May 2024 Chamber at a Glance

A Message From Your General Manager

As we wrap up our 141st Brandon Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala, it's a moment to reflect on the outstanding achievements of our local businesses and individuals. This event isn't just a fancy affair – it's a sincere tribute to those who've gone above and beyond, making our community proud.

But why do we host this celebration every year? It's more than just handing out awards; it's about recognizing hard work, dedication, and the unyielding spirit that drives our entrepreneurial community. Running a business isn't a walk in the park, especially in the face of economic challenges and unforeseen hurdles. Yet, our businesses didn't just weather the storm –they rose above it. They showed resilience, adaptability, and a determination to succeed against all odds.

So, as we bid adieu to another successful Gala, let's raise a toast to all the recipients, nominees, and even those who didn't take home an award. Because in the end, we're all in this together, working hand in hand to build a brighter future for our community.

We're excited to announce that the Honorable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, will be delivering the keynote address at our upcoming State of the Province on May 16th. This event presents a unique opportunity for our Chamber and the broader business community to hear directly from the Premier about his vision for Manitoba and how Brandon fits into that vision.

The keynote speech will provide valuable insights and perspectives that can inform our advocacy efforts on behalf of our members. Additionally, the event serves as a platform to showcase the importance of our Chamber and our commitment to representing the interests of local businesses.

“It's more than just handing out awards; it's about recognizing hard work, dedication, and the unyielding spirit that drives our entrepreneurial community”

In the past year, we've been fortunate to host the Premier multiple times as a keynote speaker in our city, which has helped foster dialogue and understanding between our Chamber and the provincial government. We anticipate that this event will continue to strengthen our relationship with the Premier and provide opportunities for our members to engage with him and other government officials in the future.

With tickets selling fast, it's clear that there is significant interest in this event, and we look forward to a successful and informative gathering.

Sincerely, Connor Ketchen General Manager

MANITOBA ECONOMIC SUMMIT:

FOSTERING MORE CHAMPIONS FOR MANITOBA

Last week, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) hosted the Manitoba Economic Summit and Annual General Meeting in the city of Brandon. The event brought local Brandon leaders, including His Worship Mayor Fawcett of Brandon, Mark Frison, the CEO of Assiniboine Community College, and Enver Naidoo, the CEO of Westman Immigrant Services, together with other Manitoba leaders including Mayor Sharilyn Knox of Portage La Prairie, and the Honorable Jamie Moses, the Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade, and Natural Resources. Important topics were discussed such as how to attract and retain our young workforce talent, how to better integrate and utilize the skills and talents of our immigrants, and how to make progress on issues that have been prevalent in Manitoba for years. Here are our key takeaways:

Manitoba Government Keen to Collaborate with Business Community

In his keynote address, Minister Moses highlighted the opportunities available in the province including abundant critical minerals, growing infrastructure connections including to the Port of Churchill and rail lines to Mexico, green electricity, and a strong trading relationship with the United States. The Minister shared the message that both business and government should continue to work together to develop a strong business environment and that we all need to ask everyone to “choose Manitoba”.

Young People Want Strong Career Prospects in Safe and Affordable Communities

Janet Lane of the Canada West Foundation presented information showing the unenviable position that Manitoba finds itself regarding its ability to attract and retain young skilled workers. Notably, community safety was a large driver for people between 25 and 35 in relocating their families. People under 25, just starting their careers, were more likely to move to a place they had strong employment prospects. Overall, housing affordability and other necessities were important considerations for youth people – this is an area that Manitoba has a strong advantage including its relatively lower housing prices and car insurance than other provinces. Again, this keynote was a call to action for Manitoba to do a better job telling the story of our strengths.

“These innovative approaches can help build the careers of newcomers without depending on credential recognition to begin their employment.”

New Policies and Roles

During the event, 14 policies were voted on by attendees and adopted by MCC These policies affected diverse aspects of the business environment including fertilizer emission standards and foreign student visas. MCC also recognized its new officers and board of directors which included welcoming its new board chair, Beverlie Stuart of the Manitoba Institute for Trades and Technology.

Leveraging Newcomer Talent Requires Innovation

Another topic of discussion was around how to leverage the talents of newcomers to the province to push our businesses and communities forward. While foreign credential recognition continues to be a barrier, innovations such as micro credentials that can get people working in the field of past training quickly, competency assessments that recognize skills without designations, and leveraging skills in new ways unrelated to a past credential such as using the HR and management skills of a former school principal in a manufacturing company. These innovative approaches can help build the careers of newcomers without depending on credential recognition to begin their employment.

