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BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2015-2016
CONTENTS 2 Mission/Vision
4 Events
2 Board of Directors
5 By the Numbers
11 Membership
3 Leadership Message
6 Highlights
12 Financial report
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8 Advocacy
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2015-2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President JORDAN LUDWIG Brandon Business Interiors
Vice—President TERRY BURGESS RBC Royal Bank
Secretary/Treasurer TAMI RAE CLEMENTS Agri-Trend Business Management
Past President TODD BIRKHAN BDO Canada LLP
FRANK ARNDT myITsource.ca/MTS Connect Corral Centre
GREG CRISANTI Tim Hortons
TERRY CARLISLE Cando Rail Services Ltd.
KARLA DANE Meighen Haddad LL
JEFF HOOD MNP LLP
KAREN MACDONALD Assiniboine Community College
BONNIE NAY-DRAPER Entrepreneurship Manitoba
JASON THORPE Thorpe Construction Ltd.
JORDAN TROTTER C&C Rentals
ROSA VILLAMIZAR Behlen Industries
WHO WE ARE The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is an independent, membership funded, non-profit organization that represents Brandon business from the grassroots level.
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MISSION
VISION
To encourage growth in the Brandon community by fostering a progressive business environment, favourable to enhancing existing and attracting new business.
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.
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE Thank you to all our members, sponsors and community partners for your continued support and contributions to the Chamber and its success in 2015-2016. Your investment enables the Chamber to continue its work as the champion for local business and a strong economic environment. We take tremendous pride in our commitment and responsibility as the ‘voice of business’ in Brandon. Over the past year, our efforts have been focused on strengthening our Chamber’s advocacy work, growing and engaging our membership, delivering more value to members, and improving our communications, while maintaining a healthy financial bottom line. Whether at the local, provincial or federal level, we ensured local business interests were represented at all levels of government. With both a provincial and federal election this past year, we developed election platforms focused on business issues and organized debates with our local candidates, as well as a provincial leader’s forum. Provincially and nationally we remain connected to the Chamber Network with our alignment alongside organizations such as the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, which represents over 10,000 businesses, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce which represents over 200,000 businesses. From taxation and economic competitiveness to flood protection and addressing labour challenges, together we helped shape policy that will make a difference to businesses in our area. Our program of events saw another strong year both in attendance and profitability. In addition to our regular programming, we added both the “HR ” and “Business Opportunities in Agriculture” conferences. The support, sponsorship and engagement from members assisted in making our events successful and meaningful, and we look forward to delivering more high quality events in the year ahead. Through initiatives like our “Thank You Thursdays”, in which we visited members with coffee and treats, and our “Taking it to the Streets” Support Local Campaign, where our taskforce challenged businesses to sign the ‘Support Local Pledge’, we have looked to engage with our members in new ways. As we continue to move forward in 2016-2017, we will continue to seek your input, participation and feedback in our efforts to strengthen the work and activities of the Chamber. With a strong and dedicated board, hardworking and knowledgeable staff, and a vibrant and active membership the Brandon Chamber of Commerce will continue its success as a your business advocate in the year ahead.
We thank you for your continued support and engagement.
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EVENTS
highlights
The Chamber delivered another year of strong events programming which offered attendees exceptional networking and business development opportunities as well opportunities to keep informed and hear from various thought leaders and elected officials. In 2015-2016, the Brandon Chamber hosted over 75 events including monthly luncheons, signature events, workshops, Business After Fives, Friday Chamber Coffees and more— with approximately 4800 in total attendees. Through our Luncheon series, attendees heard presentations on Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Innovation Alley, McCain Foods and the State of the Economy to name just a few. Additions to this year’s event line up included the Westman HR Conference and the Harvesting Value: Business Opportunities in Value Added Ag Conference. We also hosted a Federal Election debate for our local MPs, debates for local MLAs and a Provincial Leader’s Forum. Our two signature events, the Annual Gala Dinner and Golf Tournament, were once again huge successes with sold out attendance!
