Glance
A Message from Your President
It wasn’t difficult to determine what the topic of this messageshouldbe.It’stheissueatthetopofeverysocial mediafeed,onthefrontpageofeverypaper,andindeed top-of-mind on every Canadian, particularly those who areentrenchedwithinbusinessandindustryduringthese incrediblyuncertaintimes
Tariffs and threat from our American neighbours have thrust not only Canada, but almost every country around the world into a tailspin of trading chaos and economic uncertainty. In Canada, the very core of our country, and our sovereignty is at stake. It seems insane, and hardly possible,andyethereweare
The Brandon Chamber has been working to ensure that the needs, concerns and perspectives of our members arebroughttotheforefrontateveryopportunity Wehave engaged with Chambers across Manitoba and Canada, and advocated for our Vice President to have a seat on the Manitoba Trade Council. Within the last 2 weeks we partnered with the Manitoba Chamber to host a roundtable of about 20 business owners to share realtime challenges they are facing as we navigate through the ever-changing landscape of tariffs and countertariffs Our voices are critical in these challenging times, and the Chamber is committed to sharing information andopportunitieswithourmembersanddecisionmakers ateveryopportunity
ThewaythatManitobans,andCanadians,respondtothis ongoing threat is crucial, and while we have seen many strong statements and good steps, many more are needed It’s excellent to see inter-provincial tariffs topple, opening up free and fair trade within our own borders What’s even more critical, and an area where our provincial and federal governments must re-build capacity is with regards to establishing trade partners outside of Canada’s borders The Manitoba government, in particular, is playing catch up in establishing trade commission offices around the world and providing tailored and responsive support to our businesses who are looking to establish new, or larger, international trade partners We don’t have to be told twice that our once closest neighbour and ally doesn’t want to pursue a mutuallybeneficialeconomicrelationshipwithus,solet’s take this opportunity to explore diverse and reciprocal tradingrelationshipsaroundtheworld
Canada’s energy sector, critical minerals and freshwater supply are huge assets, and we must establish ways to protect (and leverage them appropriately) as quickly as possible. This means eastwest pipeline infrastructure and port enhancements (such as Churchill) should be key areas of focus. It’s clear that these valuable natural resources are highly coveted, so is imperative that we find ways to ensure that they are keys to Canada’s economic success and foundationalinourglobaltradingplan
Finally, as one of the Past Presidents of the Chamber commented at the recent roundtable, now is the time for generational investments. It is Manitoba’s, and Canada’s time, to make brave and transformational investments that will benefit our children and grandchildren. This sentiment has been expressed many times over the past two decades; through the 2008 financial crisis, during the pandemic, and numerousother(smaller)challenges Therealityis,that the time is right for our province and our country to make investments in infrastructure, break down interprovincial trade barriers and establish global trading relationships while creating jobs and business opportunitiesthataretransformativeinnature.Byusing ourresourcesasourstrategicadvantagesandmaking bold, impactful decisions, we can position Canada as anindependentandsovereignnation,readytothrivein theglobalarena
May we rise to the occasion and seize this moment to secure a prosperous and resilient future for all Canadians - Elbows up! And ladies, if you were at the WOWConference,don’tforgettolinkarmstoo.
