2020 Brandon Business Review Magazine

BRANDON

2020

Business Review

#StrongerTogether Pivoting to an online world during COVID-19

@bdnchamber

Leadership in crisis @BdnChamber

2020 Brandon Chamber Business Achievement Award winners

@bdnchamber

Economic Development has two primary goals:

Grow the Economy and Grow the Population The ABCs of Economic Development Brandon

A ttracting New Business

A cting as a Business

& New Investment

B uilding Awareness of the “Brandon Advantage�

C onnecting Businesses with Resources & Opportunities

Advocate & Liaison

A ssisting with Business Growth & Retention

B ringing New People &

B uilding a Competitive Business Climate

C ollecting and Sharing Local Statistics & Insights

New Skills to Brandon

C onveying Community & Lifestyle Information

410 9th Street Brandon, MB R7A 6A2 Phone 204.729.2132 Toll free: 1.866.729.2132 Email: econdev@brandon.ca

economicdevelopmentbrandon.com

IN THIS issue

06 Message from the President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Spencer Day 08 Message from the General Manager of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Carolynn Cancade 10 2020-2021 Brandon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 12 #StrongerTogether: How the Brandon Chamber of Commerce helped lead members through the COVID-19 crisis 16 Maximize your membership: Member benefits 18 Message from the Mayor of Brandon, Rick Chrest 20 2020 can best be described as a long rollercoaster ride 24 Brandon Chamber of Commerce events 26 2020 Business Person of the Year Award winner: Robert Ritchot 28 2020 Business Excellence - Large Award winner: Christie's Office Plus 30 2020 Business Excellence - Small Award winner: Brandon Business Interiors 32 2020 Outstanding New Business Award winner: Greenstone Building Products 34 2020 Community Impact Award winner: Brad Munn 35 Good news stories: Brandon businesses spread positivity to others in need during COVID-19 40 Embracing online: How Brandon businesses utilized technology in the era of COVID-19 44 Making changes: Changing the way business is done/adapting business models to leverage opportunities

Index to Advertisers 26th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA..................................................... 28 Accel Towing & Transport Ltd.............................................................. 21 Accessibility Manitoba........................................................................IBC Atom-Jet Industries Ltd....................................................................... 24 Bee EZ Tree Service................................................................................11 Behlen Industries.....................................................................................7 Benmarks............................................................................................... 17 Blue Moon Water Inc............................................................................ 21 Brandon Business Interiors.................................................................. 30 Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd.......................................... 38 Cando Rail Services............................................................................... 39 Cardinal Signs Ltd................................................................................. 38 Centec Electric & Controls Ltd..............................................................23 Centum Mortgage Choice.................................................................... 26 Christie's Office Plus..............................................................................29 Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery................................................................ 27 Compass Credit Union...........................................................................11 Construction Association of Rural Manitoba..................................... 27 Crane Steel Structures Ltd.................................................................... 17 D & B Sprinklers..................................................................................... 27 Days Inn & Suites Brandon................................................................... 21 Ducks Unlimited Canada......................................................................22 East 40 Packers......................................................................................25 Economic Development Brandon...................................................... IFC Excel-7 Ltd............................................................................................. 35 Farm Credit Canada...............................................................................34 Fusion Credit Union.............................................................................. 19 Garden Variety....................................................................................... 13 Giant Tiger..............................................................................................46 Glacier Wash Inc.................................................................................... 31 Greenstone Building Products............................................................. 33 Guild/HMS Insurance Group Inc.......................................................... 43 Heritage Co-op...................................................................................... 39 Horizon Builders Ltd.............................................................................46 IG Wealth Management....................................................................... 42 Jamieson Construction............................................................................6 Keystone Centre.................................................................................... 21 Koch Fertilizer Canada ULC............................................................... OBC Larry Maguire MP................................................................................. 21 4

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

Leech Printing..................................................................................Insert Lightandme........................................................................................... 14 Manitoba Pork Council......................................................................... 19 Maxx Security........................................................................................ 33 McMunn & Yates / Jenkins.................................................................. 17 Minute Muffler & Brake........................................................................ 42 MNP LLP................................................................................................. 15 Paddock Drilling Ltd.............................................................................. 42 PC Caucus - Cliff Cullen, MLA Spruce Woods..................................... 29 PC Caucus - Len Isleifson, MLA Brandon East.................................... 29 PC Caucus - Reg Helwer, MLA Brandon West................................... 29 Pinchin Ltd............................................................................................. 31 Portage Mutual Insurance Company.....................................................9 Quintex Services Ltd............................................................................. 43 Raynor Bookkeeping Services Inc..........................................................8 Redfern Farm Services Ltd................................................................... 31 Roland/Weir Appraisal Associates......................................................25 Rotary Villas........................................................................................... 33 Royal Canadian Legion......................................................................... 42 Sand Hills Casino................................................................................... 15 Shreem Systems & Solutions Ltd........................................................ 42 Siere........................................................................................................ 31 Sunrise Credit Union................................................................................3 Super Thrifty Pharmacy....................................................................... 31 Taylor Jackson Financial Services Inc.................................................. 33 The Rourke Group Inc...........................................................................25 The Skin & Vein Centre......................................................................... 21 Trend Collection & Bailiff Services Ltd................................................25 Venture Accounting Group Ltd............................................................ 14 Visa2Canada Immigration & Settlement Services............................ 17 Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co.........................................................40 Western Manitoba Regional Library......................................................8 Westman Communications Group........................................................5 Westoba Credit Union Ltd.................................................................... 41 Wheat City Concrete Products Ltd...................................................... 26 Windsor Plywood................................................................................. 14 Workers Compensation Board............................................................ 45 Xplornet Enterprise Solutions..............................................................44

Brandon

Business Review is published by DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com President David Langstaff Managing Editor Shayna Wiwierski shayna@delcommunications.com Sales Manager Dayna Oulion dayna@delcommunications.com Advertising Account Executives gary barrington Jennifer Hebert | Kari philippot Dan Roberts | gary seamans Contributing Writer sandy trudel Production services provided by: S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com Creative Director / Layout & Design Kathy Cable © Copyright 2020 DEL Communications Inc. All rights reserved.The contents of this pub­lica­tion may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of the publisher­.

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Message from the President of the

Brandon Chamber of Commerce

Spencer day

stronger together

G

reetings from the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and

You are going to see a lot of economic recovery initiatives with the

a huge thank you for picking up the 2020 edition of the

Chambers’ involvement in the next year. We are going to be work-

Brandon Business Review. This magazine is a showcase

ing diligently with our standing and special committees over the

of some of the amazing businesses we have in Brandon

course of the year to serve our community to the best of our abili-

and throughout Westman.

ties.

As you flip through the pages this year, I want you to take an ex-

We are going to continue to push economic development in the

tra minute to really absorb and appreciate all the amazing stories

Brandon area with several partners and stakeholders that we work

from our local businesses and people. From the COVID-19 pan-

very closely with. The Chamber continues to be a big advocate

demic to the excessive flooding back in the early parts of summer,

for jumpstarting the new Rural Economic Development Office

a lot us have literally been through the wringer (no pun intended).

that was promised by the PCs in the last election to open here in

We are officially on the home stretch of 2020, and I know for some

Brandon, and the Chamber will continue to have representation

of us, it cannot come soon enough. I do believe the worst of this is

on that board.

behind us and we still have a lot to celebrate, like this magazine is

Travel Manitoba has caught my attention this summer. They have

going to show you.

done an amazing job reminding us of how beautiful of a home

Over the past couple of months, I have had the opportunity to en-

we have here in Manitoba, and how important it is to support our

gage with a lot of our business community and learn a lot more about the brilliance and resiliency of our local entrepreneurs. With your ability to implement new products, services, technology, and

people, places, and businesses at a time when they need us the most. I want you all to remember this quote below and think of it when you are not only travelling, but choosing what businesses

strategies on the fly, I truly believe we have learned many valu-

to support.

able lessons that we can carry forward to strengthen our economy.

“Let’s venture to rediscover the places we love to explore – right here at

Just think of how many of our friends finally checked their website

home in Manitoba. Grab the people who mean the most to you and

project off the list!

set out to experience the best of what our province has to offer. We can

This next year is going to be critical in the rebuilding of our busi-

have our hearts set on things returning to how they used to be. Or we

ness community. Now, more than ever, we need to stick together.

can remind ourselves that home is where the heart is.”

I also wanted to extend another congratulations to our 2020 award winners that we were finally able to recognize earlier this summer.

• Brad Munn – Community Impact •G reenstone Building Products – Outstanding New Business

• Commercial & Residential Concrete • New Home Construction • Fences & Decks

•B randon Business Interiors – Business Excellence Small •C hristie’s Office Plus – Business Excellence Large

Scott Jamieson 204-573-4764

6

scott@jamiesonconstruction.net www.jamiesonconstruction.net

•R obert Ritchot – Business Person of the Year

Serving Brandon and area since 2003

gether! Stay safe and let’s keep pushing our economy forward. ¢

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

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Message from the general manager of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce

carolynn cancade

W

elcome to another edition of our Brandon Business Review magazine! This publication allows us to profile some excellent awardwinning businesses and leaders, and share some of the stories and priority issues of our business community.

