WINTER 2022, VOL. 21
PEAK OF THE MARKET CONTINUES TO GROW PG34
Watching my community thrive demonstrates the hog sector’s commitment to rural Manitoba.
Manitoba’s hog sector contributes 14,000 jobs and $1.7 billion annually to our local economy.
Marilyn Crewe , Economic Development Officer, Neepawa, MB
Investing in rural communities Sustainable expansion in the hog sector helps bolster Manitoba’s economy. Since 2017, over 40 new barns or barn expansions have been approved across the province, amounting to well over $200 million in private investment. Expansion in the hog production and processing sectors, including new barn spaces in small communities like Roblin, a state-of-the-art genetic breeding facility in Plumas, and the enlargement and modernization of HyLife’s processing facility in Neepawa, has resulted in population and economic growth in many Manitoba communities. Investments like these result in new employment, which in a rural community means a great deal, especially considering that those employees are spending money in town supporting local stores and causes.
Fostering economic growth Over 14,000 skilled Manitobans are employed in the hog sector. These include swine technicians that take care of the pigs in the barns, and animal nutritionists and veterinarians that focus on animal care and health. Feed mill staff manage incoming grain and create feed orders for barns. IT specialists develop software programs to help barns run more efficiently. Procurement staff track inventory and purchase everything a farm could need, from toilet paper to animal vaccines. With more investment and quality jobs on the horizon, the hog sector is revitalizing rural areas and fostering economic growth across the province, ensuring a legacy of growth and sustainable financial support for decades to come.
manitobapork.com/economy
WINTER 2022, VOL. 21
MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE jointhechamber.ca
NORMAN: Churchill Chamber of Commerce Flin Flon & District Chamber of Commerce Lynn Lake Chamber of Commerce Snow Lake Chamber of Commerce The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce Thompson Chamber of Commerce PARKLAND : Parkland Chamber of Commerce Roblin & District Chamber of Commerce Rossburn & District Chamber of Commerce Russell & District Chamber of Commerce Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce CENTRAL: Carman & Community Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce Notre-Dame-De-Lourdes MacGregor & District Chamber of Commerce Oakville & District Chamber of Commerce Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Treherne & District Chamber of Commerce CAPITAL: Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface Headingley Regional Chamber of Commerce Indigenous Chamber of Commerce La Salle & District Chamber of Commerce Manitoba Southeast Commerce Group Niverville Chamber of Commerce Selkirk Biz Stonewall & District Chamber of Commerce The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce PEMBINA VALLEY: Altona & District Chamber of Commerce Crystal City & District Chamber of Commerce Morden Chamber of Commerce Morris & District Chamber of Commerce Plum Coulee & District Chamber of Commerce Rosenort & District Chamber of Commerce Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce
EASTERN: Beausejour & District Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce de St. Malo & du District Chambre de commerce Saint-Pierre-Jolys Falcon/West Hawk Chamber of Commerce Lac Du Bonnet & District Chamber of Commerce Pinawa Chamber of Commerce Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce Springfield Chamber of Commerce Steinbach Chamber of Commerce WESTERN: Boissevain & District Chamber of Commerce Brandon Chamber of Commerce Carberry Chamber of Commerce Deloraine-Winchester Chamber of Commerce Elkhorn District Chamber of Commerce Rapid City & District Chamber of Commerce Souris & Glenwood Chamber of Commerce Virden Community Chamber of Commerce Waskada & Area Chamber of Commerce INTERLAKE: Central Interlake Chamber of Commerce Eriksdale & District Chamber of Commerce Fisher Branch Chamber of Commerce Gimli Chamber of Commerce Teulon & District Chamber of Commerce MIDWEST:
President & CEO Chuck Davidson
Director of Marketing & Communications Karen Viveiros THE FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com
President and CEO Mike Power Director, Advertising, Lifestyles Publications Charlene Adam charlene.adam@freepress.mb.ca Editor Jennifer McFee Writers Wendy King Kristin Marand Todd Lewys Photography Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied Design Tammy Mitchell MBiz Magazine is published on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
Erickson Chamber of Commerce Hamiota Chamber of Commerce Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce
Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce Rivers & District Chamber of Commerce Shoal Lake and District Chamber of Commerce Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce
To advertise, call 204-697-7390
3 WINTER 2022
A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON
A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON
The chamber network isn’t just relevant; it’s essential, in both good times and bad. This is the message we’ve heard loud and clear from our members in many communities across Manitoba — particularly as the network stepped up to support the broader business community, working in lockstep with government, amid the pandemic economic crisis. Recently, a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce delegation travelled to Ottawa to convene with chamber colleagues from across the country at the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada 2022 conference, and the theme was “finding next.” This is exactly what our network is striving to do now — move beyond pandemic economic recovery into the next phase: revital- izing and thriving. Whether we're advancing provincial priori- ties related to competitiveness and workforce
challenges or collaborating with expert partners to address emerging issues, chambers are at the forefront, leading important conversations. If you’re a business leader and you’re not yet a chamber member, now’s the time to invest in membership and invest in Manitoba. In the meantime, enjoy this issue of our MBiz Magazine , chock full of stories of success, longevity and legacy in Manitoba, including lead- ing businesses Bockstael Construction, Brandon- based Atom-Jet Industries, Peak of the Market Ltd., First Peoples Development Inc., Steinbach’s recent business award winners and many more. These are our members and our chambers’ mem- bers, and they are movers and shakers. Let’s continue working together to restore hope and optimism among employers and all Manitobans as we “find our next.”
CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/lifestyles
4
WINTER 2022
Featured in this issue:
8
Bockstael Construction celebrates 110 years 28
The future is bright for Peak of the Market Ltd. 34
Medicure marks 25 years in business 42
Cyber-security tips to bolster online protection
5 WINTER 2022
ATOM-JET INDUSTRIES
SUPPLIED PHOTO
Founded in 1962, Atom-Jet Indus- tries (www.atomjet.com) is celebrat- ing a landmark 60th anniversary as a manufacturer of quality agriculture and industrial products helping to build and grow businesses. “When the company was started — and this is how it got its name — they manufactured atomizers, an older version of a humidifier, which injected water into the air,” says Terry Dorratt, vice-president of sales and manufac- turing operations at the Brandon-based business. “Once the atomizer became obsolete, the machining division grew — a service that will be around for many, many years.” As technology changes, so does Atom-Jet. “I like to use the word ‘evolution’ because I don’t think you can remain in business for 60 years without evolving, whether that’s your team or your prod- uct or your clientele,” Dorratt says. “Our customers include anyone involved in industry: agriculture, plant maintenance, plant infrastruc- ture, trucking companies. We serve a wide range of needs from the big multi-nationals to the local farmer, everyone from southwestern Manitoba and throughout Canada to the United States, Europe and Australia.” Today, the company comprises two divisions: a machine shop division and a manufacturing division. Atom-Jet’s manufacturing division pro- duces seeding openers, fertilizer knives, ground engagement equipment and
tools, with 80 per cent of its business in the western Canadian market. “Our machine shop does a lot of OEM (original equipment manufacture) work and custom one-off jobs for different plants around Brandon,” Dorratt says. “Our manufacturing division has more of a global reach and ships product around the world. We produce hydrau- lic kits for older legacy tractors, so it’s a pretty wide product lineup within each of our divisions.” Under the leadership of Barry LaRocque, Atom-Jet took a big leap forward in 2011 when it purchased Glendale Industries, which manufac- tures potable water and septic tanks, does structural steel construction and fabrication along with powder coating — leading to further business growth for the group. “We’ve developed eight new patents over the last seven or eight years and we continue to release about two or three new products a year. This has been driven by Barry’s direction to innovate, beginning with his purchase of the busi- ness in 2002,” Dorratt says. “We continue to build our culture on the founder’s talent for innovation and development to spur growth of the busi- ness and to sustain us into the future.” But there’s more to good business than growth. Atom-Jet Industries’ core values are a big part of what brings customers to — and keeps them with — the company. “Our clients choose us because of our
ATOM-JET CONTINUES TO GROW FORWARD BY WENDY KING With its “retro-futuristic” name, Atom-Jet Industries sounds like a company right out of a science fiction novel. But with roots in an innovative past and a global reach into an exciting future, the moniker seems just right for the times.
6
WINTER 2022
ATOM-JET INDUSTRIES
No. 1 core value: respect,” Dorratt says. “We treat that multi-national cus- tomer with the same attention as our in- dividual customers in providing service, due date performance and the quality of goods that we’re servicing or producing. The way we deal with our customers, big and small, is truly one of the things that sets us apart from our competitors.” Those proud values are exemplified by the company’s owner, Barry LaRocque. “Barry is very dedicated to Assiniboine Community College (ACC). He has actu- ally earned three certificates from ACC over the years. He’s very dedicated to developing the trades. He sits on the Industrial Metals Fabrication program advisory committee since 2008, and he’s very committed to the apprentice programs,” Dorratt says. “And he has been a generous donor along with volunteering his time.” LaRocque has been nominated this fall for an award from Assiniboine Commu-
nity College as an outstanding alumnus for the Distinguished Alumni Award. “In concert with our 60th anniversary, Barry LaRocque has made a $60,000 donation to the Prairie Innovation Cen- tre through ACC,” Dorratt says. Atom-Jet has also been ranked as one of Manitoba’s Top 50 growing businesses over the last decade. “We’re quite proud of that honour, es- pecially since we have a number of ACC alumni working for us. It’s just such an important part of our community story.” Atom-Jet has also been ranked as one of Manitoba’s Top 50 growing business- es over the last decade. That expansion
has been possible with a great team. “We have a very good blend of veter- ans, seasoned, committed staff and new upcoming people with different educa- tions and a different work experience,” he says. “Within the last three years, we’ve had three people retire with between 30 and 42 years under their belts, but we’re also actively recruiting to have new apprentices join the shop along with skilled trades.” The company continues to deepen its roots in the community while branching out into global markets. “We are ‘growing forward,’ building on our strong team, bringing good people into the organization,” Dorratt says. “We’ll keep pursuing new markets and new products with our dedicated teams in research and development, and those that look for opportunities within the agricultural market and beyond, into other industries and services.” ■
COMMITTED TO
EXCELLENCE
peakofthemarket.com
7 WINTER 2022
CYBER-SECURITY
Today’s “highwaymen” have morphed into sophisticated hackers, ready to rob you of your money, your intellectual property, your reputa- tion or your identity. Or maybe they’ll “kidnap” your business with ransomware, rendering it unable to function. How do you protect yourself? You need to be trained in digital swordplay by someone who knows all the best defensive moves. Meet Kathy Knight. Knight is the executive director for CyberWave (cyberwave.mitt.ca) at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT), which provides comprehensive training in cyber-security, and also dean of information and community tech- nology programs. The “information highway” has grown into a vast and complicated worldwide network with side roads, back alleys and digital detours. And just like the highways of old, it’s vulnerable to criminal attack by unscrupulous users who would steal anything of value from its travellers . CYBER-SECURITY 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS BY WENDY KING CYBER-SECURITY 101:
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY Kathy Knight is the executive director for CyberWave at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.
