Annual Report 2017-2018

BRANDON CHAMBEROF COMMERCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018

CONTENTS 2 Board of Directors

5 Recognition & Celebration

8 Advocacy & The Network

3 Leadership Message

6 Programs & Services

10 Membership at Glance

4 Events

7 By the Numbers

11 Sponsors

12 Financial Report

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-2018

President Tami Rae Rourke TowerCo.

Vice-President Jeff Hood MNP LLP

Secretary/Treasurer Cathy Snelgrove Siere

Past President Terry Burgess RBC Royal Bank

Jason Thorpe Thorpe Construction Ltd.

Greg Crisanti Tim Hortons

Tayona Johnas Sunrise Credit Union

Steve McMillan VBJ Developments

Trent Scholdice Meighen Haddad LLP

Tanya LaBuick LaBuick & Co.

Jill Watt Cando Rail Services Ltd.

Spencer Day Progressive Sanitation

Jordan Trotter J&G Group of Companies

Scott Norosky South End Lumber

WHO WE ARE The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is an independent, membership funded, nonprofit organization that represents Brandon business from the grassroots level.

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VISION

MISSION

A vibrant, growing organization that reflects the dynamic, diverse business environment in Brandon and delivers recognized value for its members. Respected at all levels of government and the community as a highly credible and influential organization, the Chamber is the voice of Brandon’s growing business community

To encourage growth in the Brandon community by fostering a progressive business environment, favourable to enhancing existing and attracting new business.

BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE We are pleased to present the 2017-18 Annual Report – a program of work that’s success has been achieved with the collaboration of many volunteers, a strong and dedicated board, hardworking and knowledgeable staff, and a vibrant and active membership. It is a reflection of what your investment in the Chamber has helped produce over the last year.

As a diverse group of almost 600 members representing all different business types, sectors, industries and sizes, the Chamber’s unified voice has the power to influence change and ensure that business interests are heard. By working together to advance business, we create a stronger community; and a strong community means an environment where business thrives.

We are proud of our advocacy work this past year which had us tackling important issues such as proposed federal tax changes, prompt payment legislation, government budgets and red tape reduction.

Engagement with membership remains fundamental to the success of our organization, and with our business climate survey and several business outreach initiatives we heard more on the challenges and opportunities of our local business community which helped shape our programming and events.

As we look to the future, we are excited to explore new ways to engage members and ensure that Brandon continues to prosper. We will continue to seek your participation in our efforts to strengthen the work and activities of the Chamber. We need your ideas, input and passion!

We thank you for your continued investment in the long-term success of the Brandon business community. We hope you agree that as a member, the knowledge gained, relationships built, and opportunities offered pay dividends both now and in the future.

ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018

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EVENTS The Chamber had another great year for events that offered attendees exceptional networking and business development opportunities. In 2017-2018, the Brandon Chamber hosted over 65 events, including ten monthly luncheons, two signature events, workshops, Business After 5’s, First Friday Chamber Coffees and more – with over 6,000 in total attendees!

This year ‘s luncheon series featured presentations on local success stories, downtown revitalization efforts, carbon tax legislation, agriculture in Manitoba, as well as updates from local and provincial government officials and more.

Our two signature events, the 135th Annual Gala and the 28th Annual Golf Tournament were great successes. We once again partnered with Economic Development Brandon and Entrepreneurship Manitoba to put on the 3rd Annual Westman Human Resources Conference. We had a strong year for events!

YEAR IN REVIEW: 2017-2018 EVENTS CALENDAR June (2017) · President’s Luncheon and Changeover Ceremony · 28th Annual Golf Tournament · Special Friday Coffee with Chamber President, Tami-Rae Rourke July · Chamber 101: Maximize Your Membership · Special Friday Coffee with WestJet Encore President