This year has brought a number of global and local challenges from COVID-19, to summer flash floods, to a volatile political and social landscape.

While Manitoba has largely seemed to manage the health crisis of the pandemic relatively well thus far, we know there are many businesses and individuals that are hurting as they try to navigate the economic impacts and uncertainty of the future.

I am amazed (but not surprised) by the levels of resiliency shown by our members. Despite these huge challenges, the fortitude and innovation of our businesses and community is still very evident. Much of our team’s time over the last four months has been spent consulting with members and working with our Chamber network to lobby all levels of government and provide feedback on government supports that will help businesses and our economy. In that time, we have heard stories of organizations coming together to support each other, stories of businesses retooling to fill a need, stories of companies adapting their business models to offer new value, and stories of individuals stepping up to help those in need.

In this issue, we are pleased to highlight some of these good news stories. We are thankful to be able to celebrate our business community, for we believe there is still much to celebrate. Our showcase of our 2020 Brandon Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award winners, who each have had their own journey of perseverance, struggle and leveraging opportunity, puts a spotlight on some of the members leading the way. As we have all had to learn to navigate adversity and work within a virtual world, we are pleased to also highlight examples of those that have embraced the pivot to online and who have exemplified leadership in crisis.

These are just a sampling of the many stories we have heard. While we all continue to adapt to the ‘new normal’ amid continuing uncertainty, now, more than ever we need to continue to support each other. Whether that is choosing to shop locally, doing your exploring within Manitoba, or simply recognizing the great work of a favourite organization, we all have a part to play. We are stronger together and the Chamber will continue be here to help pave a path to recovery.

We are here to help! Please contact us to learn more about the tools the Brandon Chamber of Commerce can give your business to prosper and grow. Visit us at www.brandonchamber.ca or call 204-571-5340. ¢

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

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2020-2021

board of Directors

10

President

past President

Spencer Day Progressive Westman

Cathy Snelgrove Siere

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

mark bailey R&M Homes Ltd.

laurie brugger Century 21 Westman

vice-president Barry Cooper Heritage Co-op

Secretary-Treasurer tanya labuick LaBuick & Co.

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

andrea epp Epp Law Office

chris finley Mazergroup

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

ryan jacobson Forbidden Flavours Roastery & Affordable Storage Brandon

lois macdonald Alternative Landscaping

meredyth leech Leech Printing

jaime pugh MNP LLP

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

scott norosky South End Lumber Ltd.

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

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2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

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#StrongerTogether

How the Brandon Chamber of Commerce helped lead members through the COVID-19 crisis “ It will go down in history as a defining moment where we were not asked if we wanted to change, but instead, rose to the challenge when we needed to.

It has required us to adapt, to come together, to help each other and to fight for what is important. We have demonstrated both strength and a resolve to win, and will continue to harness that same spirit in the months to come.”

– Cathy Snelgrove, 2019/2020 Chamber President (April 2020 Chamber at a Glance)

S

ince mid-March, our business community has morphed into a new reality. With almost daily changes, requirements and adjustments, the COVID-19 pandemic produced not just a plethora of temporary changes, but also some lasting ones. Through this, leadership in our business community excelled. Businesses took the reins in being decisive, supportive, and pivotal. Alongside the Brandon business community, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce has proven its leadership capabilities in the face of this global pandemic.

The Chamber found the following three tactics imperative as being a place of information, solace, comfort, and strength for the Brandon business community: 1. Act with urgency.

2. Communicate with transparency.

3. Engage in constant updating.

12

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

To do our part to prevent community spread, our in-person events were postponed or cancelled, but we introduced interactive webinars and virtual networking opportunities for members. Seen here is a Jeopardy game made by Aly at the BGMA. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s COVID­-19 crisis efforts have been our priority since mid-March. Our main goal has been and continues to be supporting our local business community. With a clear objective in mind, the Chamber got to work and discussed just how exactly we could do that. We prepared four principal strategies to focus on and ensured we were supporting our business community the best way we could.

Our key methods to provide support included supplying resources and communications to members; member outreach, including listening to member concerns, answering questions, and connecting them with sources of information; advocating for government supports and policy changes; and education and connection, including listening to member concerns, answering questions and connecting them with sources of information,

as well as providing an outlet to connect with others.

Through all of our efforts, we truly believe that we have become #StrongerTogether.

Resources & Communications Providing different pandemic resources and communications to members was very important to us at the Chamber during the shutdown.

Twice a week we sent out our E-News Bulletins­, which was an email newsletter that delivered information and announcements to keep members informed with the latest news and updates. We also had a number of resources on our website, including a COVID-19 Resource page, which was updated regularly with the most relevant information. This page also had links to additional resources, including Back to Business print-out templates, Access to PPEs, Back to Business Recovery Toolkits,

Spencer Day and Barry Cooper filming the introduction to the virtual gala celebration we did this past July.

During this time we used online meeting platforms to our advantage and released a number of series for members to share their experiences and feel connected through interactive virtual events and information on government support programs.

Through the Brandon Chamber of Commerce social media accounts, we were able to share information and educational materials, host virtual events and workshops, share business updates, such as reopening, information, and other resources, and more. We also created the Westman COVID Business Facebook Group for businesses to connect easily, share updates on their company, and offer services to other businesses.

bers with pertinent information on the pandemic, we also advocated for government supports and policy changes.

Our Chamber Network partnership allowed us to work with our vast network of national and provincial Chambers to advocate on behalf of the business community. With member feedback, we provided input on policy and programs to better support our business members. We also attended regular meetings with Manitoba

and Canadian Chambers of Commerce to stay updated with the latest news, share concerns, as well as garner business feedback by supporting the Manitoba Chamber Survey and the Canadian Chamber Survey with Stats Canada.

In addition, we also did government outreach where we had regular correspondence with local and provincial governments to share concerns and hear from industry and community leaders.

Member Outreach A big part of what we were doing during the height of the pandemic was listening to member concerns, answering questions, and connecting members with sources of information.

We had direct contact with members to touch base with how they were managing and to offer assistance in finding information they needed. Through our Chamber Roll Call initiative, we highlighted some of the changes and updates of our local businesses through our social media platforms.

Advocacy & Leadership In addition to providing Chamber mem-

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2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

13

Education & Connection

through interactive virtual events. These

The response to this program was incred-

With most people working from home, we wanted to find a way to stay connected with one another. To do our part to prevent community spread, our in-person events were postponed or cancelled, but we introduced interactive webinars and virtual networking opportunities for members. These included COVID-focused webinars such as Leadership During Crisis and Labour & Employment Law. We also hosted virtual information sessions and roundtables with the Manitoba Chamber and the MLA Ministers Panel.

included Friday Coffees, Happy Hours, and

ible and we saw most of the sponsorships

Virtual Manitoba Road Trips with other

come from businesses within the same

Chambers around the province.

industry wanting to support their fellow

We were also unquestionably proud to

business partners. To date, we have had

During this time we used online meeting platforms to our advantage and released a number of series for members to share their experiences and feel connected

see Chamber members stepping up to the plate during this time to help each other out. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce yearly membership renewals start in June each year, and to our surprise, we had multiple businesses come forward to offer sponsorship to a business in need of

eight member businesses offer sponsorship through the program, with the interest from our members for many more.

The eight members include Benmarks; The Bloom Box; Heritage Co-op; MNP LLP; Progressive Westman; Robinson Cancade Private Wealth Inc., a Division of Cardinal

a membership. Because of this, we ended

Capital Management Inc.; Siere; and Vio-

up launching the Sponsor a Member pro-

nell Holdings Partnership.

gram, which helps enable local businesses

If you wish to sponsor a business in the

to sponsor other local companies with

community, please contact us at the Bran-

their member dues.

don Chamber of Commerce.

Although the Chamber had to cancel the annual Awards Gala Dinner abruptly

Do more of what you want.

Let us do the rest.

on March 12, the show must go on and we ended up hosting it virtually on July 9, 2020 through Zoom. You can read all about our 2020 winners in this issue of the magazine.

