Annual Report 2024-25

ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025

THE BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Statement

p.2

Board of Directors

p.3

President’s Message

p.4

The Chamber Network

p.5

Advocacy Recap

p.6

Engagement

p.7

Recognition & Celebration

p.8

Recognition & Celebration Continued

p.9

Event Sponsors

p.10

Event Sponsors Continued

p.11

Financial Report

p.12

Chamber Membership

p.13

Chamber Events

p.14

Chamber Marketing

p.15

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is an independent, membership-funded, non-profit organization that represents Brandon, Manitoba business from the grassroots level since 1883.

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

Our Vision, To strengthen collaboration between the Chamber and all levels of government by advocating for policies that support economic growth, innovation, and a thriving local business community.

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2024 - 2025

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lois Ruston

President YWCA

Jennifer Ludwig Vice President Super Thrifty Drugs

Rob Starkell West-Can HR

Matt Berg

Livingstone Outdoor & Livingstone Landscaping Ltd.

Amber White Anytime Fitness

Emelio Brown

Secretary Treasurer Intritech

Charles Tweed

Tweedia Social Media Agency

Brent Milller Victoria Inn

Tilda Fortier

Greenstone Building Products

Chris Finley Mazergroup

Meredyth Leech Leech Group

Karin Griffin

Alternative Group

Enver Naidoo

Westman Immigrant Services

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Members,

The introduction of US tariffs in early 2025 created

chaos

and

uncertainty.

The

The 2024-25 Chamber year was marked

Chamber has been actively engaged with

by

members

both

progress

and

challenges,

positioning us well for the year ahead.

Our

events

created

most

impacted

by

this

issue,

providing a voice and support.

invaluable

opportunities for members to connect,

GROW

Brandon

share

and

aligning

our

best

and

development

all

who

federal

these

progress in the coming months on this

innovative

celebrate

our

brightest.

Thank

participated

initiatives,

community's you

and

to

sponsored

events, which are critical to our success.

is

finding

its

community's plan

support.

with We

footing, economic

provincial

anticipate

and

exciting

initiative.

We have also been working diligently to

Our role in government advocacy has

secure a direct flight from Brandon to

been

The

Toronto. With a motivated airline and a

Chamber Executive met with numerous

supportive region, work continues towards

Ministers

having planes flying east by early 2026.

more

crucial and

than

ever.

MLA’s,

opposition

members, and many elected officials.

The

Government

provided

insights

Relations on

Committee

municipal

and

None

of

possible

these

achievements

without

the

would

strong

be

team,

provincial issues, shaping the Chamber's

supported by an historic and grassroots

stance on key business matters.

organization. The depth and breadth of the Chamber,

along

with

the

remarkable

The Workforce Alignment and Business

people who make up its past, present, and

Development

also

future,

completed important work over the past

growth.

year. The Workforce Committee engaged

Thank you for the continued support of

with educational partners to ensure our

our

youth are prepared for the workforce.

continue to build a bright and prosperous

The Business Development Committee

future for Brandon’s business community.

hosted

Sincerely,

bringing

a

Committees

roundtable

on

agriculture,

important

issues

to

have

ensured

membership.

our

stability

Together,

we

and

will

the

forefront and promoting ideas that will inform future work by this committee.

Lois Ruston 2024-25 Chamber President

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THE CHAMBER NETWORK Our advocacy efforts this year also included participation in key initiatives such as the provincial flight to Toronto project, aimed at enhancing

connectivity

and

economic

opportunities for Brandon and the surrounding area.

Working alongside government representatives, community partners, and other chambers, we collectively

advanced

discussions

focused

on

expanding accessibility and supporting business development.

Through continued collaboration and engagement, the Chamber remains dedicated to advancing projects that position Brandon for sustainable, long-term growth.

Throughout the past year, the Brandon Chamber strengthened its collaboration with both the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

These

partnerships

have

provided

valuable

opportunities to engage in national and provincial discussions,

ensuring

that

the

priorities

of

Brandon’s business community are represented at every level.

