Glance - November 2017

November 2017 Inside this issue: A Voice United Member Spotlight Events Review Anniversaries 5 Minutes for Business Shop Local this Holiday Season

CHAMBER at a glance

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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Chamber Committees

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hope everyone’s fall was fantastic! Here at the Chamber, we have been busy gearing up with reviews of each committee’s strategic plans, goals and agendas.

even better, run for the board.

Our Committees: Business Development Committee – Chaired by our Secretary Treasurer Cathy Snelgrove of Siere, this Over the last three years, I have committee stays on top of the come to appreciate all of the work forever-changing business landscape that our committee chairs and in Brandon. Cathy and her committee members contribute to committee investigate, question and our Chamber. There is a lot of behind even report on any changes that may -the-scenes work that goes into impact the Brandon Business these successful committees and I Climate. Whether it is investigating a thought I would touch on this work. I proposed development charge, or a hope this submission to information the Province for We have the power of will provide a a change in our the Network, as the bit of an insight planning district, into what the Business Canadian Chamber’s dedication our Development network includes committee Committee more than 450 chairs and works for you, committee the business. chambers across members have Canada, including and why YOU, Membership ours. a member, Committee – should get Chaired by involved. It has been an amazing Tayona Johnas of Sunrise Credit journey for me so far, and I highly Union, this committee is constantly recommend that everyone at least working towards increasing our get involved with a committee, or wonderful membership roster and

Tami-Rae Rourke Chamber President

bringing new and exciting ideas to the table to reward our current membership. Activities such as “Thank you Thursdays” offer the Chamber opportunities to showcase our amazing group of business leaders.

Government Relations Committee – Chaired by our Vice President Jeff Hood of MNP, this committee stays focused on the changes in Global, National, Provincial, and Municipal governments by meeting with our local MLAs, MPs, Ministers, and also our Premier. At these meetings, we discuss our local and national advocacy desires, as well as what our local Chamber members have to say, such as concerns, ideas, questions or any other hot topics. This committee (Continued on page 6)

GM REPORT

GM REPORT

A Voice United

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his past September, chambers from across the country gathered for the annual Canadian Chamber AGM Conference in Fredericton, NB. This is always a great opportunity to network and share ideas, attend professional development sessions as well as debate and set policy that becomes part of the advocacy platform of the national Chamber body.

The advocacy discussions highlight the shared concerns of the Chamber network and, through the policy resolution process, recommendations to address those issues are brought forward and voted on by local chambers. This year’s policy session saw 79 resolutions up for discussion with topics ranging from social policy, natural resources and the environment to industry, immigration and taxation.

Business and community are dependent on each other for success, and Chamber leaders are not only business advocates but community champions, so it is no surprise that chambers weigh in on so many issues. Bring together the passion of a few hundred delegates and you have the Chamber network in action!

In fact, the strength and power of the network has never been more clear than at this year’s conference. Much of the discussions revolved around the proposed federal corporate tax changes, with delegates having the opportunity to hear from Finance Minister Morneau and ask questions as a collective voice. Chamber veterans in attendance commented that no issue over the last couple decades has brought such fervent opposition and action from the chamber network. Both in and out of sessions, attendees shared

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their disappointment on how and when the changes were announced, the impacts the changes would have on their local businesses and communities, and how their individual chambers were advocating for members. Those grassroot advocacy efforts were united in a national call to action in the #protectgrowth campaign, which in part, highlighted small business owners from across the country telling their stories on how the tax changes would impact them.

the provincial and national stage, and it starts with local businesses like you, engaged in your local Brandon Chamber.

Collectively we are a powerful voice for business and communities.

Our advocacy work over the last year is outlined in our Annual Report which Since our meetings in September, the was presented at our recent AGM, and federal government has scaled back the is available on our website proposed tax changes, and arguably this www.brandonchamber.ca. To learn is a direct result of the outcry from more about the Canadian Chamber of Chambers and the business community. Commerce and Manitoba Chamber This is a great example of the power of policies, please check out their our collective voice, and it is always respective websites. rewarding when those messages make a difference in bringing about change.

Chamber ‘wins’ are not always quick, nor the Chamber voice always loud, but there is a constant and consistent Carolynn Cancade movement forward in making sure General Manager business concerns are heard. These advocacy efforts are continual.

