Glance
Chamberata Chamberata
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
What is the time old saying - April showers bring May flowers ? Well, as I look out my window and see the snowflakes flying, I’m wondering if we need tochangeourthinkingjustslightly
The Chamber was pleased to host Senior Deputy GovernoroftheBankofCanada,CarolynRogersat our March luncheon who provided insight as to what guides the Bank of Canada in its policy development I had the pleasure of conducting a fireside chat with Ms Rogers to dial down into how current economic factors, trends, and shocks are affectingourManitobamemberbusinesses
The Provincial Budget was released on March 24 with what I would call a lack lustre showing The lack of funding for businesses and economic growth was surprising, given past years have been touted as “build, build, build” budgets. That’s not to saythatsocialprioritiesdonotmatter–theydo.We know that a healthy economy depends on adequate social resources, and vice versa. However, in a time where residents are looking to save on cost of goods and services, the same is true for business owners who are trying to build their businesses in this tough economic climate. The Chamber was disappointed with the lack of funding for Brandon and Westman areas specifically, and we will continue to meet with our respectiveprovincialrepresentativestoensurethat we aren’t missed again. To read more on the Chamber’s response to the Provincial Budget, pleaseseeourLettertoMembersatthislink.
The Chamber is looking forward to hosting Mayor Jeff Fawcett at the Chamber’s State of the City LuncheononApril16 aswellasPremierWabKinew attheStateoftheProvinceLuncheononMay14 . th th
Bo he op as th ch governmentlevel.
I also look forward to the opportunity to ask questions of our own and ensure that Brandon and Westman are top of mind. Our Government Relations Committee works hard to put together these fireside questions, so if there is a specific area of interest of concern to your business, pleasereachouttotheChamberdirectly.
Thankyouandhappyspring!
Jennifer Ludwig
Upcoming Events
APR.23,2026|5:00PM-7:00PM|1430VICTORIAE. FREEEVENT,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
MAY1,2026|9:00AM-10:00AM|1043ROSSERAVE FREEEVENT,NOREGISTRATIONREQUIRED
MAY14,2026|11:00AM-1:00PM|KEYSTONECENTRE EARLYBIRDREGISTRATIONUNTILAPRIL30 REGISTRATIONCLOSESMAY11
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Attire: Formal
$185.00+ GST per seat
Tables are 8 seats per table
Ticket sales close on Monday, April 27TH
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
PRESENTED BY
ECONOMICOUTLOOKTAKESCENTRESTAGE
On March 26th, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce welcomed a full room of business andcommunityleaderstotheVictoriaInnforour March Economic Outlook Luncheon Featuring Carolyn Rogers, Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada and Brandon University alumna, the event offered timely insights into Canada’s evolving economic landscape and the forces shapingthefuture.
INSIGHTINATIMEOFUNCERTAINTY
In her keynote address, Ms. Rogers spoke to the economic challenges and opportunities facing Canadians today from global trade pressures and demographic shifts to the growing influence of artificial intelligence. She emphasized the importance of maintaining stability through monetarypolicy,particularlyasCanadaprepares for the 2026 renewal of its monetary policy framework.
Hermessagehighlightedthatwhilethepast several years have brought significant economic turbulence, the path forward will require adaptability, resilience, and continuedinvestmentinlong-termgrowth.
THANKYOUTOOURSPONSORS
A sincere thank-you to our host sponsor, BrandonUniversity’sDepartmentofBusiness Administration, and to our supporting sponsorsCPHRManitobaandSentinelSafety Services for helping make this event possible.
We also extend our appreciation to our event partners: Keywest Photo Image by Design for photography, Look Music for audiovisual support, and to the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre for the venue andexcellentmeal.
May Luncheon
StateoftheProvince
May14,2026 | 11:00amto1:00pm | KeystoneCentreUCT JoinusasPremierWabKinewdelivershisaddressonManitoba’sprogressandfuturedirection.
Meet Your Speaker
JoinusApril16forourStateoftheCityLuncheonaspartofthe2026 LuncheonSeries,featuringHisWorshipMayorJeffFawcett.
MayorFawcettwilldeliverhisannualaddressonBrandon’scurrent prioritiesandfuturedirection,highlightingkeyinitiatives,challenges, and opportunities impacting residents and the local business community.Hisremarkswillexploreeconomicgrowth,infrastructure investment, and strategic plans shaping our city’s continued development, offering valuable insight into how municipal leadershipinfluencesbusinessconfidenceandcommunityprogress
Pleasenote:luncheonticketscannolongerbeinvoiced.