8
WINTER 2022
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Charitable Giving That Makes Sense
If you own shares of a Canadian Controlled Private Corporation you may be able to realize some tax benefits by donating your shares in-kind to a favourite charity instead of selling them and donating the cash proceeds. An Abundance Canada gift planning consultant can help make this intricate donation option simple for you by explaining the tax advantages specific to your situation.
Discover more about this and other tax ecient ways to give on our website
Abundance Canada is a registered public foundation with a long history of assisting clients with significant and complex charitable gift planning scenarios. Learn more at abundance.ca or call 1.800.772.3257 to speak with a gift planning consultant today.
Generosity changes everything
9 WINTER 2022
CYBER-SECURITY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
You can picture her in shining armour. “There can be big consequences to a digital breach: Loss of money from your bank ac- count or revenue from businesses or custom- ers, or you could actually ‘voluntarily’ give them money,” Knight says. “There can be damage to company brand because if you get a credit card breach or a privacy breach like health-care information or customer data, that can really hurt you.” A security breach is an incident that results from unauthorized access to your computer, your data or an application on your networks or devices. They can happen different ways, and they aren’t always immediately apparent. “You could have a breach because you haven’t updated software or systems when you get an alert on your device. Always pay attention to them,” she says. “If you don’t update, there may be a gap in your security or unpatched piece of software that hackers could see and take advantage.” You could open something that you shouldn’t — like a phishing email. There are three “-ish- ings”: Phishing, vishing and smishing. “Phishing is email. Vishing is voicemail — that’s when you get a suspicious phone call and they ask you to call them back or they catch you on the phone,” she says. “Smishing is text, where you might get a ‘text from your bank’ that says they want to deposit money, and they ask for your banking information.” How do they convince you? “Hackers use social engineering techniques to press your buttons in order to get a big emotional response from you, like panic or fear or maybe even greed. They want you to click on a link or elicit a response that leads to giving them information,” Knight says. “They’re getting more and more sophisti- cated and they can be very convincing.” Anything that’s digital can be subject to vulnerability. In addition to phones, con- nected devices include laptops, tablets and home digital assistants like Siri or Alexa. Knight says if people have questions, cyber- safe.gc.ca is a good source from the federal government. But there are basic safety steps for individuals and businesses. “Turn off features like Bluetooth, camera and geo-location apps when you’re not using them to prevent access by hackers. Make sure your kids do this too,” she says. Have strong passwords for your devices and your Wi-Fi, which includes changing manu- facturers default settings and creating new usernames and strong passwords. “There are password generators — secure apps — you can use to store your passwords and to generate strong, hard-to-hack passwords.”
Use dual authentication such as adding biometrics like your thumbprint for another effective way to protect your phone and other connected devices. It’s always a good practice to have more than one secure gateway to access your devices that no one else but you can use. “Business leaders should consider cyber- security a mission critical component of their business plan,” Knight says. At the very least, businesses should get a risk assessment and the basics of an incident response plan. “Consultants can help you with that. At MITT through CyberWave, we’re looking to help companies. You could even take a student from our program on a work practicum to help you get your system set up properly,” she says. Be sure your service provider is monitoring traffic and watching your network to provide you with alerts. And they should be able to fix problems. First and foremost, your staff members are your best first line of defence. As a baseline strategy, Knight suggests running a 90-day training and awareness program to see how many of your team members know how to identify email scams. “Once you’ve got a baseline, you can say: OK, what do we have to do to improve?” she says. “By running virtual self-directed learning, they can gain an understanding of how these phishing expeditions work and how you get played.” Next, make sure your systems are being patched, actively protect your data and de- termine who gets access. “You want eyes on your system and network. A lot of small companies contract with a security company,” Knight says. “Sometimes you can stop something before it happens. But, more importantly, you need to know how can you mitigate it if something does happen so you can reduce your dam- ages as much as you can.” ■
Use dual authentication such as adding biometrics like your thumbprint for another effective way to protect your phone and other connected devices.
