THE BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Chamberata Chamberata
Glance
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR GM
THEPRIORITYHASBEENADVOCACY
GreetingsChamberMembers,
The primary focus for the Chamber since the beginning of the New Year has been Advocacy After the Brandon City Budget, the Chamber has shifted focus to the Provincial Government’s Budget. The Chamber Executive has met with local MLAs Wayne Balcaen – Brandon West and Colleen Robbins –SpruceWoods,inadditiontotheLeaderoftheOfficial Opposition,ObbyKhantohighlightprioritiesandneed for change from the Provincial Government for the BrandonBusinessCommunity.
Discussions continue on the path that the Provincial Government has taken with respect to the Manitoba Jobs Agreement and Apprenticeship Ratios Their decisions have put significant pressure on the ConstructionandTradesBusinessestoeitherincrease their risk to stay competitive or be left out of opportunities. The message will be repeated that economic growth should be a priority, barriers should be minimized and collaboration with the business communityisthesolution
The Provincial Budget will be announced on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026. The Chamber Executive had the opportunity to meet with Finance Minister - Adrien Sala in February to discuss priorities for Brandon The message from the Chamber was curb spending and focus on the needs, make decisions on spending that will provide meaningful opportunities and outcomes for the Brandon Chamber Members and Keep Brandon and Westman on the radar. Brandon Chamber Executive are attending the Provincial BudgetAnnouncementandwillprovideasummaryto members
The Chamber Government Relations Committee met with the Brandon School Division to discuss proposed School Tax Rates and aging infrastructure. The Chamber learned of the challenges related to the aginginfrastructure,therequirementformoreschools due to the increasing population of Brandon and discussed opportunities to collaborate and advocate forBrandon’spriorities.
The Brandon Chamber participated in a Grow Brandon Advocacy Day at the Legislature Building on March 5th Meetings were scheduled with Deputy Ministers in Agriculture, Labour and Immigration, Advanced Education and Training and Business, Mining Trade and Job Creation. DiscussionsfocusedontheprioritiesforGrow Brandon and raised awareness of the important things happening outside of the Perimeter A reception followed at the Legislature Building with food and beverages provided by Chez Angela, where conversations and advocacy for Brandon continued.
The Manitoba Liberal Leader, Willard Reaves made a visit to the Brandon Chamber Office on a fact-finding mission to hear what is important to Brandon Chamber Members Discussions were focused on tax rates from theCityandtheProvinceasaresultofaging infrastructure and requirement for growth, promises from Governments that lead to buying votes versus real impact and the pressuresonsocialserviceswithintheCityof Brandon.
The Chamber will continue to schedule the meetings and have the focused but difficult conversationstoadvocateonyourbehalf
Upcoming Events
ECONOMICOUTLOOKLUNCHEON
MAR 26,2026|11:00AM-1:00PM|VICTORIAINN REGISTRATIONCLOSESMARCH23
FIRSTFRIDAYCOFFEE
APR 10,2026|9:00AM-10:00AM|1043ROSSERAVE FREEEVENT,NOREGISTRATIONREQUIRED
STATEOFTHECITYLUNCHEON
APR.16,2026|11:00AM-1:00PM|KEYSTONECENTRE EARLYBIRDREGISTRATIONUNTILAPRIL2 REGISTRATIONCLOSESAPRIL13
143 ANNUALBUSINESSAWARDSGALA RD MAY7,2026|5:00PM-10:00PM|KEYSTONECENTRE REGISTRATIONCLOSESAPRIL27
FEBRUARY LUNCHEON EVENTRECAP
YOUTH, EDUCATION, AND INDUSTRY
PRESENTED BY
HIGHLIGHTSYOUTH&INDUSTRYCONNECTIONS
On February 19th, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce welcomed Westman’s business community alongside post-secondary students from Brandon University and Assiniboine College for an engaging discussion on Youth, Education, andIndustry.HeldattheClarionHotelandSuites, the event marked our first sold-out luncheon of the 2026 series an exciting milestone for collaboration,insight,andconnection.
APOWERFULMESSAGEONPOTENTIAL
Our keynote speaker, Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine College, delivered an inspiring address centered on the power of potential. Drawing on the spirit and symbolism of the Olympics, he highlighted excellence, preparation, and the importance of strong partnerships betweeneducationandindustrytobuildaskilled andcompetitiveworkforce
THANKYOUTOOURSPONSORS
A sincere thank-you to our host sponsor, Assiniboine College, and to our booth sponsors Assiniboine College Students’ Association, Career Connections Inc, and Assiniboine College Continuing Studies We also appreciate Look Music for audiovisual support,KeywestPhotoImagebyDesignInc for capturing the event, and the Clarion Hotel & Suites for hosting us and providing anexcellentmeal
Your continued support makes these events possible and helps create opportunities for our business community, students, and communitypartnerstoconnect,collaborate, andgrowtogether
April Luncheon
StateoftheCity
April16,2026 | 11:00amto1:00pm | KeystoneCentreUCT
JoinusasMayorJeffFawcettdelivershisaddressonBrandon’sprogressandfuturedirection.
