June 2022

SUMMER 2022

Chamber at a

Glance

What's Inside: A Message from the New Chamber President Meet The New Board of Directors Business Achievement Awards - Winners Revealed!

Membership Updates: New Year, New Members + More!

NEW YEAR, NEW LEADERSHIP, CONTINUOUS MISSION

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hank you for your continued support of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to accept the role as President for 2022-23 fiscal year. Along with the rest of the Board of Directors, we look forward to further supporting and promoting the business interests of our members. We will continue to focus on advocating for a thriving business climate to ensure the growth and prosperity of our members.

I am also pleased to welcome back the returning members of the Board as well as the new Board members who are volunteering their time to support the goals and objectives of the Chamber in its mission. And a BIG welcome to Connor Ketchen, the new General Manager of the Chamber.

And, most of all, we welcome the continued support of our members, without whom we would not exist. As a Chamber we are a network of local businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community groups working together to promote our collective interests within the community, and we must continue with that goal.

Our Chamber Board and staff have done a bang-up job communicating government assistance programs, interpreting restrictions, and advocating strongly for our local businesses. We are also launching a new strategic plan that focuses heavily on moving forward after two difficult years. You can find that on our website.

We also wish a very fond farewell to Carolynn Cancade, whose lengthy tenure has unquestionably left the Chamber better than she found it. We would also like to offer a heartfelt thank you for her service, her commitment, and her passion for the Chamber. Her efforts have enhanced everything from member benefits to community impact. There is no shortage of accolades we could offer, so simply, well done, we are grateful for you Carolynn.

“a network of local businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community groups working together" Thank you again for your support and participation, we strive to promote and enhance a favourable business climate and improve the quality of life to make Brandon the best community in which to live and operate a business.

Have a great summer, hope to see you in the fall!

We always welcome your feedback and suggestions on how to better provide support to our members. Please let us know what you would like to see regarding speakers, seminars, and any specific topics of interest to the business community.

In addition, we offer a thank you and massive pat on the back to Chamber Champion Barry Cooper who stickhandled a volatile year with a balanced perspective and a ton of kindness. Barry may have pivoted more than Steve Nash this year and will remain an integral part of our board serving as past president where he will absolutely offer council and guidance when needed.

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | SUMMER 2022

Tanya LaBuick

2022-2023 President The Brandon Chamber of Commerce 02

Meet the

2022-2023 Board of Directors To learn more about the directors, visit brandonchamber.ca Tanya LaBuick President LaBuick & Co., Guardian Fencing & CW2 Construction & Design

Barry Cooper Past President Heritage Co-op

Emelio Brown IntriTech Digital Marketing + Juggernaut Computers

Chris Finley Mazergroup

Lois Ruston Secretary-Treasurer R & M Homes Ltd.

Laurie Brugger Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd.

Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products

Courtney Baxter Westman Communications Group

Andrea Epp Epp Law Office

Meredyth Leech Leech Group

Jaime Pugh Vice President MNP LLP

Matt Berg Livingstone Landscaping Ltd. & Livingstone Outdoor

We would like to thank our outgoing Board Members for their many years of service!

Samantha Falloon MyPhone | TELUS & KOODO Authorized Dealer

Jennifer Ludwig Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd.

Get Involved. Make History.

Are you interested in making contacts, making a difference and getting involved? Contact Alix 204 571 5344

Aida Harrison Aida's Catering & The Backyard on Aberdeen 2018-2022

Ryan Jacobson Affordable Storage & Forbidden Flavours Roastery 2018-2022 CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | SUMMER 2022

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MEET

MEMBER

Lighthouse Wellness Centre

What exactly does your organization do?

Lighthouse Wellness Centre is a private clinic that provides counselling and mental health services to ages 3 years and up.

What is your favourite part of your job?

We love seeing and helping a very diverse client population. The best part is watching your client grow, flourish and see how they accomplish all their goals.

May 12, 2022: State of the City Luncheon L-R: Mayor Rick Chrest & Chamber Past President Barry Cooper (Heritage Co-op)

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

We provide counselling, therapeutic play and alternative healing for all genders and socioeconomic backgrounds. The misconception is that we only see females, where as we see anyone willing to seek help.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Ultimately we just want to be a reliable and effective resource for our community. We have multiple future goals and plans up our sleeve for the years to come. To follow our future endeavours please follow us on social media.

lighthousewellnesscentre.ca

June 2, 2022: President Changeover Ceremony Luncheon L-R: Board member Emelio Brown (Intritech Digital Marketing), Davion Kelly (Juggernaut Computers), Lisa Gradidge (Livingstone Landscaping Ltd.), board member Matt Berg (Livingstone Landscaping Ltd.) and Tapiwanashe Magwati (Intritech Digital Marketing)