YEAR IN REVIEW: 2015-2016 EVENTS June (2015) President’s Luncheon and Changeover Ceremony 26th Annual Golf Tournament Chamber Friday Coffee with BU President ,Gervan Fearon September Brandon Chamber AGM Luncheon Series – Winnipeg Blue Bombers BA5: Sunrise Credit Union Chamber Friday Coffees: Federal Election 2015 Westman HR Conference October Chamber Friday Coffees: Federal Election 2015 Federal Election Forum Workshop: Email Marketing Luncheon Series: Small Business Luncheon with Guest Speakers on Innovation Alley BA5: Daughter on Call Chamber Friday Coffee: Meet the New Base Commander November Chamber 101: Maximize Your Membership Session Chamber Friday Coffee: Meet the New GM for Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation Harvesting Value: Business Opportunities in Value Added Agriculture Luncheon Series: Champions of Ag featuring McCain Foods Business After 5: Innovation for Tommorrow Reception Taking it to the Streets: Support Local Campaign December Christmas Luncheon 4 BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
January China: Explore Opportuniites for Exporters Chamber 101: Maximize Your Membership Session Luncheon Series: Business Climate Survey Results February BA5: myITsource Luncheon Series: State of the Economy with guest speaker from Investors Group Workshop: Leveraging the Power of Social Media to Grow Your Business March Friday Chamber Coffee: International Women’s Day Luncheon Series: A Manitoba Success Story: Pure Anada 14th Annual Aboriginal Job Fair 133nd Annual Awards Gala Dinner Chamber Friday Coffee: Provincial Ex—Winter Fair Fever April Provincial Election Leaders Debate 2016 Local MLA Candidate Debates Chamber Friday Coffee: Chuck Davidson, MB Chambers of Commerce May Workshop: Niche It Up: Enhance Your Marketing Effectiveness Chamber 101: Maximize Your Membership Session State of the City Address with Mayor Rick Chrest Past President’s Dinner Friday Chamber Coffee: Gervan Fearon, BU Weekly Chamber Friday Coffee (every Friday, Sept-June)
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By the Numbers 572
485
Number of attendees at the 132nd Annual Gala Dinner
Facebook Page Likes
609 5 Number of Business Achievement Awards handed out.
Total members
4800+ Number of event attedees
53 Number of new members
80+
1789
Number of Chamber events last year (including Chamber Coffees)
Number of Chamber twitter followers
399 Number of new twitter followers this year
25+ Number of cost reduction programs offered through the Chamber Network
133 Number of years the Chamber has been the Voice of Business
145 Number of Event Sponsors
1000 Approximate number of cups of coffee consumed at Chamber Friday Coffees.
8 Number of Chamber Committees
4 Number of Chamber Staff
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highlights
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C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
PA R T N E R S H I P S
The Chamber strives to communicate effectively with our members to keep them up to date on Chamber events and advocacy issues. In addition to providing members with low cost advertising, our communications provide a platform to share member news and highlight member businesses at no additional cost to members. In 2015-2016 we:
Partnership Development remained a strategic priority this past year with the Chamber renewing and developing community partnerships and collaborations on a number initiatives and events. Highlights of those partnership include:
DIGITAL Sent approximately 50 Chamber Insider enewsletters and emails to approximately 1200 subscribers. We redeveloped our website this past year to include more information on Chamber programs, advocacy work, memberships and more. The Member Information Centre (MIC) now enables members to register for Chamber events, add your own events, pay for invoices, add news releases, and manage and update your contact information (and more)—all online! Our online membership directory allows members to add logos and photos and acts like a mini webpage for members We also sent our annual membership survey to better understand how our members utilize chamber programs so we can better support their needs. PRINT We sent out 12 informational mailers with Chamber news and an opportunity for participating members to include an ad insert. We published 6 issues of our Chamber @ a Glance newsletter which includes member news, informational articles and sponsor recognition. We profiled members in the 10th edition of our Brandon Business Review Magazine and published our annual Membership Directory SOCIAL MEDIA We boosted our social media presence this past year, increasing our twitter followers from 1390 to 1769 this past year, and our Facebook page likes, from 250 to 485— and still growing! We continue to leverage social media in new ways, like our “Thank You Thursday” video posts which have proven to be very popular.
