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12 MBiz | may 2016 PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE A few vest buttons will be popping with pride this year, as the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 130th anniversary. "We're proud to be one of the oldest Chambers in Manitoba and we will continue to be a dynamic and respected community-based organization, committed and responsive to the needs of its members for another 130 years," says Cindy McDonald, who is coming up on her sixth year as executive director. The Chamber represents more than 260 businesses and finds its strength in numbers. Founded in 1886, one of its earliest, and certainly most forward-thinking, initiatives involved traffic. McDonald recently found a resolution dating from 1897. It called upon the Chamber secretary treasurer to urge local governments of the day to approach the Northern Pacific & Manitoba Railway Company, "with a view of entering into arrangements for the utilization of their railway bridge across the Assiniboine River for traffic purposes." "That was certainly an early highlight," she says. The role of the Chamber is to be the leader in supporting the needs and concerns of the business community. "We promote the city and district as a great place to live, visit and do business," McDonald says. "We partner with other groups on initiatives and work with the city and RM on issues that affect the business community. We're not only the voice of business, we're also dedicated to the vitality of our entire community." That commitment was demonstrated when the popular Strawberry Festival came to an end some years ago. The Chamber took a lead role in inaugurating another free summer festival, the Portage Potato Festival, which is going into its 13th year and is now run by a volunteer committee. "The Chamber has always supported community events and will continue to do so, all the way from sponsoring to chairing," McDonald says. Taking on those leadership roles means having dedicated people who believe Portage la Prairie and the surrounding district is a fine place to do business, and McDonald says many people have made standout contributions, including current president Dave Omichinski, the executive council and board members. "All of the past presidents, board members and staff have contributed to the success and longevity of the Portage Chamber," she says. Fostering economic and community growth means engaging with the broader region as well. One way the Chamber marked its anniversary was by hosting the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce 85th Annual General Meeting May 6-8. "We thought this would be a great fit with 130 years serving the Portage and area business community." Plans are underway for a Chamber celebration this summer, and there are always plans for the longer term. This March, the Chamber hosted its first business trade show in more than 15 years. It was a great success and the show is expected to be bigger and better in 2017. "We're always working on new ideas and events to help promote Portage and drive the economy," says McDonald. "The future is bright as our membership continues to grow and the business community sees the value proposition of being a member of the Chamber." ■ PROUD TO SERVE Portage Chamber celebrates 130th anniversary By Wendy King TH

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