THE BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Glance
Chamberata Chamberata
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
“WITHGREATPOWERCOMESGREATRESPONSIBILITY”
-StanLee–Spider-Man,AmazingFantasy#15
MembersoftheChamber,
It’s been quite some time since I found myself watching Spider-ManwithTobeyMaguire. Butwhilesittingdownto write this article, I found myself reflecting on this iconic quote and going down a Google wormhole After the absolute shock of finding out that this movie was made TWENTY-THREE years ago (how is that possible?!?!), I was remindedoftheexactscenewhereUncleBenspeaksthese wisewordstoPeterParkerashecontemplateswhatitmay meantobecomeSpider-Man
Why then, in October 2025, am I thinking about these words? In the past two weeks, we have seen specific examples of how those in power have the ability to influence. At a US Press Conference President Donald Trump, along with his Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, relayed “medical information” about one of the safest and most studied drugs in the world, which was simply untrue These statements have caused confusion, worry, andhavethepotentialtocauseharmtopatients.Granted, as a health care professional I am more likely to get my back up about these sorts of comments; however, this is NOT the first time President Trump has played fast and loose with the general public and global economy, seeminglyathisownwhim
Which is why I circle back to the quote above…. When someone in an elected position takes office, that power should not be taken lightly There is a specific moral and ethicalresponsibilitythatpersonneedstounderstand-as their words and actions have the ability to influence a greatnumberofpeople.
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce takes the responsibilityitbearsuntotheirmembershiptoheart That level of trust has been built over its 142 years as an organization and continues to be a main pillar moving forward.
The s dire s derived through the work of each of our committees. Our strategic goals are set by the Chamber Board as a whole, again with thebestinterestsofourbusinesscommunity attheforefront.
IguesswhatIamtryingtosay,maybenotso eloquently, is that a successful advocacy organizationcannot,andshouldnot,beselfservingonlytothepersoninpower Ibelieve that our success as a Chamber will come not only by listening and respecting the opinionsofothers,butbyactingforthegood ofBrandonandourBusinessCommunity.
CELEBRATING5YEARS
LighthouseWellnessCentre
TheEaglesNestBar&Grill
AmaniRoutesCounselling CircleBFitness
CELEBRATING10YEARS
WestmanSecurityandAutomationLtd
BushelPlus
NorthForge
JordanAppraisalGroup
EvolutionBookkeeping
VanderschuitLamb&Associates-IG
WealthManagement
CW2Construction&DesignLtd
GuardianFencing
AffordableStorageBrandon
CELEBRATING15YEARS
HUBInternational
BestWesternPlusBrandonInn
WheatCityElectricLtd
JoeBeeverzCanadianPub
BrandonGeneralMuseum&Archives
BoosterJuice
BudgetBlindsofSouthwestand SoutheastManitoba
CELEBRATING20YEARS
GroupeDermapureInc
VictoriaLandingRetirementResidence
FirstPeoplesDevelopmentInc
CorralCommunications–ABellMTS
Dealer
TheAndrewsFootClinic
BrandonBusLines
CELEBRATING25YEARS
EconomicDevelopmentBrandon OverlandWaste&RecyclingLtd
PeopleFirstHRServices
Stewart’sFlooringEmporium
RedwoodPlaza
Hi-WayESSO
ApexFacilityServices
CELEBRATING30YEARS
WesternFinancialGroup ThorpeConstructionLtd. TheLearningCompany Excel-7Ltd. West-CanHR
CELEBRATING35YEARS
WorkplaceEducation Manitoba(WEM) BrandonBusinessInteriors
CELEBRATING40YEARS
HometownAutoGlass
CELEBRATING45YEARS
D&BSprinklers
CraneSteelStructuresLtd CommonwealthAirTraining PlanMuseumInc
CELEBRATING50YEARS
DalyHouseMuseum
CELEBRATING55YEARS
Children’sHospital FoundationofManitoba ManitobaPublicInsurance ShoppersMall/Morguard CardinalSignsLtd. RiverviewCurlingClub McMunn&YatesBuilding Supplies
CELEBRATING60YEARS PfizerCanadaInc.