On the high-profile issue of the proposed tax changes, Canadian Chambers continue to call for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the tax system, but work also continues on many other national issues including NAFTA and carbon pricing.

Based on the many conversations with colleagues across the country, much is being done to challenge the barriers to business prosperity and economic growth. The real power of the network is seen in the ability to leverage those grassroots driven advocacy efforts to

www.brandonchamber.ca

MEMBERSHIP ZONE

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Booster Juice 1212 18th Street Brandon, MB R7A 5C3 204-727-8908 tprice@boosterjuice.com www.boosterjuice.com

Omni-Lyte Enviro Inc. Box 328 Wawanesa, MB R0K 2G0 800-419-5707 info@omnilyte.com www.omnilyte.com

Legacy Renovations and Finishing Site 30 Box 165 RR2 Brandon, MB R7A 5Y2 204-402-0070 legacyrenovationsfinishing@gmail.com

Peak Performance & Athletics 863 10th Street Brandon, MB R7A 4G9 204-727-7016 office@peakperformanceandathletics.ca www.peakperformanceandathletics.ca

R&M Homes Ltd. 382 Park Avenue East Brandon, MB R7A 7A8 204-728-4423 stephanie@randmhomes.ca www.randmhomes.ca

member

SPOT LIGHT

with

How many years have you been in business?

Over a year - 17 Months What service does your business offer?

I am a dog walker and I help take care of family dogs. I pick dogs up at home and walk them in the neighbourhood either alone or in small groups of two. I believe in using only positive reinforcement training methods with the dogs in my care, using wholesome treats to reward good behaviours and redirect unwanted behaviours towards more productive ones.

What are the goals of your business?

My goal for Walk the Walk is to grow so that I can hire other dog walkers to work with me. I am working towards becoming a certified dog trainer so that I can offer more services to people.

Where is your business located?

Walk the Walk is a home based small business.

What are your business hours?

Walks are scheduled whenever you need help taking care of your dog including evenings and weekends.

Why do you do what you do?

The best part of my day is walking with the dogs in my care. I open my heart to them and care for them as though they were my own dogs.

Walk the Walk mission is to provide you with peace of mind that your family dog is happy and healthy with the companionship and exercise provided by a dog walker.

November 2017

204-725-3296 info@walkthewalk.ca www.WalkTheWalk.ca

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EVENTS

The President’s message, report from the GM, and financials from the 2016-2017 Members learned more about the benefits of Chamber year were given. The Manitoba Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, membership, and how to make the most of Chuck Davidson addressed the crowd on their Chamber investment. current advocacy projects.

Chamber 101 September 12th

Luncheon Series Featuring Robyn Sneath September 14th

Women in Business Breakfast October 5th

Similar to a Business After 5, members enjoyed food, drink and mingling at Alternative Landscaping in their greenhouse.

The event was catered by Aida’s Catering.

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Thank you to Booth Sponsors: Workplace Education Manitoba Thank you to our Breakfast Sponsor:

Sponsored by:

The first Luncheon of the season was a great success! Robyn Sneath inspired a packed audience to see the potential that downtown Brandon has. She talked about what her and her husband have accomplished since Workshop: Website Marketing moving to Brandon almost four years ago.

Her list included starting and running four September 29th companies while working on the renewal of Scott Kasprick of Reaxion Graphics spoke to a handful of historic downtown buildings. members at our Lunch and Learn about how to better use a website when marketing your Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsors: business.

Annual General Meeting September 28th

where there are now in business.

We premiered our Breakfast for Business series with a panel of local female entrepreneurs. Cathy Snelgrove from Siere, Sue Swarbrick from Budget Blinds of Southwest Manitoba and Lori Versavel from Coffee Culture discussed their journey to

2017 Westman Human Resources Conference October 12th More than 100 Westman managers, employees and HR professionals attended the third annual HR Conference. Sessions included Managing Mental Health Matters, Accommodations in the Workplace, Culture & Communications and Performance Coaching. There were two keynotes as well who spoke on HR Practises and creating an accountability culture in today’s unique workforce.

Organizing Partners: Economic Development Brandon Entrepreneurship Manitoba Brandon Chamber of Commerce Presenting Sponsor:

www.brandonchamber.ca

ANNIVERSARIES

Celebrating Business!

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he Chamber is pleased to recognize member businesses and organizations of all sizes who are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2017. Don’t miss any future recognition; contact us to be sure your company is on the list!