September · Luncheon Series: Brandon Downtown with Robyn Sneath · Chamber 101: Maximize Your Membership · Brandon Chamber AGM · Lunch and Learn: Website Marketing October · Business For Breakfast Series: Women in Leadership · 2017 Westman HR Conference: Managing Today’s Workforce · Lunch and Learn: Email Marketing · Luncheon Series: Small Business Week · Business After 5: Career Connections November · Luncheon Series: Carbon Tax · Pub Night with Prairie Firehouse · Lunch and Learn: Social Media Marketing · Business for Breakfast: Marijuana in the Workplace December · Luncheon Series: Holiday Celebration · Special Friday Holiday Coffee · Chamber 101: Maximize Your Membership

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highlights

January · Special Friday Coffee with the City of Brandon to Discuss the City’s Budget · Special Friday Coffee with the New GM of the Keystone Centre, Jeff Schumacher · Luncheon Series: Business Climate Survey · Business After 5: RONA—J&G Supply/Brandon · Business for Breakfast: Let’s Talk Mental Health February · Luncheon Series: Champions of Ag with Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods · Business After 5: Rotary Villas · Chamber 101: Maximize Your Membership March · Luncheon Series: Manitoba Success Story with Amanda Buhse · 135th Annual Awards Gala · 16th Annual Aboriginal Job Fair · Special Friday Coffee for International Women’s Day April · Luncheon Series: State of the Province · Economic Development Summit May · · · · · ·

Special Friday Coffee for the Chamber’s Birthday Business for Breakfast: Women in Leadership May Luncheon: State of the City Chamber 101: Maximize Your Membership Business After 5: 26th Field Regiment

Monthly · First Friday Coffees @ the Chamber (held September to June) BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017

RECOGNITION & CELEBRATION In recognition and celebration of success in our business community, we presented our Annual Business Achievement Awards.

Congratulations once again to this year’s recipients! ·

Business Person of the Year: Ron and Dave Cumming

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Outstanding New Business Award: The Sneath Group

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Business Excellence Award: Brockie Donovan Funeral & Cremation Services

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Community Service Award: Jeff Fawcett

The winners received recognition at the Gala Dinner and will be profiled in our annual Brandon Business Review magazine.

At our Small Business Week Luncheon in October, we recognized 35 members who celebrated milestone anniversaries.

The Chamber celebrated it’s own 135th Anniversary this past May. Local businesses helped us celebrate by showcasing memorabilia and artifacts that highlighted the enduring work of our business community.

Whether it was a grand opening, a remodel, or a reception to celebrate a great success, the Chamber was there to celebrate with our members. We shared member news stories, profiled both new and long term members and attended member events (in addition to Chamber BA5s).

ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018

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PROGRAMS & SERVICES The Chamber worked to enhance member value and increase member engagement through new and improved programming and services.

Ambassador Program Volunteer members helped initiate introductions and facilitate networking for new and potential members at Chamber events.

I am a Member Testimonial Postcard Campaign Launched the I am a Member testimonial campaign profiling the benefits of Chamber membership through member testimonials.

Thank you Thursday We grew our Thank You Thursday initiative, delivering 9 videos that profiled member businesses. One of our most popular videos, Thank You Thursday at Toymasters, was watched by 4584 people, and had over 180 likes & shares on Facebook.

Member Survey Member satisfaction remains strong with 91% of respondents indicating the chamber is meeting or exceeding their expectations.

Business for Breakfast & Pub Nights Introduced two new event series: Business for Breakfast and Pub Nights, which allowed members more opportunity to network before and after business hours.

Education The Chamber provided a social media workshop series as well info sessions on accessibility in the workplace, Chamber 101: Maximizing Your Membership and informative events around carbon tax legislation, marijuana in the workplace, government leadership and mental health awareness.

Social Media Our social presence grew with a 24% increase in Facebook page likes (867) and a 9% increase in Twitter followers (2270).

Communications We sent out 12 information mailers, 6 issues of our Chamber at a Glance newsletter, published our annual roster book and Business Review Magazine. The member information centre (MIC) became more accessible for all members, with the incorporation of an iOS and Android App to easily connect with other members.

