SUMMER 2022, VOL. 20
The new Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is READY TO TAKE OFF! P8
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS SUMMER IN THE CITY
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SUMMER 2022, VOL. 20
NORMAN: Churchill Chamber of Commerce Flin Flon & District Chamber of Commerce Gillam 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 & District 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:
MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE jointhechamber.ca PRESIDENT & CEO Chuck Davidson DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Karen Viveiros WINNIPEG FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com PUBLISHER Bob Cox MANAGER OF LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS Charlene Adam charlene.adam@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Jennifer McFee WRITERS Trina Rehberg Boyko Wendy King Kristin Marand Todd Lewys Jim Timlick PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Tammy Mitchell
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
MBiz Magazine is published on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/lifestyles
TO ADVERTISE, call 204-697-7390
A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON
THE PATH FORWARD At the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, we are focused on pandemic economic recovery and on supporting our resilient business community in travelling the path forward. That path requires important investments in technology — digital adaptation — to enable organizations to boost efficiency and take advantage of the digital economy. In addition, we must design effective strategies to address critical workforce shortages, facilitate upskilling and aid in the sluggish recovery of specific sectors most deeply affected by the pandemic. There is still so much work to do, and it is incumbent upon Manitoba’s driven and dynamic business support and advocacy organizations to work together to strengthen our economy and promote growth. As we move with hope towards a Manitoba summer, I encourage you to get out there to explore our province — from amazing fishing
to golfing, attractions, stunning beaches and campgrounds, provincial parks, ice cream stands and more. Manitobans are going to be the ones to bolster our recovery right now, as COVID-19 lingers and war and political unrest in other parts of the globe affect tourism. Manitobans must continue to invest in our local and independent businesses. In this issue of our semi-annual magazine, we’re sharing stories of fascinating business leaders doing exceptionally well right here at home. From exclusive, gluten-free almond products and vertical storage solutions to a digitally driven flower powerhouse, the organizations profiled in this issue of MBiz Magazine are accomplishing great things within and for Manitoba. Enjoy the stories — and enter to win an annual pass for the newly unveiled and spectacular Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada — another feather in Manitoba's cap of world-class attractions. On behalf of our staff and 2022-23 board of directors, I wish you a safe and relaxing summer!
CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Meet the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce 2022-2023 Board of Directors OFFICERS Chair Michelle Kuly Principal, Blueprint Inc. Past Chair Paul Provost President & Founder, 6P Marketing Inc. Vice-Chair Alison Kirkland CEO, Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada Vice-Chair Colin Bartlett General Manager, Business Markets, Midwest Region – Rogers Communications Canada Inc.
Treasurer
Kevin Ploegman Partner, Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants Inc.
MICHELLE KULY, Chair (2022-2023)
Secretary
Peggy May
President & CEO, Southport Aerospace Centre/ Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce
Legal Counsel
Nicole Smith
Partner, Pitblado Law
As chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, I want to start by acknowledging all of Manitoba – and committing to a leadership style that is inclusive, respectful, and reconciliatory. Over the past two years, we have learned that the future is not a straight path from the past. Our challenges are different. Our workforce is different. And our opportunities are different too. I want to acknowledge the work of the team in how they pivoted in the face of unprecedented disruption to support our members. Serving members in new and responsive ways represents the best of what the Chambers can be: an organization that values our ability to embrace change. And moving forward, we have more work to do to make this space inclusive for all members of Manitoba’s business community. As the organization that is the voice of business in Manitoba, we have that responsibility. Only together can we successfully shape the future of tomorrow today. As your chair, I am committed to driving this important work alongside the Chambers team, our members and partners on that journey.
