Chamber at a
NOVEMBER 2023
Glance
What's Inside A Message From Your General Manager Meet a Member: Accent Striping & Lettering Co. Tips for Creating a Stronger Work Culture
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5 Essential Tips to Thrive This Holiday Season!
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Leadership Brandon Update
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And More!
A Message From Your
General Manager
As members of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, it's essential to recognize the broader view of benefits beyond our local community. We proudly stand among the five accredited Chambers of Commerce in Manitoba, signifying our commitment to the highest standards of excellence and service. Accreditation holds significant weight, as it reflects our dedication to upholding best practices, ensuring credibility, and providing unparalleled benefits to our members. Among the diverse Chambers in Manitoba, we're honored to be recognized as one of the select few that have met and surpassed the rigorous criteria to attain this prestigious status. Our reach, however, extends well beyond the local border. I'm privileged to serve as the Vice Chair on the board of the Chamber Executives of Manitoba (CEM). CEM acts as a collaborative platform where Manitoba Chamber leaders convene monthly to fortify the Chamber's brand and navigate the evolving commercial landscape together. This influential position allows us to harmonize our efforts, align our objectives, and collectively represent the interests of our members on a provincial scale. Our connections don't halt at the provincial level; they stretch further. We actively engage and maintain membership in the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), affording us a national perspective. I am fortunate enough to also hold a board position with CCEC. These affiliations grant us insights, best practices, and collaborative opportunities that transcend provincial boundaries. Annual conferences organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) serve as key gatherings where we not only discuss but also implement policies. These policies, strategically designed and advocated at the federal level, aim to positively influence the business landscape and advocate for the needs of our members. The ripple effect of these connections and involvements significantly magnifies the benefits of being a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Every policy discussed, every connection made, and every decision taken at these forums directly impacts our local businesses and community.
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The advantages of being a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce go far beyond networking; they extend to a broader vision. When you're part of our Chamber, you're not just linked to the local business landscape; you're an integral part of a much larger, collective effort shaping the future of commerce across our province and country. In conclusion, our accreditation, regional, provincial, and national affiliations create a dynamic synergy that amplifies the benefits and resources available to our members. Being part of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce means being part of a more extensive, collaborative vision—a network that enhances opportunities and advocates for the success of our business community. Thank you for being part of this expansive network, and I encourage each of you to make the most of your membership benefits, knowing that the influence and support stretch far beyond our local streets. Warm regards, Connor Ketchen General Manager Brandon Chamber of Commerce
NOVEMBER FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE
November 3, 2023 9am-10am 1043 Rosser Ave
Sponsored by
BUSINESS AFTER FIVE hosted by LEECH GROUP November 23rd 5:00pm-7:00pm 601 Braecrest Drive November Luncheon
State of the Economy With RBC Economist Rachel Battaglia Presenting Sponsor
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Thursday, November 16th 11:30am - 1:00pm Imperial Ballroom, Victoria Inn
Interested in sponsoring one of our events? Contact events@brandonchamber.ca today!
Canada’s UK Trade Commissioner Andrew Smith will be visiting Brandon to discuss UK trade opportunities & the Canadian EU trade agreement on November 14. Want to be a part of this conversation? Contact gm@brandonchamber.ca or econdev@brandon.ca for more information!