Manitoba Needs to Tell its Story

The theme across many discussions was that Manitobans need to be champions of the positive forces working in our province Highlighting successful businesses such as Bushel Plus and Greenstone Building Products from Brandon, talking about the affordability advantages of living in Manitoba, and the desirable career opportunities are some ways for Manitoba to shape the narrative around life in the province. Data showed that a significant portion of the Canadian population doesn’t know much about Manitoba. This is a strong opportunity for workforce, business, and investment attraction to reshape the narrative in a more positive light. Additionally, shifting the focus on success in the province will serve to better keep and develop our existing residents and businesses is a step in the right direction.

During the summit, MCC highlighted the progress made in the past year such as the announcement of the federal carbon tax rebate for small businesses which will provide a significant boost to businesses facing tight budgets, the development of the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to develop the groundwork to support our growing communities, and the announcement of a trade strategy that will identify additional opportunities for the growth of Manitoba businesses The work ahead for MCC includes development on the Manitoba Green Advantage project, supporting additional critical mineral development through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, advocating for Manitoba businesses on the provincial and national stage, and championing the Manitoba story which highlights existing business successes, the diverse and supportive communities, and the strong opportunities for growth that exist in Manitoba.

Congratulationstoour141stBrandon ChamberAwardRecipients

Community Impact Individual Award Recipient: Glen Parker

Glen is a dedicated community leader with extensive volunteer and public service experience

He served as President of the East End Community Centre from 2021 to 2023, leading successful fundraising efforts for major renovations Glen coached 24 hockey teams and was President of Hockey Brandon for 17 years, recognized for his commitment to youth sports Since 2016, Glen has served on city council, reflecting his strong dedication to public service and community engagement His multifaceted contributions demonstrate a profound commitment to community development and civic leadership

Community Impact Business Award Recipient: Kuipers Family Bakery

Kuiper's Bakery has been a key supporter of the community for over 31 years, providing food, financial resources, and volunteer hours to various organizations and events They believe that food brings people together, and through their high-quality baked goods, they aim to nourish both the body and the community They donate to a wide range of causes, including the Christmas Cheer hamper program, Brandon School Division's Breakfast Program, and United Way Kuiper's Bakery's philosophy is straightforward: by baking delicious food and supporting local initiatives, they help build a stronger community Despite their busy December season, the team at Kuiper's Bakery consistently meets all commercial orders while still supporting those in need Their commitment to community makes them a valued partner to many organizations in their area

Outsanding New Business Award Recipient: Circle B Fitness

Established in September 2020, Circle B Fitness is a 24-hour fitness facility offers a variety of different program options to the Westman area, including toddler and youth recreational gymnastics, gymnastics birthday parties, class programming, sport specific training, team training, personal training, and individual program design for those with busy schedules

Angie Ball, Owner & Head Trainer of Circle B Fitness, is most proud of creating a space where people have developed friendships and where they know they have a large support system. By creating an atmosphere where anyone can come and feel comfortable, Circle B strives to make going to the gym feel less intimidating.

Business Excellence (Large Business) Award Recipient: The Paw Resort & Wellness Centre

The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre, where each furry friend is cherished like family. With a commitment to excellence, they provide a first-class environment where pet owners can be rest assured that their beloved companions are loved and cared for with utmost dedication. Their stateof-the-art facility offers safety, comfort, and endless fun for pets, while the Muttessori Academy sets a new standard for enrichment. As multi-award winners, they pride themselves on being socially conscious, earth-friendly, and globally engaged. With years of experience and a deep understanding of pets' needs, Frank and Joanne take their responsibility seriously, continually integrating new ideas and techniques into their practice Their highly valued staff ensure that every pet's environment is tailored to their well-being, reflecting our dedication to their happiness and health

Business Excellence (Small Business) Award Recipient: Resurrection Tint & Auto-Detailing

Resurrection Auto Detailing has been offering a unique service of ceramic coatings, tint and paint protection services since October 2018 Their primary key to success is the time and effort they spend to educate their client on not only the importance of keeping a clean and maintained vehicle but also the importance of protecting their primary mode of transportation and investment As the 2022 Outstanding New Business award recipient, Darren credits their growth to work ethic, social media, exceptional customer service, and their dedicated team of employees who go above and beyond for each customer.