Events Lineup
STATEOFTHECITYLUNCHEON
APR17,2025|11:00AM-1:00PM|KEYSTONECENTRE TICKETSONSALE,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
BUSINESSACHIEVEMENTAWARDSGALA
MAY1,2025|5:00PM-10:00PM|KEYSTONECENTRE TICKETSONSALE,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
STATEOFTHEPROVINCELUNCHEON
MAY15,2025|11:00AM-1:00PM|KEYSTONECENTRE TICKETSONSALE,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
MAY21,2025|11:30AM-1:00PM|CHAMBEROFFICE FREEEVENT.REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
MAY28,2025|5:00-7:00PM|LIVINGSTONEOUTDOOR
FREEEVENT.REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
2025 - 2026 EVENT CALENDAR
MARCH2025
5th:WomenofWestmanConference
7th:FirstFridayCoffee
20th:BuildingBridgesandCommunityLuncheon
APRIL2025
4th:FirstFridayCoffee
17th:StateoftheCityLuncheon
MAY2025
1st:AnnualAwardsGala
9th:FirstFridayCoffee
15th:StateoftheProvinceLuncheon
21st:Chamber101
28th:BusinessAfter5atLivingstoneOutdoor
JUNE2025
5th:StateoftheChamberLuncheon
6th:FirstFridayCoffee&ChamberBBQ
11th:ChamberGolfTournament
SEPTEMBER2025
5th:FirstFridayCoffee
10th:AnnualGeneralMeeting
18th:EconomicReconciliation Luncheon
OCTOBER2025
3rd:FirstFridayCoffee
16th:SmallBusinessLuncheon
NOVEMBER2025
7th:FirstFridayCoffee
20th:Luncheon
DECEMBER2025
5th:FirstFridayCoffee 11th:HolidayHappyHour
BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
OUTSTANDING NEW BUSINESS
THE BACKYARD ON ABERDEEN BY AIDA'S CATERING
FINALISTS
OUTSTANDING NEW BUSINESS
LEATHERWOOD CUSTOM WORKWEAR
OUTSTANDING NEW BUSINESS
VDK DELIVERY SERVICES & STORAGE
SMALL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
CREATE MARKETING INC.
SMALL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
BEE EZ TREE SERVICE
SMALL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
BROMLEY’S MENSWEAR
LARGE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
BUSHEL PLUS LTD.
LARGE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
REESOR’S JEWELLERY
LARGE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
T-BIRDS FOOD FUN GAMES
2025 FINALISTS BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENTAWARDS
BUILDING BRIDGES & COMMUNITY
EVENTRECAP
On March 20, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosted a powerful and inspiring luncheon, Building Bridges and Community, featuring keynote speaker Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk, Base Commander of CanadianForcesBaseShilo.
Lieutenant-Colonel Cronk shared insights on recent operational deployments, the economic ties between CFB Shilo and Western Manitoba, and the strong partnership between the base and Brandon With a workforceof1,500personnel,manyofwhomlive,work, and play in Brandon, the event highlighted the deep connections between the base and the local community.
Each table featured postcards for attendees to write messages to Canadian troops currently deployed in Latvia a meaningful way to send encouragement and appreciation to those serving abroad Guests were also invited to sign the guestbook at the 26th Field Regiment Museum, which opened its doors for theevent,allowingattendeestoexploreBrandon’srich militaryhistory.
With Lieutenant-Colonel Cronk set to undergo a change of command in June, the Chamber extends its gratitude for his leadership and service.
THANKYOU,SPONSORS
Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor: Brandon University, and to our Booth Sponsors: SV Benefits, Brandon Salutes, Shilo Military Family Resource Centre, and Westman Immigrant Services for their support. We also appreciate theBrandonArmouryforhostingandTridentfor ensuringaseamlessevent.
leadership
B R A N D O N
This month, our current Leadership Brandon cohort dove into Industry Day, exploring the systems that keep Brandon running The morning began with a tour of the City of Brandon Water TreatmentFacility,whereAlanandhisteamwalkedusthroughthe complex process that delivers clean water to our homes and businesses every day. (Fun fact: about 95% of our drinking water comesfromtheAssiniboineRiver!)
After a mid-day check-in at the Chamber office, the group wrapped up the day with a visit to Maple Leaf Foods, one of Brandon’s largest employers. The tour offered a firsthand look at how the company contributes to the local economy and workforce. With a 700,000 square foot plant and 2,000 team members representing more than 10 different languages and cultural backgrounds, Maple Leaf stands out as an important employerintheregion
Thanks to both the City of Brandon Water Treatment Facility and Maple Leaf Foods for welcoming us and sharing the important workyoudo.
Leadership Brandon is designed to equip emerging and established leaders with the tools, experiences, andinsighttheyneedtocreaterealimpact intheir workplacesandacrossthecommunity.