2024 Business Achievement Award Nominations are now open! Recognize & celebrate our local businesses & their achievements! Visit brandonchamber.ca or email info@brandonchamber.ca to nominate today! 3
Meet a member In 1989, when Allen Grebinski leased a van and started offering door-to-door vehicle striping and graphics services in the Westman area 34 years ago, he had no idea what the industry had in store for him. Today, Grebinski is the president of Accent Striping & Lettering Company in Brandon – now more commonly known as just Accent – one of the most recognized vehicle enhancement shops in Western Manitoba. “It’s grown from just myself to a number of staff members and it’s gone farther than five years, which is what I expected I’d be in this business for,” he said. “I thought I’d just do this for a while and I still love it.” Within a few years, Grebinski moved operations from the van to a rented shop on one of Brandon’s main drags before settling into Accent’s current location at 532 1st St. The shop has four service bays, including one that can accommodate semi-trucks, and eight full-time staff members. While the business started off in striping and graphics, Grebinski says it’s actually a small percentage of what the shop does these days. Accent’s services also include creating custom signage and logos and installing vehicle lettering and wraps; as well as window tinting and performance vehicle accessories sales. Accent has recently expanded with a new piece of equipment - a CNC machine! They will be offering cutting services to anyone needing it along with expanding our in-house production. From simple house numbers to 2d letters & shapes, cut out dimensional signage, classic v-carved lettering, and engraving, to name a few. Accent became a family business two decades ago when Grebinski’s wife Lori decided to join the team. Her role has changed over the last couple of years of getting out knocking on doors offering up their skills. Accent also has their own work family and is proud of their long-term staff. “We are proud of when we find an individual that fits in our Accent family, they usually stay for years!” Accent is heading into 35 years of business, but here at Accent we have one goal that has never changed: Providing our customers with the strongest, fastest and most affordable backed by an unwavering commitment to customer service. When asked about future goals, Accent believes nothing is ever off the table. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Accent as a member of the Chamber for over 20 years!
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to the Brandon Chamber of Commerce
LOOK Music Services (204) 726-0794 lookmusic.ca
Sentinel Safety Services (204) 724-0926 sentinelsafetyservices.ca
Sylvan Learning Centre Westman 204-728-7216 sylvanlearning.com
Environmental Consulting Solutions (204) 727-8898 enviro-solutions.ca
MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE DEAL!
Buy 2 Advertisements, Get 1 Free
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*Ads can only be used in Chamber at a Glance or Chamber Insider. All 3 ads must be used by May 31, 2024
Team Building Health & Wellness
Allocate a portion of your workday every once in a while to engage in enjoyable team-building activities! These could also be tailored to the season. For instance, during Halloween, you might organize a friendly pumpkin carving competition, while the Christmas holidays could feature office Olympic games. An end-of-summer BBQ is another great option.
Ensuring your team has access to health and wellness resources at work is a great way to improve staff moods and a supportive work culture. This would include mental, physical, and emotional health.
Carving out time for team bonding provides your team with something to look forward to, and fosters a positive workplace atmosphere where your staff can create enjoyable memories together!
This might look like gym or yoga passes for full-time employees, benefits that cover mental health resources such as therapy, or flexible work-from-home arrangements in the occurrence of injury or illness.
Empowerment Empowering your employees creates a positive work culture where individuals feel motivated to contribute their best, fostering a sense of loyalty and commitment that benefits both the organization and its employees. This not only leads to increased productivity and innovation but also cultivates a workplace environment characterized by trust, collaboration, and a sense of shared success.
Effective Communication Effective communication is the backbone of a positive work culture. When leaders and team members communicate openly, honestly, and empathetically, it fosters transparency, trust, and mutual understanding. This, in turn, leads to improved collaboration, reduced conflicts, and increased productivity. Employees feel valued when their opinions are heard and their concerns are addressed, creating a nurturing and supportive environment where they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and satisfied. In essence, effective communication not only enhances teamwork but also creates a work culture where individuals are empowered, informed, and connected!
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Celebrate! A culture of celebration not only bolsters team spirit but also strengthens loyalty, job satisfaction, and retention, as employees are more likely to stay with an organization that values and celebrates their efforts. Ultimately, celebrating employees is a key ingredient in creating a workplace culture where people feel respected, inspired, and excited to contribute their best. Whether it’s personal or professional milestone, make sure to take the time to celebrate. This could be a signed card from the staff, going out for lunch, or having a small party!