Unit T, 29 10th Street Brandon, MB R7A 4E4 (204) 728-0054 (work) office@lighthousewellnesscentre.ca

@lighthousewellnesscentre

Welcome New Members! docbraces 1100 Richmond Ave, Unit B Brandon, MB R7A 1M6 (204) 727-6453 docbraces.com Exhale Therapeutic Massage 724 10th Street, Brandon MB (204) 441-5655 Feastify 606 Louise Ave E, Brandon MB R7A 1X5 (431) 804-0871 feastify.com

Inclusion Westman Brandon, MB (204) 726-0008 inclusionwestman.ca

June 8, 2022: Government Relations Committee meets City executives for discussions L-R: Chamber Vice President Jaime Pugh (MNP LLP), Sheila Gonty (Gontree Tree Service Ltd.), Chamber President Tanya LaBuick (CW2 Construction & Design, Guardian Fencing, LaBuick & Co.), Emily Simon (Rimmer Technology Partners), City Manager Ron Bowles, Patrick Paluk (City of Brandon), Chamber General Manager Connor Ketchen, Chamber Secretary Treasurer Lois MacDonald (R&M Homes Lts.), Chief of Brandon Police Wayne Balcaen.

N2 Culinary 619 15th Street, Brandon MB R7A 4W6 (204) 740-0045 n2culinary.com SENSUS Chartered Professional Accountants Ltd. (204) 727-5577 929 24th Street, Brandon MB R7B 1Y5 sensuscpa.ca

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | SUMMER 2022

June 2, 2022: President Changeover Ceremony Luncheon L-R: Past President Barry Cooper (Heritage Co-op), Chamber President Tanya LaBuick (CW2 Construction & Design, Guardian Fencing, LaBuick & Co.) and Manitoba Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Chuck Davidson

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MEET THE CHAMBER STAFF Not sure where to start? Contact us!

Connor Ketchen | General Manager The General Manager is the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible to the Board of Directors for the full range of activity coordination, organizational structure and procedures, maintenance of membership, interpretation of policy, maintenance of the office and building, and long-term planning.

204 571 5342 | gm@brandonchamber.ca

"... opportunity for innovation and growth that is fueled by the voices of our members" As I settle in to my first official month in the role of General Manager of the Chamber, I sit and reflect on the connections and relationships I have already made within our community. I have received a great welcome and support from those around me and am excited to see what my days ahead will look like. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with and listen to our members about what is needed in our great city of Brandon. I hope to continue the success that our Chamber has had while providing an opportunity for innovation and growth that is fueled by the voices of our members. As I further settle in, I welcome the opportunity to meet and network with all of you, please feel free to reach out so we can connect.

Alix Coucill | Director of Member Relations The Director of Member Relations oversees the membership, marketing, & communications of the Chamber. She assists the current membership with accessing their benefits and keeping them up to date with what’s going on in the Chamber, and also reaches out to other businesses regarding the perks of becoming members.

204 571 5344 | members@brandonchamber.ca

Erin Houck | Events & Program Coordinator The Events & Programs Coordinator oversees all Chamber events, activities, and sponsorship for the Chamber. Ongoing communication with the membership regarding Chamber events, advocacy, and sponsorship opportunities is essential to the strength of the Chamber.

204 571 5343 | events@brandonchamber.ca

Britney McNamee | Office Coordinator The Office Coordinator ensures the smooth operation of the Chamber front-line operations, including communication, correspondence, daily financial operations, visitors, and booking meetings.

204 571 5340 | info@brandonchamber.ca

Alex McNarland | Marketing Assistant Alex has joined our team for the summer to help out with marketing and membership! Alex is an Assiniboine Community College grad from the Interactive Media Arts Program, has spent some time in radio and is an EXPERT when it comes to tacos. We are thrilled to have him on board! admin@brandonchamber.ca

For more information on the Chamber Group Plan, contact our preferred advisor, Scott Whitmore!

Office F | 1043 Rosser Avenue Brandon MB, R7A 0L5 (204) 727-4040 brandon@avantafinancialservices.com

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | SUMMER 2022

MEMBER PERKS Keep your membership active to gain access to your members-only perks: Chamber website listing + link Year-round business referrals Member profile in Chamber publications Mention of member news: anniversaries, events, awards and other news Chamber Roster Book directory listing

Access to participate in Chamber initiatives Decal & Member Certificate Access to community calendar Engagement on social media Significant discount on events And so much more!

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139

th

ANNUAL BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD winners!