By participating in these broader networks, the Chamber continues to contribute to shaping policies that foster business growth, investment, and innovation across our region.

5

ADVOCACY RECAP Government Relations 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.

Business Development This year the Business Development committee worked to strengthen

connections

within

Brandon’s

business

community and address key economic priorities. Members coordinated business visits to enhance outreach, hosted a roundtable to discuss issues with the business park, collaborated with Manitoba Hydro to address local energy limitations, and met with the Community Policing Unit to discuss safety concerns affecting businesses.

Workforce Alignment 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.

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ENGAGEMENT Luncheon Series This past year was marked by meaningful connections, bold conversations, and a strong sense of regional collaboration. Our luncheon series brought together diverse voices, from industry experts to community champions, who helped spark important dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing our business community. Premier Wab Kinew once again brought insight and perspective, reinforcing the vital role Brandon plays in driving the provincial economy. We also focused on strengthening our ties beyond city borders, building lasting relationships with Shilo. A highlight of the year was creating space for student networking, offering young professionals valuable opportunities to engage, learn, and grow. From fresh ideas to lasting partnerships, this year showed the real power of coming together with purpose.

Annual Golf Tournament 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 Awards Gala

The Business Awards Gala was a true highlight of the year. A celebration of excellence, innovation, and the remarkable spirit of our local business community. This elegant evening paid tribute to the outstanding businesses and individuals whose dedication and leadership continue to drive our region forward. We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who helped bring the event to life and extend our warmest congratulations to all the nominees and award winners who inspire us with their achievements.

First Friday Coffee First Friday Coffees remain a much-loved staple in our calendar, offering members a relaxed and welcoming space to connect. Each month brought fresh conversations, new faces, and the chance to strengthen relationships within our business community. This casual gathering continues to be a great way to ease into the month, spark collaboration, and build lasting connections in a laid-back setting.

Women of Westman Conference The Women of Westman Conference welcomed 306 registrants and offered a full day of engaging content, connection, and community. As our fastest-growing event, it featured inspiring keynote speakers, thoughtful panel discussions, and honest conversations around the experiences and challenges women face today. We were proud to support the Women’s Resource Centre as our charity partner and are excited to continue growing the event in future years.

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RECOGNITION & CELEBRATION BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Travis Chastko, Christie’s Office Plus

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE - LARGE T-Birds Food Fun Games

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE - SMALL Create Marketing

LIFETIME BUSINESS BUILDER Ron Ball, Precision Toyota

OUTSTANDING NEW BUSINESS Leatherwood Custom Workwear

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RECOGNITION & CELEBRATION COMMUNITY IMPACT Tracy Baker

COMMUNITY IMPACT - BUSINESS Chez Angela Bakery and Cafe

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR Rob Mintenko

TOP 4 UNDER 40 Julia Teichroeb, Just Call Joe and JCJ Residential Whitney Sharkey, Accent CPA Camilla Timmer, Assiniboine College Shonah Rathwell, Pinnacle Event Rentals

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EVENT SPONSORS LUNCHEONS

WOMEN OF WESTMAN

Sunrise Credit Union Limited

Westoba / Assiniboine

Compass Credit Union

Credit Union.

St. John Ambulance - Brandon

CPHR Manitoba

Branch

Manitoba Enterprise

Sentinel Safety Services Acres of Hope Stables Ltd. myITsource Assiniboine College Brandon University Westman Communications

Centre of Manitoba (MWEC) – Operating as WeMB RBC Royal Bank Brandon Clinic Medical

FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE Tim Hortons Westman

Group

Corporation

Brandon First

Heart and Stroke

CENTUM Mortgage Choice

Foundation

Pattison Media

Town Car Rental Ltd.

Keystone Agricultural &

Westman Immigrant Services

Robinson Cancade

Recreational Centre Inc.

