MBiz

25 mbiz | may 2015 p e m b i n a va l l e y pembina Valley altona & diStrict chamber of commerce morden & diStrict chamber of commerce morriS & diStrict chamber of commerce plum coulee & diStrict chamber of commerce roSenort & diStrict chamber of commerce Winkler & diStrict chamber of commerce 204-331-4179 info@bendit.ca www.bendit.ca -Custom Design -CNC Routering Innovation Quality Experience -ACM Panels -159" Long Bending -Residential Trims -Commerical Trims -Custom Soffit >> former dragons' den regular arlene dickinson, ceo of Venture communications and youinc.com, was the keynote presenter at the 2015 p.W. enns business awards, presented by the Winkler & district chamber of commerce in april. congratulations to the honourees: • Business Builder Award, under 10 employees: ens farms • Business Builder Award, over 10 employees: centennial Supply • Customer Service Award: impact Signs • Not-for-profit Award: Genesis House • Business Excellence Award: kroeker farms The company was awarded the Young Entrepreneur of Manitoba Award in 2005 and it survived the recession years of 2008 - 2010 by creating work-share schedules rather than laying off staff members — a strategy that helped the company retain trained workers and benefitted the community, as well. By 2012, a new manufacturing facility with an ISO 9001 certification was completed in the Rosenort Industrial Park. "Our future looks very bright," Kroeker says. "There is a growing demand for our equipment throughout the world, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. The industrial park was built in 2010 with 30 lots, and a 15-lot expansion is expected to be completed by the end of summer. The RM of Morris is upgrading eight kilometres of PR330 from gravel to pavement this summer in a cost-sharing initiative with Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation, and the town is seeing new housing developments to accommodate a growing population. Kroeker says the Rosenort Chamber has more than 50 members, and it's working to retain and attract skilled workers for local businesses. One initiative is a high-school resume program. The Chamber acts as a liaison between new graduates and local business, gathering resumes and cover letters and passing them on to Chamber members. "It's a kind of a win-win for everyone involved. The kids get to learn their resume skills and the companies in the area don't have to spend on newspaper ads for hiring," he says. It's also a way to keep young workers in Rosenort. Opening the door for manufacturers to court more workers from Winnipeg is another goal. The Chamber is looking at the possibility of having a rural bus service to make commuting to the town more attractive, a move that could be another win-win if some of those commuters decide to settle in the town. ■

• Cover