Small Business Week Luncheon October 16th We kicked off Small Business week with Craig Ryan from BDC, who spoke to over 230 attendees about millennials and the related trends that are changing how we do business. He shared stories of the nextgen entrepreneurs throughout Canada who are focussing more on giving back to their communities then their bottom line.

At the luncheon we celebrated members with milestone anniversaries.

Thank you to Booth Sponsors: Career Connections C.E.Y.S. Brandon Inc. Workplace Education Manitoba Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor:

Workshop: Email Marketing October 18th Attendees learned all about email marketing and the different programs out there that businesses can use to maintain

November 2017

an email list from Scott Kasprick of Reaxion Graphics.

Business After 5: Career Connections October 19th Guests were invited to Career Connections where they were handed a passport to explore the office. After touring each stop on the passport, attendees headed to the prize room to spin the wheel that revealed what they won. Career Connections specializes in working with and securing employment for individuals living with a disability.

Career Connections has been a leader in supplying these services for over 45 years.

Provincial Exhibition Of Manitoba

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The Brandon Sun

135

YWCA of Brandon

110

Leech Printing Ltd.

90

Kullberg's Furniture Store

85

United Way Brandon

80

Crocus Credit Union

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Rosewood Memorial Gardens Ltd.

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Atom-Jet Industries Ltd.

55

Benmarks

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Pik - A - Dilly Trailer Sales

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Brandon Area REALTORS

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Brandon University

50

Collyer's Sales & Service

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Meadowlark Campground Ltd.

50

Prairie Oasis Senior Centre

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Redfern Farm Services Ltd.

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Hedley's Health Hut

40

Manitoba Ag Days

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Paterson Patterson Wyman & Abel

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Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd.

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Fowler Hyundai

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People's Market Place

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The Real Canadian Superstore

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Hardy Electric

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The Keg

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Forman Honda

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Colleen & Co. Hair Studio

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Days Inn

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InfoMetrics Incorporated

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Innovative Media Group

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myITsource

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The Learning Company

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Elite Safety Services

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Strategic Spark Communications Siere

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CHAMBER NEWS President’s Message (Cont’d from page 1) also meets and participates in the City, Provincial, and Chamber’s network includes more than 450 chambers Educational budget discussions. The Chamber mandate is to across Canada, including ours. vocalize our local business community issues, concerns, etc..

In summary, the Chamber appreciates all the community support. Proudly, we are seen as a very strong chamber by Workforce Development Committee – Chaired by our our peers, so please continue to attend our amazing recently-appointed board member, Jill Watt of Cando Rail luncheons and events! If any of the committees mentioned Services. This committee meets with other stakeholders in above have sparked any interest, please reach out and the community to discuss the supply of appropriate become a committee member. We are stronger united! workforce that is available to our businesses and ensure that all educational and government officials are aware of hurdles that we in the surrounding area are dealing with.

Last but not least is our Events Committee – Chaired by Greg Crisanti of Tim Hortons, this board works hard to ensure that the Chamber’s main events go off without a hitch! They coordinate functions such as the yearly Golf tournament and Annual Awards Gala.

In addition, our Chamber is part of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce national network. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the only national organization that speaks for 200,000 businesses on national and international issues.

We have the power of the Network, as the Canadian

Tami-Rae Rourke, President Tami can be reached at president@brandonchamber.ca

What your Chamber membership does: 80% Increase in the likelihood that a consumer will patronize your business 73% Increase in consumer awareness 68% Increase in your local reputation when compared to the competition 49% More likely that consumers have a favourable view of your business 10% More likely to a consumer that your product is better than the competition *The Schapiro Group Study on Chamber Effectiveness

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www.brandonchamber.ca

5 MINUTES FOR BUSINESS

Fighting for NAFTA - Better to Have No Deal than a Bad Deal This article first appeared in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s 5 Minutes for Business on their website

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ever in the history of trade negotiations have we seen a country’s largest, most important business association openly call its government’s trade proposals “dangerous” and say they should be withdrawn. That is exactly what the U.S. Chamber of Commerce did yesterday.

Canada’s negotiators have done their very best in a challenging environment.

They have reached out to Canadian people and business, they have extended a warm hand of friendship to their U.S. and Mexican counterparts and they have tabled sensible, generous proposals to improve NAFTA. But, we all have to prepare for the possibility that the U.S. will withdraw from NAFTA, based on the poisonous proposals U.S. negotiators have presented.