5 Essential Tips for Small Businesses to Thrive During the Holiday Season The holiday season is a critical time for small businesses. With careful planning and strategic execution, you can make the most of this bustling time of year. To help you succeed during the holidays, here are five essential tips that you can implement to boost your sales and create a memorable shopping experience for your customers.
Plan Early Successful holiday seasons start with early planning. Waiting until the last minute can lead to missed opportunities and a rushed, disorganized approach. Begin your preparations well in advance to ensure you're ready when the holiday rush hits. This includes inventory management, marketing strategies, and staffing considerations.
Create a Festive Atmosphere Whether your business is a physical store or an e-commerce website, creating a festive atmosphere is essential. Decorate your storefront with holiday-themed displays and colors, and use your website to convey the holiday spirit. When customers feel the holiday cheer, they're more likely to engage with your products and services.
Gift Cards and Gift Wrapping Offering gift cards and gift-wrapping services can be a game-changer during the holidays. Many shoppers appreciate the convenience of purchasing gift cards, and the option for gift wrapping can attract last-minute buyers looking for a quick and easy solution. These additional services can significantly increase your sales.
Stock Up on Inventory Inventory management is crucial during the holiday season. To avoid running out of popular products and disappointing your customers, monitor your stock levels regularly and replenish items as needed. Ensure you have enough inventory to meet the increased demand.
Employee Appreciation Happy employees make for a pleasant shopping experience. During this hectic time of year, show your appreciation to your staff for their hard work. Recognize and reward their efforts, and maintain a positive work environment. When employees are content, they're more likely to provide excellent customer service, enhancing the overall holiday shopping experience. In addition to these tips, remember to stay adaptable and responsive to customer needs and market trends. Continuous monitoring and adjustments are key to a successful holiday season. By taking these tips to heart and implementing them into your holiday business strategy, you can set your small business on the path to thrive during this festive time of year.
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It’s almost time to print the Roster Book! Login to the online member portal and make sure the following information is up to date: Company name
Company address Phone number
General company email
(i.e., info@yourbusiness.ca)
Delegates name(s) & primary contact name Employees on file are correct
Business category/categories If you need to update any of this information, please
make sure to do so before December 1st through the member portal or by contacting Jessica at members@brandonchamber.ca 10
710 Rosser Avenue Box 50003, Brandon, MB R7A 7E4 Phone: 204-727-8933 (office) 204-727-2559 (floor) Fax: 204-727-2550 Email: xmaschr@gmail.com Website: www.brandonwestmanchristmascheer.ca Once again we are building hampers to support Brandon residents who need assistance during the Christmas season. Please consider the following ways in which your business or organization might contribute to our program. Full details of all these opportunities are located on our new website brandonwestmanchristmascheer.ca ADOPT A FAMILY – We will receive in excess of 1400 applications and only have capacity to build and store approximately 1100 hampers at our location. We therefore rely on families, businesses and organizations to help by adopting about 300 families in order to meet the need. If your business or organization would like to adopt family please call us at 727-8933, email us at xmaschr@gmail.com, complete the attached form and fax to 204-727-2550 or apply though our website. Families are categorized by family size: small (2-3 members), medium (4-5 members) and large (6 or more members) and we will try our best to accommodate you with a family of the size you request. Hamper content lists are provided to you and are also available on our website.
HAMPER CONTENTS – donations of new unwrapped toys, knitted items for children, and food are always appreciated to help us as we build approximately 1100 hampers at our facility. Please see our website or contact the office for a list of items that are required MONETARY DONATIONS- we rely on the generosity of our community to continue our operation and help us make Christmas merrier for hundreds of families. Please see our website to donate electronically by way of Canada Helps, PayPal or direct Etransfer. Donations are also accepted by mail or by drop our office. Gifts in kind are also appreciated and tax receipts are issued for all donations TIME - We are always in need of help to wrap gifts, pack and deliver hampers. In addition we need strong bodies to help build shelves, move and unpack food stocks and help with general duties on the packing floor. Please call 727-2559 to volunteer or sign up through our website. ADVOCATE - Referrals for hampers must come from recognized city and provincial social agencies, schools, and churches. If you know of a family in need, please check our website for a list of agencies who can submit applications In terms of financial criteria for applications, we ask referring agencies to rely on the income guide from Kid Sport Manitoba (www.kidsportcanada.ca) while recognizing that there are many individual circumstances at play in families who apply. We therefore continue to rely on this guidance and the judgment of referring agency workers and school liaisons.