Be sure to use strong passwords for your devices and your Wi-Fi. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
10
WINTER 2022
DON’T GET STUCK AT THE BORDER. KEEP YOUR TRADE MOVING
Avoid
Optimme Your Trade
11 WINTER 2022
TRAVEL MANITOBA
TRAVEL MANITOBA
(L–R) FALCON LAKE / PEMBINA VALLEY / THE LEAF–CANADA’S DIVERSITY GARDENS
LEADING TOURISM RECOVERY
The strategy has a bold vision for recovering and rebuilding the tourism industry and puts greater emphasis on destination management, elevating what makes Manitoba different to ensure Manitoba stands out as a must-visit four- season destination. New world class demand generators like The Leaf - Canada’s Diversity Gardens, Qaumajuq, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and renewed attractions like the Manitoba Museum will solidify Manitoba’s reputation as a distinctive presence in the tourism marketplace. It will be critical to continue to develop Manitoba’s signature experiences, including key differentiators such as Manitoba’s unique wildlife viewing experiences, winter experiences, authentic Indigenous and Francophone experiences, and our outdoor experiences – in provincial parks and on the water. As we move forward to the post-pandemic future, the resilience of our tourism industry will pay dividends, resulting in a sector that is agile in meeting changing visitor expectations, innovative in creating new and unique world class experiences, and well prepared to not merely return to how things were, but to reach a new place that is better than before. Under the Manitoba Tourism Strategy, Travel Manitoba hopes to build support for, and awareness of, tourism’s ability to positively transform communities and enrich our quality of life. The strategy has a bold vision for recovering and rebuilding the tourism industry and puts greater emphasis on destination management, elevating what makes Manitoba different to ensure Manitoba stands out as a must-visit four-season destination. New world class demand generators like The Leaf - Canada’s Diversity Gardens, Qaumajuq, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and renewed attractions like the Manitoba Museum will solidify Manitoba’s reputation as a distinctive presence in the tourism marketplace. It will be critical to continue to develop Manitoba’s signature experiences, including key differentiators such as Manitoba’s unique wildlife viewing experiences, winter experiences, authentic Indigenous and Francophone experiences, and our outdoor experiences – in provincial parks and on the water. As we move forward to the post-pandemic future, the resilience of our tourism industry will pay dividends, resulting in a sector that is agile in meeting changing visitor expectations, innovative in creating new and unique world class experiences, and well prepared to not merely return to how things were, but to reach a new place that is better than before. Under the Manitoba Tourism Strategy, Travel Manitoba hopes to build support for, and awareness of, tourism’s ability to positively transform communities and enrich our quality of life.
Travel Manitoba will continue to lead tourism recovery with strategic initiatives, integrated marketing campaigns and support for the sector. The Manitoba Tourism Strategy, a collaboration of the Government of Manitoba, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Travel Manitoba, will help us reach our target to grow visitor Government of Manitoba, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Travel Manitoba, will help us reach spending by 50 per cent to reach $2.5 billion by 2030. our target to grow visitor spending by 50 per cent to reach $2.5 billion by 2030. Travel Manitoba will continue to lead tourism recovery with strategic initiatives, integrated marketing campaigns and support for the sector. The Manitoba Tourism Strategy, a collaboration of the
Learn more at travelmanitoba.com LEARN MORE AT TRAVELMANITOBA.COM
12
WINTER 2022
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
13 WINTER 2022
ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
In the current career climate, things are shifting so rapidly that innovation and creativity are a must.
14
WINTER 2022
ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
STU CLARK CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS BY KRISTIN MARAND
Every successful business, regardless of industry or discipline, started as a spark. But even the brightest minds need support, encouragement and coaching.
At the University of Manitoba, students from all faculties can discover a path to entrepreneurship at the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship. In 2022, the SCCE is celebrating 25 years of sparking entrepreneurial spirit. In the current career climate, things are shifting so rapidly that innovation and creativity are a must. Resilience, collaboration and critical thinking are essential skills required to excel in work and life. These are all foundational elements of the entrepreneurial mindset that can be honed and applied to any line of work, whether you run your own business or work for someone else. The rising use of the term "intrapreneur" to denote someone who approaches working within an organization from an entrepreneurial point of view illus- trates how in demand this skill set has become. “We try to demystify what entrepreneurship really is, in a way that helps students understand how they may be able to consider it in their own life,” says Debra Jonasson-Young, I.H. Asper executive director of entrepreneurship. “We’re focused on helping students understand why it’s important. The competencies that you develop — in terms of innovation, creativity, public speaking, being able to develop business plans and conceptualize how a business might run — are all critical components of what we do.” The Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship focuses on the early stages of entrepreneurial awareness development and contributes to the pipeline of broader economic development. Students inter- ested in exploring an entrepreneurial path are welcome to explore SCCE’s offerings, which include entrepreneurship education, events and competitions, a student entrepreneurship community, the ven- ture coach program, and connections to Manitoba’s entrepreneur- ship ecosystem.