We at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our members, other provincial and federal Chambers, as well as the government for their support dur-

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

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2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

15

DĂdžŝŵŝnjĞ zŽƵƌ DĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉ I’ve joined the chamber…ŶŽǁ ǁŚĂƚ͍

 ^ƚĂLJ hƉĚĂƚĞĚ͕ ZĞĂĚ zŽƵƌ DĂŝů͗ ŚĂŵďĞƌ Ăƚ Ă 'ůĂŶĐĞ ŶĞǁƐůĞƚƚĞƌ͕ ŚĂŵďĞƌ /ŶƐŝĚĞƌ ͲŶĞǁƐůĞƚƚĞƌ͕ Θ ŵĞŵďĞƌ ĞŵĂŝůƐ  ŝƐƉůĂLJ ^ƉĂĐĞ͗ ŝƐƉůĂLJ LJŽƵƌ ĨůLJĞƌ Žƌ ďƌŽĐŚƵƌĞ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĨƌŽŶƚ ĞŶƚƌĂŶĐĞ  'Ğƚ EŽƚŝĐĞĚ͕ ĚǀĞƌƚŝƐĞ ŝŶ ŚĂŵďĞƌ WƵďůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ͗ ŚĂŵďĞƌ Ăƚ Ă 'ůĂŶĐĞ Žƌ ŚĂŵďĞƌ /ŶƐŝĚĞƌ ĂĚƐ  What’s New? Member News Section͗ ^ŚĂƌĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ŶĞǁƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŚĂŵďĞƌ /ŶƐŝĚĞƌ  tĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ >ŽŐ ŝŶ ĂŶĚ ƵƉĚĂƚĞ LJŽƵƌ ĚŝƌĞĐƚŽƌLJ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŚŽƵƌƐ ŽĨ ŽƉĞƌĂƚŝŽŶ  tĞďƐŝƚĞ hƉŐƌĂĚĞ͗ ĚĚ LJŽƵƌ ůŽŐŽ͕ ĞdžƉĂŶĚĞĚ LJŽƵƌ ĚĞƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶ͕ ĂĚĚ ƉŚŽƚŽƐ͕ zŽƵdƵďĞ ǀŝĚĞŽ͕ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ŬĞLJ ǁŽƌĚ ƐĞĂƌĐŚ͕ ďĂŶŶĞƌ ĂĚǀĞƌƚŝƐĞŵĞŶƚ  d, ŚĂŵďĞƌ ZŽƐƚĞƌ ŽŽŬ͗ ĚǀĞƌƚŝƐĞ ĂůŽŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ LJŽƵƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ůŝƐƚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƌĞĐƚŽƌLJ  ^ƉƌĞĂĚ ƚŚĞ tŽƌĚ͗ dŚĞ ŚĂŵďĞƌ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞƐ ĐŽƵŶƚůĞƐƐ ĐĂůůƐ ĨƌŽŵ ĐŽŶƐƵŵĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ǁŚŽ ǁĞ ƌĞĨĞƌ ƚŽ ŽƵƌ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ͖ ůĞƚ ƵƐ ŬŶŽǁ ǁŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ĂƌĞ ĚŽŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ƐƉƌĞĂĚ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌĚ  ^ŽĐŝĂů EĞƚǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ͗ &ŽůůŽǁ ƵƐ ŽŶ &ĂĐĞŬ͕ /ŶƐƚĂŐƌĂŵ Θ dǁŝƚƚĞƌ – ǁĞ ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞ DĞŵďĞƌ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚƐ͕ ĂǁĂƌĚƐ͕ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ŽŶ ŽƵƌ ƐŽĐŝĂů ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĨĞĞĚƐ  ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ĂůĞŶĚĂƌ͗ ĚĚ LJŽƵƌ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƐ ǀŝƐŝďůĞ ƚŽ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ  DĞŵďĞƌ WƌŽĨŝůĞ͗ ŶƐǁĞƌ Ă ĨĞǁ ƋƵĞƐƚŝŽŶƐ͕ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ƉŚŽƚŽ ĂŶĚ ďĞĐŽŵĞ ĨĂŵŽƵƐ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ƉƵďůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ  DŽŶƚŚůLJ DĂŝůĞƌ͗ tĞ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ ƚŽ ŽǀĞƌ ϴϬϬ ĚĞůĞŐĂƚĞƐ  ^ƉĞĐŝĂů ĞůŝǀĞƌLJ͗ WƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ ŵĂŝůŝŶŐ ůĂďĞůƐ ĨŽƌ ŽǀĞƌ ϴϬϬ ĚĞůĞŐĂƚĞƐ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ŽǁŶ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ĂŶŶŽƵŶĐĞŵĞŶƚͬĞǀĞŶƚ  ŽŽƚŚ ^ƉŽŶƐŽƌƐŚŝƉ͗ ^ŚŽǁĐĂƐĞ LJŽƵƌ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ Ăƚ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ >ƵŶĐŚĞŽŶƐ  ^ƉĞĐŝĂů ǀĞŶƚ ^ƉŽŶƐŽƌƐŚŝƉ͗ dĂŬĞ ĂĚǀĂŶƚĂŐĞ ŽĨ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŶLJ ůĞǀĞůƐ ŽĨ ƐƉŽŶƐŽƌƐŚŝƉ ĂŶĚ ƐŚŽǁ LJŽƵƌ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ Ăƚ ŽƵƌ ŶŶƵĂů ŝŶŶĞƌ Žƌ 'ŽůĨ dŽƵƌŶĂŵĞŶƚ  dŽŽ ƵƐLJ Ăƚ >ƵŶĐŚ͍ :ŽŝŶ ƵƐ Ăƚ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƌLJ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŚŽƐƚĞĚ ďLJ LJŽƵƌ ĨĞůůŽǁ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉůĂĐĞ ŽĨ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĨŽƌ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĨƚĞƌ ϱ  WƵƚ ŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ tĞůĐŽŵĞ DĂƚ͗ ,ŽƐƚ LJŽƵƌ ŽǁŶ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĨƚĞƌ ϱ ĂŶĚ ŝŶǀŝƚĞ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌƐ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ƉůĂĐĞ ŽĨ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ŝŶ Ă ĐĂƐƵĂů ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĂƚŵŽƐƉŚĞƌĞ  ĚĚ zŽƵƌ sŽŝĐĞ͗ :ŽŝŶ Ă ĐŽŵŵŝƚƚĞĞ ĂŶĚ ůĞĂƌŶ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ŚĂŵďĞƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͕ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ LJŽƵƌ ůĞĂĚĞƌƐŚŝƉ ƐŬŝůůƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĞĞƚ ŶĞǁ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ŽŶ Ă ŵŽƌĞ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ůĞǀĞů  DĞŵďĞƌͲƚŽͲDĞŵďĞƌ ĞĂůƐ͗ WŽƐƚ LJŽƵƌ ĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚƐ ĨŽƌ ĨƌĞĞ ŽŶ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ  ƌŝŶŐ zŽƵƌ ĂƌĚ͗ ƌƌŝǀĞ ĞĂƌůLJ ĂŶĚ ƐŚĂƌĞ LJŽƵƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĐĂƌĚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ Ăƚ ŽƵƌ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJ >ƵŶĐŚĞŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ LJŽƵƌ ƉƌŽĨŝůĞ͘ Ğ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ͖ ǁĞĂƌ ǁŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ǁĞĂƌ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ͘  ,ĂǀĞ Ă 'ŽĂů: “I want to meet three new people today at this event”  KƵƚ ŽĨ ^ƉĂĐĞ͗ ZĞŶƚ ŽƵƌ ďŽĂƌĚƌŽŽŵ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ͕ Žƌ ĂĨƚĞƌͲŚŽƵƌƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŚŝƐƚŽƌŝĐ ŚĂŵďĞƌ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ  ^ĂǀĞ DŽŶĞLJ͗ tŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŶLJ ŚĂŵďĞƌ ĨĨŝŶŝƚLJ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ďŽƵŶĚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂďůĞ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ  ĚǀĞƌƚŝƐĞ ĨŽƌ &ƌĞĞ͗ ZĞĨĞƌ Ă ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƐŝŐŶƐ ƵƉ ĨŽƌ ŚĂŵďĞƌ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉ ĂŶĚ ĞĂƌŶ ŚĂŵďĞƌ ŵĂƌŬĞƚŝŶŐ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

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2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

17

Message from the mayor of brandon

rick chrest

the best place in the world to be!

A

common mantra I’m hearing from many is “I can’t wait for 2020 to be over!”. While this may be an understandable sentiment given all that has been thrown at each one of us so far this year, I believe it does merit a little reflection. Indeed from a City of Brandon point of view we have activated our Emergency Operations Centre to respond to one emergency on top of another; first in March to respond to COVID-19, and while still active for the pandemic, yet again at the end of June to respond to overland flooding and the potential threat of a failure at the Rivers Dam. As I write this, we are still monitoring both emergencies, but in each case the threat has significantly subsided.

The COVID-19 pandemic gripped the entire globe in the largest and most impactful emergency in more than 100 years. A de facto health catastrophe quickly burgeoned into an economic calamity as well. In Canada alone, millions of people were put out of work as businesses and workplaces were shuttered to limit exposure and transmission of the virus. Businesses and services that were needed to remain open and have since reopened all had to rapidly develop and implement new measures and protocols to conduct business with safety paramount for their employees and customers alike. Plexiglass shields, hand sanitizing stations, physical distancing, face masks, one-way aisles, temperature testing, and capacity limitations are just some of the considerations implemented by innovative business and service operators.

There is no doubt the short-term and long-term impacts of COVID­ have been profound, and for many, quite devastating. Severe illness, lives lost, businesses closed, and jobs curtailed. However, the pandemic has once again revealed the resiliency of the human spirit and the creativity and determination displayed by business proprietors, health providers, governments, and citizens alike.

Many businesses outright reinvented themselves out of necessity, branching into business streams or delivery models they had never previously considered. Some subscribed to an old adage, “never waste a good crisis” by streamlining their businesses, modifying hours and business practices that I’m told they plan to hang onto long into the future. What may come out of this pandemic may be more efficient, resilient, and nimble organizations more capable of weathering other ups and downs and business cycles. Employees as well have adopted new ways to work remotely, from home

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

and connecting with colleagues online through Zoom, Teams, GoToMeetings, and numerous other cyber platforms. Many analysts predict that some of this work from home and online connectivity will become permanent.

