February 2024 Chamber at a Glance

FEBRUARY 2024

Chamber at a

Glance

What's Inside A Final Message from Jaime Pugh

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A Message from Your New President

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Meet a Member: A&L

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What Canadian Entrepreneurs Should Expect in 2024

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And More!

A Final Message From

Jaime Pugh

My experience on the Brandon Chamber of Commerce has been wonderful. To work with such a great group of community minded individuals is such an opportunity. To anyone that has not had a chance I highly recommend getting involved.

We always talk about Brandon being the second largest city and ensuring that we stay top of mind with the provincial government. It is through how the Chamber works with its affiliates such as Assiniboine Community College, Brandon University, Construction Association of Rural Manitoba, the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (to name a few) that we are able to have one loud voice advocating for what is best for our members and city. The Chamber is in the perfect spot to advocate for our business community and to work together to help us grow. We must not only as the Chamber but as the community continue to challenge our local and provincial governments to have transparency and to be fiscally responsible.

The Chamber has and always will do this.

Brandon is a unique city. We have amazing entrepreneurs that keep growing and bettering their businesses to survive whatever is thrown at them. We also have creative new businesses popping up. The resilience, optimism and entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in our great city. Our community does such a good job of supporting each other and must keep that up. It is the small business community that are supplying the jobs, keeping money circulating locally, giving to our local charities and teams and helping our city grow. Without business we would not have the amazing community that we are fortunate enough to call home. So, thank-you to each and every one of you for that.

As I have retired from MNP I am no longer a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and so with following the by-laws I have sent in my resignation as President.

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I want to thank Connor, Erin, Jessica and Destiny for all of the hard work that you do to keep the ship running. You are an exceptional team!

Thank-you to the board of directors and volunteers for the countless hours that you have put in to fight for our members and to help ensure that all events go off without a hitch.

And finally, thank-you to our members. Thank-you for putting your trust into us to continue to advocate for you. Thank-you for continually supporting our events as the networking opportunities are endless.

I wish you all much success in your professional and personal lives.

Sincerely, Jaime Pugh

A Message From Your New

President

I was honoured and humbled to be voted into the position of President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce – a few months early – by my colleagues on the Board of Directors last week. I wish Jaime Pugh every success in this next new chapter of her life and extend my deepest gratitude for her time and dedication to this organization over the past number of years.

Jaime brought to the board table a very strong financial acumen, not to mention deep and varied connections to our local businesses through her role at MNP. She had experience as a volunteer and Director of many community organizations and was able to lean on that at the Board table, bringing a varied perspective which is always appreciated. Jaime also has a fun-loving side, which was a refreshing and welcomed addition to our skillset. The Board of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and I, wish Jaime every happiness and success in the next chapter of her life, and extend our deepest gratitude for the time and talents that she shared with us over the past five years as a volunteer.

One of the many benefits of being involved in an organization that has almost a century and a half of experience, is that we have a meaningful and robust set of by-laws which consider the many experiences and situations that have introduced themselves over the years. As such, we have a strong policy in place to guide us through this early change in the Executive roles, and we truly hope that this will present itself as a seamless transfer to our members and the community at large.

As I step into the seat of President, our municipal council is being faced with some of the largest tax increases that our community has seen in years, the newly elected Manitoba Government is crafting their first budget and Brandon School Division is working to make their budgeting process more engaging and robust. My commitment to our membership is that the Chamber of Commerce

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will work with all levels of government to present informed, reasonable positions designed to accommodate and foster the vitality of our business community so that we can continue to grow and prosper in the western region of Manitoba. We commit to holding our governing bodies accountable on proposed increases and changes, while introducing stances that are achievable and defensible. We commit to asking the hard questions, while remaining collegial and collaborative in these difficult financial times for our community. We also commit to being part of the solution, as our organization is part of the Steering Committee for GROW Brandon, a new and exciting project that you will be hearing more about in the coming weeks.

In closing, I very much appreciate the opportunity that has been extended to me, to lead one of the most respected and established organizations in our community. I commit to working tirelessly to engage with our members, the Board of Directors and staff to ensure that we are focusing the right efforts, in the very best direction for our community.

Let’s get started!

Sincerely, Lois Ruston President Brandon Chamber of Commerce

FEBRUARY 2024

EVENTS LINEUP First Friday Coffee Friday, February 2nd

9am-10am | 1043 Rosser Avenue No registration required!

Sponsored by

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Thank you to our January Luncheon Sponsor

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The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is excited to present

Meet a Member with

Cam Wirch, owner of A&L, has lived in Brandon for most of his life. He began fixing bikes out of his parent’s garage at the age of 12, and took over the family business with his wife Colleen in 1987.

Since then, he has brought in his son Tyler and their service manager James as partners in the last few years. A&L was even a recipient of the Brandon Chamber Small Business Award in 2021! We asked Cam a few questions about being a business owner, check out his answers below: Tell us a bit about what your business does?

