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THE BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

THE CHAMBER NETWORK

GovernmentRelations

This Government Relations committee this year focused on strengthening communication between the Chamber and all levels of government This year’s discussions centered on key advocacy priorities, including equitable education funding formulas, labour force development, and innovation in agriculture The committee also reviewed GROW Brandon’s progress and explored strategies for future engagement with provincial and federal representatives. Additional conversations included the Eastern Flight to Toronto, tariff impacts on agriculture, and long-term advocacy priorities for the business community.

BusinessDevelopment

year the Business Development committee worked to then connections within Brandon’s business unity and address key economic priorities Members inated business visits to enhance outreach, hosted a table to discuss issues with the business park, orated with Manitoba Hydro to address local energy tions, and met with the Community Policing Unit to s safety concerns affecting businesses.

WorkforceAlignment

Members of the Workforce Alignment committee planned and participated in the Brandon Career Symposium, organizing initiatives like the Entrepreneurial Corner and Resume Tips booth to connect students with employers They also developed and launched a Workforce Survey to gather insights on local labour needs, training supports, and workplace diversity.

The Annual Chamber Golf Tournament at Wheat City Golf Course was another standout event this year With continued support from our returning host sponsor and plenty of on-course fun, it was a great day of networking, friendly competition, and community connection, solidifying its place as a favourite Chamber tradition.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Travis Chastko, Christie’s Office Plus

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE - LARGE

T-Birds Food Fun Games

RECOGNITION & C ION

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE - SMALL

Create Marketing

LIFETIME BUSINESS BUILDER

Ron Ball, Precision Toyota

OUTSTANDING NEW BUSINESS

Leatherwood Custom Workwear

RECOGNITION & C ION

COMMUNITY IMPACT - BUSINESS

Chez Angela Bakery and Cafe

142ANNUALAWARDSGALA

BDO Canada LLP

Keystone Agricultural & Recreational Centre Inc

CPHR Manitoba

Alternative Group

Koch Fertilizer Canada Unlimited

Fusion Credit Union

Maple Leaf Foods

Bell MTS, a division of Bell Canada

Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services

Workers Compensation Board Brandon MNP LLP

Wheat City Golf Course

CPHR Manitoba

RBC Royal Bank

Greenstone Building Products

Manitoba PC Caucus Leech Group

Town Car Rental Ltd.

Westoba Credit Union a division of Assiniboine Credit Union

Guild Insurance Group

Sunrise Credit Union Limited

Western Financial Group

Cutting Edge Construction Ltd.

Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd.

35ANNUALGOLFTOURNAMENT

Heritage Co-op

Koch Fertilizer Canada Unlimited

Denray Tire Ltd.

T-Birds Food Fun Games

Alternative Group

Dennis Hunt & Associates IG Private

Wealth Management

Leech Group

Universal Doors and T

St. John Ambulance - B

Westoba Credit Union a division of Assiniboine Credit Union

McMunn & Yates Building Supplies

Workers Compensation Board Brandon Westman Communications Group

Good Life Fitness Brandon Shoppers Mall

Tommy Gun's Original Barbershop

Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd.

Guild Insurance Group

Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd

Forbidden Flavours Roastery Chez Angela Bakery and Café Ltd.

Blue Moon Water Inc.

eys Brandon West

year ' s

FINANCIAL REPORT

Brandon Chamber of Commerce finished the 2024-2025 in a solid financial position. Membership Fees contributions were 32% of the annual revenues in the past year and the events contributed to 49% of the annual budget. The remaining 19% revenue came from other revenue sources such as sponsorship, rent, and grants. Expenses exceeded budget predictions due to mid-year changes for the Brandon Chamber of Commerce with staff movement creating challenges.

Looking ahead, the budget was developed for 2025-2026 with a strategy in place to manage spending and seek additional opportunities to increase revenues, outside of an increase in membership fees. The Brandon Chamber Events have been a staple in the community for many years and have also provided consistent revenue stream.

One priority for the year is to continue the legacy of successful and meaningful events. Funding will be prioritized for advocacy with travel as part of the package. With the Brandon Chamber operating with a staff compliment, the largest expense for the year is predicted to be salaries.

Curtis Hullick – General Manager