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BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017

135 Number of Years the Chamber has been the Voice of Business

65+ Number of Chamber events last year

2270 Number of Chamber Twitter Followers

588

867 Facebook Page Likes

Total number of Members

24% 9 Number of Chamber Committees

53 Number of New Members

4 Number of Chamber Staff

ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018

Increase of Facebook page likes

2864+ Number of luncheon attendees

Number of Event Sponsors

6000+ Number of event attendees

10,000 Number of cups of coffee consumed

by Chamber staff annually 7

ADVOCACY Advocating on behalf of our members is a central mandate of our chamber, and this past year we worked hard to engage stakeholders and speak to all levels of government on a variety of business issues. The following is a summary of the priority issues we advanced in the 2017-2018 year.

Business Consultation Programs To better understand member needs, staff and committee reps engaged members through 12@12 member input sessions, surveys, business tours and roundtables. We also hosted Manitoba Chambers President & CEO, Chuck Davidson, to showcase our members and share local concerns.

Watchdog on Taxation The Chamber actively advocated in budgets for all levels of government, attending public forums, consultations, and all-day budget sessions.

Chamber representatives were pleased to attend the provincial budget announcement at the legislature on behalf of members.

Prompt Payment Policy In consultation with various stakeholders, the Chamber developed policy on prompt payment legislations which was presented at the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce AGM. Municipal Development Charges We continue to monitor development cost charges following our presentation to City Council last summer on a number of concerns, and will continue to speak out on behalf of all businesses as issues develop.

Business Climate Survey We conducted our 8th Annual Business Climate Survey to learn more about business challenges, opportunities and trends for the future, which continues to help share our programming and advocacy.

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Federal Tax Changes on Corporations The Chamber supported and participated in the nation wide campaign #protectgrowth to oppose the federal government’s proposed tax changes to private corporations.

Building Partnerships with Regional Chambers The Brandon Chamber confirmed commitment with neighboring Chambers to explore opportunities for joint advocacy efforts for the region and other opportunities for partnership.

Government Relations Chamber representatives met with government officials of all levels of government to discuss important issues of concerns for business from issues on infrastructure and labour, to trade and competitiveness.

Reducing Municipal Red Tape We continue to advocate on our policy urging the city to reduce barriers to business development with specific recommendations for improving transparency, communication, accountability and clarity on the development process.

Economic Development The Chamber provided feedback regarding economic development incentives and key performance indicators that would help inform and attract new investment and support the growth and expansion of existing businesses.

BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017

THE CHAMBER NETWORK

The Brandon Chamber is aligned with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the largest and most influential business organizations in Canada and Manitoba. Through the Chamber Network, we work together to shape policy that will make a difference to business in our region.

These organizations have achieved notable successes in influencing policy for the benefit of our members. Both organizations provide superior advocacy work on behalf of businesses, and initiatives can be viewed on their websites: www.chamber.ca and www.mbchamber.mb.ca.

Highlights:

ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018

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Brandon Chamber delegates attended the Manitoba Chamber AGM in Wasagaming and supported various motions on provincial fiscal accountability, infrastructure investment , improving Manitoba competitiveness, and fair legislation.

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Delegates attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Fredericton, NB to lobby on behalf of Brandon Chamber members and supported a number of policies on national issues. Of particular note was the national advocacy efforts around the proposed federal corporate tax changes.

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The Brandon Chamber of Commerce consists of a diverse membership representing all business types, sectors and sizes. It is through the strength of our membership that we are the unified voice of business.

Lucky Break Ranch and Tack The Sneath Group of Companies FASTSIGNS Growers n' Smokers Omni-Lyte Enviro Inc. Booster Juice Peak Performance & Athletics Legacy Renovations and Finishing Change Innovators Inc. R & M Homes Ltd. Good 4U Life Coaching Canadian Institute of Management (Chartered Managers) Brand Livestock Greenstone Brandon Plant Ltd. Susan Dupuis Beaver Truck Centre Daydreams Esthetics Spa Local Frequency Chez Angela SAFE Work Manitoba - Brandon Regional Office TowerCo Canada 5701171 MB Ltd. AJS Law Westman Youth Football Association Multiplex Property Management Bladeworx Barber/Salon The Rourke Group RONA - J&G Supply/Brandon FBC Better Business Bureau Mulligan's Electric Ltd. MK Global Trade Inc. Swiss Chalet/Harvey's Restaurant Kal Tire Evolution Bookkeeping Yiwii International ZA Pizza Bistro Trumpet & Tassel Clear Lake Marina Legacy Denture Clinic Sokol Supportive Housing Smitten Premium Adult Boutique Peterbilt Manitoba Ltd. Fast Fired by Carbone Business Wave Media Co. Sphere Media Agency Conrad Porath Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd. - Dana Edmondson Maxx Security Red River Group Jordan Appraisal Group Penner Waste Ltd. Alieshia's Salon and Spa