A&L Cycle has changed over the last few years, we sell high quality brand-name products from the following categories – cycle, run, paddle, exercise and ski.

What is your biggest challenge with your business, and what is your favourite part?

Our biggest challenge is that there are a lot of moving parts at A&L but we have built a great team and enjoy seeing people get active and enjoying the products we sell.

Do you have any activities you enjoy in your spare time?

We love cycling as well as organizing our store clubs – Triathlon Club, Mountain Bike Club and Road and Gravel Riding Clubs.

What are you most excited for this year for your business?

Tyler and James have really focused on finding great product additions to the store. They have found new service equipment to elevate our service department and e-bikes that are completely serviceable and have a long life. We are most excited to see the growth in e-bike usage this year. These bikes are revolutionary and allow certain people to experience riding that they may not be able to do without the assistance of the e-bike. Also, a lot of cyclists switch to an e-bike just for fun and the ability to ride comfortable in windy and hilly conditions!

LEARN MORE ABOUT A&L www.alcycle.ca 204-727-5817 5

201 Rosser Ave, Brandon, MB

CALL FOR SPONSORS MARCH 6, 2024

KEYSTONE CENTRE, BRANDON

Contact Erin at info@brandonchamber.ca or phone 204-571-5340 for more information on sponsorship opportunities!

WHAT SHOULD CANADIAN ENTREPRENEURS EXPECT IN A soft landing for the Canadian economy

by Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist, BDC Despite persistently high inflation and related interest rate hikes to the current level of 5.0%, the news was generally better than expected for the Canadian economy in 2023.

We now estimate Canadian economic growth of 1.3% in 2023, higher than the initial forecasts of Canadian economists. Population growth is largely responsible for this growth, driving vigorous demand. The economy's performance will also have helped maintain the strength of the labour market, despite a rise in the unemployment rate in the second half of the year.

However, economic expansion was not spread evenly and some sectors experienced marked slowdowns. Domestically, the housing market has stabilized but remains below the peaks reached during the pandemic. Canadian households are increasingly cautious in their spending, and the slowdown in the global economy will have led to a deceleration in business investment and exports in the second half of the year.

Unfortunately, inflation will remain in the 2%-3% range, which still implies a rise in prices. However, it will be slower than what we've experienced over the past two years. On the other hand, inflation on certain budget items will remain stubbornly higher.

Food inflation will remain high at around 4%-5% in the coming months. Otherwise, housing-related expenses, notably rent and mortgage interest costs, will also continue to rise faster than the 2% target, particularly in the first half of the year.

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Cléroux, P. (2023, December 20). What is on the horizon for your business in 2024?. BDC.ca. https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/blog/whatshould-canadian-entrepreneurs-expect-2024

2024?

After two years of rate hikes, Canadians should expect interest rates to remain flat for most of the year. Past rate hikes will continue to weigh on economic growth, but the bulk of this slowdown has most likely already taken place.

The key rate will remain at 5.0% for the first half of 2024, but we anticipate a first downward revision as early as this summer. However, the Bank of Canada will not bring its key rate back close to 2.5%, the neutral rate, before 2025.

Remember, a soft landing is still a landing, and there are risks lurking over the economy's performance all the time. The outlook for 2024 depends heavily on the trajectory of interest rates and inflation, among other things.

The Bank of Canada's monetary policy will be the most important factor for the Canadian economy in 2024. A soft landing should leave the country in a good position for growth when interest rates pick up, or to react in the event of another external shock or recession.

How to start 2024 on the right foot?

Focus on maintaining sound management of your human resources. While wage growth can be expected to return to a more sustainable pace in 2024, the long-term aging of the Canadian population will keep labour markets tight for years to come.

As interest rates remain high and demand slows, you should increasingly be looking at technology to boost productivity and improve competitiveness.

Prepare your business for the eventual growth that will pick up once interest rates start to come down again.

The Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF) grant program is now open.

Grant applications may request up to a maximum of $50,000 from MAF to complete proposed projects. All eligible organizations are invited to submit a project application.

All MAF applications must fulfill at least one of the following objectives in support of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act: · Raise awareness about removing barriers encountered by persons with disabilities, such as the development of accessibility guides that are tailored to the specific circumstances of members; · Develop tools, resources, and training to support compliance with regulated accessibility standards under the AMA; or · Remove barriers to information and communication electronically, in print and inperson. This can include the establishment of a centralized pool of funds to facilitate ASL interpretation or to make websites accessible.

Application deadline is February 16, 2024 Information about the MAF grant program for 2024/25 and how to apply is available online at AccessibilityMB.ca. Please contact MAF@gov.mb.ca if you have additional questions.

Time is running out for Brandon employers to use the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot to retain full time employees who are currently working on temporary status. This permanent resident program ends Feb. 29, 2024.

Please contact the Economic Development Brandon office at immigration@brandon.ca to see if this program will work for you and your employees. No LMIA required.

