THE BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Glance
Chamberata Chamberata
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR GM
GreetingsMembers,
I hope this message find you well and you enjoy this edition of the Glance There is a number of things that I wanttohighlightandsharewiththemembers
AquickrecapfromtheGeneralManager’sview:Nowthat we are at full staff capacity at the Chamber, we can get to work on a few more important things. The three Chamber committees; Government Relations, Business Development and Workforce Alignment have all begun their work to develop priorities for advocacy and activities for the coming year There will be announcements very soon regarding the Women of WestmanConferenceandthelineupofspeakers,asthe staffcontinuetoworkonplanningtheevent
The Grow Brandon Economic Summit was a successful initiative bringing awareness to the need for collaboration on the development of priorities for the growthofBrandon.Moreworkandmessagingforgeneral awareness of Grow Brandon, the purpose and outcomes is underway, along with the activities on the priorities for growth
The Brandon Chamber Executive attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting. This meeting provided insight at the national level from the CanadianChamberLeadershipthathaveadirectlineto the Federal Government and continue to advocate for meaningful change and economic development in all regions of Canada This was prior to the recent Federal Budget announcement, which highlighted the potential funding opportunities for Municipal Infrastructure, which is encouraging. Along with the rest of the country, the Brandon Chamber will continue to watch this political budgetstoryunfold
Atamorelocallevel,theBrandonChambercontinuesto meet with Provincial MLAs to repeat the messaging that, the needs of Brandon must be on the Provincial Government’s radar when developing policy and programs and advancing priorities Recent meetings with the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba and Manitoba Trucking Association have aligned the Chamber’s advocacy initiatives on the Manitoba Jobs Agreement Policy and the CUSMA review and consultation.
Th a pa on Chamber in their policy review processes, but we will be advocating for more time to respond if they are actually expecting meaningfulcomments
As I sign off, I hear and see the Military Helicopter flying over the Brandon Chamber DowntownOffice.ThehistoryoftheMilitaryin Brandonissignificant,whichwillundoubtedly continue with recent defence spending announcements. Just a friendly reminder to take a moment of remembrance on November 11th and reflect on the sacrifices thatothershavemade,forourbenefit
Takecareandthankyou,
Upcoming Events
BUSINESSAFTERFIVEHOSTEDBY PROGRESSIVEWESTMAN
NOV.13,2025|5:00PM-7:00PM|372PARKAVEE FREEEVENT,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
NOVEMBERMENTALHEALTH INTHEWORKPLACELUNCHEON
NOV 20,2025|11:00AM-1:00PM|KEYSTONEMNP REGISTRATIONCLOSESNOVEMBER17
DEC.5,2025|9:00-10:00AM|1043ROSSERAVE FREEEVENT,NOREGISTRATIONREQUIRED FIRSTFRIDAYCOFFEE
BRANDONCHAMBERHOLIDAYMIXER
DEC 11,2025|4:00PM-6:00PM|KEYSTONEMNP FREEEVENT,REGISTRATIONREQUIRED
Chamber Team Update
MeetournewOfficeCoordinator,MindyCastle!
Withovertenyearsofexperienceinadministration, accounting, and community engagement, Mindy is excited to join the Brandon Chamber of CommerceasOfficeCoordinator.She’spassionate aboutorganization,teamwork,andhelpingothers succeed
Having supported leaders and programs across education, nonprofit, and business settings, she brings a thoughtful, approachable style to every project.Aproudcommunityvolunteerandlifelong learner, Mindy values connection, collaboration, and making a positive difference in Brandon’s vibrantbusinesscommunity.Shelooksforwardto welcoming members and contributing to the Chamber’songoinggrowthandsuccess.
Winner of the 2025 Green Business Award
LivingstoneLandscapingLtd.
LIVINGSTONELANDSCAPINGLEADSTHEWAYINGREENINNOVATION
LivingstoneLandscapingLtd isthe2025recipientofBrandon’sGreenBusinessAwardforits forward-thinkingelectricvehicle(EV)fleetinitiative.Earlierthisyear,thecompanyreplaced sevengas-poweredtruckswithall-electricvehicles reducingemissionsby25%
“Ourshifttoanall-electricfleetwasdrivenbyacommitmenttocutemissionsandcosts whilemaintainingreliableserviceforourBrandonclients,”saidtheBergfamily,Ownersof LivingstoneLandscapingLtd.
Congratulations to Livingstone Landscaping for leading the way toward a cleaner, more sustainableBrandon
HOLIDAY MIXER Chamber
GET READY FOR OUR HOLIDAY MIXER, FESTIVE DRINKS, AND A FUN NIGHT SUPPORTING A LOCAL
RSVP Now
BRING YOUR STAFF, PARTNERS, OR COLLEAGUES AND CELEBRATE THE SEASON TOGETHER.
THIS YEAR, WE’RE INVITING YOU TO SHOW YOUR COLOURS — YOUR STYLE, YOUR SPIRIT, YOUR WAY.