REGISTER
Pleasenote:luncheonticketscannolongerbeinvoiced.
Meet Your Speaker
JoinusApril16forourStateoftheCityLuncheonaspartofthe2026 LuncheonSeries,featuringHisWorshipMayorJeffFawcett.
MayorFawcettwilldeliverhisannualaddressonBrandon’scurrent prioritiesandfuturedirection,highlightingkeyinitiatives,challenges, and opportunities impacting residents and the local business community.Hisremarkswillexploreeconomicgrowth,infrastructure investment, and strategic plans shaping our city’s continued development, offering valuable insight into how municipal leadershipinfluencesbusinessconfidenceandcommunityprogress
THE CABINET COMPAN
For many years, The Cabinet Company has been helping homeowners across Brandon and the Westman region create spaces that are both beautifulandpractical.
Manyinthecommunitymayrememberthebusiness by its former name, The Kitchen Gallery As the company grew to design cabinetry for bathrooms, closets, mudrooms, and other custom spaces throughout the home, the name evolved as well. Today, The Cabinet Company reflects the broader worktheteamnowdoes helpinghomeownersthink beyond just kitchens and design spaces that truly workfortheireverydaylives
Thecompanyispoweredbyasmall,close-knitteam that blends design, organization, and craftsmanship. Adrienne Hiebert, Senior Designer, works closely with homeowners to guide the design vision Renovations can quickly become overwhelming, but Adrienne is known for helping clients feel comfortable and confident as they sort through layout ideas, finishes, andpracticaldetailsthatmakeaspacefunctionwell. MEET A MEMBER
Her husband Jeremy Hiebert, General Manager, focuses on the behind-the-scenes coordination that keeps projects moving forward Frommanagingtimelinestoworking withsuppliers,Jeremyensurestherenovation process stays organized and clear from the firstmeetingtothefinalinstallation.
The craftsmanship that brings each project to life comes from Glen, whose installation work ensures every design is finished with care and precision Supporting the team is owner Brian Bergen, who brings more than 15 years of cabinet design experience and continues to guide the company’s reputation forqualityworkandtrustedservice.
By partnering with Décor Cabinets, a Canadian manufacturer known for highquality,made-to-ordercabinetry,theteamis able to create truly custom solutions. Instead of forcing homeowners into standard sizes, cabinetry can be designed with the right dimensions, finishes, and storage features to suitthewayahomeisactuallyused
For the team, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing families settle into spaces that make everyday life easier whether that’s a kitchen designed for busy mornings, better storage throughout the home, or custom built-ins that bring both style and function together.
Forhomeownersthinkingaboutarenovation, theteamrecommendsstartingwithasimple conversation Bringing inspiration photos, rough measurements, and a few “musthave” ideas is often all it takes to begin shapingaplan.
As members of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce,TheCabinetCompanyvaluesthe relationships and collaboration that strengthen Brandon’s local business community. The team is proud to serve homeowners throughout Brandon and Westman and looks forward to helping bring manymorelocalprojectstolife.
WomenofWestman Conference
On March 11, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the Women of Westman Conference 2026 at the Keystone Centre, welcoming a sold-out crowd of more than 400 women for a day of connection, learning, and inspiration.
The day began with engaging presentations from Margaux Miller and TraceyMaconachie,whoexploredtopics ranging from the growing role of AI for small businesses to building confidence and authority in the workplace. Their sessions encouraged attendees to embrace new tools, reflect on their leadership style, and approach challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
Breakout sessions throughout the day offered practical tools and ideas, covering topics such as leadership development, financial empowerment, networking,anddigitalstorytelling.
The panel discussion, “Rural Women: Voices,Ventures&Visibility,”featuring;
Amanda Gilchrist, Chief Tréchelle Bunn, Bridie Ritchie, and Kirsten Phillips, was another standout moment. Their candid conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and community building in rural Manitoba resonated deeply with attendees.
The conference closed with a keynote address from Colleen Munro, President and CEO of The Munro Group. Drawing on her experience leading in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she shared powerful lessons about resilience, confidence, and recognizing the value women bring to every room theyenter.
A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors and partners, our inspiring speakers, the dedicated Women of Westman planning committee, the many volunteers, and every attendee who came ready to connect, learn, and support one another. Your energy and enthusiasmmadethisyear’sconference trulymemorable
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSOR BREAKOUT SESSION SPONSOR
STELLAR SPONSORS SUSTAINING SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
KEY COLLABORATORS
POWER UP COFFEE SPONSOR
EMPOWERMENT BANNER SPONSOR
LUNCH SPONSORS
WELCOME GIFT BAG SPONSORS
2025-2026EVENTLINE-UP
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
FRÉDÉRICRAMSAY
MEMBERRELATIONSCOORDINATOR
SANDRAAFFUN EVENTSCOORDINATOR
MINDYCASTLE OFFICECOORDINATOR
CHERYL RACINE EVENTSASSITANT CALLIEFOWLER
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.