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4 SUMMER 2023 View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/lifestyles OFFICERS Chair Alison Kirkland Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada Past Chair Michelle Kuly Blueprint Inc. Vice-Chair Beverlie Stuart Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology Vice-Chair Karly McRae Lakehouse & Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Mike Boucher Deloitte Secretary Peggy May Southport Aerospace Centre Inc.c& Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Legal Nicole Smith Pitblado Law Counsel DIRECTORS Vince Barletta Harvest Manitoba Stephen Chychota Parkland Chamber of Commerce & CEM Representative Barry Cooper Heritage Co-op & Brandon Chamber of Commerce Jamie Dumont Jamie Dumont Consulting & Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Luis Escobar Stantec James Fehr RBC Royal Bank Josh Girman PCL Constructors Canada Inc. Paul Holden Education Canada Group Kate Loewen Payworks Jordan Ludwig Brandon Business Interiors Sachit Mehra East India Company Pub and Eatery Matt Pilloud MNP LLP Kevin Ploegman Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants Inc. Karin Pooley People First HR Services Michael Woelcke Arctic Gateway Group PROPOSED 2023–2024 MCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR T his is a time of innovation and opportunity within Manitoba's diverse business community. The Chambers of Commerce commitment to being "the voice of business in Manitoba" aligns with my passion for ensuring that all businesses in our province have the opportunity to grow and succeed. Championing equitable access to supports for small businesses, including capital for women entrepreneurs, has been at the heart of my work for the past two decades. Our outgoing board chair, Michelle Kuly, was instrumental in the Chamber signing on to the 50-30 Challenge, which aims to create a more inclusive and competitive Canadian economy. Her leadership reinforced the importance of encouraging participation of more women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ2+ community. I thank Michelle for her service, leader- ship and guidance and look forward to continuing this important work. Having been a member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board for several years, I am honoured to take on the role of chair. I will be guided by the insights and experience of my fellow board members, the Chamber team, our mem- bers and partners. I am very optimistic about the future of our province and am looking forward to a successful year of continued growth and development. ALISON KIRKLAND Chair, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Board of Directors

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