RegistrationforthenextLeadershipBrandoncohort opens this June and if you’re ready to grow your leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and gainadeeperunderstandingofhowBrandonworks, thisprogramisforyou.
Women of Westman Conference
On March 5th, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the Women of Westman: Empower Her conference, a vibrant day of connection, inspiration, and authentic storytelling
President Lois Ruston opened with the rallying call: “Elbows up and link arms.” From there, the day unfolded with powerful voices and unforgettable insights Elder Susie McPherson Derendy grounded us in community with a heartfelt opening prayer and song, followed by ourengagingMCAmberWhite,whosetthetone withhumourandvulnerability.
Jody Milburn challenged us to “crash the networking party with purpose,” encouraging everyone to set goals, embrace the awkwardness, and make meaningful professional connections. Jenn Jenkins and Elise Geiser from The Wellness Clinic unpacked procrastination,showingushowtoworkwithour dopamine cycles and reframe the way we approachourto-dolists
WhitneyStarkeyremindedusthatsuccessstarts with knowing what really matters to us, and Mehjabeen Musharraf shared a moving story of community-building as a newcomer, inspiring everyonetoreachoutandwelcomeothersin
The WOW Panel, featuring Meredyth Leech, Sue Swarbrick, Rand Tashman, Eleonor Mascardo, and Amanda Conway, was a standout moment. Theirstorieswereraw,real,anddeeplyrelatable, creatingapowerfulsenseofsharedexperience
Toclose,keynotespeakerStephanieStapleswith humour and heart, gave us tools and inspiration to live intentionally and with radical authenticity, in our work, our relationships, and our communities
A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, passionate speakers, and every attendee who showed up ready to share, listen, laugh, and grow Your energy made this event unforgettable
A standout moment from the conference was the buzz around our exclusive WOW StorebyLeatherwood.Fromcozyhoodiestoinspiringmugs,yourpurchaseshelped raise $500 for the Women’s Resource Centre right here in Westman. We’re very grateful to everyone who supported this initiative - one that continues to empower womeninourcommunitylongaftertheconferencewrapped.
BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
MORNINGMIXERSPONSOR
SUPREMESPONSOR
STELLAR SPONSORS SUSTAINING SPONSORS
LUNCH SPONSORS
EMPOWER HER TOTE SPONSORS
BORATORS
ADVOCACY UPDATES
MembersoftheChamberBoardrecentlyvisitedtheBrandon ResearchandDevelopmentCentre,afederalagricultureand agri-food research station that plays a vital role in driving innovationacrossCanada’sagsector
The Chamber’s Executive Committee met with representativesfromtheUniversityofManitobatolearnmore abouttheirmedicalstudentplacementprograminBrandon. These placements are a promising step toward building a more robust local healthcare system, with a long-term goal of attracting and retaining skilled professionals in our community.
On the policy front, Chamber Vice-President Jennifer Ludwig and Secretary-Treasurer Emelio Brown attended the Manitoba Budget presentation on March 20, ensuring our business community remains informed and engaged in provincialeconomicplanning.
Earlier in the month, the Chamber also co-hosted a CommunityLeadersRoundtableonTradeinpartnershipwith the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Held on March 10, the session brought together voices from across the region to discuss the impacts of US tariffs on Manitoba’s various industries, the importance of dismantling interprovincial trade barriers, and the path forward in this new economic landscape.
Brandon Career Symposium
The Workforce Alignment Committee was proud to represent the Brandon Chamber of Commerce at this year’sBrandonCareerSymposium,heldMarch18–19at the Keystone Centre Designed to inspire and inform, the event welcomed students, newcomers, and career changersfromacrossWestman providingthemwith accesstovaluableinsights,tools,andconnections
This year’s booth, curated by the Committee, featured three dynamic and interactive zones. The Entrepreneurial Corner, in partnership with Community Futures, sparked business-minded thinking and encouraged visitors to explore the possibilities of starting their own ventures A Resume and Job Application Station offered practical advice on how to stand out to employers from fine-tuning resumes to preparingforinterviews.Andperhapsthemostcreative highlight was the collage table, where attendees reflected on the qualities that make a great workplace andvisuallyexpressedwhatmattersmosttothemina job.