LarryMaguire
myITsource
For nearly 30 years, myITsource has been helping businesses across Brandon and the Westman region make technology work securely,reliably,andwithconfidence
Many in the community may remember the company by its original name, Frank’s Computers Founded in 1998, the business began by supporting individuals and small businesses with everyday technology needs. As technology becamemorecentraltooperations,thecompanyevolvedinto myITsource a managed IT support & security provider focusedonproactivesupportandlong-termpartnerships.
Today, myITsource supports small and mid-sized businesses, non-profits, and organizations that rely on technology but don’t want the complexity of managing it in-house Their services span managed IT support, cybersecurity solutions, cloud services, backup and disaster recovery, and both remote and on-site support. Rather than simply fixing issues as they arise, the team takes a proactive approach monitoring systems, preventing problems, and helping clients planforthefuture.
Thisshiftreflectshowtheindustryhaschanged WhereITwas oncereactive,todayitplaysacriticalroleinbusinessstrategy The team at myITsource works closely with clients to ensure theirtechnologyalignswiththeirgoals,allowingthemtofocus onrunningandgrowingtheirbusiness.
Cybersecurityhasbecomeoneofthebiggest challenges facing local organizations. From phishing attacks to ransomware, threats are increasing in both frequency and sophistication The myITsource team emphasizes simple but essential protections, such as secure backups and multi-factor authentication steps that can significantly reduceriskbutarestilloftenoverlooked.
What sets myITsource apart is its local, relationship-driven approach The team focuses on clear communication, measurable results, and being a trusted partner rather than just a service provider. That local connection also means understandingtheuniqueneedsandrealities of businesses operating in Westman The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is also proudtousemyITsource’sservices
Their work is supported by partnerships with leading technology providers such as Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, Apple, and others, ensuring clients have access to reliable, modern solutions backed by industry expertise.
For the team, some of the most rewarding moments come when preparation pays off helpingclientsquicklyrecoverfromhardware failures or cyber incidents with little to no downtime These situations highlight the valueofproactiveplanningandreinforcethe importance of having the right systems in placebeforeproblemsarise.
Looking ahead, myITsource continues to expand its cybersecurity offerings and invest in tools and training that improve response times and consistency, while maintaining the personalservicetheirclientsexpect.
As members of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, myITsource values staying connected to the local business community andsupportinginitiativesthathelptheregion grow. Proudly local and deeply rooted in Westman, the team remains focused on helping businesses succeed through reliable, secure,andwell-managedtechnology
2025-2026EVENTLINE-UP
BoardofDirectors
JENNIFERLUDWIG|PRESIDENT SUPERTHRIFTYDRUGSCANADALTD
EMELIOBROWN |VICEPRESIDENT INTRITECHMARKETING
CHRISFINLEY|SECRETARY TREASURER MAZERGROUP
LOISRUSTON|PASTPRESIDENT YWCAWESTMAN
LISAANDREW BDOCANADALLP
MATTBERG
LIVINGSTONEOUTDOOR& LIVINGSTONELANDSCAPINGLTD
BRENTMILLER VICTORIAINN
KARINGRIFFIN ALTERNATIVEGROUP
ROBSTARKELL WEST-CANHRSOLUTIONS
AMBERWHITE ANYTIMEFITNESS
CHARLESTWEED TWEEDIASOCIALMEDIA AGENCY
ENVERNAIDOO WESTMANIMMIGRANT SERVICES
LYNDSAYSEAFOOT CURBIRDGE
EMMYSANDERSON BRANDONDOWNTOWNBIZ
ChamberStaff
CURTISHULLICK GENERALMANAGER
FRÉDÉRICRAMSAY
MEMBERRELATIONSCOORDINATOR
SANDRAAFFUN
EVENTSCOORDINATOR
MINDYCASTLE OFFICECOORDINATOR
CHERYL RACINE EVENTSASSITANT CALLIEFOWLER
MARKETINGASSISTANT
WeacknowledgethatBrandonislocatedonTreaty2territory,traditionallandsoftheCree, Oji-Cree,Dakota,Anishinaabe/Ojibwepeoples,andthehomelandoftheRedRiverMétis Nation Wehonorthehistories,cultures,andcontributionsofIndigenouspeoplestoour community
SETTING THE PACE FOR A GREATER BRANDON SINCE 1883
TheBrandonChamberofCommerceisanindependent, membershipfunded,non-profitorganizationthatrepresents Brandonbusinessfromthegrassrootslevel.
OurmissionistoencouragegrowthintheBrandoncommunityby fosteringaprogressivebusinessenvironment,favourableto enhancingexistingandattractingnewbusiness.