Office Hours: November 1-24, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. November 27- December 15 9:00 a.m. to Noon, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday only
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Click here to apply!
(Below) Bonnie Mills is pictured with Connor Ketchen to celebrate Habitat for Humanity Westman’s 5-year milestone anniversary!
(Above) October’s Business After 5 was held at Nutrend Custom Cabinet Solutions. Pictured is Jaime Pugh with owners Mac & Joyce Hofer.
(Above) Mac enjoys some BA5 drinks at his business, Nutrend, with some of our other Chamber members!
Jaime Pugh, Chamber President, and Lois Ruston, VicePresident, spent time at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM & Convention earlier this month, and even got to have (L-R) Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Connor Ketchen, Charles Tweed, Zach Wyss, Jaime some fun with other Manitoba reps! Pugh are pictured together at our October Small Business Luncheon.
Jessica, Member Relations Coordinator, is pictured with other Manitoba Chambers’ representatives at the Canadian Chamber Executives of Canada (CCEC) conference in Calgary earlier this month. 12
Meet the 2023-2024 Leadership Brandon Update In their very first meeting, our Leadership Brandon cohort embarked on a remarkable journey of self-understanding and community bonding. Under the expert guidance of Megan Foster from Mosaic Engagement, they dove into a personality session that not only shed light on their unique attributes but also deepened their understanding of one another. This gathering was not just about information; it was an exchange of stories, diverse backgrounds, and the dreams and aspirations that each leader holds for the year ahead. As we look forward, there is excitement in the air for our next session, hosted at the heart of our city, the City of Brandon. Here, our dedicated leaders will have the extraordinary opportunity to engage directly with influential figures such as the Mayor, City Manager, and members of the City's leadership team, solidifying their commitment to shaping the bright future of our dynamic community.
Thank you to our Leadership Brandon sponsors:
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jaime Pugh | President MNP LLP Lois Ruston | Vice President YWCA Westman Jennifer Ludwig | Secretary-Treasurer Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. Tanya LaBuick | Past-President CW2 Construction & Design Guardian Fencing LaBuick & Co. Courtney Baxter Bushel Plus
THE BRANDON CHAMBER of COMMERCE Setting the pace for a greater Brandon since 1883.
Did you know? The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is an Accredited Chamber of Commerce.
Andrea Epp Epp Law Office
It is the formal acknowledgement that our Chamber has been successfully evaluated against rigorous national standards of policy, service, and performance.
Samantha Falloon Myphone - TELUS & KOODO Authorized Dealer
We are 1 of 5 accredited chambers in Manitoba!
Matt Berg Livingstone Outdoor Emelio Brown IntriTech Digital Marketing
Chris Finley Mazergroup Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products Meredyth Leech Leech Group Brent Miller Victoria Inn Rob Starkell West-Can HR Solutions
CHAMBER STAFF Connor Ketchen General Manager Jessica Saler Member Relations & Marketing Coordinator
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce will be closed Monday, November 13 We will be open again on November 14, regular hours.
Erin Houck Office & Project Manager
Who We Are: The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is an independent, membership funded, non-profit organization that represents Brandon business from the grassroots level.
Destiny Maluga Office & Marketing Assistant
Our Mission: To encourage growth in the Brandon community by fostering a progressive business environment, favourable to enhancing existing and attracting new business.