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Read the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Business Outlook Survey Results

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EMPLOYEE RETENTION: VALUED STRATEGIES FROM SKILLED & SUCCESSFUL IMMIGRANTS

BY DR. LYLIAM JARDINE This blog entry provides a brief summary of my doctoral dissertation in adult learning, exploring the intercultural and holistic transformative learning experiences of professional Colombian immigrants in Canada (Jardine, 2023). In the process of completing this research, I was fascinated to reflect on my learning experiences as an international student in Brandon, Manitoba, from 1989 to 1990, as well as the experiences as a professional Colombian immigrant in Canada from 1998 to present. As an immigrant, I faced many barriers other immigrants face, such as discrimination, unemployment, and poverty.

While pursuing professional success as a systems engineer, I took on many roles, such as: teacher, entrepreneur, and most recently a scholar and sessional instructor at two postsecondary institutions. When I was reflecting on my own journey as an immigrant, I was curious to learn from fellow Colombians about the strategies they applied to not only enhance their language and intercultural competency, but also to succeed professionally in Canada. Therefore, as I continued pursuing my professional goals in Canada, the place I call home, I started a Doctor of Education degree (EdD) with a focus on Adult Learning. This led me to the path of my current research, with the goal to help other immigrants. Although, while the research findings only include professional Colombian immigrants, they are relevant to other immigrants in Canada – especially Latin Americans and stakeholders that are involved in an immigrants’ journeys.

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Thus, the purpose of this study with narrative inquiry methodology was to explore the journeys of eight professional Colombian immigrants who felt successful in Canada and had two or more years of adaptation and integration to answer the following question: To what extent did professional Colombian immigrants experience holistic TL, changes in their frames of reference, and enhance their ICC, to communicate appropriately in the target language, after living in Canada for two or more years, in their path to professional success?

(Jardine, 2023, p. ii)

Click here to read Dr. Jardine’s full article on the intercultural and holistic transformative learning experiences of professional Colombian immigrants in Canada.

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Co-op Community Spaces Project Funding Reopen!

Community Spaces was developed to support projects in the communities across Western Canada in which we live, work and operate. Projects can apply for between $25,000 and $150,000 in capital funding in three categories: recreation, environmental conservation, and urban agriculture.

What criteria must projects meet?

Be available and accessible for community use Align with one of the three funding categories (recreation, environmental conservation or urban agriculture) Be completed within two years Be a capital project Be located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba Provide the opportunity for permanent signage

Who is eligible?

Registered charities with valid registration numbers under the Canada Revenue Agency Non-profit organizations registered under their provincial government with proof of registration (e.g. letters of incorporation) Non-profit organizations working with their municipal government who will accept funding and issue receipts on their behalf Community service co-operatives

Click here to learn more and apply!

Applications run through Feb. 1 - Mar. 1 2024 (5 p.m. CST) 12

Tickets on sale soon!

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2023-2024 Leadership Brandon Update The Leadership Brandon Program got together for an insightful January session.

They gathered at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce building and had valuable discussions on community leadership and its importance with various leaders, including Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen, Minister Glen Simard, and Regional Cabinet Officer Jason Gobeil.

As 2024 kicks off, this group prepares for the final half of their leadership program and continues to explore and build knowledge on our local economy.

Thank you to our Leadership Brandon sponsors:

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lois Ruston | President YWCA Westman Jennifer Ludwig | Vice President Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. Tanya LaBuick | Past-President CW2 Construction & Design Guardian Fencing LaBuick & Co. Courtney Baxter Bushel Plus Matt Berg Livingstone Outdoor Emelio Brown IntriTech Digital Marketing Andrea Epp Epp Law Office Samantha Falloon Myphone - TELUS & KOODO Authorized Dealer Chris Finley Mazergroup Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products Meredyth Leech Leech Group Brent Miller Victoria Inn Rob Starkell West-Can HR Solutions

CHAMBER STAFF Connor Ketchen General Manager Jessica Saler Member Relations & Communications Manager Erin Houck Office & Project Manager Destiny Maluga Events & Marketing Assistant

THE BRANDON CHAMBER of COMMERCE Setting the pace for a greater Brandon since 1883.

Advocacy Update: January January has been a busy month for the Chamber.

Our Government Relations Committee has been in discussions with the City regarding the 2024 budget and provided a pre-budget submission of recommendations for the City of Brandon to consider during their deliberations.

Our President, Lois Ruston, represented the Chamber on January 31st during the Province of Manitoba’s Budget 2024 public meeting held at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Keeping our members at the forefront, priorities and recommendations were made to the Province. Additionally, Lois and Connor met with Finance Minister Adrien Sala to continue these conversations.

In February, discussions will take place with the Brandon School Division to talk about the education of our future work force, ensuring that the students are kept at the top of mind as the school division creates their next budget.

Who We Are: The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is an independent, membership funded, non-profit organization that represents Brandon business from the grassroots level.

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