DIRECTORS Mike Boucher
Partner, Deloitte Stephen Chychota Executive Director, Parkland Chamber of Commerce & CEM Representative Luis Escobar Practice Lead, Transportation & Office Lead – Manitoba, Stantec James Fehr Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services – RBC Royal Bank Paul Holden Executive Chair, Education Canada Group Kate Loewen Legal Counsel, Payworks Karly McRae Owner, Lakehouse & Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce Sachit Mehra Owner/GM, East India Company Pub and Eatery Matt Pilloud Partner, MNP LLP Karin Pooley Vice-President, Senior Management Recruitment & Executive Search – People First HR Services Cathy Snelgrove Senior Partner, Siere & Brandon Chamber of Commerce Scott Sissons Partner, KPMG LLP & The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Beverlie Stuart Vice-President, Business & Organizational Development – Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT)
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SUMMER 2022
Featured in this issue:
6
The Blue Bombers’ success is no accident, both on and off the field. 14
Try out some wonderful regional restaurants while you enjoy the sights and sounds of a Manitoba summer. 34
Wawanesa Insurance strengthens Manitoba roots as it celebrates 125 years of growth. 42
Assiniboine Park and Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada draw attention as must-visit destinations.
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
manitobapork.com/economy
SUMMER 2022 5
SUMMER ATTRACTIONS
SUMMER IN THE CITY
ATTRACTIONS MUST-SEE BY WENDY KING
It’s time to throw on your sun hat, fly out the front door and get into summer in the city. Summer days, though few, are long — and there’s so much to do to fill them up.
T wo major attractions are back in ac- tion and waiting to welcome everyone — tots, teens and adults — to come, have fun and learn some. Winter-weary Winnipeggers can look forward to a busy summer at Assiniboine Park with the Summer Entertainment series, which fires up mid-June and runs to the end of August with live concerts at the Lyric Theatre, Friday night movies in
August — and much more! “We plan to host some concerts in the new Performance Garden in the southeast corner of the park, which is one of six new themed areas in the Gardens at The Leaf that opened last summer. The Leaf, an indoor multi-seasonal attraction, is set to open in late 2022,” says Laura Cabak, director of communications and public relations.
Assiniboine Park's Summer Entertainment series fires up mid-June and runs to the end of August.
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SUMMER ATTRACTIONS
Supplied photos
And don’t forget to hitch a ride on the free Domo Trolley, which loops around the park with stops at all the key attractions. “We’re just really excited to be welcom- ing everyone back to Assiniboine Park for a warm and wonderful summer.” For details and schedules on entertainment, events and zoo tours, go to the Assiniboine Park website at assiniboinepark.ca.
Sally’s Farm. This charming family favourite has two sets of colourful play structures — one for the “four-legged kids” inside the enclosure and one for the “two-legged kids” on the outside. For a little more depth, you can advance book a specialty tour at the zoo. “Guided by our experienced educators and animal care professionals, our Behind the Scenes experiences bring visitors up close with some of the zoo’s most charismatic creatures — including polar bears, seals, tigers and snow leopards,” Cabak says.
The Performance Garden features a stage area surrounded by a gently tiered, landscaped seating area. Folks are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair for comfort. Watch the website for details to cel- ebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Canada Day. Further west over at the zoo, you’ll find Dinosaurs Uncovered with an outdoor trail “alive” with big animatronic dino- saurs and an indoor display to boot. Llamas and goats and even some pot- bellied pigs will be frolicking at Aunt
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SUMMER 2022 7
SUMMER ATTRACTIONS
SUMMER ATTRACTIONS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
For another exciting option, the brand spanking new Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is ready to take off on its inaugural summer flight! “It’s a totally brand new building located on the Winnipeg International Airport Campus at 2088 Wellington Ave.,” says Brent Phillips, vice-president of marketing. “The museum has a new focus on telling the stories of aviation featuring some of the heroes, pioneers and innovators of aviation in Western Canada.” The museum has also made a strong commitment to truth and reconciliation, and Phillips says the story of the impact of aviation on Indigenous people is woven throughout the exhibits. The new 86,000-square-foot, two-storey building is a state-of-the-art destination with 17 exhibit zones featuring more than 20 aircraft, including bush planes, military aircraft, commercial aircraft and more than 70,000 artifacts. Some airplanes, including a Snowbird, are suspended from the ceiling. The second-floor observation lounge over- looks the airport runways for some “plane- spotting.” And the walkway will give you a
bird’s eye view of the entire museum. The building has banquet space, large multi-purpose classroom areas and a cof- fee kiosk adjacent to the Galaxy Explora- tion Zone for children (toddlers up to 10 years old). And the new gift shop, Landing Zone Boutique, is open for business. Visitors can look forward to getting busy in the science of flight interactive exhibits, visiting the mechanics’ workshop in the engine room and trying out interactive features that demonstrate effects like engine noises. And they definitely won’t want to miss the immersive exhibit called The Ghost of Charron Lake. “When you step into the exhibit, the lighting effects and soundscape make you feel like you are at the bottom of the lake with the aircraft while a video tells the story of the recovery of the aircraft from the lake,” says Phillips. “It’s very cool.” ■ The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is for all ages and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free guided tours start at 2 p.m. daily and group tour bookings are available by arrangement, while self- guided tours can take place anytime. For more information, including about admissions and passes, visit royalaviationmuseum.com.