BRANDONCHAMBER CA/EVENTS
HOLIDAY MIXER Chamber
Celebratetheseasonwithyourbusinesscommunityandmakeyour markasaproudsupporteroflocalcommerce.
October Luncheon
EconomicGrowth
EVENTRECAP
OCTOBER LUNCHEON FOCUSES ON ECONOMIC GROWTH
On October 16th, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosted its Economic Growth Luncheon at the Victoria Inn, drawing nearly 300 members and community leaders for a dynamic discussion ongrowth,innovation,andcollaboration
SHAPINGMANITOBA’SFUTURE
Keynote speaker Jamie Moses, Manitoba’s Minister ofBusiness,Mining,TradeandJobCreation,shared insights from the province’s new Economic Development Strategy and how Manitoba is positioning itself for long-term prosperity Attendees gained valuable perspective on the opportunitiesaheadforBrandonandtheWestman regionindrivingsustainableeconomicgrowth
The luncheon also served as an important lead-up to the GROW Brandon Economic Summit, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to advancing regional collaboration and sustainable economic growth.
THANKYOUTOOURSPONSORS
A special thank-you to our Host Sponsor, Compass Credit Union, for supporting this event,andtoourTableSponsor,West-CanHR. We also appreciate our Booth Sponsors IntriTech Marketing, RBC Group Advantage, the Wilder Institute, United Way West Central Manitoba, and Brandon Salutes for their continuedcommitmenttoBrandon’sbusiness community and to fostering connection and collaboration. Your support helps make events like these possible and ensures our members can continue to gather, learn, and growtogether.
EconomicSummitRecap
The GROW Brandon Economic Summit brought together more than 100 business, government, education, and community leaders at the Victoria Inn for an afternoon focused on collaboration and regionalgrowth.
Launched through the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the initiative has received multi-year funding commitments of $300,000 from PrairiesCan, $150,000 from the Province of Manitoba,and$125,000fromtheCityofBrandonto supportlocaleconomicdevelopmentefforts.
Thispartnershipaimstoalignstakeholders,attractnewinvestment,andstrengthenBrandon’srole as a hub for business and innovation in Westman More updates on next steps and community engagementopportunitieswillbesharedinthecomingmonths
November Luncheon
MentalHealthintheWorkplace
Joinusforaninsightfulluncheononsupportingwell-beingintheworkplace.
$49+GST(Members)|$65+GST(Non-Members)
RegistrationclosesMonday,November17
November20,2025 | 11:00amto1:00pm | KeystoneCentreMNP Pleasenote:luncheonticketscannolongerbeinvoiced.
Meet Your Speaker
JoinusNovember20forourMentalHealthintheWorkplaceLuncheon featuring RebeccaGray, educator, social worker, and certified Mental HealthFirstAidTrainer
With a career spanning child welfare, education, and leadership, Rebeccaispassionateaboutfosteringmentalwellness,accountability, and stronger human connection across schools, workplaces, and communities She will share practical tools to help organizations strengthen communication, resilience, and well-being empowering leadersandemployeestobuildhealthier,moreconnectedworkplaces.
SponsorshipOpportunitiesStillAvailable
Getyourbusinessinfrontofnearly300localdecision-makers.
TableSponsorship-$800(plusGST)*Exclusive*
Includes: Four(4)complimentarytickets
Displaytableinthenetworkingarea
Placesettingpromotion(yourbrandoneverytable)
BoothSponsorship-$350(plusGST)*Limited*
Includes: Two(2)complimentarytickets
Displaytableinthenetworkingarea
BRANDON
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS (2)
ThePresident’sAwardfortheBusinessPersonoftheYearispresented to an individual that exemplifies outstanding business practices and achievements, and who demonstrates leadership, vision, and the creationofeconomicgrowthwhilecontributingtothecommunity.
OUTSTANDING NEWBUSINESS OFTHEYEAR
Theseawardshonourbusinessesthatdemonstratecontinualbusiness excellence through positive business growth, exemplify superior customerserviceandembraceanoutstandingcommitmenttoquality
There are two awards handed out for: businesses with fewer than 15 employees(small)andbusinesseswith15andoveremployees(large).
COMMUNITY IMPACTAWARD (2)
Thisawardrecognizestheaccomplishmentsofabusinessownerwho hassucceededthroughinnovationandrisk-takingorachievedsuccess inintroducingnewproductsorservicesorgrowinganexistingproduct line through a unique approach. The nominees must have been in businessfor1-5years
OUTSTANDING YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD WESTMAN’S TOP4UNDER40
These awards recognizes an individual or business for outstanding effort and commitment to community through meaningful contribution(s)tothewellbeingandqualityoflifeinWestman.