Lifetime Business Builder Award Recipient: Ben Hernandez

Ben moved to Brandon in 2002, and soon became a pillar in the community with the opening of the well-loved Remington’s. Over the years Ben was incredibly involved in the restaurant world, also working at Montana’s and opening Five Guys Burgers and Fries. After Remington’s, the dream of opening his own restaurant, Benny’s, became a reality with the purchase and re-brand of The Green Olive. Ben’s favourite place to be was the front of his restaurant. There he would greet customers by name - and he never forgot a name. He embodied the highest standards of customer service and community engagement. A friend to all, he was always ready to lend support through volunteerism; community events; and donations to various causes It is with profound gratitude that we honour Ben Hernandez for his significant contributions to the Brandon community His legacy of kindness, commitment, and incredible service will be cherished, and he is deeply missed

Young Entrepreneur Award Recipient: Ty Worthington

Ty’s journey started with a small backyard laser tag venture that evolved into a full-scale event rental business Through strategic acquisitions, he expanded his company, integrating various brands into Pinnacle Event Rentals. Successfully navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting his business model to ensure stability. He prides himself on creating full-time, year-round career opportunities in an industry traditionally known for seasonal employment. His commitment to a positive work culture and team development has been key to his success. Beyond business, Ty is actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of Family Visions Inc. and Career Connections Inc., reflecting his dedication to social responsibility and local engagement.

Business Person of the Year: Carla Milne

A well-respected leader amongst her peers and clients, Carla is Partner & Regional Leader, Real Estate & Construction & Succession at MNP LLP She has been with MNP for 24 years and has been responsible for providing advice to small and medium-sized businesses She is the wife of Brad Milne and they have two wonderful children Presley and Lennox

During her time on the Executive and President of the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM) Board, Carla prioritized building connections with the national associations and fostering relationships critical to industry advocacy In recognition of her contributions as the first female President of CARM, the organization established the Carla Milne Outstanding Women in the Industry Award, which serves to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in trades Carla was award the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to build and enhance our Province.

Carla also serves on various boards, including the Canadian Construction Association, Pension Commission of Manitoba, and previously served on the ACC board of Governors and Brandon Chamber of Commerce Board. Her legacy of leadership and dedication to community is further exemplified by the establishment of the Milne and Lischka Family Leader Legacy Fund.

Top 4 Under 40: Megan Foster

Megan Foster owns Mosaic Engagement, a consulting firm focused on improving business efficiency and leadership. She leads a team of seven contractors and holds a Master’s in Strategic Organizational Change Megan is a Master coach developer with nearly 20 years of experience, actively involved in training and certifying coaches She also participates in Leadership Brandon and the Professional Women’s Networking Group Her commitment to equity and inclusion drives her to host the Mosaic Women's Retreat and support young leaders through scholarships Her contributions have earned her the Facilitation Impact Award and a YWCA Women of Distinction Award nomination Megan's focus on mentorship and community engagement make her a respected business leader

Top 4 Under 40: Kim Magalhaes

Kim earned her Certified General Accountant designation in 2014 and is currently pursuing an Advanced Executive certificate at Queen's University Kim actively mentors future finance professionals through CPA Alberta and plays a key role in Westman Communications' strategic planning She also serves on the Manitoba Cooperative Association's Board of Directors and participates in the Canadian Communications System Alliance's Contract Review Committee and Audit & Risk Committee As a former 4-H member, Kim volunteers at local 4-H events, demonstrating her commitment to youth and community

Top 4 Under 40: Mayur Nankar

Mayur holds a Masters’ degree and specializes in innovative treatments for Parkinson's patients and launched Tele-Rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic Mayur's community work includes supporting the Whiskey Jacks Baseball team and offering clinical placements for physical therapy students. He coordinates the spinal cord injury database at HSC Winnipeg and is a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Program, focusing on mentorship and impact.

Top 4 Under 40: Katie Peters

Katie Peters is the General Manager of Alair Homes Brandon, where she leads the company ' s human resources, marketing, and operational efforts She began her journey with Alair in 2021 as a part-time Social Media Manager, quickly expanding her role to include marketing and human resources Beyond her professional role, Katie is active in her community, organizing events to raise money for charitable organizations and volunteering with various groups Katie also serves on the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba Events Committee as a co-chair and leads an international campaign to contribute 100 acts of helping others live better

HOST SPONSOR

PLATINUM PLUS

MNP

Greenstone building Products

Keystone Centre

Leech Group

Manitoba PC Caucus

Prairie Building Maintenance

RBC Royal Bank

Sunrise Credit Union

West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic

Westman Communications Group

BRONZE

BEHLEN Industries LP

Better Business Bureau

Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers

Cando Rail & Terminals

Community Futures Westman

First Peoples Development Inc.