So a word about our local scene. I believe that by and large the government response to the pandemic at the national, provincial, and local level here in Canada was quite sound and our results have been relatively positive. In Manitoba and closer to home here in the Prairie Mountain Health region, which includes Brandon, our statistics are some of the best in the world. I would highly commend all businesses, organizations, and citizens for really stepping up and taking the pandemic precautions very seriously; the sacrifices made by everyone have put us in an enviable position compared to many jurisdictions in North America. Kudos to all front-line workers, including health care personnel, retail staff who kept supplying us with essential goods, delivery workers, and the City’s many essential personnel, including water treatment plant staff, first responders, transit staff, operations staff, and of course our emergency operations centre staff.

While the world has changed in a significant way, and with COVID and other new considerations before us, no one knows precisely what lies ahead for those in business and other personal services.

The horizon seems to be brightening from my vantage point and I’m most encouraged by the proven optimism, the steadfast resiliency, and most of all, the kindness and compassion for each other that has been exhibited by the people of Brandon and area.

I believe we are stronger moving forward and while it saddens me to see businesses closed and others trying to hang on, I’m extremely proud to be Mayor of a community that so capably faces adversity.

To the Board of Directors, staff, and all members of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, congratulations and thank you for providing leadership on behalf of our business community. I know the Chamber itself has undertaken significant hurdles and are enduring the cancellation of its gala dinner and the majority of its regular functions. For the Chamber and all of its members, best wishes as activities begin to resume and thank you for your ongoing service in making Brandon and area one of the best places in the world to be. ¢

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2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

19

As a service centre for some 180,000 residents, a notable portion of Brandon's economy was hit hard and fast by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 can best be described as a

long roller coaster ride

By Sandy Trudel

I

n early 2020, indications were that Brandon’s economy was on a moderate growth path. Despite ongoing challenging global dynamics, businesses were optimistic with many manufacturers projecting strong growth. Unemployment rates were creeping downward returning to low historical norms and the newly launched Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot brought renewed confidence that chronic employment vacancies would finally be addressed. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce held a workforce summit with representation from well over a hundred businesses and all sectors of the local economy, generating great insight on labour force strengths and challenges, and a commitment from business, education, 20

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

and government to proactively work on enhancing the local labour force. The recently updated Downtown Secondary Plan moved to implementation phase.

WestJet, buoyed by strong flight bookings, announced an expanded schedule for the Brandon airport. Without a doubt, we were perched at the top of what would soon become a roller coaster ride.

Given Brandon’s proximity to the Bakken oilfield, servicing exploration and production activities is an important part of the local economy. The area has not been immune to the fallout from the Russia and Saudi Arabia oil price war, though economic diversity in the local and regional economies reduced the negative impact significantly compared to jurisdictions dominated by the energy sector.

As a service centre for some 180,000 residents, a notable portion of Brandon’s economy was hit hard and fast by the -19 pandemic. Once again, ecoCOVID­ nomic diversity served the community well as many sectors of the economy were able to continue to operate at normal operational levels, albeit under new safety protocols. In true Brandonite fashion, businesses, government, and residents pulled together to support one another during very trying times and leadership and creativity were evident in all sectors of the economy. Ironically, struggles to find a solution for enabling employees to work flexibly and remotely was identified as an important labour challenge during the Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s workforce summit in early 2020 and was solved

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21

In true Brandonite fashion, businesses, government, and residents pulled together to support one another during very trying times and leadership and creativity were evident in all sectors of the economy.

Despite the roller coaster ride, so far this year optimism is apparent in all areas of the local economy. The business community remains highly engaged, and goverment and business are focused on restarting and growing the economy.

almost overnight when the first wave of COVID-19 public health orders were issued. These learnings will undoubtedly prove beneficial to business going forward. As the provincial “restart the economy” plan rolls out, Brandon businesses are carefully ramping up operations and slowly returning to pre-pandemic norms infused with ongoing pandemic realities.

and little certainty around when we might

Brandon’s vibrant event industry is navigating the first global pandemic to occur in this age of growing connectivity, resulting in the most devastating hit to the sector in recent history. There remains a great deal of uncertainty as to what the event sector will look like post COVID-19

see some comeback in the event sector,

see the event sector restored to its former glory. On a positive note though, amongst industry experts, there does not seem to be any question of whether the event sector will rebound, the only uncertainty relates to when it will rebound. Industry experts feel that the last quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 at best might though organizing an event during this period is still considered to carry moderate risk. It is likely that virtual events and hybrid events comprised of in-person and virtual attendance will be the norm until early 2021 at least.

If the oil sector downturn and COVID-19 pandemic were not already enough for local businesses, government, and residents to handle, Mother Nature saw fit to deposit record levels of rain in southwest Manitoba in late June. The barrage of water caused flooding in communities and agricultural lands and placed enormous strain on infrastructure resulting in prolonged flood risk warnings and evacuations in the most at-risk areas. With typical prairie resilience, farmers, residents, and businesses focused on the future and undertook the work necessary to move forward.

Despite the roller coaster ride, so far this year optimism is apparent in all areas of the local economy. The business community remains highly engaged, and government and business are focused on restarting and growing the economy. In the past, Manitobans, and in particular Brandonites, have demonstrated that when they come together for a singular purpose, success is guaranteed.

The Rural Northern Immigration Pilot has proven to be a breath of fresh air in the search for a solution to chronic labour shortages in Brandon. The goal of the pilot is simple: to fill chronic job vacancies with individuals who have a genuine intent to stay in the community once they receive Protect natural areas on your land forever with our conservation agreements. Or, donate Protect natural areas on your land forever with our conservation agreements.

Or, donate permanent residence. With the federal land, assets or funds and consider planned giving. land, assets or funds and consider planned giving. government entrusting the determination of labour needs to the municipality, 22

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

Manitoba has emerged as a leader when it comes to flattening the COVID-19 curve and the business sector affirmed its resiliency with promising growth visible as the economy reopens. the program has been embraced by businesses of all types and sizes as it provides employers with another tool to meet their labour needs, thus helping them achieve full economic potential and population growth. Employers experiencing challenges finding employees are encouraged to contact the Economic Development Brandon office at Immigration@Brandon. ca or (204) 729-2132 to discuss whether the Rural and Northern Immigrations Pilot may be a tool to meet proven labour challenges.

Manitoba has emerged as a leader when it comes to flattening the COVID-19 curve and the business sector affirmed its resiliency with promising growth visible as the

economy reopens. Local businesses are

throughout this rollercoaster of a year to

adapting to the environment we find our-

build a solid path forward. 2020 will un-

selves in and using the knowledge gleaned

doubtedly be a year for the history books.

Sandy Trudel is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Brandon.

She can be reached at s.trudel@brandon.ca or www.economicdevelopmentbrandon.com. ¢

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2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

23

BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

T

he Brandon Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in offering our members and the Brandon business community high-quality events. From casual mixers to elegant galas, there is always something going on at the Chamber! Our event season typically runs from September to June, but with COVID-19 altering the way we deliver our events, we offered virtual events all summer. In the fall, many of our events will be delivered in a virtual format, but once it becomes more safe to do so, we will start to roll out events in-person. We are working hard to still deliver quality events and programs that our members will find value in. Check out some of our featured events below!

Luncheon Series

These popular events are held monthly from September to June and feature presentations from business, industry, government, and institutional CEOs on topical information of importance to the business community. With the impact of COVID-19, these will be held virtually over the lunch hour until safe to host an in-person event.

So, grab your coffee and your lunch and tune in for some great information!

First Friday Coffees Fill up your coffee mug and join in on the conversation! These hour-long networking events are held the first Friday morning of every month. While we can’t wait to have everyone back in our office, for now these will remain virtual. No speeches, no agenda, and open to all employees of member businesses. Chamber Coffees promote the exchange of ideas and discussion while giving you the opportunity to meet someone new and practice your networking skills in a casual setting. Our virtual coffee hours have been popular, but we look forward to in-person coffees as well!

Awards Gala The Brandon Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala is the premier business event of the year. This gala event boasts a spectacular night of great food, entertainment, and celebration as we recognize the success of our thriving business community with the presentation of our Business Excellence Awards. Here’s hoping to an in-person event for 2021!

Business After 5 Business After 5 events provide an opportunity for members to host a Chamber

networking event at their facility or an off-site location. These events are complimentary for all employees of our members to attend. These are casual, come-and-go events that allow our members a chance to hear what the hosting company has been up to! It’s a great chance to visit and enjoy refreshments and snacks after work.

Chamber 101 So, you became a Chamber member, now what? Chamber 101 helps you get the most out of your membership by giving you a complete look at what’s available to promote your business, save money, provide benefits to your staff, and make the connections that you need to grow your business and your career!

Happy Hours & Patio Mixers What is the best way to finish off a workday? By attending one of our Happy Hours or Patio Mixers of course! The casual events offer a great opportunity to mix, mingle, and chat with other Chamber members.

These are held both online and in-person.

So pour or order yourself a drink and join in on the fun!

Golf Tournament Fore! Who is ready for a great day filled with golfing, networking, fun games, and great prizes to be won? The Annual Chamber Golf Tournament has successfully run for 31 years now and is always guaranteed to be a great time. Start practicing that swing of yours, and we will see you on the links!