Thisawardrecognizesoutstandingachievementbyanindividualaged 18-40whoiseithertheDirector/Ownerofaneworexistingbusinessand has successfully built or built-up the organization. The nominee must haveultimatecontrolovertheentireendeavourwithallriskofsuccess orfailurelyingintheirhands.
Thisawardrecognizesoutstandingachievementbyanindividualunder theageof40whoworksinaleadershiproleinanysizeorganization fromtheprivate,publicornon-profitsector Theidealcandidateswill beactiveandengagedinworkandcommunity,acreativeproblemsolver, disciplined in performance, and generous in spirit; a real contributortothefabricofourcommunity.
UpdateYourBusinessProfile
Make sure your listing stands out in the Member Directory. Add your logo, website, business description, and social links so members (and the public) can connect easily. A completeprofilehelpsyoustandoutindirectorysearches.
ShareandEngagewithChamberonSocialMedia
When you comment, tag, or share Chamber updates, your business reaches a wider audience and shows you’re active in Brandon’s business network. You can also tag the Chamberinyourownnews,milestones,orcommunityinitiatives.Weloveseeingwhatour membersareuptoandmaysharehighlightswhereappropriate.
TakeAdvantageofExclusiveMemberDiscounts
From preferred rates on shipping to group benefits through the Chambers Plan, your Chamber membership comes with built-in perks designed to lower costs and boost your bottomline.LogintoyourMemberInformationCentre(MIC)toexplorewhat’savailable.
Meet a Member
EppLawOffice
WHATISYOURNAMEANDYOURROLE?
My name is Andrea Epp and I am the owner of Epp LawOffice
TELL US A BIT ABOUT EPP LAW OFFICE; WHAT KIND OF LAW DO YOU PRACTICE AND WHO DO YOU USUALLYWORKWITH?
Our practice involves what we call solicitor work. Lawyersaregenerallyeitherbarristers(theyhandle courtmatters)orsolicitors(non-courtmatters).
Our focus is mainly on real estate, corporate and commercial work, estate planning and administration,andmunicipalwork
HOW LONG HAS YOUR FIRM BEEN SERVING BRANDONANDTHEWESTMANAREA?
On November 2 , we celebrated our 5 year anniversary! nd
WHAT’SYOURFAVOURITEPARTABOUTBEINGA CHAMBERMEMBER?
Ilovethesenseofcommunitythatwehaveat the Chamber The members are very welcoming and supportive of each other and thatisnecessarywhenwearedealingwiththe stressofowningormanagingabusiness.
WHAT’S ONE THING THAT HAS HELPED YOU OR YOUR FIRM GROW THE MOST EITHER PROFESSIONALLYORPERSONALLY?
Definitely the support of this amazing community Brandonisagreatcityforwordof mouth advertising and developing a strong brand. As soon as we opened our doors, we had many people excited to support a women-owned business and the Chamber members were happy to support a business that is involved with the Chamber. Both of thosewereintegralinbuildingthebusiness
HOWDOESYOURTEAMSUPPORTORGIVEBACKTO THELOCALCOMMUNITY?
As an office, we support many fundraisers in Brandon and have often collected items for the Women’sResourceCentreandChristmasCheer
We have volunteered as a group for Christmas Cheer and at Helping Hands. Personally, I am the Chair of Helping Hands and am a board member forCrimeStoppers.
I feel that it is important for businesses and people tosupportourcommunityandassistthoseinneed We are all very fortunate to have the luxuries that wedoandIfeelthatitisimportanttosharethat
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF YOUR WORK; WHATKEEPSYOUMOTIVATEDDAYTODAY?
Myteamandmyclients.Ilovecomingtoworkwith thefabulousandtalentedteamthatIhavehadthe honourtobringtogether.
We all have our own roles in the office but support each other when one person is facing overwhelm either at work or personally It is an amazing experience sitting back and watching everyone worktogether
I also love meeting with my clients. We have a friendly,casualatmosphereintheofficeandIknow thatourclientsappreciatethat.Ilovetobeableto help people work through stressful events and transactions and help them to feel calm and secure through the process I don’t think I could everhaveajobwhereIdidn’tworkwithpeople
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT “SUCCESS” LOOKSLIKEFORYOUANDYOURTEAM?
I actually recently made a post on my Facebook page where I say ‘That to me is success’anditisapictureofasignthatoneof my teammates purchased and hung on her wall because she said it reminded her of our office.Itsays:“Inthisofficewedoteamwork,we communicate & listen, we do help, we do respect, we do coffee & cake, we do friendship, punctuality and laughter, we do motivation, we do great things – we are a team”. In my mind, success is building something positive in your community – no matter what that is It actually made me quite emotional when she showed methesign
AND FOR A FUN ONE; IF YOU COULD BE ANY SUPERHERO,WHOWOULDYOUBEANDWHY?
I don’t know if I would “be” a specific hero but I admire both Wonder Woman and Captain America the most. Both are extremely strong and capable while also being extremely caring andpositive
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
FRÉDÉRIC RAMSAY
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.