The 86,000-square-foot building features 17 exhibit zones that will appeal to visitors of all ages. Supplied photos
Ready to
You could land yourself an annual pass to experience this brand-new, world-class facility, as many times as
take flight?
ENTER TO WIN AN ANNUAL PASS!
you like for a full year! Enter MBiz Magazine's "Soakin' Up Summer" Contest now!
Scan the QR code or go directly to https://royalaviationmuseum.com/soakin-up-summer/ to enter now before June 30, 2022!
Annual Family Passes include up to eight members from the same household. One (1) family pass (valued up to $175) will be awarded on June 30, 2022 and will be valid for one year. Must be 18 or older to enter.
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS
FOCUS ON WELLNESS: STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE EMPLOYEES’ MENTAL HEALTH IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
Dr. Sandra Primiano, a Montreal-based psychologist at Homewood Health
Q: Is there any event that you can compare the pandemic to that can cause similar mental trauma? A: The pandemic has been characterized as a traumatic event, one that would be compared to a natural disaster. Much like a natural disaster, the pandemic has caused a dramatic change in lifestyle that’s been driven by prolonged fears. It has been very difficult to manage mentally.
periencing a greater level of anger due to the frustration of dealing with things like masks, gathering limits, isolation, restrict- ed activities and the inability to travel. Ordinarily, we have things to look forward to and anchor us, but a lot of people lost outlets that made them feel well — going to the gym, support of friends and family and normal socialization — and that can lead to sadness, anger, trouble sleeping, over- eating, binge drinking (more in men than women), doing drugs and smoking. Those things happen when people are languish- ing rather than thriving. Q: Many people have been working from home and are now heading back to workplaces. What can employers do
BY TODD LEWYS As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health is at the forefront, particularly with Canada’s workforce gradually transitioning back to offices from working at home. M ake no mistake: the pandemic has caused incalculable trauma to the psyches of workers across the country. Dr. Sandra Primiano, a Montreal-based psychologist at Homewood Health, took the time to talk about what has happened over the past two-plus years — and the strategies that employers will need to institute to begin the process of helping employees restore their mental health.
Q: What kind of effect has this prolonged stress had on people?
A: All the uncertainty of not knowing what’s going to happen — and all the constant adjusting and adapting — has been very stressful. The result has been a significant decline in well-being. Pre- pandemic, 68 per cent of people aged 15 and older said they had a good sense of well-being. That dropped to 54 per cent during the pandemic. Q: What are some of the signs of that reduced sense of well-being?
to help people start the process of recovering their mental health?
A: I think the first thing is to not pull back on mental health resources now that the pandemic is largely over. One good resource would be webinars in which qualified professionals could share information and educate people about mental health strategies. We need to show people what they can do to support themselves and how
A: Prolonged apathy, where people aren’t thriving but aren’t quite depressed. People have also been ex-
"We haven’t fully seen the effects of the pandemic yet. It’s going to take time for people to recover." – Dr. Sandra Primiano
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SUMMER 2022
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Feeling stressed or anxious? HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED MANAGING YOUR STRESS.