Workshops & Learning Lunches

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

Join us for a hands-on learning experience that gives you new skills to bring back to your workplace. In the past these workshops have included: • Digital marketing • Drug & alcohol policy • WordPress • Trailblazer on Fire Women’s Workshop • Boost Your business with Facebook • Fundamentals of closing sales • Cyber security • and more!

Superwoman Conference Hang up your cape for a half-day conference filled with opportunities for connection, education, inspiration, and empowerment! This event aims to inspire discussion about the roadmap for success in Manitoba and beyond. We want to bring together ambitious women and men and foster an environment of connection.

With keynote speakers and panelists, you will hear from those in different industries, backgrounds, and experiences. Stay tuned for a spring 2021 event.

Westman HR Conference This conference will provide managers and HR professionals with practical, easily implementable strategies and tips to help create and support healthy workplaces.

Each year we work to bring you topics that are current and relatable. These topics are delivered through keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and panelists. This year’s event is going virtual in October 2020!

Special Events The Brandon Chamber is constantly looking for more event opportunities to educate, inform, advocate, or offer networking opportunities for our members.

From round tables with visiting electoral officials, specialty conferences, to election debates – we are always looking for ways to provide value for our members!

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2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

25

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Feeling humble Robert Ritchot is the Business Person of the Year recipient in the Chamber’s 2020 Business Achievement Awards

L

ittle did Robert Ritchot know that when his dream of becoming a professional snowboarder went south, that he would eventually become the CEO of one of the leading cannabis accessories distributors in North America.

Ritchot was born in Winnipeg in 1971 but has called Brandon home since he was in Grade 2. His career started early when he got a job at a bicycle and ski shop at the age of 13 and worked there until he graduated high school. The serial entrepreneur went to Brandon University to study economics but ended up dropping out half a year into his studies to move out west to become a professional snowboarder in Alberta. Three years later when that dream didn’t work out, he moved back to Manitoba and was on his way to Japan to teach English when his first business, which was making jewelry out of a German moulding clay, ended up taking off.

“I had been making jewelry out of a German moulding clay out west and people seemed to like it when I was back [in Brandon], so I figured I would make some extra money selling that stuff before I took off and that became a lot more popular than I had ever imagined,” says Ritchot. “So I hired a couple people and that business grew. I got it into chain stores across the country.”

While selling the jewelry, an old high school friend approached him to start another business. After exploring a few different options, they created Wax Wick & Flame, which also ended up being very popular and people were ordering their liquid paraffin candles across the country and into the United States. Over the years the company ended up fizzling out and although it still exists today, Ritchot needed something else to do. So, along with his wife Kimberly Thomas-Ritchot, they opened up BOBHQ, a retail store on 10th Street in Brandon in May of 1998.

BOBHQ originally started off as a retail store selling smoking accessories and pop culture products. He made the switch from jewelry and candles into cannabis products because of how versatile the German moulding clay was. Ritchot says he was approached by a company in Winnipeg who wanted him to make

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

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pipe sleeves, and seeing how popular those became, he soon started to gain some buzz in Brandon and decided to open a store in the Westman city, which also sold items that were manufactured by other companies.

the licensed­retailers by representing cannabis accessories and

“We took BOBHQ from basically dirt to one of the largest smoking accessory distribution companies in Canada up until about five years ago,” says Ritchot. “That’s where we were and we were comfortable there. However, it ran essentially itself and there wasn’t much opportunity for growth at the time in Canada it didn’t feel like. My wife Kimberly and I ended up investing in a company in the U.S., a distribution company that did the same sort of thing as us, but at a smaller scale, with hopes to replicate what we had done in Canada.”

merce Business Person of the Year Award in the Chamber’s Busi-

In 2017, BOBHQ acquired Windship Trading, which is their distribution arm in the United States. In 2018, Ritchot created the umbrella company, Humble + Fume Inc., which both BOBHQ and Windship Trading fall under. They also have Humble Cannabis Solutions, which is an outside sales force that services all

cannabis brands for a number of licensed producers and brand owners.

Ritchot was the recipient of the 2020 Brandon Chamber of Comness Achievement Awards. Always one to be humble, he credits his wife Kimberly and his staff for making the business what it is today. He also acknowledges the people that have come into his life to create the stepping stones that led him to Humble + Fume Inc. “Although it’s very flattering and I’m incredibly honoured to receive it, it feels like something special when the people in your own community recognizes you and votes you in. It’s humbling for sure,” says Ritchot, who adds that he has been a member of the Chamber for over a decade. “And you know, honestly, when you’re grinding away working all the time you need to step away from [all that] to appreciate the accomplishments that exist.” ¢

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27

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE – LARGE AWARD

a phoenix rising from the ashes Christie’s Office Plus receives the Business Excellence – Large Award from the Brandon Chamber of Commerce

A

local business who experienced hardship and trauma two years ago took home the Brandon Chamber’s Business Excellence- Large Award

this year.

Christie’s Office Plus, located at 1300 Richmond Avenue E. in Brandon, experienced a devastating fire in the summer of 2018, which burned down their Pacific Avenue office and warehouse. The company recently reopened in the Westman city to a 30,000-square-foot building, including a 8,000-square-foot showroom.

Christie's Office Plus, which has been around since 1881, started out as a small typewriter repair shop and now services school divisions, commercial customers, furniture customers, and almost anyone who is looking for office supplies.

Christie’s Office Plus, which has been around since 1881, started out as a small typewriter repair shop and now services school divisions, commercial customers, furniture customers, and almost anyone who is looking for office supplies. They also have locations in Winnipeg, as well as in Red Deer, Alta. under the name of Prairie Office Plus.

mer of 2018, where we lost our warehouse

“Christie’s in Brandon has been around for a long time. We suffered a fire in the sum-

Although the company has been around

26th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA

and our entire building on Pacific Avenue, so we struggled to rebuild and find a temporary location,” says Travis Chastko, General Manager. “We ended up servicing our customers in the midst of that and moving into our new building, so to offer the service that we did pre-fire was exceptional.

Everyone chipped in to make that happen.” for way over a century, this is the first award they have received from the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. They have been members of the Chamber for a long time and Chastko says that they have received

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great value from the organization.

As for their monumental win, Chastko says that there are a lot of people to thank, but more than anything, he would like to acknowledge the people that helped support them when they were rebuilding their business.

“There are a lot of people to thank, includ-

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

ing our staff in all locations,” says Chastko.

“Everyone did way more than what was expected of them to be back to where we were and are. I think the future looks great and I think we will find normal again in the ever-changing world of what is normal.” ¢

Reg Helwer

MLA for Brandon West 204.728.2410 reghelwer@wcgwave.ca

Len Isleifson

MLA for Brandon East 204.717.0977 brandoneastmla@shaw.ca

Cliff Cullen

MLA for Spruce Woods 204.827.3956 ccullenmla@mts.net 2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

29

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE – SMALL AWARD

THIS MEANS BUSINESS Brandon Business Interiors wins the Business Excellence – Small Award Brandon Business Interiors was established in 1991 and has quickly grown to be one of Western Manitoba's leading suppliers of commercial furniture products.

A

local company who supplies office and commercial furniture to other local businesses recently took home one of the Brandon Chamber’s highest honours.

The company employs seven people and was the recipient of this

Brandon Business Interiors was established in 1991 and

is very humbling as they are a family operation, where both his

year’s Business Excellence – Small Award in the Chamber’s Business Achievement Awards. Jordan says that receiving the award

has quickly grown to be one of Western Manitoba’s leading sup-

parents and brother still work for the company.

pliers of commercial furniture products. The company specializes

“It’s nice to be recognized for the good work we do and we are

in three distinct markets: small and corporate office, health care,

pretty confident in the fact that we strive for excellence in every-

and hospitality.

thing we do,” says Jordan. “We don’t cut corners, we don’t take

The business was founded by Robert and Penny Ludwig, and their

short cuts, we make sure everything we do is of the best of our

son Jordan Ludwig is the current President of the company, with

ability. So to have the local business community recognize that,

his brother, Dylan, by his side.

it’s a good feeling and it makes the effort of being in small busi-

“In the early ‘90s my father was working for a flooring supply com-

ness worth it.”

pany that had an office furniture division. He kind of noticed that

Brandon Business Interiors became members of the Brandon

there was a hole in the market and someone could fill it, so he

Chamber of Commerce shortly after its inception. Jordan says that

branched out on his own,” says Jordan Ludwig. “He started as a

the Chamber is unique in its strength in serving the small busi-

dealership with a single pedestal desk, filing cabinets, and chairs,

ness community and he got involved with them after graduating

and what we do now is a full-service contract furniture dealer, ser-

university. He says he was able to learn a lot about the business

vicing our neck of the woods here in Manitoba.”

community and was able to build his network once graduating from school. His involvement in the Chamber ended up getting him on the Board, where is both a past Board Member and Past President. Jordan credits membership as being beneficial in both networking with other businesses and business owners.

We service commercial, institutional, and small business

but they are more so thankful for the community as a whole, es-

markets through our relationships with industry leading

pecially with the current pandemic going on.

suppliers and manufacturers.