Entrepreneurship education for U of M students can include courses in entrepreneurship and starting a business, as well as an entrepreneurship major under a bachelor of commerce or an MBA with an entrepreneurship and innovation theme. In addition, the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship also hosts New Venture competitions for graduate and undergraduate students and workshops for high school students. To date 1,250 students from across North America have participated in these competitions and more than $750,000 has been awarded to student ventures. In fact, in 2022, the first-place winner of the Stu Clark New Venture Cham- pionships: Graduate Edition was a local graduate student named Graham Taylor, who took home $20,000 to put towards his business Rogue Processing. The New Venture competition will be returning to an in-person format in 2023. Some of the SCCE’s key offerings are free biweekly webinars avail- able on its website and venture coaching. Venture coaching is a one- on-one holistic approach aimed to coach budding entrepreneurs through their journey. In 2023, the centre plans to launch a mentor- ship platform that will connect entrepreneurs with specific ques- tions to experts and peers in various fields for tactical meetings to drive their progress forward. This will allow the centre to serve many more students than is possible with a one-on-one model. “We are now working at developing that platform,” Jonasson-Young says. “The peer-to-peer concept is critical because that’s how you work in the business world and it does a marvellous thing — it encourages students from all faculties to communicate together. It provides students with a source of finding answers at no cost and also builds relationships for the future.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
FROM LEFT: LINDSAY FRIESEN, AMY JONES, DEBRA JONASSON-YOUNG AND CARINE BADO FROM THE STU CLARK CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
15 WINTER 2022
ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
The Stu Clark Centre for Entrepre- neurship prides itself on its place within the entrepreneurship ecosys- tem with connections to local and national development organizations such as North Forge Technology Exchange, Futurpreneur, Women’s Enterprise Centre, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and the University of Manitoba’s Partnerships and Innovation office. “We’re part of a larger ecosystem in Manitoba. We’re an early-stage pipe- line. Ultimately, if we all don’t play our part, we’ll never get to economic growth in the province of Manitoba,” Jonasson-Young explains.
“We really work as part of that larger community, to be a critical partner and do what we do well with students in order to increase the pipeline. That ultimately should end up in more businesses being developed in Manitoba and more economic growth from small- and medium-sized businesses.” The centre’s 25th anniversary celebrations will culminate with student activities and giveaways on campus and a gala reception this November to recognize and honour the many partners, volunteers, judges and benefactors that have made the centre a success. ■
“We try to demystify what entrepreneurship really is, in a way that helps students understand how they may be able to consider it in their own life.”
– Debra Jonasson-Young, I.H. Asper executive director of entrepreneurship
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
16
WINTER 2022
FROM PROJECT ADVISOR TO ENTREPRENEUR Transform your career with an Asper MBA
“The Asper MBA program empowered me to do something that I never thought I could do, which is to start my own business.” Chitra Paliwal [MBA/18] President & CEO, Parea Consulting Inc.
The Asper MBA program is designed to elevate your leadership abilities and support career transformation in any industry. Sign up for an info session to start your MBA journey today.
asper-mba.ca
17 WINTER 2022
FIRST PEOPLES DEVELOPMENT INC.
IT PAYS TO PARTNER
Here’s what program participants have to
say about FPDI's Apprenticeship Support Project:
If you’re a small to medium enterprise utilizing one of the 39 Red Seal trades in your work, First Peoples Development Inc. (FPDI) can partner with you to hire and retain talented apprentices to move your business forward. FPDI's Apprenticeship Support Project (ASP) partners first- year Red Seal apprentices with qualifying SMEs, helping you find great apprentices to meet your needs, and providing valuable funding to eligible applicants. In this competitive labour market, having a supportive resource like FPDI can help alleviate some of the stress associated with trying to find qualified employees. “This program is flexibly designed and allows companies to do what they do best — focus on their work,” says Joan Harris-Warren, executive director, FPDI. “Eligible employers can benefit from the skilled work of apprentices, along with a potential incentive of up to $20,000 for hiring two first-year apprentices. Diversify your team with eager new talent while contributing to economic growth in the province. All together, we can move Manitoba forward!” Eligible employers (fewer than 499 employees) can receive a significant hiring incentive of $5,000 per apprentice, for up to two apprentices per fiscal year per company, as well as an additional $5,000 for each hire if the apprentices are from equity deserving groups (women, Indigenous people, newcomers, person with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2+, visible minorities). Employers can either onboard a new employee to become a first-year apprentice, or work with an existing employee who would like to enrol into the Apprenticeship system. Employers must have a journeyperson or designated trainer available. TO GET STARTED: 1) Simply fill out the form on FPDI's website at www.fpdinc.ca 2) An ASP officer will contact you to confirm project details. If all information is complete, FPDI will deliver an agreement and an application form to help you hire and register a first-year apprentice in one of the 39 Red Seal trades. 3) FPDI will then disburse the appropriate funds to your company. To find out more about ASP and to apply: fpdinc.ca With a shortage of skilled workers in Canada, we need to bring more hands into the trades. Not much can happen in major construction and manufacturing industries without the direct involvement of businesses and the growth of trades.