• Recognize your symptoms of stress. • Look at your lifestyle and see what can be changed in your work situation, your family situation or your schedule. • Use relaxation techniques .
about healthy eating. • Get enough rest and sleep. • Talk with others. Talk with friends, professional counsellors, support groups or relatives about what’s bothering you. • Help others. Volunteer work can be an effective and satisfying stress-reducer. • Get away for a while . Read a book, watch a movie, play a game, listen to music or go on vacation. Leave yourself some time that’s just for you. • Work off your anger. Get physically active, dig in the garden, start a project or get your spring cleaning done. • Give in occasionally. Avoid quarrels whenever possible. • Tackle one thing at a time. Don’t do too much at once. • Don’t try to be perfect. • Ease up on criticism of others. • Don’t be too competitive. • Make the first move to be friendly. HAVE SOME FUN!! Laugh with people you enjoy!
to become more resilient. It’s important that these sessions keep going so people can come back and talk. And even though the stigma associated with mental health has been reduced, it does still exist, so we still need to make mental health something we talk about more freely. We need to create safe workplaces where people can express their emotions. It’s very important that employers ask employees what they need to recover a better sense of well-being. Q: What else can employers do to help employees get back on the road to better mental health? A: They can provide employees with mental health supports that they view as useful. For one, they can promote getting active. We know that exercise can help combat the recurrence of depression. We’ve become quite sedentary during the pandemic, so it’s important to re-institute an active lifestyle. Nutrition is another key. If people exercise more and eat better, their mood, sleep and physical health will improve because they’re managing stress better. Q: Granted, life is starting to become more normal again. That said, are we out of the woods with the pandemic? A: We’re not quite out of it yet. Again, the pandemic is like a natural disaster — you see its effects both immediately and over time. And we haven’t fully seen the effects of the pandemic yet. It’s going to take time for people to recover. Q: If you had one last piece of advice to give employers, what would it be? A: Consult with your employees and be flexible in creating pandemic recovery initiatives and programs. Be kind and supportive and have compassion for others and yourself. The pandemic has been a traumatic, life-altering event. We can’t diminish the impact it has had on our lives. ■
Yoga, meditation, deep breathing or massage.
• Exercise . Physical activity is one of the most effective stress remedies around! • Time management. Do essential tasks and prioritize the others. Consider those who may be affected by your decisions, such as family and friends. Use a checklist; you will receive satisfaction as you check off completed jobs! • Watch your diet. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fats and tobacco all put a strain on your body’s ability to cope with stress. A diet with a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods high in protein but low in fat will help create optimum health. Contact your local Heart and Stroke Foundation for information
From the Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg. For more information and resources, visit mbwpg.cmha.ca or call 204-982-6100.
STEINBACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Steinbach Chamber HONOURS 25-YEAR MEMBERS IN 2022
On behalf of the Steinbach Chamber’s board and staff, thank you to enVision Community Living and Athens Construction for all you do for our community.
The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce’s vision is “Leading Growth. Connecting People,” and our team is passionate about helping businesses succeed. Local businesses are a part of the community’s backbone, employing family and friends, donating to sports teams and charities, and investing in Steinbach and surrounding area in so many other ways.
