November 2021: Chamber at a Glance

NOVEMBER 2021

Chamber at a

Glance

In This Issue

How The Chamber is #SupportingLocal This Holiday Season 3 Funding Streams You NEED to Know About Business Achievement Award Nominations Now Open!

Mark Your Calendars 12.03.21 Holiday First Friday Coffee - In Person 12.09.21 Chamber Holiday Luncheon 01.06.22 Business Award Nominations Close

BUY IT, BRAG IT, TAG IT

"When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance."

This

the fall air giving us a warning of things to

Manitoba

come! I had to do a light scrape of the

Brag,

windshield and turn the heater on high for

“Shop

a

recognized

member reading this to provide at least

several summer road construction crews

one recommendation of a fellow business.

Your

hurrying

A restaurant where the food and service

that groups of people can be together

were

that

and be safe. Our luncheons and coffees

diesel is now available at the pumps and

offered a little extra or that super one-of

have returned with strong attendance and

companies

a-kind find you discovered while exploring

most importantly no indication of Covid

snow clearing.

our shops. We all experience these events

spread. We have followed Public Health

regularly in our community. Let’s celebrate

rules

them on social media and shine a bright

membership’s

light

desire

while.

before

As

Along

to

get

the

the

the

a

end

are

on

many,

it

the

closures,

the

winter a

I

asphalt season.

me

turns,

to

we

as

season

busy

season.

Christmas,

of

calling

means

holiday

lift

of

calendar

focus

route,

the

schedule

business

ahead.

last

For and

year’s

challenges

Tag”

and

Local”

all

work.

exceptional,

on

our

greatly

with

campaign

of

of

our

I

Chamber’s

challenge

the

store

incredible

the “Buy,

each

clerk

Brandon

and

Chamber

and

to

has

helped

been

respectful

safety

interact

demonstrate

as

with

well

others

of

our

as

their

from

the

Westman business! Tag us @bdnchamber -

business community.

so we can multiply the effort!

Your Brandon Chamber continues to work

the scramble to develop websites, there is

continuing to hire additional staff, either

committee

a certain calmness to business this year.

to deal with new sales, or just to get back

business.

We have been through the gauntlet and

to their regular requirements. We have all

customers are excited to spend time and

are still standing! Take a moment to be

done

money

proud of that accomplishment. And revel

customers,

our

in the hustle and bustle of busy stores.

throughout

the

Missing that last year will help us all enjoy

implemented

it now, no matter how hectic!

recommendations

their

we

This Christmas season will not be easy.

continue to demonstrate how safe it is to

Supply chain issues will result in shortages

be back in our stores for customers and

of certain items and will likely disappoint

staff. Hesitancy by both consumers and

some of the “last minute” shoppers. We

prospective employees is real. I recently

should

saw

sure

to

encourage

this

risk

leverage

of

delivery,

in

Many retail stores and restaurants are

all

pickup,

of

ties

Chambers

and

reduce

curbside

Winter

Christmas

After

with

down

concept

We have been through the gauntlet and are still standing!

Driving to work this morning, I could feel

early

shopping

disappointment.

our

local

strength

to Be as

a

tremendous

a

of

teams

Manitoba

statistic will

and

ourselves We

Public often

Let’s

that

protecting

and

pandemic.

expectations.

consumers

job

Health

exceeded

make

indicated

select

have

sure

85%

of

accommodations

based on higher cleanliness standards. I

items on the shelf are a much better bet

think

it

is

reasonable

to

than ordering online and hoping it shows

businesses will be judged by this desire

up!

from our customer.

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021

believe

all

with all levels of government and at the level

to

find

ways

to

grow

But business grows best when

with

you.

This

next

couple

of

months will form a strong base that builds consumer confidence going forward.

I know you will all hit it out of the park!

Barry Cooper President Brandon Chamber of Commerce

02

1

4

Ways the Chamber is #SupportingLocal This Holiday Season

Discover the best of the season with Wrapped —

the

ultimate

sought-after

guide

gifts

and

to

the

holiday

region’s

most

experiences.

We’re bringing all of holiday 2021’s greatest gift-giving

ideas

together

in

one

place.

Featuring makers, creators, artists, designers, shops,

and

eateries

from

Brandon

and

the

Westman area, Wrapped Holiday Gift Guide is a catalogue of editor-approved picks that will both uplift and inspire.

With magazine-style layouts and curated product collections, each advertising partner will be featured to maximum effect. This project was put together by Leech Printing Ltd. and The Brandon Chamber of Commerce, hitting mailboxes November 2021.

2 Shop locally this holiday season on our Shop Local Guide, where you

3

can find the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list, no matter your budget.

