MBiz

11 MBiz May 2014 A former professional wrestler has been tagged to shape up the Souris economy. And Vern May — a.k.a. Vance Nevada — is determined to get the town back into fi ghting form. After 20 years and some 1,500 bouts in the ring, May returned to his hometown last fall to assume the position of economic development offi cer for Souris and the RM of Glenwood. And he's putting the marketing knowledge he picked up on the wrestling circuit to good use. "The insights I learned about how to promote events during my wrestling days will serve me well in my new position," he says. The town's tourism industry took a hit after its swinging bridge was knocked out of commission during the 2011 fl ood. But the bridge is back — rebuilt in 2013 at a cost of $4.5 million, it's guaranteed to withstand a 300-year fl ood level. And May is pulling out all the stops to promote the town's many other charms. He helped compile a 28-page magazine with a pop-up map that highlights businesses, amenities and unique attractions — which include the peacocks that are the unoffi cial ambassadors for Souris in the summertime. Peacocks are among the many birds who are at home in the local bird sanctuary, and over the years they've expanded their range to encompass the entire community. May is also working with three local museums to coordinate their marketing plans and introduce interactive elements that appeal to younger crowds. And he wants to add new twists to annual fairs and festivals, including a game of zombies vs. humans and multicultural food tasting. With a 20-acre camping area, a beautiful 18- hole golf course and a state-of-the-art water park and swimming pool, the town has a lot to offer visitors, and May is working to attract new residents as well. Just 25 minutes from Brandon, Souris is a relatively easy commute, and a 55-plus development could lure people who are nearing retirement, as well as retain seniors who might otherwise leave the community. There's plenty of entertainment in the offi ng as well. Country music star Aaron Pritchett will be the headline act at the Glenwood Memorial Complex on June 27 to kick off an event dubbed the Swinging Bridge Weekend. And while May was forced into retirement due to a neck injury, the town was in for some pro wrestling action recently, when CWE Wrestling planned to bring its Last Action Hero tour to the Memorial Complex. "So far, I think we're on the right track," May says. "Souris is no longer on the mat." W E S T E R N WESTERN BOISSEVAIN & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CARBERRY & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CYPRESS RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DELORAINE & AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ELKHORN DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MELITA & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOURIS & GLENWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VIRDEN & AREA COMMUNITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WASKADA & AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WESTERN >> The Brandon Chamber of Commerce 2014 Business Achievement Awards went to fi ve recipients in March. And the winners are: >> Doug Murray (business person of the year): Murray is CEO of the Murray Auto Centre, which consists of Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, Murray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Westman and Marshall Motors. The centre is one of Brandon's largest private employers with over 170 full and part-time staff. >> Jeff Cristal (lifetime business builder): Through more than 30 years in the accounting profession, Cristal has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and developed lasting relationships with local business leaders. He is currently a valuations and corporate fi nance consultant at MNP. >> Bernie Crisp (community service award): Crisp has been president of the Brandon Riverbank board since 2010. He has worked with the Brandon Planning Commission, the Manitoba Games Council and Special Olympics, the Rotary Club and many more organizations. >> BEHLEN Industries (business excellence award): BEHLEN Industries was established in 1969, and is Canada's largest manufacturer of steel building systems. The company provides building solutions to North America's leading organizations and has expanded to serve customers worldwide. >> The Paw Resort & Wellness Centre (outstanding new business): The resort offers dog and cat boarding, grooming, dog day care and training classes. Pets can frolic, get a new hairstyle and then rest easy while their family is away. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Former wrestler Vern May (a.k.a Vance Nevada) is the new economic development offi cer for Souris and the RM of Glenwood. The iconic Souris Bridge (at left above and below) has been replaced by a new model, and that's just one of many positive developments for the region. Photos courtesy of Souris & Glenwood Community Development Corp. MBiz_spring2014.indd 11 MBiz_spring2014.indd 11 5/14/14 8:26:22 AM 5/14/14 8:26:22 AM

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