THE BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Glance
Chamberata Chamberata
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR NEW GM
ANEWCHAPTERFORTHECHAMBER MembersoftheChamber,
Firstly, I would like say thank you to all the Staff and Board Members of the Chamber, as well as all the people that I have met in the first six weeks on the job Everyone has been very welcoming, supportive and extremely helpful in getting me comfortable in the General Manager Position I amverygratefultoeveryoneandIlookforwardtomeeting morepeopleandworkingtogetherforBrandon
The Chamber Board and Staff just finished a Strategic Planning Session which was insightful. I was able to get a glimpse of the Chamber from the Board’s lens and I learned a great deal about this organization, in a short period of time I am fascinated by the dedication and supportfortheChamberfromeveryoneontheBoard
The next chapter for the Chamber is going to be a very interesting one As a member driven organization the primary focus is going to be on the Members’ and their needs. I heard a great deal of discussion around accountability, building trust and follow up with Members fromtheStrategicPlanMeeting.
My 2025-26 goals for the Chamber are to get the organization running at full capacity and maintain consistency in a manner that is responsible and accountable to all the Membership of the Chamber; fully respectiveofadeepandsuccessfulhistoryoftheBrandon ChamberofCommerce
Thanks to the Chamber Team, the event planning for the year is well underway. The Luncheon Series Speakers Lineupisalmostcomplete.Iencourageeveryonetolookat the season seat ticket option for the Luncheon Series. We are continuing the First Friday Coffee and Business After 5 events,sopleasewatchforthoseeventsanddates Myfirst - Friday Coffee is planned for this Friday, September 5 at the Chamber Office and I am looking forward to meeting moremembers,sopleasejoinusandstopby th
Over the past few weeks, the Chamber Executive has had the opportunity to meet with municipal and provincial governments to advocate for economic growth Conversations have been positive and fruitfultoensureBrandoncontinuestostay–top of mind for the Provincial Minsters Sala, MosesandSimard.TheChamberhasfurther plans to advocate on the important issues forBrandon.
As I sign off, I would like to encourage members to reach out to your Chamber office We want to hear from you on what is important, what is working, what is challenging and how we can work together tomovethedialintherightdirection
Thankyou,
September Events
SEPT 5,2025|9:00-10:00AM|1043ROSSERAVE FREEEVENT,NOREGISTRATIONREQUIRED!
SEPT.11,2025|5:00PM-7:00PM|1906PARKAVE FREEEVENT,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
SEPT.18,2025|11:00AM-1:00PM|KEYSTONEMNP
Economic Reconciliation with the Red River Métis Luncheon
IntroducingOurKeynoteSpeaker
Join us for our September Luncheon featuringMinisterWillGoodon.
Minister Goodon brings a wealth of experience in both community service and entrepreneurship. As a long-time advocate for the Métis Nation and the current Minister of Housing & Property Management with the Manitoba Métis Federation,hehasplayedakeyrolein advancingMétisrightsandsupporting community development across Manitoba.
At this luncheon, Minister Goodon will share his insights on Economic Reconciliation with the Red River Métis focusing on recognition, procurement, partnerships, and exploring pathways for meaningful collaboration between the Métis community and the broader businesssector.
WelookforwardtowelcomingMinister Goodon as he provides valuable perspectives on how economic reconciliation can create opportunities and strengthen partnerships in Manitoba.
Sponsoredby:
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2025-2026LeadershipBrandon
LEADERSHIPBRANDONAPPLICATIONS
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce and Westman ImmigrantServicesareexcitedtoannouncethatapplications forour2025-26BrandonLeadershipProgramarenowopen!
This dynamic program is designed to foster growth, connection,andanin-depthunderstandingofourcity.
Applicationsclose September15—applynowonourwebsite tosecureyourspotinthisimmersiveleadershipexperience
ADVOCACYUPDATES
MEETINGWITHTHEMINISTEROFECONOMICDEVELOPMENT
In August, members of our Executive Team sat down with Manitoba’s Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources, Jamie Moses The discussion focused on Brandon’s business climate, opportunities for investment, and the challenges local businesses are facing. These meetings allow us to share the perspective of Brandon’sbusinesscommunitydirectlywithdecision-makers andhighlighttheprioritiesofourmembers
DISCUSSIONWITHTHEMINISTEROFFINANCE
Later in August, Chamber leadership met with Manitoba’s Minister of Finance, Adrien Sala, to continue conversations around Brandon’s economic priorities and ensure regional needs are part of provincial planning. These meetings provideuswithaseatatthetabletoadvocateforBrandon’s businesses, share feedback from our members, and strengthenrelationshipswithgovernment
MEETINGWITHMLAGLENSIMARD
Brandon East MLA Glen Simard also visited the Chamber to congratulateournewGeneralManager,CurtisHullick,andto discuss opportunities for collaboration. MLA Simard has been a strong supporter of Chamber initiatives, including GROW Brandon and efforts to restore direct flights between BrandonandToronto bothofwhicharecriticaltoBrandon’s growth and connectivity We look forward to continuing to work with MLA Simard to advance priorities that strengthen ourbusinesscommunity
MOVINGFORWARD
Thissummer’sadvocacymeetingsprovidedanopportunitytoshareBrandon’sbusinessprioritiesdirectlywith provincial leaders We highlighted both opportunities and challenges facing our members, reinforced the importance of regional perspectives in provincial decision-making, and built relationships that help ensure Brandon’svoiceispartoflong-termplanningforeconomicgrowthinManitoba
TheChamberremainscommittedtoadvocatingforBrandon’sinterestsandaddressingregionalchallenges tosupportourcommunity’sgrowthandsuccess
MEET A MEMBER
PREGNANCY SUPPORT CENTRE OF WESTMAN
Tell us about the Pregnancy Support Centre of Westman?