Guild Insurance Group

Indigenous Chamber of Commerce

Shoppers Mall

Shreem Systems & Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Siere

Town Car Rental

Western Financial Group

SUPPORTER

Sisson Auto Finance and Sales

SILENT AUCTION

Heritage Co-op

Wheat City Golf Course

Sobeys Brandon West

Sisson Auto Finance & Sales

The Green Spot Home & Garden

Livingstone Outdoor

Livingstone Landscaping

T-BIRDS Food Fun Games

The Holiday Inn Express

McPhail Brandon

Globus Tours

Keywest Photo Image By Design

6 Smart Tips for Managing A Start-Up

1. Market evaluation

Do your homework on the market needs and how these needs are satisfied today. Who are the main players? What are the products and services available? What are the current prices? If you are launching a new product or service, do some market research to evaluate the size of the market and the likelihood of success. In other words, make sure you know all you can about the future customers of your business.

2. Business plan

Make sure that you have a business plan that spells out your strategy and how you are going to execute it. Your business plan should include an executive summary, market assessment, description of product/service details, sales and marketing details, competitive analysis, operations/manufacturing details, corporate organization and human resources, finances, capital and projections, summary of risks, investments and relevant sources of information and research. Your business plan should be complete and clear. It does not necessarily have to be long, but it must be comprehensive and address all the important angles of your business.

3. Your team

Surround yourself with the right people by selecting team members. The team will include partners, employees, independents, advisors, etc. Results are achieved through "people". How good the team and how the team is led and managed are key to the success of your new business.

4. Capital resources

Make sure you have adequate financing for the business. Whether the source of capital is your money or borrowed (usually it is a combination), you need to adequately capitalize the new venture.

“In other words, make sure you know all you can about the future customers of your business.”

5.The basics

Do not overlook the basics such as the legal form of your business (proprietorship, partnership or corporation), shareholder agreement, patents and copyrights, business registrations, protection of your business name, local regulations, etc. as appropriate. I also include selecting a lawyer, an accountant and a business consultant to counsel you as you start your business.

6. Personal issues and self-assessment

This last point is seldom mentioned by the experts, but is very important in my opinion. Do you have what it takes to run your own business? There will be difficult times as you embark on your new venture. No security of a pay cheque and ups and downs in the cash flow. It is also "lonely" at the top if you start a small business. While these are "personal" issues, they are extremely important. Better to answer these questions in advance. BDC’s website has a Start up guide that provides an overview of the start-up process from A to Z including links to online tools and sites that you may find useful. Another good source is to ask two or three self-employed business people who can share their own experience with you.)

6 smart tips for managing a start-up. BDC.ca. (2023, February 24). https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/start-buy-business/startbusiness/6-smart-tips-managing-start-up

Lois Ruston | President YWCA Westman

Jennifer Ludwig | Vice President Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd.

Emelio Brown | Secretary-Treasurer IntriTech Digital Marketing

Tanya LaBuick | Past-President CW2 Construction & Design Guardian Fencing LaBuick & Co

Courtney Baxter Bushel Plus

Matt Berg Livingstone Outdoor

Andrea Epp Epp Law Office

Samantha Falloon Myphone - TELUS & KOODO Authorized Dealer

Chris Finley Mazergroup

Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products

Meredyth Leech Leech Group

Brent Miller Victoria Inn

Rob Starkell West-Can HR Solutions

CHAMBER STAFF

Connor Ketchen General Manager

Jessica Saler Member Relations & Communications Manager

Erin Houck Office & Project Manager

Destiny Maluga Events & Marketing Coordinator

THE BRANDON CHAMBER COMMERCEof

Setting the pace for a greater Brandon since 1883

Advocacy Update: April

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce has focused their April advocacy efforts towards the recent budgets that have come out. Our State of the City luncheon had our Mayor provide an address on the future plans for the City, and Lois took the time near the end to ask questions submitted from our members. Topics included infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, taxation, and more. Thank you to Mayor Fawcett for speaking at our luncheon!

Our Government Relations Committee has been preparing the State of the Province questions and has requested input from our members through the survey sent out in April. We hope to ask Premier Kinew some pressing questions of concern from our membership. After the Provincial budget was released, the Chamber signed a letter in support of CARM’s letter to the province regarding the new apprenticeship ratio, outlining the economic concerns of a 1:1 ratio.

Lastly, our Business Development committee met with STARS to hear more on the work they do, and how they support our community.

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, favourable to enhancing existing and attracting new business