The craziest is a sunset clause that would terminate NAFTA after five years unless all three parties agree it should continue. Imagine the uncertainty of having all three countries debate the merits of trade every five years. How

could anyone plan to build a factory with a useful life of 30 years? NAFTA would cease to exist for the purposes of long-term business investment.

couldn’t exceed the total value that U.S. firms could win in those two countries.”

This is quite simply the worst offer ever featured in a trade agreement and is worse than basic access to government The second troubling proposal concerns procurement offered under the WTO. the rules of origin. Currently, 62.5% of a Canada would be better off with no car or a truck must be produced in the agreement at all than signing on to this U.S., Mexico or Canada for it to qualify nutty nonsense. for duty-free treatment under NAFTA. The U.S.’s proposal would require that At the Canadian Chamber of 50% of the vehicle be produced in the Commerce, we salute the government’s U.S. This would be immensely harmful efforts on NAFTA. The government has to the North American auto industry. done everything possible: our It’s impossible to replace longnegotiators have been outstanding, established multi-billion-dollar supply Minister Freeland and the entire chains so most companies would simply Cabinet have invested enormous time pay the generally low U.S. tariffs. in building relationships in the U.S., and Manufacturers would then source more the PM has invested his political capital inputs from Asia. and considerable charm to go to bat for NAFTA. The third concern is the administration’s proposal to eliminate But, if the U.S. administration is not Chapter 19, the process for dispute serious about negotiating a mutually settlement for anti-dumping and coun- beneficial agreement, then we believe tervailing duties. This comes at a time no deal is preferable to a bad deal. This where the U.S. wants to impose a is because a trade agreement will last ludicrous 300% tariff on Bombardier many years. The Trump administration, jets, which is above even what Boeing we’re not so sure… had asked for. Chapter 19 is a critical safety net because it enables an Hendrik Brakel independent, binational panel of five Senior Director, Economic, Financial & arbiters, agreed by both parties, to Tax Policy determine whether or not the duties 613.238.4000 (284) have merit based on U.S. domestic hbrakel@chamber.ca laws. This is a must-have for Canada.

The final jaw-dropping proposal would drastically reshape NAFTA’s procurement rules. U.S. negotiators are proposing a “dollar for dollar” approach to North American procurement markets. That would mean “the total value of contracts the Canadians and Mexicans could access, together,

November 2017

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Chamber at a Glance is published six times per year by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce 1043 Rosser Avenue | Brandon, MB R7A 0L5 Phone: (204) 571-5340 | Fax: (204) 571-5347

info@brandonchamber.ca www.brandonchamber.ca

EDITING & DESIGN Krista Powell

PRINTING Leech Printing Ltd.

2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tami Rae Rourke—President NetSet Communications & I-Netlink Wireless

Shop Local this Holiday Season As consumers, we have the power to shape our city. Every time we open our wallets to a business, we are saying, “I like what you do! Keep doing it!” When we shop local, we are saying YES to a strong, vibrant local economy, that translates into a unique and interesting city. We invite you to: THINK locally, SPEND locally & ENJOY locally. Support the businesses around you that support the area where you live, work and play.  

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Local merchants are more likely to be focused on customer service, quality and warranties.

Local purchases support public services through sales taxes – these dollars fix our roads, maintain our recreational facilities, fund our police departments, and much more.

Local businesses create local jobs, increase local prosperity and reduce unemployment.

Jeff Hood —Vice President MNP LLP

Cathy Snelgrove —Secretary/Treasurer Siere

Terry Burgess— Past President RBC Royal Bank

Greg Crisanti Tim Hortons

Spencer Day Progressive Sanitation

Tayona Jonas Sunrise Credit Union

Tanya LaBuick LaBuick & Co.

Steve McMillan VBJ Developments

Scott Norosky South End Lumber Ltd.

Trent Sholdice Meighen Haddad LLP

Jason Thorpe Thorpe Construction Ltd.

Jordan Trotter C & C Rentals

Jill Watt Cando Rail Services Ltd.

CHAMBER STAFF Carolynn Cancade General Manager

Krista Powell Events & Communications Coordinator

Kristina Timmer Membership & Marketing Coordinator

Tanya Lysack Office Administration Coordinator

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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 favorable to enhancing existing and attracting new business.

www.brandonchamber.ca