CELEBRATING65YEARS
BrandonClinicMedical Corporation CIBC
ManitobaHydro AssiniboineCollege
CELEBRATING70YEARS
EnnsBrothersLimited
CELEBRATING80YEARS
FicekInsuranceAgency Ltd.
DillonConsultingLimited MapleLeafAviationLtd.
CELEBRATING90YEARS
BrandonWheatKings A&LCycle
CELEBRATING95YEARS
ManitobaChambersof Commerce
CELEBRATING100YEARS
IGWealthManagement MurrayAutoCentre Brandon RoyalCanadianLegion
CELEBRATING105YEARS
TheRotaryClubof Brandon#1344
CELEBRATING115YEARS
QuintexServicesLtd.
CELEBRATING130YEARS
WawanesaInsurance
CELEBRATING140YEARS YMCAofBrandon
CELEBRATING145YEARS
MeighenHaddadLLP
Christie’sOfficePlus
October Events
FIRSTFRIDAYCOFFEE
OCT.3,2025|9:00-10:00AM|1043ROSSERAVE
FREEEVENT,NOREGISTRATIONREQUIRED!
OCT.15,2025|5:00PM-7:00PM|85718THSTREET FREEEVENT,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
OCTOBERECONOMICGROWTHLUNCHEON
OCT.16,2025|11:00AM-1:00PM|VICTORIAINN
REGISTRATIONCLOSESOCTOBER13
CHAMBER101
OCT 28,2025|11:00AM-1:00PM|1043ROSSERAVE
FREEEVENT,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON
ECONOMIC RECONCILIATION LUNCHEON
SEPTEMBERLUNCHEONKICKSOFFANEWSEASON
On September 18th, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce launched its 2025–26 Luncheon Series with an inspiring conversation on economic reconciliation with the Red River Métis HeldattheKeystoneCentre,theeventwelcomed more than 250 attendees an excellent start to the Chamber’s year of learning, networking, and community-building.
ASTRONGSTART
Our keynote speaker, Will Goodon, Minister of Housing & Property Management for the Manitoba Métis Federation, shared his perspective on the role of housing in building stronger communities and fostering economic reconciliation. His insights highlighted opportunities for collaboration and growth in Brandonandbeyond.
Theluncheonprovidedmembersandguests with the chance to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and gain valuable perspectives on how reconciliation intersects with economic development. It was an energizing beginning to what promisestobeadynamicluncheonseries.
THANKYOUTOOURSPONSORS
A special thank-you to our host sponsor, SunriseCreditUnion,toourtablesponsorthe Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, and to our booth sponsors Assiniboine College Student’s Association, St. John Ambulance, Brandon School Division's High School ApprenticeshipProgram,andSVBenefits.
Your support helps make events like these possible and ensures our members can continuetogather,learn,andgrowtogether.
MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
5 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
StayInformed&Represented(Included)
Get the inside scoop on issues that matter to Brandon businesses We keep you updated through our weekly and monthly newsletters, and we advocate for you at the local, provincial,andfederallevel Subscribeatbrandonchambercaandnevermissanupdate
GetYourBusinessinFrontof800+(Included)
Upload your events, news, or special deals directly in the Member Information Portal, and we’ll promote them in the Chamber Insider and Community Calendar That’s free marketingtohundredsoflocalbusinessleadersandcommunitymemberseveryweek
AttendChamberEvents(Included+MemberRates)
Notjusttheluncheons makethemostofourfreenetworkingopportunitieslikeFirstFriday CoffeeandBusinessAfter5.Themoreyoushowup,themorepeopleknowyou.