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Bernie Whetter (The Green Spot Home & Garden) LIFETIME BUSINESS BUILDER

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE (LARGE)

Kim's Asian Restaurant BUSINESS EXCELLENCE (SMALL)

GEM Services

Paul Crane (Crane Steel Structures) YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Marcel Kringe (Bushel Plus Ag Products) WESTMAN'S TOP 4 UNDER 40 Cassandra Jamieson (McPhail Travel + Moonlit Canopy) Nirmal Thakar (Shreem Systems & Solutions PVT. Ltd. ) Amber White (Anytime Fitness Brandon )

Ty Worthington (Pinnacle Event Rentals )

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | SUMMER 2022

OUTSTANDING NEW BUSINESS

Resurrection Auto Detailing - Tint & Protection Ltd. COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

Westman Communications Group

Congrats to all of our nominees and recipients!

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the Brandon Chamber of Commerce was incredibly pleased to host the 139th Annual Chamber Business Awards Gala held at the Keystone Centre. With over 540 attendees, and 50 sponsors, the Chamber recognized outstanding achievement in 8 different categories. This year saw a change in format that allowed us to spotlight even more incredible businesses – each award showcased three finalists from which the winner was announced. This kept things exciting, as nobody but the Selections Committee knew who the winners were! Margaux Miller, the host of Start Canada Podcast, delighted the crowd and kept things flowing with her exceptional Master of Ceremonies delivery. The Chamber would like to send a congratulations not only to our award winners, but all nominees and finalists!

Host

Platinum

Gold

Champagne Sunrise Credit Union

Silver Plus Fusion Credit Union Limited Leech Group Maple Leaf Fresh Foods MNP LLP

Silver Behlen Industries Brandon Business Interiors Brandon University Bromley’s Menswear CAA Manitoba Chilli Chutney Epp Law Office

Silver cont.

Excel-7 Flynn Group of Companies Greenstone Building Products Guild Insurance Brokers Manitoba PC Caucus Prairie Building Maintenance RBC Royal Bank Reesor's Jewellery (1978) Ltd. The BloomBox West-Fit Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Workers Compensation Board Brandon Xplornet Enterprise Solutions

Bronze Assiniboine Community College Atom-Jet Industries Ltd.

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | SUMMER 2022

Bronze cont.

Bronze cont.

Avanta Financial Services Better Business Bureau Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd. Cando Rail Services Chemtrade Electrochem Inc. CW2 Construction & Design Ltd. Dick Agencies, A Division of Westland Insurance Group Ltd. Heritage Co-op Manitoba Blue Cross RBC Dominion Securities - Ryan Nestibo R & M Homes Ltd. Resurrection Auto Detailing, Tint & Protection Ltd.

Shoppers Mall/Morguard Siere Trident X Ltd. Vanish Skin Clinic & Beauty Bar Westoba Credit Union Ltd

Supporter Clarion Hotel & Suites Brandon Friends Fur Life Daycare & Grooming Golf Brandon Wheat City Golf Course Keystone Agricultural & Recreational Centre Inc. T-Birds—Food Fun Games Vionell Holdings Partnership

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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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tanya LaBuick | President CW2 Construction & Design Guardian Fencing LaBuick & Co. Jaime Pugh | Secretary-Treasurer MNP LLP Lois Ruston | Secretary-Treasurer R&M Homes Ltd. Barry Cooper | Past-President Heritage Co-op Courtney Baxter Westman Communications Group Matt Berg Livingstone Outdoor Emelio Brown IntriTech Digital Marketing Juggernaut Computers Laurie Brugger Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd. Andrea Epp Epp Law Office

MB TRIP Program

Tourism Rebate Incentive Program Delivers huge boost for Manitoba’s hospitality & tourism industries Manitoba adults from all age ranges and from across all regions of the province took advantage of TRIP, producing excellent outcomes: MONEY in MANITOBANS’ POCKETS: MCC processed 22,000 rebates in 2021 and 10,600 in 2022, for a total value of $3.2 million returned to Manitobans who invested in tourism.

BOOSTED HOTEL OCCUPANCY: Manitobans participating in TRIP paid for almost 17,800 individual hotel nights and 2,877 hotel stay & play packages (room and attraction or local activity such as golf or dining) in 2021. In 2022, Manitobans paid for 10,350 hotel nights.

INCREASED VISITATION: Just like hotels, attractions were deeply affected by pandemic capacity and operating restrictions. TRIP rebated more than 4,700 attraction admission fees in 2021 and 700 in 2022, helping to boost visitation.

INSPIRED TRAVEL: 56% of TRIP survey respondents said that the trip they took was not planned prior to the launch of the program. TRIP was an effective incentive.

To learn more about the TRIP Program, visit: mbchamber.mb.ca

Samantha Falloon Myphone - TELUS & KOODO Authorized Dealer Chris Finley Mazergroup Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products Meredyth Leech Leech Group Jennifer Ludwig Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. CHAMBER STAFF Connor Ketchen General Manager Alix Coucill Director of Member Relations Erin Houck Events & Program Coordinator Britney McNamee Office Coordinator

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.