Whether you're shopping for him, her, the kids, something great to snack on or a relaxing treatment, the Shop Local Guide is home to tons of unique stores and services, located right in our backyard!

Check out this online guide for gift ideas, but beware, you may even end up buying a little something for yourself. #shoplocal

We LOVE featuring our members! And we do this in a variety

of

ways

throughout

the

year.

From

member

profile articles, to social media engagement, award presentations and business anniversaries.

Visit: brandonchamber.ca/shop-local/shop-local-holiday-guide/

4

Starting this holiday season we are working with local production company Trident X on a significant amount of member profile videos, showing all that our great city has to offer.

Watch our social media feeds (@bdnchamber - Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) for contests, or attend one of our upcoming events, to be entered into a draw to win #local giftcards for you to share, spend and enjoy over the holiday season!

Keep your eye out at Landmark Cinemas to see them for yourself!

How will you #SupportLocal this holiday season?

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021

03

FUNDING STREAMS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Developed with the growth of your business in mind.

DIGITAL MANITOBA INITIATIVE

BRANDON ECONOMIC RESTART PROGRAM

The Digital Manitoba Initiative will invest $15

The

Million

Brandon in response to a recommendation

economic

recovery,

from the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

Manitoba,

the

businesses through two funding programs:

Commerce

TechUP, allocating grants of up to $5,000

The program provides a maximum one-time

Winnipeg launched Retrain Manitoba. The

for

grant

$12.5

into

the

development

of

essential

and

digital

registered

asset

PowerUP,

adaptation

and

Manitoba

system

providing

a

and

upgrades,

maximum

of

$25,000 for capacity-building projects.

Offering

two

Manitoba

levels

Chambers

of of

funding,

the

Commerce

BERP

up

was

to

created

$2,500.

by

the

City

Applications

will

so

they

and can

evolve

most

has

Legally

operating

within

effectively

be

any

secondary

of

the

the

City

health

independent consultants registration

and

application

Be

home

able

to

based

of

is

Development

a

grant

for

required

to

keep

up

with

the

Who is eligible to apply?

following:

organization,

institution,

craft

online

of

changing needs of business.

meet the shifting needs of their customers.

The

of

Chambers

Economic

program

Manitoba’s

Province

upskilling

government

strategies

operations

in

the

Manitoba

and

million

steps

Business Eligibility:

their

business

next

Not

adapt

the

$2500 per employee for any retraining and

Brandon on or before Jul 12, 2020

assets,

of

until available funding is depleted.

their

digital

part

businesses. They can be reimbursed up to

invest

their

be

As

evaluated on a first come first serve basis

created the opportunity for businesses to in

of

RETRAIN MANITOBA

Any

post-

business,

of

any

size

that

is:

A

Manitoba-based, active and registered

authority,

business

businesses,

with

a

valid

Manitoba

business number. In good standing with the Manitoba Companies Office.

demonstrate

business

net

A

business

account

holder

with

a

forms are designed to be straightforward,

income has been negatively impacted

Canadian financial institution, with the

and you can start and finish each process in

by the COVID 19 pandemic

account

30 minutes or less. The first step is creating

Approved grants will receive 90% of the

Manitoba business number provided.

an account and registering for the Digital

eligible

Able

Manitoba

maximum of $2,500

Initiative

through

the

intake

investment

refunded,

to

a

Eligible Investments:

Be prepared to provide your…

active

email

What costs are eligible for funding?

onward

Personal and business information

Funding can be applied to a range of

Professional

Bank deposit details

business

services

consulting,

(web

design,

accounting,

courses including in-person, online and

legal

industry-recognized

advice, strategic planning)

Applications Manitoba

will

be

Chambers

and

first

reviewed of

come,

by

Commerce first

served

the on

Marketing

a

media

basis.

of

$15

Million

in

grants

to

ads,

(website

photography,

social

Tuition

videography

development, software enhancements)

businesses.

Furniture & Equipment

Visit: digitalmanitobainitiative.com or call 1-204-298-0549 to learn more.

Visit: economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/ berp or email econdev@brandon.ca to learn more.

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021

by

third

fees

or

fees

charged

by

an

external training provider.

Mandatory participant fees.

Technology Improvements (mobile app

local

courses

party trainers.

funneling,

services)

Ultimately, the project will have invested a

an

the

Eligible investments made July 13, 2021

Manitoba Business Number

provide

with

communications with the program.

total

associated

address and phone number to maintain

portal.

rolling

to

name

»

Course

examination fees.

Visit: retrainmanitoba.com or call 1-866626-4862

04

CHAMBER EVENT LINEUP

Mark Your Calendars

FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE - HOLIDAY EDITION 9:00am - 10:00am | December 3, 2021

Join us as we meet up for our annual in-person Holiday Coffee. Share some coffee (and hot chocolate) and reconnect with the Chamber network at our legendary networking event. Coffees are an excellent opportunity for you and your business to meet with new and existing clients.

Sponsored by: Tim Hortons Westman.

1043 Rosser Avenue | FREE | Registration Required

CHAMBER HOLIDAY CELEBRATION LUNCHEON 11:00am - 1:00pm | December 9, 2021

The Chamber Holiday Luncheon is back! Get your favourite cozy (read: ugly) holiday sweater, and head on down to spread some cheer! BONUS POINTS if you also wear a holiday themed mask! Get ready to have some fun with games, a 50/50 draw, and some general merrymaking!

Victoria Inn | $35/per person (+tax) early bird | Registration Required

BUSINESS AFTER 5: MEIGHEN HADDAD LLP 5:00pm - 7:00pm | January 26, 2022

Buisiness After 5 is BACK! Join us as we jump back into evening networking with our featured business, Meighen Haddad, LLP. Check out their newly updated space while noshing and sharing a drink with new and old colleagues.

Members Only | FREE | Registration Required *Proof of double immunization required at all in-person Chamber events. Please note that all dates, times, locations, formats, speakers and topics are subject to change or cancellation. Visit brandonchamber.ca or call 204 571 5340 to learn more.

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021

05

THREE WAYS THAT BUSINESS OWNERS CAN CREATE MOMENTUM TO DELIVER GROWTH

5 Minutes for Business / November 4, 2021 / Author: This special guest edition of 5 Minutes for Business is written by Chris Fowler, President and CEO, CWB Financial Group. Chris Fowler most recently appeared at our AGM & Convention 2021 speaking on our Building an Inclusive Recovery panel.

clients

–

finding

whose

better

top

concerns

ways

to

include

manage

cost,

attract new clients, or plan for retirement – know that you are not alone if you feel uncertain about achieving everything on your

to-do

become

list.

As

small

medium-sized

and

businesses beyond,

the

right coaching, mentoring and advice from trusted sources, like your financial services partner,

can

help

you

pinpoint

and

address crucial gaps to support your path to success.

2. Take an inclusive approach to attracting talent Employing

the

right

people

in

the

right

positions is vital to maximize future growth opportunities for your business. Given the Positioning businesses for growth might be

to build momentum for growth in a post-

growing

the

Canada’s

pandemic Canadian economy.

shortages

COVID-19

recruitment

most

economic

important recovery

factor from

in

the

small- and medium-sized enterprises, and

1. Know your business – and be honest t about what you don’t know

while

Creating

pandemic. Most Canadian companies are

many

business

owners

in

this

momentum

starts

with

labour

November

across is

many

highly

4,

2021

sectors,

2

talent

competitive,

and

those that create diverse, equitable and inclusive work environments will have the advantage.

Newcomers

to

Canada

and

segment say they remain optimistic about

understanding where you are at and what

women continue to be untapped sources

the

you require for the next phase. The stage

of talent and will play a critical role in

outlook

for

Canada’s

economic there

are

of your business’ growth – from scaling up

every

test

their

to expansion, maturity, and succession –

key is to create an environment that both

resilience and progress. After 20 months

will

supports

navigating

Whether

conditions,

they

challenges

cash

tell

that

the

flow,

us

continue

to

pandemic,

debt

concerns

obligations,

like

inflation,

guide

what

you

need

that

is

prioritizing

management

of

to

payments

and

better payroll,

people

to

be

The

their

true

selves and attracts those who have been systemically

marginalized.

Start

by

involving your leaders and employees in

buying

capacity, or getting a better grasp on the

conversations

trends and consumer demand. Yes, there

general

health

business

are social and economic factors always

specific

about

beyond control, but it does not leave them

and where you need help.

speak up and provide the information you

without

may

options.

ability

After

to

we

pursue

first

new

helped

what

needs

addressing

will

Ensure

be

the

everyone

missing,

areas

benefit

such

from

feels

as

of

your

diverse

they

how

to

can

best

reflect your customers and communities in

we are today, one thing remains clear to

for owners to know everything about how

employees’

us:

the

including them in your business planning,

operates.

We

businesses

about

which

company

small

talent.

that

increase in size, it becomes less practical

every

as

be

The

use

that

company,

and before focusing on their recovery as

companies

is

the

many companies survive the crisis early on,

successful

reality

of

building

your

workplace.

to

their

equipment,

on.

inclusive

supply chain and labour shortage continue undercut

more

focus

culturally

are

human

after all, and eventually we all have to

you

understand where they are now, before

decide

pursue

choosing where to go next. Here are three

where we must trust others to share the

specific actions that businesses can take

load. If you are like many of our business

available

resource

and

partnership

to

where

we

devote

our

time

and

you

will

operate. hearts

only

By

and

strengthen

short-,

engaging minds,

your

mediumand

ability

by

to

long-term

growth opportunities.

cont pg. 8

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021

your

and

06

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is excited to open the call for nominations for 2022 Business Achievement Awards!

Help us celebrate business success, innovation, leadership and contribution to our community! We encourage interested businesses to nominate themselves, or to nominate any qualified and deserving individual or business!

The nomination process remains simple – complete the nomination online or download the form and submit by email or hardcopy.

Submit your nominee name

Select an Award

Complete the nomination online or download the form and submit by email at info@brandonchamber.ca or mailing to our office at: 1043 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 0L5.

Business Person of the Year* Business Excellence (Small & Large)

Outstanding New Business Community Impact Lifetime Business Builder* Young Entrepreneur Award Westman’s Top 4 Under 40

Tell us why you think they deserve to win In 250 words or less!

A nomination only takes a few minutes to fill out, but can make a whole lifetime of difference to a local business!

It’s that easy!

To fill out a Nomination Form, please visit: brandonchamber.ca/business-achievement-awards/2021-nominations-now-open

Next Steps: Upon receipt of your nomination, the Chamber will notify nominees via email. Nominees will be asked to complete an award application or to be available for an interview for consideration by our selection panel.

Presentation of the Awards: Awards will be presented at our Annual Awards Celebration Dinner in April 2022.

*Please note: A business may nominate themselves for an award, with the exception of the Business Person of the Year.

CHAMBER AT A GLANCE | NOVEMBER 2021

07

Chamber at a Glance is published twelve 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

Barry Cooper | President Heritage Co-op

Tanya LaBuick | Vice-President CW2 Construction Guardian Fencing LaBuick & Co.

Jaime Pugh | Secretary-Treasurer MNP LLP.

Spencer Day | Past President Progressive Westman

Matt Berg Livingstone Outdoor

Laurie Brugger Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd.

Andrea Epp Epp Law Office

Chris Finley Mazergroup

Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products

Aida Harrison Aida's Catering

Ryan Jacobson Affordable Storage Brandon Forbidden Flavours Roastery

Meredyth Leech Leech Printing Ltd.

Jennifer Ludwig Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd.

Lois Ruston R&M Homes Ltd.

CHAMBER STAFF

Carolynn Cancade General Manager

Alix Coucill Director of Member Relations

Hillary Miller Events & Program Coordinator

Britney McNamee Office Coordinator

cont from pg. 6

3. Personalize and protect your digital experiences The

acceleration

of

digital

experiences

and

installing

systems.

If

regular

updates

something

particularly

is

for

your

unfamiliar

sensitive,

seek

through the pandemic has fundamentally

professional or legal advice.

changed the way many of us do business.

or out

cutting-edge

4. Rethink what you expect of yourself and your financial services partner

technology platforms are redefining how

The COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping in

we think about injecting a personal touch

its impact on business, but those poised

in our client interactions. More than ever,

for success reframed the downturn as a

it's important to anticipate your customer’s

time

needs, tailor unique solutions that make

operational needs in a way that builds

them feel like a partner, show your deep

momentum

knowledge,

competitors.

As in-person experiences slowly return to our

lives,

video

calls

and

and

make

their

experience

to

match

their

and

growth

an

edge

Developing

over deep

understanding

seamless.

imperative, but as the company matures,

As

your

a

to

with you – both online and in-person - feel

of

stage

business

is

any expectation the owner should remain more

businesses

ecommerce

and

smartly

digital

adopt

solutions

to

an expert on its every aspect, as well as how

it

overlaps

with

personal

finances,

enhance speed and efficiency, so to must

becomes difficult to fulfill. Your financial

they

partner should be there to support you as

be

proactive

about

mitigating

the

risks involved. The ceaseless presence of

a

opportunistic

proactively

hackers

awareness

and

where

concerns

it

requires

monitoring, moving

constant

natural

extension

of

defining

and

your

team,

addressing

especially

what’s most important: who you are, what

money.

you do, and how to be ready for growth

Safeguard your business by revisiting best

opportunities

practices

resurgence of the Canadian economy.

for

cybersecurity,

including

unique identities for those who manage

your

payment

systems,

notifications

for

that

will

power

a

when actions occur in your bank account,

For more information about the Canadian

implementing multi-factor authentication,

Chamber of Commerce, visit: chamber.ca

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.