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Through partnership with Interprovincial Association on Native Employment (IANE) we cohosted the Annual Aboriginal Job Fair. We continued Chamber representation on a number of external committees including Brandon Salutes, Development Stakeholder Advisory Group, the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Board. The Chamber worked with World Trade Centre Winnipeg to promote Centrallia. The Joint Workshop Planning Group, in partnership with Entrepreneurship Manitoba and Economic Development Brandon, provided professional development opportunities in social media and marketing and hosted our first annual HR Conference. Through partnership with the Manitoba Marketing Network, members attending the Niche It Up Marketing Workshop had the opportunity to interact and learn from marketing experts. We worked with various stakeholders and other Chambers to develop and vet policy resolutions, including Assiniboine Community College, Brandon University and Red River College on a Flexible Funding Policy for Post Secondary Institutions. We hosted a local MLA Debates in partnership with our media partners: the Brandon Sun and CKLQ/StarFM and Westman Communications Group.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES AMBASSADORS PROGRAM Through our dedicated volunteer group, our Abassadors Program continued to help encourage greater participation in Chamber events by facilitating introductions amongst members and integrating new members in Chamber networking activities.
A N N UA L R E P O R T 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6 EDUCATION We continued to strive to provide a variety of educational opportunities. We had a number of informative speakers at our monthly luncheons and other special events who educated members on a variety of topics including HR, social media, election platforms, Innovation, marketing and Manitoba business success stories, to name a few.
THANK YOU THURSDAYS We introduced “Thank You Thursdays” as a fun way to engage with members. Monthly, we visit members with coffee and treats to show our appreciation for just being members!
I AM A MEMBER We encouraged members to participate in the “I am A Member” Photo ops, which we used in our publications and social media. It was a fun way for members to share pride in membership!
RECOGNITION In recognition and celebration of success in our business community we presented our Annual Business Achievement Awards: Business Person of the Year—Charlie Clark, NetSet Communications/ I-Netlink Wireless Lifetime Business Builder—Bill Cumming, Zenith Paving Ltd. Outstanding New Business Award—Progressive Mats & Uniforms/Progressive Sanitation Business Excellence Award— Mazergroup Community Service Award— Barry Cullen, Keywest Photo Image by Design Award winners received recognition at our Gala Dinner held in March as well as being profiled in our annual Brandon Business Review Magazine. At our Small Business Week Luncheon, we recognized those members who celebrated milestone anniversaries. In partnership with Prairie Mountain Health, we also presented the annual ‘Best Boss Award’ to a deserving recipient nominated by their staff. The 2015 recipient was Dr. Winburn or Winburn Orthodontics.
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highlights
ADVOCACY Policy is about ideas. Advocacy is about action. We are pleased to report that we were active in both 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 2015-2016 year.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS There were a variety of meetings between members of City Council and the Chamber Board of Directors to discuss infrastructure, budget concerns and other issues. A Chamber representative was also at each City Council meeting. Provincially, Chamber representatives met with both local MLA’s as well as various ministers and other key staff to discuss member concerns regarding issues such as workforce challenges, taxation, and education. Federally, we met several times with MP Larry Maguire and various ministers to express concern over the changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, labour challenges and trade barriers amongst other issues.
MUNICIPAL RED TAPE REDUCTION POLICY We continued to advocate on our policy urging the city to improve the business development environment to encourage growth, with specific recommendations to improve transparency, communication, accountability and clarity on the development process.
TAXATION The Chamber was again actively involved in the local, provincial and federal government and school division budget processes, attending all public forums and consultations, all day budget sessions as well as a variety of additional meetings to encourage fiscal responsibility.
maintainance, while encouraging exploration of alternative revenue sources.
BUSINESS OUTREACH To better understand member needs and challenges, we held various 12@12 Member input sessions, and targeted business tours and roundtables. Specifically, our Workforce Development Committee has started work on identifying employee retention and recruiment challenges and trends with focused 12@12 employer stakeholder meetings in the areas of skilled labour, professionals and retail/customer service employees. Feedback from these meetings will continute to help shape the work of our committees, policy development and our consultations with government.
PROVINCIAL & FEDERAL ELECTIONS Focusing on three key business issues: economic competitiveness, workforce, and regional economic development we hosted a Provincial Leader’s Debate with all three party leaders. In partnership with media sponsors, we co-hosted MLA Debates for members and the community at large to be informed about relevant policy position of the various candidates and parties. We hosted a MP Candidates Forum Luncheon to allow members to learn more about local candidates.
PUB WATER RATES
We also hosted Candidate Coffees with local candidates for MP, to allow members an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to each candidate.
The Chamber presented at the PUB public consultations, actively advocating on business concerns around the proposed changes to the water and sewer utility rates brought forward by the city.