Kajon McKay Kajon McKay received support to get hands- on experience to start a career in the trades. Kajon McKay is a powerline technician. McKay was hoping to join Manitoba Hydro but needed to improve his chances. He reached out to FPDI after hearing about them from a family friend and enrolled in a powerline technician course. After taking electrical theory and then practical theory from a journeyman power line techni- cian, he was shown the tools and related work that a lineman would experience daily. “They helped me accomplish a quick occu- pation goal I never knew I wanted and have learned to love," said McKay. When asked whether he’d recommend FPDI, he said “Of course I would.” He added that he’d like to thank everyone who helped him along the way. Bryan Thomas Bryan Thomas is a steamfitter who recently went through the FPDI’s Red Seal plumbing pro- gram and is now part of UA LOCAL 254. Prior to hearing about FPDI from a friend, the 29-year- old tried many job paths. But he’s now excited about his future. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said. Thomas found the FPDI Red Seal program designed to be “easier to maintain information and do schoolwork. They really look out for you,” he added. Incorporated in 2006, FPDI is a non-profit organization that facilitates partnerships designed to develop and deliver training-to- employment programs to meet labour market needs internal and external to 28 Manitoba First Nation communities.
18
WINTER 2022
Apprenticeship SUPPORT PROJECT First Peoples Development Inc.
Working to Seal a Better Future FPDI’s apprenticeship support project benefits both apprentices and employers! First-year apprentices can get hands-on experience and support to start a career in trades. Employers can receive up to $20,000 in incentives. The project is open to everyone. Learn more about FPDI’s apprentice support project for first year apprentices and SME employers at: www.fpdinc.ca , call 204.987.9570 or email us at ASP@FPDINC.CA
Funded by the Government of Canada's Apprenticeship Service
How can employers receive up to $20,000? Learn more at: www.fpdinc.ca , or call 204.987.9570
19 WINTER 2022
#OutAndAbout
Very special thanks to our energetic chamber connections in Arborg, Assiniboia, Beausejour, Brandon, Flin Flon, Niverville, Portage la Prairie, St. Boniface, Steinbach, The Pas, Winkler, and more for hosting us. We benefited from open discussions with owners, heard about opportunities and challenges, and witnessed firsthand the exciting entrepreneurial growth taking place in Manitoba.
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce team is always happy to be out and about, meeting with chamber executives and business leaders across the province. Over the past few months, we drove hundreds of kilometres, visiting communities to connect with local chamber staff and board members, and touring many incredible businesses.
CONNECTING OUR LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY We're busy and we love to host our members! Whether it's for coffee and conversation during our MBiz Breakfasts presented by 6P Marketing or our member-exclusive Ministers' and Deputy Ministers' Dinners, our events provide high-quality networking opportunities.
ENGAGING WITH OUR NATIONAL NETWORK In October, a delegation of MCC staff members travelled to Ottawa for the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) 2022 conference and our national chamber association's annual general meeting. In addition to the policy resolutions debate, we attended sessions focused on strengthening the network and enhancing member value.
21 WINTER 2022
SUMMER ATTRACTIONS
#AdvocacyInAction
Here is an overview of just a few of the strategic initiatives we’ve been working on in support of pandemic recovery, sustainable economic development, and growth.
As the #VoiceOfBusiness in Manitoba, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce engages with our members to identify emerging issues and barriers to growth. We are impactful and influential, and we recommend actionable solutions to decision-makers in government.
BOLSTERING PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT & RETENTION
On Sept. 21, 2022, MCC and Doctors Manitoba convened a summit on physician recruitment and retention strategies in response to an acute doctor shortage in rural and northern communities. According to Chuck Davidson, MCC president & CEO: "Accessible health care is important to all Manitobans, including our members, and reliable, quality care is essential to rural and northern economies. Without a strong health - care system, we can't support the attraction of new residents, we can't promote tourism with confidence, and we restrict Manitobans' ability to age in place. Health care is indeed an economic issue, and we look forward to releasing a report of the resulting recommendations very shortly in 2022."
MCC was pleased to participate in an October announcement of the establishment of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council on Competitiveness. The council will provide guidance and recommendations on issues pertaining to Manitoba’s economic growth and prosperity. The premier also appointed a working group to assess Manitoba's tax framework with the aim to further modernize it and boost our competitiveness. The MCC team has long been advocating for a tax review, and this initiative has the network's full support. ADDRESSING COMPETITIVENESS
ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE MCC was pleased to receive confirmation of approval from Honourable Jeff Wharton, Minister of Environment, Climate & Parks, on our funding proposal to the Climate & Conservation Fund. MCC will partner with chambers in our network to conduct climate change risk mitigation and adaptation summits, and produce educational tools and resources for SMEs.
SUPPORTING POST-PANDEMIC DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Through the Province of Manitoba's Pandemic Long-Term Recovery Fund, MCC was able to allocate $2.5 million to Winnipeg's Downtown Action Group to make available building business grants in three streams. We also allocated $400,000 to support Brandon's downtown revitalization strategy , which includes main floor business incubation and the development of a marketing strategy.
#ChamberStrong Thank you to Honourable Cliff Cullen, Minister of Economic Development,
Investment & Trade, for his proclamation of Chamber of
Commerce Day in Manitoba! We're proud to celebrate the work of our chamber professionals annually on the third Wednesday in October, and to recognize the impact of the network on Manitoba's economy.