The Pregnancy Support Centre of Westman is a non-profit, Christian charitable organization that hasbeenservingtheWestmancommunityforover 36years
CanyoutellusabitaboutwhattheCentredoes?
Our desire is to bring hope to women & families. We envision a community where every life has value and no one faces pregnancy or parenting alone. It is our desire to offer community-based support and services to individuals experiencing unexpected pregnancy, a safe space for clients to come discuss pregnancy options, to provide education and support to women and families during pregnancy and early stage parenting, support for individuals who have experienced abortionorpregnancyloss,andBridgeWayhousing programforwomenwhoarealoneinpregnancyor earlystageparenting.
What are some of the successes you ' ve had over thepastyears?
One of the greatest successes we see is that we can continue to offer all of our services free of charge to our community We are also very proud to work with many different agencies and services in the Westman area to help resource our clients with the support they need. Our BridgeWay Housing Program is another one of the successes we are quite proud of. BridgeWay is a holistic community of connection and support for women duringpregnancyandafterbabyisborn
Our goal is to support and encourage the personaldevelopmentofhealthy,independent women so they can raise strong families. BridgeWay consists of 4 two bedroom apartments. It is a personalized program with housing and support that promotes the needs of expecting or new mothers Our aim is to create individual development plans that are specific to the needs of the participant This may include education or financial objectives, mental, emotional, or relational stability, all while equipping participants with supportive programming to manage life as a parent and independentwoman.
A project you ' re most proud of? What is the expected impact it will have on our community?
Wewereabletopurchaseanew,largerfacility (354 10th Street) in January of 2024, which allowedustheopportunitytooffereducational programmingtoourclients,alsoallowingusto expand our material goods resource centre. We are conveniently located in the downtown area of Brandon, allowing ease of access to our clients. We are thrilled to keep this incredible resource to our community in the downtownareaofBrandon
Looking into the windscreen, what is coming up?I Werecentlykickedoffsixneweducationalsessions, including prenatal, postnatal wellness, birthing in Canadaandmore Weareexcitedtoofferavariety of educational sessions to our clients to help support them during pregnancy and parenting, and we will be looking at how we can continue to growinthisarea
Whatisyourfavoritepartofthiswork?
AsExecutiveDirector,Iloveseeingpeoplefindhope in what can sometimes feel like very hopeless situations. Moms receiving the encouragement needed to continue healthy parenting, families strengthened and resourced to establish caring parenting practices, all building into stronger and healthiertomorrows
Ifsomeonewasthinkingaboutgettinginvolvedas astafforvolunteerattheCentre,whatwouldyou tellthem?
We welcome anyone with an interest in volunteering or working with us to come and meet with us or contact us for more information at 204727-6161
What are the future goals of the Pregnancy SupportCentreofWestman?
We believe building healthy moms and familieswillgivebacktothecommunityinthe way of building healthy homes, not just for today, but for many years to come. We are always looking at ways to serve our communitywithrelevantandeffectiveservices that will strengthen the health and connection of the Westman community We would love to partner with community members in regards to expanding our BridgeWay Housing Program toallowagreaterimpactinourcommunity.
Anyopenhousetoursoropportunitiesforthe publictolearnmore?
We welcome walk-in guests for tours and informationanytimeMonday-Thursday
WANTTOBEFEATUREDINOURNEWSLETTER?
Signupusingthelinkbelow,orreachouttoFredericatmembers@brandonchamberca
Here’showitworks:
Featuresareofferedonafirst-come,first-servedbasis. Eachmembercanbefeaturedoncepercalendaryeartoensurefairness. A waiting list will be maintained, and we’ll pull from it in order as space becomes available.
Ifyouhaveanyquestions,feelfreetoreachout!
Let’shaveanotherGreatYearTogether!
Thank you to all our valued members for your unwavering support throughout the 20242025chamberyear Together,we'veachievedremarkablemilestonesandmadesignificant stridesinenhancingtheBrandonbusinesscommunity Yourdedication,collaboration,and enthusiasmhavebeeninstrumentalindrivingpositivechangeandfosteringgrowth Here's toanothersuccessfulyearahead!
Asweembarkonanewchamberyear,weinviteourmemberstorenewtheirmembership with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Your continued support ensures the strength andvitalityofourbusinesscommunity
YOURMEMBERSHIPRENEWALCHECKLIST
Membershipfeesarepaid Primary&Billingcontactsareuptodate Physical&Mailingaddressesarecorrect Yournumberofstaffisstillwithinyourmembershiprange Questionsaboutyourmembership?ContactFredericatmembers@brandonchamberca!
Welcome New Members!
At the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, we believe in the power of community and the strength of a unified business voice. Use this credit for advertising in our "Chamber at a Glance" monthly newsletter or "Insider" weekly publication. These platforms provide excellent visibility, allowing you to promote your business to an engaged audience. By referring a new member, you help grow our Chamber and gain valuable marketing opportunities It'sawin-winforeveryone Startreferringtoday!
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
CHERYL RACINE
FRONTDESK/ADMIN
CALLIEFOWLER
MARKETING&EVENTSASSISTANT
WeacknowledgethatBrandonislocatedonTreaty2territory,traditionallandsoftheCree, Oji-Cree,Dakota,Anishinaabe/Ojibwepeoples,andthehomelandoftheRedRiverMétis Nation Wehonorthehistories,cultures,andcontributionsofIndigenouspeoplestoour community