T his year, we honour two businesses for being members of the Steinbach Chamber for 25 years. On behalf of the Steinbach Chamber’s board and staff, thank you to enVision Community Living and Athens Construction for all you do for our community. ENVISION COMMUNITY LIVING enVision Community Living is a non-prof- it community-based organization commit- ted to providing supports and services for people who live with an intellectual disabil- ity. This includes opportunities for personal growth and development and opportunities to live the life of their choosing in commu- nities throughout southeast Manitoba. This organization was founded in 1956 by a group of concerned families who gathered for mutual support when their children were refused entrance to public school be- cause of intellectual disabilities. The Prov-
ATHENS CONSTRUCTION Farrell and Nicki Rempel started Athens Construction in 1997 with a focus on barn building, expanding to houses shortly after. Once home building began, the work spoke for itself. In some instances, Athens has been ap- proached by clients, their children and their grandchildren, resulting in homes built for three generations. Concentrated on servic- ing clients in southeast Manitoba, Athens Construction is ready to work for you. Steinbach is undoubtedly stronger with organizations like these playing a key role in the local economy. When you support local, you’re investing in your neighbours and in the future of your community. Thank you, enVision Community Living and Ath- ens Construction, for your commitment to Steinbach and to the chamber network! ■
ince of Manitoba accepted the responsibili- ty to provide an education to all Manitobans in 1967. In 1973, the first residence, Kindale Man- or, opened in Steinbach providing a home for people returning to the community from a provincial institution and for young adults moving from their parental home to their very own home. Subsequent years saw the development of Supported Independent Living services, respite, transportation, and a variety of vo- cational and activity-based day programs, including work opportunities and supports through Eastman Employment Services. Starting with six students and one employ- ee/teacher, enVision has grown to employ 460 staff and serves about 400 people each year. Services continue to grow in scope and focus to accommodate and respond to the community living dreams of people with intellectual disabilities in the area.
ENVISION COMMUNITY LIVING
ATHENS CONSTRUCTION
Supplied photos
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SUMMER 2022
Homewood Health TM
Canada’s leader in Employee & Family Assistance Programs
A psychologically safe and healthy workplace is one that promotes wellness and employee mental well-being. With Canada’s most comprehensive continuum of services, a national network, and over 130 years of experience—there is no better partner to help you advance your wellness strategy than Homewood Health.
Better Partnerships
In any given week in Canada, approximately 500,000 employed Canadians are unable to work due to mental health problems.* Homewood Health services meet any organizational need — ranging from wellness and prevention to treatment, intervention and recovery. We understand how to ensure your employees receive the best care and achieve the best outcomes regardless of their situation. As a Homewood Health partner, you have access to one of Canada’s leading clinical teams with integrated expertise in psychiatry, psychology, addiction medicine, social work, occupational therapy and more. We are engaged every day in providing support to employees, their families and entire organizations to achieve exceptional results. We recognize that every situation and every organization is different, and we work with you to tailor our services to meet your unique needs. Whether it’s about keeping your employees healthy and productive or getting them back to work as quickly as possible, Homewood Health offers a full continuum of care.
We listen. We ask questions. We seek to understand before we implement any service or product. We’re accountable and we’re transparent. In every interaction we work to earn a place as your partner, and once we’ve earned it, we work to keep it. As a Homewood Health partner, you’ll find we offer: • Better outcomes. Our approach is based on our unique ‘communities of care’ philosophy. The weight of our full clinical, medical, and research leadership stands behind our program and product development, service delivery models, as well as our data collection and analysis processes. • Better processes. We continually work to make things better, smoother, easier, less expensive, and more integrated. • Better insights. As we understand you better, we learn about what’s important to you—including the things you measure, and how can we support your process with actionable, meaningful ideas. • Better value. We offer our customers better value in terms of process navigation, integration of content and care, case management, and ultimately price.
Outstanding outcomes through exceptional services and research-led innovation. Contact our Director, Kelly Jardine at: kjardine@homewoodhealth.com | www.homewoodhealth.com © 2017 Homewood Health TM | HH_Overview_EN_0917 | * Calculated from data in Dewa, Chau, and Dermer (2010), “Examining the Comparative Incidence and Costs of Physical and Mental Health-Related Disabilities in an Employed Population,”, Statistics Canada employment data, from data in Institute of Health Economics (2007), “Mental Health Economics Statistics in Your Pocket,” and Statistics Canada – Labour Statistics Division (2011), “Work Absence Rates 2010.”