JoinaCommitteeorVolunteer(Included)
Add your voice, grow your leadership skills, and build deeper connections by joining a Chambercommitteeorhelpingwithevents
BoostYourVisibility(Add-On)
Take your reach further by sponsoring a booth at a luncheon or advertising in Chamber publications. Affordable add-on options help you get your brand in front of hundreds of localdecision-makers.
Thinking of something we haven’t listed?
Reach out we’ll help you find the best ways to make your membership work for you
FrédéricRamsay-MemberRelationsCoordinator
Members@brandonchamberca(204)-571-5343
MeetournewEventsCoordinator,SandraAffun!
Sandra brings over five years of experience in planning and delivering dynamic fundraising, networking, and educational events. She has worked with organizations such as the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services in Ontario and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in the UK, where she led high-impact events, expanded digital engagement, and built lastingpartnershipsacrosssectors.
With a strong foundation in communications, stakeholderengagement,andeventcoordination, Sandra is passionate about creating meaningful connections and experiences that inspire. She is excited to support Chamber members and contribute to the growth of Brandon’s vibrant businesscommunity.
October Economic Growth Luncheon
IntroducingOurKeynoteSpeaker
Moredetailsandimportantdates!
DeadlineforticketsisOctober13-11:30am
REGISTER
Note:Luncheonticketscannolongerbeinvoiced
Join us October 16 for our Economic Growth Luncheon featuring The Honourable Jamie Moses, Manitoba’s Minister of Business, Mining, TradeandJobCreation.
MinisterMoseshasrepresentedtheconstituency of St Vital since 2019 and is recognized as a strong advocate for community, equity, and opportunity. In his role as Minister, he is responsibleforadvancingManitoba’seconomic growth strategy, supporting investment, strengthening trade relationships, and fostering jobcreationacrosstheprovince.
At this luncheon, Minister Moses will share his insights on economic growth across the province, with a particular focus on what it meansforbusinessesinBrandonandWestman. His perspectives will highlight opportunities, challenges, and pathways forward as Manitoba continuestostrengthenitseconomy Building Growth Together
Immediately following Economic Growth Luncheon, join us for the first-ever G.R.O.W Brandon Economic Summit a roundtable of business leaders, community partners, and decision-makers shaping Brandon’seconomicfuture.
Note:Seatsarelimitedandrequireseparateregistration.
ShowcaseYourSpace–Hostatyourbusinessandgivemembersabehind-the-sceneslook
TaketheMic–SpeakdirectlytoChambermembersandshareyourstory
Built-InPromotion–Wemarketyoureventacrossnewsletters,socialmedia,andourwebsite.
PowerNetworking–Connectwithlocalleaders,decision-makers,andfutureclients
Stress-FreeSetup–Wehandleregistrationandlogisticssoyoucanfocusonhosting.
ContactUsforMoreInformationevents@brandonchamber.caor204-571-5340
MEET A MEMBER
VOLUNTEER MANITOBA
What is your name and how long has Volunteer Manitoba been serving communities in our province?
My name is Ashley Seymour, Executive Director of Volunteer Manitoba Volunteer Manitoba has been serving the province of Manitoba since 1939, when the organization known as the Central Volunteer Bureau was established to secure a listing of women available for volunteer war services. Since then, the organization has evolved to support the needs of the community, and in 1978 it officially became known as the Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg.In2005,theVolunteerCentreofWinnipeg re-branded once again to become Volunteer Manitoba, to reflect its continual work in promoting the concept of voluntarism throughout the province
Can you tell us a bit about what Volunteer Manitobadoesandtheroleyouplayinsupporting communities?
Volunteer Manitoba strengthens communities by connecting people who want to volunteer with the organizations that need their help We provide training, resources, and support to non-profits, helping them build strong volunteer programs and increase their impact We also raise awareness about the value of volunteerism, celebrating those who give their time and encouraging more Manitobans to get involved. We offer presentations tocommunitygroupsandschoolsonvolunteerism, host and attend volunteer fairs and career fairs, and promote volunteer opportunities on behalf of thenon-profitsector
By supporting both volunteers and organizations,VolunteerManitobaplaysavital role in building resilient, caring communities where people are engaged, supported, and empoweredtomakeadifference
What are some of the successes you ' ve had overthepastyears?