“I would like to thank the Brandon business community not just

Ph: 204.727.8088 | Fax: 204.726.3375 www.brandonbusinessinteriors.com 30

As for the monumental win, the company is grateful to have won,

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

for this award, but for being resilient in the times of COVID,” says Jordan. “Things have actually been relatively good business-wise and that’s on the backs of Brandon, Manitoba supporting all the people that have supported them in the past.” ¢

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2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

31

OUTSTANDING NEW BUSINESS

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Greenstone Building Products is the recipient of the 2020 Outstanding New Business Award

Greenstone Building Products manufactures an Insulated Composite Envelope (ICE) panel that is used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction applications.

A

Brandon company with an innovative building product recently took home the Outstanding New Business Award at the Brandon

Chamber’s 2020 Business Achievement Awards.

Greenstone Building Products manufactures an Insulated Composite Envelope (ICE) panel that is used in residential,

this year due to COVID-19. Fortier says

Today, Greenstone ICE Panels can be

that they have been nominated for this

found in buildings in every major city across Western Canada, as well as the Northern Territories.

“We are a great fit in the north because our building envelope has no thermal connections, is airtight, and energy effi-

award a couple of times over the years, so it feels great to be recognized in 2020.

Their sister company, Excel-7, has been a member of the Chamber for a long time and Greenstone became a member in their first year of business.

cient. EPS is an inert product, so it does

Fortier says that the Brandon Chamber

not support the growth of mould and

of Commerce has been instrumental in

has an extremely long life cycle. When it’s

their growth and she appreciates all the

-50 degrees outside and +20 degrees in-

support they have been given through-

side, that extreme temperature differen-

out their years in business.

polystyrene (EPS) insulation and steel

tial is very hard on a building envelope,”

stud framing. The panels allow for broad

“We have had a lot of challenges mak-

says Tilda Fortier, Business Manager

design capabilities and the ability to ex-

ing our way into different jurisdictions

for Greenstone. “There are a lot of con-

ceed building and energy code require-

in Manitoba and across Canada, and the

demned buildings in the north that are

ments. This enables the building to re-

Chamber has been there to shine a light

only a few years old. This happens when

duce energy consumption significantly.

on what we are doing and to connect us

the building envelope cannot handle the extreme climate pressures. The envelope

with people that may support us on our

The company was founded in February 2015 by Ed and Rita Dornn, who also

becomes compromised, moisture gets in,

own Excel-7 Ltd., a general contracting

and that is when you see the organic ma-

commercial, and industrial construction applications. The panels can be used for exterior walls, roof, or floor. ICE Panels are an engineered combination of expanded

32

veloped to be more builder-friendly.

journey,” she says. “Trying to change the way people think about building is an uphill journey. To have a community that is

company that has been operating in

terials moulding and rotting.”

Westman for almost 25 years. Ed was in-

Greenstone Building Products was the

to have that infusion of energy has been

troduced to a similar product out of the

recipient of this year’s Outstanding New

great. We look forward to continuing our

United States and saw that it had poten-

Business Award at the Chamber’s Busi-

relationship with the Chamber and the

tial for the Canadian market if it was de-

ness Achievement Awards, hosted online

Brandon business community.” ¢

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

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33

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Brad Munn wins the Community Impact Award at the Chamber’s Business Achievement Awards

H

elping those who are less fortunate is a cause that is near and dear to Brad Munn’s heart.

The 63-year-old realtor at Royal LePage Martin Liberty Realty took home the Community Impact Award at this year’s Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s Business Achievement Awards.

Munn, who has been in the real estate business for the past 38 years, sits on the Board for CURE International Canada, a faith-based organization that helps children in developing countries who have conditions like clubfoot, bowed legs, cleft

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

Brad Munn sits on the board of CURE and is a director for Blanco's Kids through Bridges of Hope, an orphanage for at-risk, typically Haitian children living in the Dominican Republic. He also works with the YMCA Kids Club and the YWCA Women's Shelter in Brandon. lips, untreated burns, and hydrocephalus.

“CURE does operations on children that are basically ostracized from their communities. [They have conditions] that we could cure in North America very easily,” says Munn, who was born on a Canadian Air Force base in France but moved to Brandon when he was four. “A lot of these kids live in villages in poor countries, so they are deemed cursed, and a lot of times the mother and child could be tossed out of the village or the husband could leave them. To see those kids in the hospital and to have those operations and then be able to go back into their village and say that an organization loved them enough to do that and do it for free, it changes their whole life.”

In addition to sitting on the Board of CURE, Munn also is a director for Blanco’s Kids through Bridges of Hope, an orphanage for at-risk, typically Haitian children living in the Dominican Republic. He also works with the YMCA Kids Club and the YWCA Women’s Shelter in Brandon.

Munn started giving back to the community 13 years ago after becoming a member of Cities Church in Brandon, which has a mission to plant 100 churches in 100 cities.

“You get to a part of your life where you think, where are you headed with all of this? Is this just all there is? It’s just me, me, me, and you look at it and say ‘how can I give back?’ because I believe we have to

share what we have,” he says. “I got really involved as a member of Cities Church in Brandon and Cities is trying to change the landscape of the city of Brandon as well through different programs. There are a lot of great organizations and I’m blessed to be a part of it.”

In addition to charity work for humans, Munn has a deep connection with organizations that give back to animals in Brandon and around the province. His son, Zach Munn is the organizer for Munn’s Dog Houses, which builds dog houses for First Nations communities, and his daughter Farran LeBlanc helps lead a charity, Pawsitive Communities which does spay and neuter clinics on First Nations reserves to help control the pet population. Munn’s sister, Tracy, is the Brandon Humane Society’s manager and director as well.

Although Munn is thankful to receive the award, he says that he would rather be invisible in the work he does and instead shine a spotlight on those on the frontlines who are doing the work.

“I have been fortunate enough to be successful in business and it’s given me the resources to be able to help people and it’s fun giving back. The true champions are the doctors and nurses, the caregivers, the Y, the ladies who are counselling abused mothers, and the people who are finding places for the abandoned animals,” he says. “Those are the tough jobs, they have to see those things every day.” ¢

Good news

T

Brandon businesses spread positivity to others in need during COVID-19

By Shayna Wiwierski

o say that the last few months have been stressful would be an understatement.

stronger together with many businesses helping each other out and giving back to the community.

For businesses in Brandon and the southwestern Manitoba region, 2020 has been a very trying time. The Brandon community has continually proven that they are

To help ease the burden, some local companies in Brandon and area decided to give back and help their neighbours using the tools they already had at their disposal. Here are some of their stories.

Leech Printing

Leech Printing, a print and marketing services provider, created a dedicated website for COVID-related material.

“Right off the bat, we launched an online site specifically for physical distancing signage,” says Gillian Leech, Sales Representative at Leech Printing. “It was an accessible way for everyone, either working from the office or from home, to browse the different products and messaging that's available before placing their order.”

In addition to launching an online site specific for COVID-related materials, the company also did a few community-based initiatives early on in the pandemic. Leech says they ran a program in the Brandon Sun with complimentary decals reminding the community to practice physical distancing, as well as to continue to support local businesses any way they can. They also have free resources available on their website, specifically several different 8.5-by-11-inch posters to download and print off from your office or home.

Leech Printing, a print and marketing services provider based in Brandon, created a website that was dedicated specifically for physical distancing signage.

PLEASE RECYCLE

2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

35

Good news Q Country and Star FM

nesses reached out for this service who had never done radio be-

Q Country and Star FM in Brandon also utilized what they already had to help fellow businesses in need.

fore. He says they contacted them afterwards to let them know

The two Brandon radio stations, which are operated by the Westman Communications Group, launched a local business hotline this past April in the height of the pandemic. The hotline was a tool for businesses who had already been on the air with them before or were new to the industry to have free radio airtime.

thing that they would potentially do again in the future.

“We have of course traditional advertisers that work with us, and we had a number of them use this service to up their exposure on the air, but the majority of them were new businesses,” says Clark, who adds that because they are locally owned, they were able to

The radio stations offered the services through April and into May, and over that period of time there were a large number of businesses who contacted them for the free exposure.

didn’t have to lay off any staff during the closures. “Our feeling

Cam Clark, Station General Manager, says that a number of busi-

businesses when they needed it the most.”

Expressions Entertainment

and jams, soups, pasta, canned vegetables, and canned meats.

They also collected other essential items such as baby formula, diapers, and female hygiene products.

Expressions Entertainment hosted a food drive on March 21, 2020 and filled a trailer full of non-perishable food items and other essential items for Samaritan House, Helping Hands, and the Women’s Resource Centre.

keep broadcasting during the height of the pandemic. They also was, we have available inventory, let’s use that to help support

Project: Fill the Trailer for COVID-19 went around to collect a number of items from various houses and places of businesses. The items most in need were meals in cans, instant oatmeal, breads

The event was a huge success and they even created a similar campaign aimed at businesses a couple days later on March 24. Expressions Entertainment called on local businesses to clean out stock from their lunchrooms and they had an overwhelming response to this campaign as well.

Restaurants

“It’s for people who are in need to have access to good food. We put

A number of local restaurants fed front-line workers, including Tim Hortons, Chez Angela, and Domino’s.

forward that if anyone knew anyone in need that we would make

During the pandemic, Domino’s wanted to share a smile with frontline workers, so every second day they chose a business and delivered them a surprise lunch for all their team members. While they were still able, they made four deliveries to the Brandon Regional Health Centre, and as restrictions got tighter, they switched their focus to front-line workers who they thought get less recognition while working during the pandemic.