Shilo Military Family Resource

Private Wealth Inc.

& The Brandon Wheat

Centre Inc.

Reesor's Jewellery

Kings

(1978) Ltd.

Fusion Credit Union &

Chemtrade

NorthStar

Electrochem Inc.

T-Birds Food Fun Games

Leech Group

Livingstone Outdoor

Alternative Group Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Anytime Fitness Brandon Wilder Institute West-Can HR

Brandon University

Patersons

Super Thrifty Drugs

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Canada Ltd.

Mood Disorders Association of

Epp Law Office

Manitoba Prairie Mountain

Robinson Cancade

Region

Private Wealth Inc.

SV Benefits

Shoppers

BUSINESS AFTER FIVE

Mall/Morguard Epp Law Office Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. Treo Law GREY PEARL Interior Design

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EVENT SPONSORS

142 ANNUAL AWARDS GALA BDO Canada LLP

RBC Royal Bank

Keystone Agricultural & Recreational

Greenstone Building Products

Centre Inc.

Manitoba PC Caucus

CPHR Manitoba

Leech Group

Alternative Group

Town Car Rental Ltd.

Koch Fertilizer Canada Unlimited

Westoba Credit Union a division of

Fusion Credit Union

Assiniboine Credit Union.

Maple Leaf Foods

Guild Insurance Group

Bell MTS, a division of Bell Canada

Sunrise Credit Union Limited

Brockie Donovan Funeral and

Western Financial Group

Cremation Services

Cutting Edge Construction Ltd.

Workers Compensation Board Brandon

Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd.

MNP LLP

35 ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Wheat City Golf Course

Heritage Co-op

Burns Maendel Consulting

CPHR Manitoba

Westoba Credit Union a division of

Engineers Ltd.

Koch Fertilizer Canada Unlimited

Assiniboine Credit Union.

Guild Insurance Group

Denray Tire Ltd.

McMunn & Yates Building Supplies

Super Thrifty Drugs Canada

T-Birds Food Fun Games

Workers Compensation Board Brandon

Ltd.

Alternative Group

Westman Communications Group

Forbidden Flavours Roastery

Dennis Hunt & Associates IG Private

Good Life Fitness Brandon Shoppers

Chez Angela Bakery and

Wealth Management

Mall

Café Ltd.

Leech Group

Tommy Gun's Original Barbershop

Blue Moon Water Inc.

Universal Doors and Truck Accessories

Western Financial Group

Sobeys Brandon West

St. John Ambulance - Brandon Branch

Corral Communications – A Bell MTS Dealer

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last 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

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2024-2025 MEMBERSHIP

93.7%

MEMBER RETENTION RATE IN 2024-2025

29 NEW MEMBERS The number of new member’s who joined in 2024-2025. Welcome!

591 TOTAL MEMBERS The total number of Chamber members for 2024-2025.

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2024-2025 EVENTS 3898 EVENT ATTENDANCE The number of attendees at events last year.

31 TOTAL EVENTS IN 2024-2025

106

EVENT SPONSORS The number of businesses and organizations that sponsored an event with us 14

2024-2025 MARKETING SOCIAL MEDIA All of our social media platforms grew this year!

3300 Facebook followers & 2227 Page Likes 959,600 impressions 10,400 Interactions 2700 Instagram followers 211,300 Impressions 4500 Interactions 1133 LinkedIn Followers 101,500 Impression 3022 Interactions

1698

55.2%

13.5%

SUBCRIBERS TO OUR ENEWS The number of subscribers we have for our weekly and monthly newsletters

AVERAGE OPEN RATE The number of subscribers who’ve opened our publications

AVERAGE CLICK RATE the number of subscribers who’ve opened our publications and clicked on at least one link.

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SETTING THE PACE FOR A GREATER BRANDON SINCE 1883 1043 Rosser Avenue, Brandon Manitoba 1-204-571-5340 brandonchamber.ca