FLEXIBLE FUNDING FOR POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS
KEYSTONE CENTRE LONG TERM FUNDING We advocated for development of a capital plan for the Keystone that would provide for necessary
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The Brandon Chamber worked with various stakeholders to develop policy on flexible funding for post secondary instiutions. In support of better alignment of skills development with employer needs, the Chamber developed recommendations that would
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provide post secondary institutions the ability to respond quickly to labour market needs. It was adopted at the Manitoba Chamber AGM in May 2016.
SUPPORT LOCAL In support of local business, the Chamber launched the the “Taking it to the Streets Campaign” where our Support Local Taskforce visited business across the city to encourage them to sign the ‘support local pledge’.
BUSINESS CLIMATE SURVEY We conducted our 7th Business Climate Survey to learn more about business challenges, opportunities and trends for the future, which continutes to shape our programming and advocacy work.
THE CHAMBER NETWORK With the Brandon Chamber you are connected! Being aligned with the largest and most influential business organizations in Manitoba and Canada, 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:
Brandon Chamber delegates attended the Manitoba Chamber AGM in Portage La Prairie and supported various motions on taxation, business climate, economic development, and tourism among others topics.
The Brandon Chamber successfully brought forward a motion on Flexible Funding for Post Secondary Institutions—unanimously supported by all delegates.
Brandon Delegates attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Ottawa, ON to lobby on behalf of Brandon Chamber members and supported a number of policies on national issues.
Brandon Chamber General Manager, Carolynn Cancade served on the Canadian Chamber of Executives Board, the Manitoa Chambers of Commerce Board and served as the past chair of the Chamber Executives of Manitoba in 2015-2016.
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T H A N K YO U TO ALL OUR SPONSORS and SUPPORTERS! LUNCHEONS Sunrise Credit Union Entrepreneurship Manitoba Westoba Credit Union Assiniboine Community College myITsource MNP LLP CENTUM Mortgage Choice Brandon University Westman Communications Group Brandon First Crocus Credit Union Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Brandon Salutes Manitoba Lung Association Blue Canvas Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba World Trade Centre Winnipeg Canadian Cancer Society, Westman Region Rotary Villas Duraco Windows Brandon Brandon Area Community Foundation ELECTION FORUMS Westoba Credit Union Westman Communications Group The Brandon Sun 2015 WESTMAN HR CONFERENCE Legacy Bowes Group Human Resources Management Association of Manitoba Career Connections Westman Employment Services HUB International STRATA Benefits Consulting 1Life Safety CAA Royal Oak Inn HARVESTING VALUE AG CONFERENCE Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Development Growing Forward 2 Economic Development Brandon Assiniboine Community College Brandon University FRIDAY COFFEE @ THE CHAMBER Tim Hortons BUSINESS AFTER 5S Sunrise Credit Union Daughter on Call myITsource ABORIGINAL JOB FAIR Westman IANE Manitoba Metis Federation Shoppers Mall Westman Communications Group 10 BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
133RD ANNUAL AWARDS GALA BDO Canada Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Benmarks Brandon University MTS The Party Professionals & Rental Co. Bell Media Radio Brockie Donovan CAA Travel Cando Rail Services CN Keywest Photo Image by Design Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries The Brandon Sun Westman Communications Group Behlen Industries LP Canad Inns Destination Centre Brandon Guild Insurance Brokers HUB International STRATA Benefits Consulting Leech Printing Manitoba Public Insurance Maple Leaf Fresh Foods MNP LLP NetSet Communications RBC Royal Bank Remington's Restaurant Sunrise Credit Union West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Westoba Credit Union Ltd. Workers Compensation Board Zeke’s Quality Jewellers Benmarks Brandon Wheat Kings Brown's Social House Canexus Chemicals Canada Gonetree Tree Services Royal Oak Inn & Suites Vanguard Credit Union We Care Home Health Services Western Financial Group Blinds by Anita Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Dick Agencies Leon's Furniture Superstore Keystone Centre WORKSHOP PARTNERS Economic Development Brandon Entrepreneurship Manitoba Manitoba Marketing Network BEST BOSS AWARD PARTNERS Prairie Mountain Health Coffee Culture
27TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT CPA-Manitoba - Westman Chapter Cell Mechanics Vanguard Credit Union Guild Insurance Brokers Inc. Canadian Tire Brandon Source for Sports Canad Inns Hardy Electric Ltd. Westfit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Tim Hortons Subway Blue Moon Water Frito-Lay Canada Pizza Hut ACC Foundation Leech Printing Ltd. myITsource NetSet Communications & I-Netlink Wireless Alternative Landscaping Ltd. We Care Home Health Services RBC Royal Bank Westoba Credit Union Ltd. Myphone.ca/MTS Connect Shoppers Mall HUB International STRATA Benefits Consulting Westman Communications Group FYidoctors Western Financial Group Cell Mechanics Browns Socialhouse Murray Auto Centre Brandon Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Sargent Lock & Safe Fowler Hyundai NetSet Communications & I-Netlink Wireless Vector Promotions Hardy Electric Ltd. Futurepreneur Glen Lea Golf Club Canad Inns Destination Centre Brandon Leech Printing Poplar Ridge Golf Course Blu Kitchen & Bar Glen Lea DEL Communications Chris Turcotte - Centum Mortgage Choice Benmarks Brandon Wheat Kings Mr. Rooter Plumbing McMunn & Yates CHAMBER AGM Blu Kitchen Bar
highlights
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MEMBERSHIP 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. There is strength in numbers and this past year we worked to grow our membership through our advocacy, programs and services. We are pleased to report an overall growth in membership this past year to 609!
At A Glance
WELCOME TO 53 NEW MEMBERS
Types of Membership
Types of Membership
D I D YO U K N O W ? We offered free advertising and gift cerficates for member referrals that signed up! If you know someone who could benefit from membership, please let us know.
Membership Matters—Together we are stronger!
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Nickel Electric Landmark Cinemas Brandon] Browns Socialhouse Brandon Westman Steel Dash! Mobile Dining and Entertainment Inc. Gordon’s Crematorium Ron’s Appliance Service Good to Go Home Check MW Construction & Electrical Inc. BSI Insurance Westman Courier Mr. Rooter Plumbing Of Brandon Manitoba Trade and Investment Courtney’s Cake Creations Steppin’ Time Dance Studio Family Visions Inc. FischBooks H&CO Academy The Chilli Chutney Bromley’s Menswear Prairie Handyman Brandon East PC Association-Len Isleifson Bradly ZanderAikins,MacAulay & Thorvaldson LLP Aids’s Catering Nate! Plumbing & Heating LTD Elegant Cutters Hair Studio R.P. Robinson & Associates Private Wealth Management Freedom 55 Scott McMullan The Manitoba Lung Association Chown Electric Ltd. Cleanups
A.D. Rutherford International Inc. Rotary Villas Avalanche Brandon Royal Canadian Legion James O’Conner Unlimited Wawanesa Insurance Brandon General Museum & Archives Inc. Grasslands Group of Companies T/A Smarthire All Points Electric Ltd. Shreem Systems & Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Pantages On Park Darlene HartWolstenholme-Edward Jones Well Dressed Cakes by Brett Habitat For Humanity Manitoba-Brandon Chapter MAC Safety Group Ltd. Making Roots Montessori Centre Inc. Cutting Edge Construction Ltd. Abby Rose Unique Uniform Shop Birchwood Automotive Group B.G.Dodds Building & Contracting Ltd. DG Konkin Construction
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FINANCIAL REPORT On behalf of the entire Brandon Chamber of Commerce Board, the following represents a synopsis of the infor mation in the year-end financial statements. These financial statements are available to any of our Chamber Members at our 1043 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba location. For the fiscal year ending May 31, 2016, the Chamber recognized a surplus of $68,900. This surplus can be largely be attributed to an increase in revenues related to growth in membership and practical management of expenses within the annual budget. The total revenue for the year was $558,000 compared to $532,400 in 2015. In the coming year we look forward to an increasing membership to continue our growth and be able to provide great events, advocacy and service to our members. The Chamber at year-end sat with a net working capital position of $425,800. Although this is a strong figure, the Board of Directors feel at this time is best to conserve these assets as there will be significant investment required for the upkeep of the building at 1043 Rosser Avenue in Brandon. Special thanks to Carolynn Cancade and her staff for the prudent financial management of our Chamber organ ization and Sharpe & Co. Chartered Accountant Ltd. for the preparation and review of our Financial Reports.
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