MBiz

T hey say time flies when you are having fun. That saying has never been more appropriate than when talking about life in the Chamber. It was a mere three years ago when we introduced our strategic plan. Since then, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) and the local Chamber network across the province, many of them highlighted in this issue, have grown and strengthened. The plan was entitled "Creating Change and Making a Lasting Difference in Manitoba," and it contains the guiding principles for making Manitoba the best place to live and work. I am a big believer in always looking forward. However, you need to look back to help develop the road forward. Over the past three years, MCC has refocused efforts to address what we see as an economic competitiveness gap with other jurisdictions. Thanks to the continued development of relationships at the provincial and federal levels, we saw vast improvements to the investment model for tourism in Manitoba and experienced a policy win with the new provincial government joining the New West Partnership. MCC's focus and understanding of the importance and impact northern Manitoba has on our economy has resulted in my being asked to co-chair the province's Northern Economic Development Task Force. The power of the network is something we firmly believe in, and it starts with our 70 local Chambers. These Chambers are the heartbeat of their communities; they bring together business and residents to cultivate a better understanding and love of community. Traveling throughout Manitoba as much as I have since being named President and CEO in 2013, I have been able to see a renewed optimism in the business community. A new generation of innovators is looking beyond the urban setting, seeing the potential in rural Manitoba. They are also being encouraged by their local Chambers of Commerce. As the umbrella for the local Chambers, this growth impacts how we deliver our services, how we engage with you, and how we advocate on your behalf. As we embark on a revised strategic plan, we remain focused on being the voice for the Chamber movement and the voice of business in Manitoba. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy the spring edition of MBiz magazine. Chuck Davidson President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON Growing stronger and moving forward with the Chamber network NOVEMBER 2017, VOL. 11 business is booming. BIZ MB 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 MANAGER OF NICHE PRODUCTS Barb Borden barb.borden@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Pat St. Germain pstgermain@mail.com WRITERS Bob Armstrong Sharon Chisvin Chuck Davidson Wendy King Geoff Kirbyson Cory Kolt Patrick Rediger David Square Pat St. Germain Jim Timlick PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Jane Chartrand View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/ publications The power of the network is something we firmly believe in, and it starts with our 70 local Chambers. These Chambers are the heartbeat of their communities..."

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