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We ended the year with a respectable 87% retention rate and increased the new members by 26% over last year. That’s 53 new members—about one per week.

BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017

THANK YOU LUNCHEONS Sunrise Credit Union Assiniboine Community College CENTUM Mortgage Choice Westman Communications Group Brandon First Brandon University Compass Credit Union Westoba Credit Union myITsource Progressive Sanitation Workplace Educations Manitoba C.E.Y.S Brandon Career Connections St. John Ambulance Local Frequency Westman Youth Football Association YWCA Brandon Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Business Wave Media Riverbank Discovery Centre BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST BellMTS Westoba Credit Union Workplace Education Manitoba CENTUM Mortgage Choice FRIDAY CHAMBER COFFEES Tim Hortons 135th ANNUAL DINNER - 2018 BDO Alternative Landscaping Brandon University The Party Professionals Bell Media BellMTS Benmarks Brockie Donovan Ltd CBI Healthgroup CN Keywest Photo Image by Design The Brandon Sun Westman Communications Group Westoba Credit Union Sunrise Credit Union Maple Leaf Foods MNP Vanguard Credit Union Behlen CAA ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018

TO ALL OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS! Canad Inns Destination Centre Brandon Futurpreneur Guild Insurance Brokers Leech Printing Ltd NetSet Communications RBC Royal Bank Victoria Inn West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Workers Compensation Board Zeke’s Quality Jewellers Inc. Beaver Truck Centre Better Business Bureau Brandon Wheat Kings Cando Rail Services Chemtrade Electrochem Inc. Clarion Hotel & Suites HUB International R&M Homes Ltd. Raynor Bookkeeping Services Inc. Western Financial Group Assiniboine Community College Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Dick Agencies Insurance Brokers Dr. Robert Ward Leon’s Furniture Superstore BUSINESS AFTER 5s 26th Field Regiment Career Connections RONA– J&G Supply/Brandon Rotary Villas South End Lumber PUB NIGHT Prairie Firehouse ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT - 2018 CPA Manitoba – Westman Chapter myITsource Western Financial Group Guild Insurance Brokers FYidoctors HUB International Westman Communications Group Sargent Lock & Safe Westoba Credit Union Cell Mechanics Brandon Source for Sports RBC Dominion Securities—Ryan Nestibo Bell-MTS Corral Centre

Brandon University Maple Leaf Foods NetSet Communications Thunderbird Bowl Crane Steel Structures Leech Printing Vanguard-Catalyst Credit Union Westman Courier Benmarks Minnedosa Golf & Country Club Siere MB Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Credit Union Vector Promotions Gold Business Solutions Heritage Co-op Juggernaut Computers Joe Beeverz Bar & Grill Tim Hortons Blue Moon Water Subway Frito-Lay Swiss Chalet/Harveys Restaurant WESTMAN HR CONFERENCE—2017 CPHR Manitoba Hub International Asper School of Business Workplace Education Manitoba Visa2Canada Immigration Change Innovators ABORIGINAL JOB FAIR Shoppers Mall Westman Communications Group Manitoba Metis Federation Westman IANE

BRANDON CHAMBER AGM Alternative Landscaping Aida’s Catering WORKSHOP PARTNERS Entrepreneurship Manitoba Economic Development Brandon Disabilities Issues Office Manitoba Reaxion Graphics THANK YOU THURSDAYS Forbidden Flavours

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