Withfreeadmissionandawelcomingenvironment,the symposium created space for meaningful dialogue between job seekers and employers, including businesses, educational institutions, and organizations from across Western Canada. From students planning their futures to adults exploring new career paths, the event served as a powerful reminder of how career developmentcanbebothaccessibleandinspiring
TheWorkforceAlignmentCommitteeextendsitsthanks to all who stopped by the booth and to the many partners who helped make this event a success. We lookforwardtocontinuingtobuildastrong,connected, andfuture-readyworkforceinourregion.
NEWS UPDATES
TARIFF
FALLOUT: WHICH U.S. CITIES WILL TAKE THE HARDEST HIT?
NewresearchshowsSanAntonio,DetroitandKansasCityaremostvulnerabletotradewar.
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA BUSINESS INSIGHTS: TARIFFS & TRADE - WHAT TO KNOW
The Government of Canada's "Tariffs and Trade: What to Know" resource page provides businesseswithtoolsandinsightstonavigatetariffimpactsandtradecosts
SUPPORT FOR CANADIAN AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRIES IMPACTED BY TRADE DISRUPTIONS
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada programs to manage financial challenges and market disruptionscausedbynewtariffsimposedbyothergovernments
NEW MCC INITIATIVE TO HELP SMEs BOOST PRODUCTIVITY AND COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH ADOPTION OF AI TECHNOLOGIES
TheManitobaChambersofCommerce(MCC)islaunchinganewartificialintelligence (AI)traininginitiativetohelpsmall-andmedium-sizedenterprises(SMEs)enhancetheir productivity,competitivenessandgrowth,backedby$2millioninprovincialgovernment funding.
RISING COSTS FROM CANADA-U.S. TRADE WAR PUTTING PRESSURE ON BRANDON CONSTRUCTION FIRMS
Skyrocketingcostsandunpredictabletariffpoliciesinthecontinuingtradewarbetween CanadaandtheUnitedStatesareforcingconstructioncompaniestoreconsidersome projects,withsomeputonholdorscrapped,anindustryofficialsays
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
BoardofDirectors
LOISRUSTON|PRESIDENT YWCAWestman
JENNIFERLUDWIG|VICEPRESIDENT SuperThriftyDrugsCanadaLtd
EMELIOBROWN |SECRETARY-TREASURER IntritechMarketing
MATTBERG
LivingstoneOutdoor&Livingstone LandscapingLtd
TILDAFORTIER GreenstoneBuildingProducts
MEREDYTHLEECH LeechGroup
BRENTMILLER VictoriaInn
ROBSTARKELL West-CanHRSolutions
CHRISFINLEY Mazergroup
KARINGRIFFIN AlternativeGroup
AMBERWHITE AnytimeFitness
CHARLESTWEED TweediaSocialMedia Agency
ENVERNAIDOO WestmanImmigrant Services
ChamberStaff
OLIVIABOYCE
GeneralManager gm@brandonchamberca
MACAYLALYONS
Events&MarketingCoordinator events@brandonchamberca
FREDERICRAMSAY
Office&MarketingCoordinator info@brandonchamberca
WeacknowledgethatBrandonislocatedonTreaty2territory, traditionallandsoftheCree,Oji-Cree,Dakota, Anishinaabe/Ojibwepeoples,andthehomelandoftheRed RiverMétisNation.Wehonorthehistories,cultures,and contributionsofIndigenouspeoplestoourcommunity.
SETTING THE PACE FOR A GREATER BRANDON SINCE 1883
TheBrandonChamberofCommerceisanindependent, membershipfunded,non-profitorganizationthatrepresents Brandonbusinessfromthegrassrootslevel.
OurmissionistoencouragegrowthintheBrandoncommunityby fosteringaprogressivebusinessenvironment,favourableto enhancingexistingandattractingnewbusiness.