“We delivered to grocery stores, gas stations, nursing homes, medical clinics, and car dealerships,” says Darren Burdeniuk, Manager at Domino’s Pizza at 824G 18th Street in Brandon. “In total, we delivered over 200 large pizzas to front-line workers. It was a great experience for our team, making people smile helped us get through our day.”

At Chez Angela Bakery and Café, the bakery immediately implemented free contactless delivery for those who were the most vulnerable to the virus and in self-isolation. They also donated hundreds of loaves of freshly baked bread per month to over 2,000 people in need as part of their Bread for Life program. In addition, they launched a meal program as well.

36

that they got value from the opportunity and it would be some-

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

meals for them,” says James Chambers, Owner of Chez Angela Bakery and Café. “We helped over 2,000 people and the community came forward and donated money towards that cause so it turned into more meals.”

The bakery ended up putting together meals for emergency services workers, students who were graduating and missed out on their grad dinner due to the pandemic, teachers, and families in need.

With in-person ordering coming to a standstill, many other local businesses turned to food delivery apps to still make their orders accessible to customers. The Brandon Tim Hortons locations utilized the SkipTheDishes app to offer a wide assortment of menu items for delivery to consumers. At a national level, the brand called on Canadians to nominate essential workers and other front-line heroes during the pandemic for a chance to be featured on limited-edition Tim Hortons Hero Cups that will be available across the country.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the popular chain has provided over 1.1 million free cups of coffee and baked goods, contributions to local food banks, and donations of free gift cards and more to essential workers.

Brandon University Brandon University also had a meal program available, Everyone Eats, which is a not-for-profit community initiative where they offered top-quality, nutritionally balanced dinners that were accessible via a charitable donation of any amount.

als who were able to order chef-inspired meals for themselves and their households. Payments were made through a confidential donation of $0 to $100.

The trial launch of the program happened from June 10 to 12, 2020 and the goal was to provide 200 meals per day to individu-

“Everyone deserves a good, nutritious meal, but a lot of people struggle to feed themselves and their families,” said Nicholas Namespetra, Manager of Food Services at Brandon University in a press release. “Layoffs due to the pandemic are only making this problem worse. With Everyone Eats, there will be no stigma as everyone who picks up a meal may be in a different situation, and all donations are confidential. The best part is that those who are able can chip in with a larger donation to lend a hand to their neighbours.”

Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-Op

were placed each Monday and were delivered to homes by volun-

Seniors are especially vulnerable during this pandemic, so Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-Op and a team of realtors delivered meals to seniors who couldn’t leave their home due to COVID-19.

teers on the Friday of that week.

The co-op created a meal plan that consisted of a roll/bread, salad, main course, and a dessert, all at a cost of $10 per meal. Orders

which features community-submitted recipes. The call for submis-

The university teamed up with Brandon Food Council, the John Howard Society, and Assiniboine Community College to provide this curbside pickup program that offered top-quality dinners which were prepared by Brandon University Food Services.

Maxim Truck & Trailer Since truck stops across Canada had been closed, many truck drivers were left without places to eat, rest, and use a bathroom. As a result, Maxim Truck & Trailer gave out free meals to truck drivers passing by their Brandon location from April 7 to 9, 2020.

They are also in the process of creating a cookbook, Getting Through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recipes that Changed the Heart, sions ended on July 27 and they will be selling them for $15 each.

Maxim Truck & Trailer gave out free meals to truck drivers passing by their Brandon location from April 7 to 9, 2020.

Photo courtesy of Maxim Truck & Trailer.

The team at Maxim gave out hundreds of free meals to truckers who were driving down the Trans-Canada highway. They gave out the meals, which consisted of a 12-inch sub, cookies, and drinks, to truckers passing by their Brandon location at 225 Middleton Avenue.

"We just thought it was a great opportunity to give back to the truckers," said Darin Bouchard, the General Manager at Maxim Truck and Trailer's Brandon location in a press release on their website. "It's kind of, at times, a thankless job and people don't realize how many of these guys are on the road every single day.

During a pandemic, they're here every day.”

J&G Homes Ltd.

ty $100 gift cards from local businesses and they ran giveaways

For many small businesses in the city, when they had to shut down

on their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Some of the compa-

suddenly it greatly affected their bottom line and threatened the

nies they helped support included Wheat City Golf Course, Sushi

livelihood of owners, their families, and their employees. In order

Hut Japanese Cuisine, The Chilli Chutney, Blue Hills Bakery & Deli,

to ease some of the burden and support local, J&G Homes Ltd., an

and many more.

established quality contractor in Brandon, purchased a number of

Not only did the purchase of these gift cards help these business-

gift cards to give away on social media to their followers.

es when they needed it the most, it also reminded J&G Homes’

Their support local campaign included purchasing around twen-

followers to support the local community first.

2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

37

Good news Myphone TELUS Staying connected to each other, whether it was checking in on family and friends, being able to communicate with coworkers while working from home, or making sure kids were still able to learn remotely, was very important during this time. Myphone TELUS did a number of things for the local community in order to give back and support local.

Myphone TELUS was a part of Tech Manitoba’s DigitALL computer giveaway program, which saw refurbished computers go to families in need. In total, the program gave away 241 computers to families who didn’t have any technology at home. Recipients were nominated by others in the community.

They also donated 33 smartphones to the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, which were given to those in crisis to connect with their loved ones during this unprecedented time. To help out the Brandon hospital during lockdown, they also donated tablets so patients could stay connected to family and friends.

Myphone TELUS also spearheaded a food drive, which benefitted a local shelter.

“The pandemic and lockdown were unprecedented for our generation, and Myphone knew that people would be struggling, so it was a priority for us to find ways to support our community,” says Jamie Falloon, Marketing Coordinator for Myphone TELUS. On a national level, TELUS did a #StandWithOwners campaign where social media users could nominate small businesses by

tagging them and using the proper hashtag.TELUS would then purchase a $25 gift certificate for the user to spend at that business. In only four days, the campaign reached its target, generating over 20,000 social posts, with #StandWithOwners trending at number one on Twitter.

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ReNu Hygienics ReNu Hygienics, a Brandon-based sustainable soap and wellness company, also helped out the community with donations of soap products to people in need. The company operates on a sustainable business model in that for every bar of soap they sell, they donate a bar of soap to those in need.

When COVID-19 first hit Manitoba in March 2020, Parker Easter, Founder and Managing Director of ReNu Hygienics, says that they had to slow down their business a little bit. Although the sanitization and hygiene industry was booming during the pandemic, their supply relies on hotels, which saw a drop in business. As a result, they ended up shifting their focus from the retail and consumer markets and instead focus solely on the people of Brandon to make sure that their reserve supply was focused on going towards people in need.

What they ended up launching was their Pledge Clean campaign, where professionals and local businesses pledged soap to those who required it most in the community. Instead of their regular model of donating one bar of soap for every bar purchased, those who pledged donated both bars. The soaps were donated to the Bear Clan Patrol Inc. and Samaritan House Ministries Inc. in Brandon.

Easter says that the response from the campaign was amazing and so far they have donated over 600 bars of soap. The donations have been a light during this dark time for many and to see the outcome from their products has really solidified what their business is all about.

ReNu Hygienics launched their Pledge Clean campaign, where professionals and local businesses pledged soap to those who needed it most in the community. Instead of their regular model of donating one bar of soap for every bar purchased, those who pledged donated both bars.

ReNu Hygienics donated the soaps to the Bear Clan Patrol Inc. and Samaritan House Ministries Inc. in Brandon.

So many businesses in the Brandon community have done amazing things for those in need during the pandemic. These were just the tip of the iceberg on numerous stories about how the Brandon community stepped up to help each other out and become #StrongerTogether. ¢

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39

Embracing online How Brandon businesses utilized technology in the era of COVID-19

By Shayna Wiwierski

L

ike most industries, the importance of having an online presence is imperative in today’s world.

Brandon companies learned that lesson quickly when most had to close their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year.

The pandemic forced local businesses to shift to an online presence, no matter which industry they were in. Whether it was the restaurant industry with online orders and curbside pick-up, virtual fitness classes, or creating an online store, Brandon businesses were quick to pivot their companies and keep afloat thanks to the digital era.

One industry to do this was the real estate market. Brad Hardy, Managing Partner/ Sales Manager at Royal LePage Martin Liberty Realty in Brandon, says that just like everyone else, they were caught off guard with the sudden stay at home order and had to quickly adjust their business model to adapt to the changing market.

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

Whether it’s a virtual tour or 3D imaging, technology today allows the real estate market to share more of the property without having people physically go through it.

“The first few weeks were a bit of a scramble to figure things out and get things in place,” says Hardy, who adds that although their head office is in Brandon, they have agents all through rural Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan. “We had to understand what we had to do internally as an office and be prepared for the unknown.

That’s the best way to put it.”