23 WINTER 2022
STEINBACH BUSINESS AWARDS
STEINBACH CELEBRATES BUSINESS EXCELLENCE The local business community and Steinbach Chamber of Commerce were thrilled to gather in-person once again for the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards hosted on Sept. 27 at the Friedensfeld Community Centre. “It’s so important for us to celebrate business and to recognize success and community involvement, especially coming out of a tough two years,” says Michelle Bezditny, executive director of the Steinbach Chamber. “We were absolutely thrilled to host this celebration in person again this year. Steinbach is a unique city with a diverse economy, and the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards acknowledge the significant role business plays in making our community incredible.” Steinbach Chamber president Christine Beau- mont shared that she could feel the energy in the room when she arrived at the event. "There was a real buzz and people were smiling and reconnecting," said Beaumont. "It was wonderful for us all to be able to get together again." To the award recipients, Beaumont expressed, “Congratulations and keep it up! All the best to you moving forward and thank you for representing our community so well here and outside Steinbach.” An independent selection committee carefully reviews and evaluates submissions to select recipients in the categories of Business of the Year, Community Involvement, Future Leader and Non-Profit Excellence. The Customer Service Award is the only Chamber Business Award selected by way of public vote.
Christine Beaumont, Steinbach Chamber president, with Michelle Hillyard, chair of membership service committee.
TO THE AWARD RECIPIENTS
“Congratulations and keep it up! All the best to you moving forward and thank you for representing our community so well here and outside Steinbach.” – Christine Beaumont Steinbach Chamber president
SUPPLIED PHOTO
24
WINTER 2022
AWARDS
THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD is presented to a business that is recognized by the public for the outstanding quality and consistency of their customer service. 2022 Recipient: Denver’s Window Cleaning 2022 Finalists: Coffee Culture Café & Eatery, Smitty’s Family Restaurant (Steinbach) 2022 Nominees: BenefitsU, Blatz B-stro, Burrito Hut, Eva Nails, Fairway Ford, Fleuriste XO Flowers, Jacob’s Locksmithing, Super Splash Auto Cleaning Ltd., Ungers – Feeds & Meats, Viet House Restaurant. THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD recognizes a business or organization that has demonstrated leadership, made significant contributions to improve the well- being of the community and promotes community involvement as part of its corporate culture. 2022 Recipient: Sobeys Steinbach 2022 Finalists: Smitty's Family Restaurant (Steinbach), Steinbach Pistons THE FUTURE LEADER AWARD recognizes an individual between 18 and 35 years of age who demonstrates admirable leadership and vision within an organization or business. This person has significantly impacted their business or organization, driven positive change and/or innovation, and deserves recognition for his or her contributions to our community and/or their industry. THE NON-PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD recognizes a non-profit organization that is known for enhancing the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of the community. This non-profit organization has been successful in achieving its vision and mandate, as evidenced by the quality of the organization's programs and services, as well as its innovative practices. 2022 Recipient: Safe Families Canada - Steinbach Chapter 2022 Non-Profit Excellence Finalists: enVision Community Living, Steinbach Family Resource Centre 2022 Non-Profit Excellence Nominees: Youth For Christ Steinbach 2022 Recipient: Stefan Hodelmann - Avedo Inc. 2022 Finalists: Evan Schinkel - Superior Projects; Jamie Roy - Steinbach Pistons
DENVER’S WINDOW CLEANING
SOBEYS STEINBACH
STEFAN HODELMANN - AVEDO INC.
SAFE FAMILIES CANADA - STEINBACH CHAPTER
CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
SUPPLIED PHOTOS
25 WINTER 2022
STEINBACH BUSINESS AWARDS
AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
Small Business: 10 employees or less Medium Business: 11-49 employees Large Business: 50 or more employees *full-time equivalent
THE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS recognize a small business, a medium business and a large business that exemplify excellence in most, if not all, of the following areas: Growth and Stability; Innovation; Quality of Product and/or Service; Human Resource Practices; Commitment to Community and/or Industry.
OLD CHURCH BAKERY
UNGERS - FEEDS & MEATS
LOEWEN WINDOWS & DOORS
2022 Large Business of the Year Recipient: Loewen Windows & Doors 2022 Large Business of the Year Finalists: Barkman Concrete, Silver Lining Care 2022 Large Business Nominees: Smitty's Fam- ily Restaurant (Steinbach)
2022 Medium Business of the Year Recipient: Ungers - Feeds & Meats 2022 Medium Business of the Year Finalists:
2022 Small Business of the Year Recipient: Old Church Bakery 2022 Small Business of the Year Finalists: Simply Boxed, Stone City Coffee Roasters 2022 Small Business Nominees: Crossings Funeral Care, Leo's Mobile Tax Service, Sweaty Training & Conditioning
Main Bread & Butter Co., Steinbach Dental Clinic
2022 Medium Business Nominees: Days Inn Steinbach, Nature's Farm Food Shed, Natural Proteins Inc./Rocky Pond Commodities, Super Splash Auto Cleaning Ltd.