Call us to get started (translation to other languages available). 1-800-361-4858 | TTY: 1-866-433-3305 | International (Call Collect): 514-875-0720
THE WINNPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Supplied photo
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SUMMER 2022
THE WINNPEG BLUE BOMBERS
A WINNING COMBINATION Blue Bombers’ success on and off the field no accident
lish a core group, so we brought in people like Danny McManus and Ted Goveia to help with scouting,” he recalls. “Above all, I wanted to make the team a place where people wanted to be. That meant doing the little things and taking care of players and coaches.” Predictably, turning the team around was easier said than done. While both fans and media expressed frus- tration over the team’s growing pains — a de- cent 7-11 season in 2014 was followed up by a disappointing 5-13 campaign — Miller and his team remained steadfast in their belief that they were heading in the right direction. “It was just a matter of taking the right steps and following the plan, so we didn’t deviate. Sure, we adjusted along the way, but we knew it would take time to put all the pieces togeth- er,” he says. “You don’t fix things overnight. Ultimately, it comes down to the people.” As it turned out, O’Shea — once one of the most feared middle linebackers in the CFL — proved to be a calm, steadying influence as head coach. Finally, the Blue Bombers hit paydirt in 2016, making the playoffs for the first time in four years on the strength of a solid 11-7 record. Over time, proven coaches like offensive co- ordinator Paul LaPolice and defensive co-ordi- nator Richie Hall were hired, and former Blue Bombers’ quarterback Buck Pierce — who now serves as offensive co-ordinator — was brought in to work with O’Shea.
BY TODD LEWYS
Today, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the CFL’s two-time defending Grey Cup Champions. A masterfully run organization, they are the envy of the league for their professionalism, stability and great team atmosphere. B ut that wasn’t the case in August 2013 when Wade Miller was named team president and CEO. The Blue Bombers had gone through several lean years, losing more than they won. Coach- es and players came and went. No one — coaches or players — wanted to come to Winnipeg anymore, as the once- proud franchise had lost its way. Thankfully, Miller — who had proven himself as a shrewd businessman before coming to the Blue Bombers — had a vision. He first hired Kyle Walters as general man- ager in late November 2013. Walters then brought in Toronto Argonauts special teams coach Mike O’Shea to serve as head coach a short time later. Those two key positions filled, Miller set about changing the team’s culture. “The vision I had from Day 1 was to estab-
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SUMMER 2022 15
THE WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
“We had three weeks to prepare for the 2021 season, but we got it done for our fans, who are the best in the league."
Wade Miller, Winnipeg Blue Bombers' president and CEO
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
unbelievable moment.” Winning two consecutive Grey Cups also seems unbelievable — but in a good way. And it happened thanks to one man’s vi- sion and his ability to surround himself with great people both on and off the field. That’s a lesson that many businesses lead- ers can take to heart. ■
also a priority. “We had three weeks to prepare for the 2021 season, but we got it done for our fans, who are the best in the league. We did whatever it took, and it happened be- cause we have such a talented group off the field. That day on Aug. 5 was incred- ible. Being back playing football was an
With an accomplished, quality coaching staff in place and stability restored, the Blue Bombers turned the corner and celebrated two more winning years in 2017 (12-6) and 2018 (10-8). Then, the club went 11-7 in 2019. Led by quarterback Zach Collaros — a late-season pick-up after the starting quar- terback went down with a shoulder injury — the Blue Bombers rode his arm and a dominant defence to a decisive win over the favoured Hamilton Tiger Cats in the 2019 Grey Cup. After the 2020 season was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blue & Gold went 11-3 in an abbreviated 2021 season, cap- ping it off with a come-from-behind win over the same Tiger Cats to repeat as Grey Cup Champions. In the span of seven years, Miller’s vision had come to fruition. Not only had he and his team re-estab- lished a winning culture in that time span, but they’d also overcome myriad challenges created by the pandemic. “I’m lucky to have great people around me,” he says, adding that he and his staff had an 85-page pandemic restart plan in place in 2020. “It starts with the people who do the ticketing and concessions and on up the line. They’re so consistent with their passion for the team and game. Every- one has it. We also have a board that gives us the flexibility to pursue our vision.” For the players, that means letting them know management has their back, and providing them with an atmosphere that al- lows them to focus on winning. At the same time, the club’s fans are