Over the past few years, Volunteer Manitoba has celebrated a number of meaningful successes. Following the pandemic, we played animportantroleinsupportingtherecoveryof volunteerism,helpingorganizationsre-engage volunteers and adapt to new ways of working with their communities We also marked a major milestone with the 40th anniversary of our Annual Volunteer Awards, a celebration that recognized the incredible contributions of volunteers across the province. These achievements highlight both our commitment to strengthening volunteer engagement in Manitoba and the lasting impact volunteers have in building stronger, more connected communities
LIs there a project or initiative you’re especially proudof?Whatimpacthasithad,ordoyouhope itwillhave,onthecommunity?
Volunteer Manitoba is actively involved in the cocreation of the National Volunteer Action Strategy, working alongside Volunteer Canada and other provincialandterritorialpartners.Thiscollaborative initiative is focused on addressing the current challenges facing volunteerism across the country andidentifyingnewwaystostrengthenandsustain the sector. By bringing Manitoba’s perspective and experiences to the national table, we ensure that the unique needs of our communities are reflected in the strategy Our involvement helps shape a collective vision for the future of volunteer engagementinCanada,supportingstronger,more connectedcommunitiesnationwide
We’re also very proud to offer a Professional Development Subsidy to help reduce financial barriersforindividualsandorganizationstoaccess training. This support makes it possible for people to build the skills and knowledge they need to strengthen their work in the non-profit sector and has a lasting impact on the communities they serve
Looking ahead, what new programs, projects, or opportunities are coming up for Volunteer Manitoba?
Volunteer Manitoba is excited to introduce new workshopsandtrainingprogramsdesignedtohelp non-profits strengthen their leadership, governance,andvolunteermanagementpractices These learning opportunities are tailored to the evolvingneedsofthesector,ensuringorganizations have the tools and knowledge to thrive Beyond training, we are working to build networks and regional “hubs” that will bring non-profits together, creating spaces to share resources, collaborate, and support one another. By fostering both skill development and stronger connections, Volunteer Manitoba is helping organizations across the province build capacity and increase their impact intheircommunities
What are some of your future goals as an organization?
Lookingahead,VolunteerManitoba’sgoalisto continue strengthening the non-profit sector by providing resources and supports that reflectthemostcurrentandpressingneedsof community organizations We are committed to adapting our training, programs, and services to ensure non-profits have what they need to succeed in an ever-changing environment. At the same time, we will continue to advocate for the importance of volunteerism, raising awareness about its impact and encouraging more Manitobans to get engaged in their communities. By supporting both organizations and volunteers, we aim to foster resilient, connected, and thrivingcommunitiesacrosstheprovince
What’syourfavouritepartoftheworkyoudo throughVolunteerManitoba?
MyfavoritepartoftheworkwedoatVolunteer Manitoba is connecting with community. We have the privilege of meeting so many incrediblepeoplewhoaredoingsuchvaluable work to make our province a better place to live, work and play We hear heartwarming stories of the impact of people’s work on a dailybasis,andwegettocelebratethosewho worktirelesslytomakeadifference.
If someone was thinking about getting involved with Volunteer Manitoba — as a volunteer,partner,orsupporter—whatwould youwantthemtoknow?
Every individual has the potential to make a meaningful impact in their community While many believe they don’t have time to volunteer, even dedicating just one hour can makeasignificantdifference.Withhundredsof community non-profits across Manitoba, there’sanopportunityoutthereforeveryone!
FUTURE-PROOF YOUR BUSINESS.
Join the Manitoba Green Advantage SME Strategic Sustainability Initiative and unlock up to $20,000 to help your business become more efficient, sustainable, and resiliant.
WHAT IS IT?