Crowds gathered to celebrate the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards. SUPPLIED PHOTOS
26
WINTER 2022
LAND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Experience distinctive small-town hospitality in a vibrant, first-class airport community at Southport. Groundside and airside lots currently available for commercial development. LAUNCH OR GROW YOUR BUSINESS IN THE CENTRE OF CANADA
204.428.6030
Southport.ca
You can #GiveBetterFutures to kids across Manitoba today. Kids like Janessa , who spent months at HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital away from her community of Pukatawagan. And eight-year-old Pacey , from Winkler, who has had 30 surgeries and counting. And Caleigh , from Rivers, who had brain surgery at only nine months old. And Gianna , from Winnipeg, who was the size of a cell phone and blind when she was born prematurely. You can ensure the 130,000 kids across Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut who use the province’s only specialized hospital for kids continue to get the best care possible. Your donations support the latest medical equipment, innovative programming and life-changing research that change the future for sick and injured kids and their families. Thanks to you, Janessa (and her new kidney, Bob) can enjoy fishing and the outdoors. Pacey can swim and play with his sisters. Caleigh can sing her ABCs. Gianna can see.
To learn more about how you, your organization, and your community can help, visit goodbear.ca . Your present can change their future.
27 WINTER 2022 2022-10-12 10:23 AM
CHFM Chamber Newsletter Half Page Ad Oct 2022.indd 1
BOCKSTAEL CONSTRUCTION
BOCKSTAEL BUILDS ON 110-YEAR HISTORY BY WENDY KING
28
WINTER 2022
BOCKSTAEL CONSTRUCTION
It’s a rare thing when a company successfully logs 110 years in business. And that’s an anniversary worth toasting.
Bockstael Construction is doing just that. And for fun, the company even partnered with a local brewery to fill those raised glasses at company events this year. Bockstael Construction (bockstael.com) is responsible for build- ing, renovating and restoring some of Manitoba’s most iconic — and historic — buildings, including early work such as the completion of the roof of the St. Boniface Cathedral, King George V School, Ecole Provencher, the Sisters of the Cross Residence, the Heather Curling Club, Manitoba Telephone System switching stations, foundations of C-block at St. Boniface Hospital, the widely recognized Precious Blood Church and more. And, of course, there were the Fort Garry, O’Keefe and Carling breweries. “Given that we’re a Belgian family-origin business, and historically we’ve built a fair number of breweries, we reached out to Torque brewery and Sookram brewery — we built the Sookram brewery — to make us some custom beers,” says Sarah Anderson, business devel-
opment manager at Bockstael Construction. As the great-granddaughter of founder Theodore Bockstael, she’s the fourth generation of Bockstaels still working in the family busi- ness — and that’s another rare thing. “Within our ownership group, there is John Bockstael, Nick Bocks- tael and Dan Bockstael. That would be my dad, my two brothers and, including myself, there are another three Bockstael family members who work for the company,” Anderson says. “What really makes us proud is how we’ve grown as a regionally focused family business built from a high, high level of customer service and satisfaction. We’ve grown to become a top-tier contractor within the province competing against national and even interna- tional companies, ranked in the last five years within the Top 40 Canadian contractors.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS AND
REDUCE YOUR MAINTENANCE COSTS.
Programs and incentives for energy efficiency upgrades in businesses.
GET IN TOUCH TO START SAVING efficiencyMB.ca/ business
29 WINTER 2022
BOCKSTAEL CONSTRUCTION
student residence — that’s a new record that we’re breaking — our largest project.” Bockstael builds for the health-care sector with two recently completed projects at Health Sciences Centre and work at Selkirk Regional Health Centre and Brandon Regional Health Centre. “We’ve also been awarded the contract for the Métis Nation Heritage Centre’s transformation of the former Bank of Montreal building at Portage and Main. We have a few projects coming up with the Manitoba Métis Federation and we’re really excited about those,” she says. Bockstael Construction is the recipient of the 2022 BOMA Tenant Improvement Award in the major renovation category for the renovation of the Canada Life head office in Winnipeg. Those achievements are only possible with dedicated employees, many of whom are long-term, including a recent retiree of 45 years’ service. “We have a lot of energy on our team right now and it’s really exciting to look forward to the future and continuing to foster long- term team members,” she says. Bockstael engages Manitoba communities with its philanthropic work, something that hearkens back to founder Theodore Bockstael. “There’s a story of my grandfather when he was building — I believe it was Villa Maria — they give him the job and then sent him to go raise money to build it,” says Bockstael, laughing. That history is repeating itself. “We’re currently involved with the Toba Centre for Children and Youth. John Bockstael, our CEO, is assisting in their capital campaign. I am also helping them put together an event to raise money for their capital campaign,” she says.
HSC AMBULATORY CARE CLINIC SUPPLIED PHOTO
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
They’ve earned their business slogan: Manitoba’s Builder. “We’re physically building Manitoba. We also make sure that we are contributing to the community. We’re very invested in the province and in shaping its future,” she says. “We’re going into our fourth generation and we hope to be here for a long time going on into the future. We don’t think in terms of quarters or years. We think in terms of generations that we’ve been building the community we’ve always been a part of.” The company continues to hit new benchmarks going forward. “We really launched into the multi-family housing market building Glasshouse and other highrises since,” she says. “Now we’re doing our largest multi-family project on Pembina: Align Student Residence. It’s the second student building beside Arc, and that is going to be a 400-unit
30
WINTER 2022
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48Powered by FlippingBook