Royal LePage Martin Liberty Realty had already been utilizing Facebook Live to showcase their open houses online, however, Hardy says that they had taken it to a whole new level once COVID hit Manitoba and people were unable to visit open houses in person. He says their virtual tours of homes and properties increased and they are seeing all kinds of different technologies in terms of sharing homes that are on the market. Whether it’s a virtual tour or 3D imaging, technology today allows the real estate market to share more of the property without having people physically go through it.

Although COVID-19 made their business shift to online-only for a couple months, Hardy says that the push to digital is something the industry is growing towards anyways.

“I have been in the industry for 22 years and in the days of old, people would look into a lot more homes. I think the number of homes that people are going to is more zeroed in on with what they are wanting to look at,” he says. “I think absolutely they are still making that personal viewing and going into a home to make the final de-

Rocked Community Fitness in Brandon shut their doors on March 15 and quickly started Get Rocked at Home, which featured owners and coaches Jenn McMillan and her husband Zack training at home in their kitchen with minimal equipment. cision, but I think the number of homes they will personally visit will be smaller as they will be more focused on what they want to look at.”

The restaurant industry was particularly

both Google Play and Apple Store, to view

hit hard, especially since their margins are

their menu, and place an order for food

so tight in general. Food delivery apps be-

using a secure payment system. Once

came more popular and one Brandon res-

an order was placed, a push notification

Facebook and Instagram Live really came in handy over the past few months for businesses whose models feature hightouch areas. One industry in particular that the pandemic affected hard was the fitness industry, with gyms and boutique fitness studios shifting their classes from in-person to online.

taurant even created their own. The Dock

alerted customers when their order would

on Princess created an app, available on

be ready.

Rocked Community Fitness in Brandon shut their doors on March 15 and quickly started Get Rocked at Home, which featured owners and coaches Jenn McMillan and her husband Zack training at home in their kitchen with minimal equipment.

They published videos every day with the hope that while the gym was closed, people were still able to keep up with their workouts and feel the mental health benefits they generate.

Not only did the owners create online content for people to participate, but they also rented out their equipment to the community. In addition to PPE, sanitization products, and of course toilet paper, workout equipment also flew off shelves early in the pandemic, making it difficult for those watching their programs at home to join in on the workout.

“The response was overwhelming,” says Jenn McMillan. “We basically had everything rented out in a couple days and then we had requests from people who weren’t members and we didn’t have anything left to give out. It was a win for both sides; for them to have another piece of equipment, and for us to put some money towards our rent costs.”

Many other Brandon Chamber members pivoted their business model to an online one during those first few months of COVID in order to keep their companies afloat.

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The Dock on Princess created an app, available on both the Google Play and Apple Store, to view their menu and place an order for food using a secure payment system.

For those who worked in an office setting, they had to embrace technology and work remotely using a variety of different platforms, including Zoom and Google Hangouts for online meetings.

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••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

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For museums, whose business also heavily relies on in-person interaction, they turned to social media to bring their offerings to viewers at home. The Brandon General Museum and Archives was very active on social media and did a number of sessions on Instagram Live. For example, they hosted a Taxidermy Talk feature every Friday throughout April and May, as well as a variety of other virtual presentations and workshops hosted through social media platforms.

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Siere, a business advisory firm located in Brandon, also made the strategic move to meet with clients online since they could no longer do so in person.

Owners Cathy Snelgrove and Jeff Roziere hosted online meet-up sessions where business owners could sign up for free and they would feature different guests talking about a variety of business topics.

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Snelgrove says that although most businesses have now reopened their shops, it was a good learning experience seeing how they themselves could easily pivot their business to provide a different venue to do what they do. When it comes down to it, it was just another tool they could add to their toolbox.

“This time has forced all of us to look at how we provide our services. Some businesses have gone online, some have curbside, some have changed some of the services they provide… What I think COVID has taught us as a broad group is sometimes we probably overthink doing some changes,” says Snelgrove. “One of the things I have talked about is before COVID, many business owners weren’t sure how to allow people to work remotely from home, and in a manner of weeks we figured it out. There might have been the business owner who said ‘well I don’t know how to put my products online’ and in a matter of weeks they did it. So I think, if there is anything all of us can learn, it is that we are quite adaptable and sometimes if we just force or push ourselves, things might not be as hard as we think they might be.” ¢

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2020 ••• Brandon Business Review •••

43

Making changes Changing the way business is done/ adapting business models to leverage opportunities

T

here’s a term that’s been floating around for a while since COVID-19 first spread worldwide: the new normal. It’s fair to say that most industries have had to rework the way they do business, and for some, that has been a little easier than most.

One industry that was deemed essential when the pandemic first hit the province was the construction industry. When oth-

er businesses were forced to shut down and develop new innovative ways to keep their businesses afloat, the construction industry, which is a business that relies on people working together closely, had to figure out a way to adapt in the changing environment.

CW2 Construction & Design Ltd., with sister company Guardian Fencing Ltd., is a general contracting business based in Brandon. When the pandemic made its

By Shayna Wiwierski way to Manitoba, the company made a number of requirements as regulated by the provincial government to ensure the safety of those working on and visiting the job site.

Since CW2 was also responsible for the safety and wellness of all subtrades, like other businesses, they provided a bacterial disinfecting solution, as well as singleuse wipes for contractors to wipe down and sanitize their equipment, commonuse spaces, and work spaces. They also made a rule of not sharing companyowned tools and they had to be wiped down at the start and finish of each work day.

Contractors and visitors arriving to the jobsite were greeted by a company statement which explained what they were doing to promote safety. Their contractor orientation process was also changed, so when the subtrades would arrive on site, their foremen were responsible to orientate them to the site and explain specific hazards, including the company COVID-19 Safe Work Practice & Procedures.

Another industry who had to pivot their business model was the food service industry. When COVID first shut everything down in Manitoba, restaurants had to

44

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

In addition to curbside pick-up and delivery, Joe Beeverz Canadian Pub in Brandon also offered a retail grocery option for consumers.

close their doors and find creative ways of still offering their services.

Joe Beeverz Canadian Pub’s Brandon location was able to amp up their takeout and delivery service, but also offer a retail grocery option that Chad Wallin, owner/ operator, says was extremely popular.

“It really exploded for us. It was just one of those things where people were a little scared to go to the grocery store, or the line ups were long, so we figured we could employ some of our people and keep the food chain moving,” says Wallin, who adds they have another location in Yorkton, Sask., as well as a seasonal one in Wasagaming. “It was one of those things that happened by luck. I got some inquiries from friends and our supplies are really unlimited through Sysco with thousands of different items, so it was one of those things where I thought maybe now it’s a good time for people to get stuff in bulk. It was just an idea that kind of snowballed.”

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Joe Beeverz receives their food shipments three times a week and Wallin says that between their takeout and curbside orders, as well as the grocery deliveries, they were able to make enough to sustain five or six full-time employees with limited hours.

Another company that had to revise their procedures was two farm kids NATURAL FOODS, a store that specializes in natural foods and organic products. Since they had a number of bulk items in their business, they converted their old-style bulk flip-top bins and barrels with scoops to gravity feed bins, so that no food was exposed to potential contamination. In 2009 they had already converted the majority of their bulk products over to sealed gravity feed bins that are filled from the top by staff in the backroom. These bins were inserted into cabinets to ensure that customers can’t touch or contaminate the

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45

Since two farm kids NATURAL FOODS has a number of bulk items in their business, they converted their old-style bulk flip-top bins and barrels with scoops to gravity feed bins so that no food was exposed to potential contamination.

When the pandemic first hit, CW2 Construction & Design Ltd. made a number of requirements to ensure the safety of those working on and visiting the job site. products with their hands, by coughing, or putting anything into the products.

product in those old-style open bins and

They had already converted 120 of those bins and quickly converted the rest of the 80 flip-top bins. Ten of the remaining barrels were quickly replaced in March during the first week of restrictions.

ner of contaminants,” says Sylvia Ubell,

“We will never go back to selling any bulk

barrels which exposes product to all manowner and manager of two farm kids NATURAL FOODS. “It is mind-boggling to me that neither the provincial or federal health departments have banned selling bulk food in those old-style bins and barrels

that leave food exposed to the great risk of being contaminated by the public at any time, let alone during the COVID-19 crisis.”

Ubell adds that she has written to both the federal and provincial health departments with her concerns for much-needed regulatory changes regarding the sale of bulk foods, which should only be sold out of safely sealed gravity feed bins.

Aside from the implementation of more sanitary bins for bulk foods, two farm kids NATURAL FOODS has also been providing home deliveries and curbside pick-ups, as well as increasing their mail order business. Inside the store they have directional arrows and social distancing signs, as well as gloves and sanitizers readily available.

Their staff has been vigilantly disinfecting all surfaces, and products have increased shelf talker information with prices or the prices on the packaging fronts so that customers are discouraged from touching any products before they decide to purchase them.

Ubell says that the response from the public has been very positive and people are thankful that they are still able to pick up food, supplements, personal care and cleaning items with unique properties.

This includes gluten-free, no artificial additives, and unscented or environmentally safe personal care and cleaning products.

“People have been very appreciative to our front room staff in particular for all their hard work in keeping our store spotlessly clean all the time and for risking themselves to potential harm by continuing to come to work to provide them with all that they need,” says Ubell. “We are very grateful as well to our valued employees.” ¢

46

••• Brandon Business Review ••• 2020

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