Off the field, the Blue Bombers showed their commitment to the community by volunteering for local initiatives and touring with the Grey Cup. Supplied photos
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ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
ASPER CO-OP PROGRAM BLOSSOMS BY WENDY
Co-op students come into a workplace where the staff experience is as highly valued as customer experience. Metrycki offers a team-spirited, growth-oriented setting for staff and students. “We create an environment where students start with some structure, and as their role evolves, we start to remove the training wheels and give them more ownership and autonomy to solve problems and to answer the question ‘What do you recommend?’” Metrycki notes that almost all of her students extend their terms and some of them never leave — they become full-time staff. Asper co-op students make very real contributions to her business, she adds. On Mother’s Day 2021, Callia Flowers encountered issues in some cities that were seriously affecting promised delivery times. Waiting customers started checking in and staff were scrambling to respond to each one. “Our amazing co-op student Nicole Buckle had been with us for about six months, and in one of our chats she said ‘Why don’t we just send a massive email blast to all of our customers that are affected with the new ETA?’” says Metrycki. “That would impact 500 or 600 customers — it was simple but absolutely genius.” Metrycki says not only did Buckle solve the immediate problem, but her idea also led to the development of a larger project around ETAs and communication. “For me, that’s a pretty pivotal example of how Asper students bring their critical lens to problem-solving.” As Callia Flowers expands their business, they will continue to work with Asper Co-op students, creating a pipeline to new ideas while supporting student career success. “Pairing with the co-op program has been a great opportunity for us to bring in really high performing individuals and also for us to give back with a space where they can learn and grow very, very quickly.” ■
Year, says being paired with Asper co-op students has helped her business bloom. “To succeed at Callia Flowers, it takes a special person, really oriented toward working as a team to solve problems creatively and with the enthusiasm and energy to want to do better,” says Metrycki. “We find that Asper co-op students share those qualities, are really curious, really passionate, and they love figuring things out.” Metrycki describes Callia Flowers as “the best new online experience for sending flowers and gifts.” Customers log onto the Callia Flowers website (callia.com) where they are guided to a selection of thoughtfully curated, seasonally fresh bouquets and artisanal gifts that are beautifully wrapped and arrive in Callia’s signature bright blue box. “We make it easier, more enjoyable and more delightful to celebrate special moments with people you care about,” she says. Callia Flowers has seen stellar growth since its inception in 2016. Today, with 60 staff members in the Winnipeg head office, the company delivers across North America including every province in Canada and with recent expansion into Ohio and Minnesota. “We are focused on making every Callia Flowers experience perfect, so anything less than five stars is really a failure for us, and because of that standard for customer delight, we’ve been able to create a brand experience that has people come back again and again,” she says.
BY WENDY KING F ar too many highly qualified gradu- ating students encounter the same challenge when seeking a place to put their hard-earned diplomas to use: they can’t secure work because they don’t have the required experience, and they can’t get the- experience because they can’t secure work. And the I.H. Asper School of Business wants to change that situation. The award-winning business school at the University of Manitoba created the co-op program, which pairs students with local and international businesses where they can apply classroom knowledge in real-world work environments while being paid and earning academic credit. It’s the solution that works for students and employers. Building on the success of the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op Program, the Asper School of Business has extended the program in 2022 to the Stu Clark Graduate School to create a master’s co-op program. Students from the optional program are recognized as highly motivated individuals as they hone critical skills, gather valuable knowledge, and adopt the can-do attitude that lets them stand out in the workforce. In 2021, 99 per cent of co-op students were employed full-time within three months of graduation. Catherine Metrycki, founder and CEO of Callia Flowers and lauded Asper School of Business 2021 Co-op Employer of the
Faith Enns, junior financial analyst (current co-op student); Nicole Buckle, expansion specialist (former co-op student); and Stefan Kushka, customer operations specialist (former co-op student). Photos by Darcy Finley
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The Asper School of Business Master’s Co-op Program is here to help. When you hire a master’s student, you’re tapping into top talent that can immediately increase your business efficiency. