November 2011 Inside this issue: GM’s Report Member Spotlight Events Recap Business Anniversaries Call for Nominations Business Books: Recommended Reading
CHAMBER at a glance
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a publication of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Entrepreneurism on the rise in Brandon
R
ecently the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and the Financial Post released their annual report on the top 100 Entrepreneurial Cities called Communities in Bloom. This year the report found Brandon to be in 37th place, a tremendous jump up from 2010 when we were ranked 65th. The top spots go to communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
into three common themes and then combines those findings into all-round scores. Mallett stated “Among the measures of entrepreneurship, we look for the size of their footprints in communities and how fast they are expanding; we look for their degrees of optimism for the future; and we look for tangible signs that local leaders are aware of the needs and contributions of business operators. Importantly, The Financial Post reported that unlike most ranking exercises, we Entrepreneurs create more than just make sure that we take into account businesses, they create communities. actual opinions and perspectives of Ted Mallett, vice-president and chief business owners within these economist of the CFIB said “What communities.” It is positive that defines an entrepreneurial person is a Brandon’s score moved in a positive matter of considerable debate. Beyond direction showing continued optimism. simply operating a business or taking risks, astute observers say that Entrepreneurship isn’t new to us. Our entrepreneurs also have a high community has continually tolerance for uncertainty and the demonstrated that type of courage to start building even before entrepreneurial spirit from the earliest getting control of all the necessary days of our community development, building blocks.” to today. The CFIB-Financial Post gathered data This may have been best based on 12 sets of statistics, put them demonstrated with our recent awards
during Small business week. Drew Mills was recognized for his determination and hard work with Millco Steel by being nominated and receiving the Business Builder Award. Derek Wychyshyn owner of Komfort Kitchen received the award for Entrepreneur of the year. Both individuals demonstrated a strong business sense and acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices that go handin-hand with the risks of business ownership. Once again we congratulate this year’s recipients. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business stated on their home page there is no question that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are Canada's engine of growth. After all, SMEs employ about 52% of all working individuals in the country. Businesses, whether they are located in urban or rural areas, play an integral continued page 6