The MGA Strategic Sustainability Initiative is a new program built to help SMEs in Manitoba take meaningful climate action and improve their bottom line. Through a cohort-based approach over a period of eight months, participants receive tailored tools and resources to measure, plan, and implement green initiatives.
WHAT YOU GET:
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Apply to Join the Program
Complete Your GHG Assessment
Receive a Custom Sustainability Plan
Access Funding & Implement Projects
Track Your Progress + Impact
GHGASSESSMENT–Uncover emissions hotspots & efficiency opportunities
CUSTOM ACTION PLAN – Strategic roadmap tailored to your operations
EXPERT GUIDANCE – Support from Green Economy Canada
UP TO $20K IN GRANTS – For project implementation
ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL FUNDING – Including Efficiency Manitoba & more
Minimal time commitment. Maximum potential.
WHO SHOULD APPLY:
Manitoba SMEs seeking to reduce costs and emissions
Companies looking to grow sustainably Visit jointhechamber.ca or scan the QR code now to request an information session and learn more!
Teams curious about ESG investing but unsure where to start
In partnership with:
Tuesday, October 21 | 6:00 pm
Hamiota Community Centre | 50 4 Street Hamiota, MB th
Five Finalists. One Unforgettable Showdown.
Community Infusion stems from the belief that move onto the next round which is the submission economic development is the foundation behind of a business plan. The last step of the Community thriving communities. With community impact Infusion journey is the final, live event where five being a strategic priority for Fusion, the idea of a finalists pitch their idea to a panel of judges and business competition to help grow local commerce compete for a chance to share in up to $30,000 was a natural fit. Once a year entrepreneurs in financial grants. Building on the success of the are invited to submit their new business or new last four competitions, this year’s live event is being business growth idea to Community Infusion All held on October 21st at the Hamiota Community applications are scored and successful applicants Centre Everyone is encouraged to attend!
BoardofDirectors
JENNIFERLUDWIG|PRESIDENT SUPERTHRIFTYDRUGSCANADALTD
EMELIOBROWN |VICEPRESIDENT INTRITECHMARKETING
CHRISFINLEY|SECRETARY TREASURER MAZERGROUP
LOISRUSTON|PASTPRESIDENT YWCAWESTMAN
LISAANDREW BDOCANADALLP
MATTBERG LIVINGSTONEOUTDOOR& LIVINGSTONELANDSCAPINGLTD
BRENTMILLER VICTORIAINN
KARINGRIFFIN ALTERNATIVEGROUP
ROBSTARKELL WEST-CANHRSOLUTIONS
AMBERWHITE ANYTIMEFITNESS
CHARLESTWEED TWEEDIASOCIALMEDIA AGENCY
ENVERNAIDOO WESTMANIMMIGRANT SERVICES
LYNDSAYSEAFOOT CURBIRDGE
EMMYSANDERSON BRANDONDOWNTOWNBIZ
ChamberStaff
CURTISHULLICK GENERALMANAGER
FREDERICRAMSAY MEMBERRELATIONSCOORDINATOR
SANDRAAFFUN EVENTSCOORDINATOR
CHERYL RACINE FRONTDESK/ADMIN CALLIEFOWLER EVENTS&MARKETINGASSISTANT
WeacknowledgethatBrandonislocatedonTreaty2territory,traditionallandsoftheCree, Oji-Cree,Dakota,Anishinaabe/Ojibwepeoples,andthehomelandoftheRedRiverMétis Nation Wehonorthehistories,cultures,andcontributionsofIndigenouspeoplestoour community
SETTING THE PACE FOR A GREATER BRANDON SINCE 1883
TheBrandonChamberofCommerceisanindependent, membershipfunded,non-profitorganizationthatrepresents Brandonbusinessfromthegrassrootslevel.
OurmissionistoencouragegrowthintheBrandoncommunityby fosteringaprogressivebusinessenvironment,favourableto enhancingexistingandattractingnewbusiness.