MBiz

4 mbiz | may 2015 o ver the past year, political upheaval in Manitoba provided numerous headlines and plenty of opportunity for the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) to solidify its message of policy over politics and putting Manitoba first. That message — along with two days devoted to examining the issues facing Manitoba businesses and the importance of economic competitiveness — highlighted the MCC's 84th Annual General Meeting, held May 1-3 in Brandon. More than 100 representatives from local Chambers and corporate members descended upon the Wheat City to listen to and discuss ideas that would help re-establish the confidence of national and international business and investors, a confidence that was eroded by political infighting within the provincial government. The big question of where Manitoba stands today and, more importantly, where Manitoba is going, was top of mind for the new chair of the MCC Board of Directors, Frontiers North Adventures co- owner Merv Gunter. He, like many, is left wondering where the plan is for business to grow so Manitoba can prosper. "I don't get a sense as a Manitoban that we have a clue where we are, fiscally and financially, or where we're going," Gunter said, shortly after being sworn in. "I don't see any indication that we're going to improve our financial position as a province. I don't see a plan." Creating a plan for Manitoba was a constant theme from members and MCC leadership. With a provincial election set for April 2016, this AGM presented Chamber President Chuck Davidson and his policy department with an opportunity to build on current policies focused on key areas of workforce, tourism, health, northern economic development, environment and, what is clearly the MCC's most important issue, economic competitiveness. The 18 policy resolutions that were passed by local Chambers — including a call for a comprehensive review of taxes, a shot in the arm for pork producers and improved flood prevention measures — will be the basis of the MCC's advocacy work moving forward. "Economists keep saying we are growing but it doesn't feel that way," Davidson said. "The government continues to have some of the highest and most cumbersome business tax rates and that leaves us uncompetitive with neighbouring provinces. This needs to be addressed if we want to attract new investment." Whether it was keynote speaker Federal Employment Minister Pierre Poilievre, or panelists like Vale CEO Ryan Land and Winnipeg Chamber vice-president Loren Remillard, the sentiment was similar — Manitoba should be doing much better. Between extending the policy book and galvanizing the Chamber network on the Chambers efforts, the focus will be to set the election agenda. "We should not have to hear the words "Manitoba" and "have- not province" in the same sentence," Davidson said. "There is opportunity to move Manitoba forward and the will to do so from our Chamber members is strong. This next year will be very telling for the next chapter in our history." While the AGM was dedicated to discussions on policy and business sessions intended to provide direction on key issues, MCC also welcomed five new board members and recognized the outgoing chair and long-serving members of the Chamber movement. The Chamber's success relies on the guidance, advice and support from dedicated business leaders across the province. This year, Brian Kelly (Kelwin Management Consulting), Jack Wilson (Manitoba Hydro International), Wayne McWhirter (MNP), and David Newman (Pitblado LLP) all ended their tenure on the board. Their impact on MCC goes beyond words or simple a thank you. The same could be said of outgoing chair Kenneth Thomas (Rainbow Residence). The Winkler resident logged thousands of kilometres travelling across Manitoba touting the Chamber message. "The past year has been busy and taught me a lot about the people that work to make our province great, and about myself," said Thomas. "I feel confident that we are better today than a year ago. The goal was to help create change and make a lasting impact on Manitoba. I hope we did." With the 84th AGM now officially in the books, work begins on the 85th gathering May 6-8, 2016, in Portage la Prairie. ■ agm putS focuS on 2016 election and Strengthening the chamber netWork above from left: new mcc board chair merv gunter with outgoing board members Wayne mcWhirter (mnp), Jack Wilson (manitoba hydro international), brian kelly (kelwin management consulting), kenneth thomas, (outgoing mcc board chair) and chuck davidson (mcc president & ceo). above right: todd andres (pitblado llp partner) received the 2015 harry mardon award, which goes to an mcc board member who shows outstanding dedication to the organization. right: todd birkhan (brandon chamber of commerce president) was named 2015 chamber Volunteer of the year.

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