MBiz

6 MBiz | may 2016 A fter a year in which the Chamber network in Manitoba was extremely active in both the federal and provincial election campaigns, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) is committed to increasing its focus on policy development and advocacy. This will ensure the Chamber network continues to enhance their engagement and provide value to the members and communities we serve. That point was repeatedly echoed over the course of MCC's 85th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held May 6-8, 2016 in Portage la Prairie. From a policy perspective, the foundation of MCC, one of the biggest challenges the Chamber network faces on a regular basis is the need to address the workforce shortage in Manitoba. Through numerous conversations with business leaders and stakeholders who make up MCC's Workforce Committee, some policy resolutions passed at the AGM put a focus on connecting business and education and making sure they are working together to tackle training issues, among others. Businesses need to have a more open communication with education decision-makers to tell them what they need, and education needs to make the same call the other way and find out what gaps exist in education training. "Open lines of communication are critical to addressing these growing issues in workforce," says MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson. "I often use the example of Behlen Industries when talking with the government. They had a tremendous need for welders and through conversations with training facilities in Brandon, a welding program was designed. That is one example, but it is something that should be the rule, not the exception." Another big topic was about continuing the advocacy momentum made in the last year. Since the wrap of the 2015 AGM, the Chamber network worked with the previous Selinger government to implement a new sustainable investment model for tourism. With a new government now in place, there is the hope of more discussions with Premier Brian Pallister and his 12-member cabinet. Early discussions will focus on bringing the new ministers up to speed with current MCC policy, now sitting at over 60 policies in six distinct areas of focus. While the AGM focussed on a theme of "Province of Possibilities," policy and business sessions intended to provide direction on key issues were also part of the weekend. MCC also welcomed three new board members and a new board chair looking to expand the brand of MCC and the Chamber network. Kyle Romaniuk was sworn in as the 2016-17 chair, replacing tourism operator and advocate Merv Gunter. >> PROVINCE OF POSSIBILITIES Provincial Chamber uses 85th AGM to focus on new roads ahead By Cory Kolt 85TH ANNUAL AGM

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