MBiz

4 MBiz | may 2016 N avigating through a new political climate has been one of the main goals of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) since the release of the last MBiz magazine in November of 2015. We have gone through a fundamental political shift on both the federal and provincial level. With these changes, development of credible, well-researched policy and advocating on behalf of the business community is what will set MCC apart from other business organizations. In the last few weeks, MCC gathered for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) with local Chambers from across the province. While you read more about the AGM in the upcoming pages, it also marked two milestones for our Chamber network. This year marked MCC's 85th AGM, and it was held in Portage la Prairie, where the local Chamber is marking its 130th anniversary. Both achievements speak to the growing power and connection of the Chamber network. Our challenge is to continue to grow the network and share our success with Manitoba. It remains imperative for our provincial organization to be representative of the entire Chamber network. Part of that includes venturing outside of the Perimeter and visiting local Chambers and meeting with community business leaders to hear directly about the challenges facing the Manitoba business community. It has been a pleasure to visit the outstanding local Chambers in all areas of the province, and MCC remains committed to continuing that outreach. The information collected from these visits allows MCC to be a stronger advocate and share the successes and struggles across Manitoba with decision- makers. The road ahead for MCC includes building working relationships with our new provincial government and establishing a stronger voice with our federal MPs and our two Manitoba Ministers. We also will begin work on a new three-year strategic plan that will look to continue increasing the profile and stature of the "Voice of Business" in Manitoba. As we talk with business leaders from across the province, there appears to be a wave of optimism for Manitoba. Our organization and our Chamber network have an important role to play in championing sustainable economic growth that leads to greater prosperity for business and communities in Manitoba. On behalf of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, our 69 local Chambers, and our more than 10,000 member businesses, we thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy the latest edition of MBiz magazine. Chuck Davidson President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON The voice of business for 85 years, MCC looks to the future MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE mbchamber.mb.ca PRESIDENT & CEO Chuck Davidson DIRECTOR OF POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS Cory Kolt WINNIPEG FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com PUBLISHER Bob Cox VICE PRESIDENT SALES Laurie Finley MANAGER OF NICHE PRODUCTS Barb Borden barb.borden@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Pat St. Germain pstgermain@mail.com WRITERS Nancy Boomer Wendy King Cory Kolt Kristin Marand David Square Pat St. Germain Jim Timlick PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Jane Chartrand MAY 2016, VOL. 9 BIZ MB View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/publications

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