MBiz

4 SUMMER 2022 A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON Meet the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce 2022-2023 Board of Directors OFFICERS Chair Michelle Kuly Principal, Blueprint Inc. Past Chair Paul Provost President & Founder, 6P Marketing Inc. Vice-Chair Alison Kirkland CEO, Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada Vice-Chair Colin Bartlett General Manager, Business Markets, Midwest Region – Rogers Communications Canada Inc. Treasurer Kevin Ploegman Partner, Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants Inc. Secretary Peggy May President & CEO, Southport Aerospace Centre/ Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Legal Counsel Nicole Smith Partner, Pitblado Law DIRECTORS Mike Boucher Partner, Deloitte Stephen Chychota Executive Director, Parkland Chamber of Commerce & CEM Representative Luis Escobar Practice Lead, Transportation & Office Lead – Manitoba, Stantec James Fehr Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services – RBC Royal Bank Paul Holden Executive Chair, Education Canada Group Kate Loewen Legal Counsel, Payworks Karly McRae Owner, Lakehouse & Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce Sachit Mehra Owner/GM, East India Company Pub and Eatery Matt Pilloud Partner, MNP LLP Karin Pooley Vice-President, Senior Management Recruitment & Executive Search – People First HR Services Cathy Snelgrove Senior Partner, Siere & Brandon Chamber of Commerce Scott Sissons Partner, KPMG LLP & The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Beverlie Stuart Vice-President, Business & Organizational Development – Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce THE PATH FORWARD At the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, we are focused on pandemic economic recovery and on supporting our resilient business community in travelling the path forward. That path requires important investments in technology — digital adaptation — to enable organizations to boost efficiency and take advantage of the digital economy. In addition, we must design effective strategies to address critical workforce shortages, facilitate upskilling and aid in the sluggish recovery of specific sectors most deeply affected by the pandemic. There is still so much work to do, and it is incumbent upon Manitoba's driven and dynamic business support and advocacy organizations to work together to strengthen our economy and promote growth. As we move with hope towards a Manitoba summer, I encourage you to get out there to explore our province — from amazing fishing to golfing, attractions, stunning beaches and campgrounds, provincial parks, ice cream stands and more. Manitobans are going to be the ones to bolster our recovery right now, as COVID-19 lingers and war and political unrest in other parts of the globe affect tourism. Manitobans must continue to invest in our local and independent businesses. In this issue of our semi-annual magazine, we're sharing stories of fascinating business leaders doing exceptionally well right here at home. From exclusive, gluten-free almond products and vertical storage solutions to a digitally driven flower powerhouse, the organizations profiled in this issue of MBiz Magazine are accomplishing great things within and for Manitoba. Enjoy the stories — and enter to win an annual pass for the newly unveiled and spectacular Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada — another feather in Manitoba's cap of world-class attractions. On behalf of our staff and 2022-23 board of directors, I wish you a safe and relaxing summer! As chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, I want to start by acknowledging all of Manitoba – and committing to a leadership style that is inclusive, respectful, and reconciliatory. Over the past two years, we have learned that the future is not a straight path from the past. Our challenges are different. Our workforce is different. And our opportunities are different too. I want to acknowledge the work of the team in how they pivoted in the face of unprecedented disruption to support our members. Serving members in new and responsive ways represents the best of what the Chambers can be: an organization that values our ability to embrace change. And moving forward, we have more work to do to make this space inclusive for all members of Manitoba's business community. As the organization that is the voice of business in Manitoba, we have that responsibility. Only together can we successfully shape the future of tomorrow today. As your chair, I am committed to driving this important work alongside the Chambers team, our members and partners on that journey. MICHELLE KULY, Chair (2022-2023)

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