March 2017 Inside this issue: Network Resources Member Spotlight Events Review Recommended Reading Workforce Development Board Nominations
CHAMBER at a glance
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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The Evolving World
A
s I look ahead a couple of months and reflect back on recent past, I am immediately cognizant of the amount of change happening around us due to the technology boom. There are absolutely no businesses, organizations or individuals who have not been impacted by advancements in the evolving digital world.
Clients are demanding access to products and services now! Amazon, Apple and Google are industry leaders in using technology to get their products and services in the hands of clients. Local Businesses are now competing with them for shelf-space and sales traditionally delivered at storefronts throughout our City.
Many of our members are We can look to several local recognizing the need to change and businesses who have grown out of are taking steps to activate through the need to meet the ever increasing social media, new delivery models, demand for access to and applications so they can communication, technology, service compete locally and access global and efficiency improvement. NetSet markets now available because of Communications, technology. Behlen (Robotic Car dealers are Manufacturing), listing sales “Local Businesses and Skip the through an are now Dishes are AutoTrader competing with examples of “app”! businesses who Realtors are them for shelfhave recognized posting listings space and sales ” opportunity and through are heavily Twitter and invested to win in Facebook! their new and emerging industries. Restaurants have websites with their It is change or become redundant. menus and ability to order meals on-
Terry Burgess, Chamber President
line. A majority of routine financial transactions are now completed through on-line banking, ATM’s, debit cards and mobile phone networks. Enhancing economic development becomes even more challenging in this evolving marketplace. The role of the Chamber will continue to be a place for information, training and networking. Helping businesses find new opportunities and ways of doing business. We are also continuing our work with the City on First Nations Urban Development Areas as well as advocating for the elimination of Red Tape and the transparent implementation of Development Charges. We absolutely need to (Continued on page 6)