cindy McDonald

Welcome to the first edition of our Portage & District Business Review magazine!

This publication allows us, the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, to showcase the business community by profiling local businesses and leaders and sharing stories that are relevant and current to our area.

The past two years will go down in the Chamber’s history books as one of the most challenging times for our business community. From adapting to changing public health restrictions and mandated business closures to managing supply chain issues and working through labour gaps and deficiencies, businesses have been forced to be nimble and resourceful, all while supporting the mental health of employees (and maintaining their own) in an often volatile and divisive social and political landscape.

Despite these huge challenges, the resiliency of our businesses and community is inspiring. We continue to have much to celebrate, and we hope you agree when you read about our 2021 Outstanding Business Award winners – businesses and organizations that are leading the way in innovation, perseverance, leveraging opportunity, and giving back to their community. Speaking of celebrating, we are also featuring some of our long-term members − members who have been in business in Portage for over 80 years! Now that’s something to celebrate! Now more than ever we need to continue to support each other. On November 24th, we’ll be celebrating our Outstanding Businesses and non-profits at the Business Awards Gala. Please join us and help to honour our amazing business community.

Portage & District continues to see the opening of new businesses, and we are happy to provide supports to all – advocacy, business savings, networking, and so much more. We take pride in our community and want to share in everyone’s successes. Our Chamber network is strong, and the voice that the Portage Chamber carries to the table echoes our business community. Having discussions with all three levels of government, hosting election forums and events to hear from local businesses and community members, and participating in policy debates on a provincial and federal level are key to the strength of the Chamber.

As we head into another holiday season, we encourage you to #supportlocal. Whether that is choosing to shop locally, doing your exploring within Manitoba, or simply recognizing the great work of a favorite organization, we all have a part to play. We are #strongertogether, and the Chamber will continue to be here to help pave a path to recovery.

We are here to help! Please contact us to learn more about the tools the Portage & District Chamber of Commerce can give your business to prosper and grow.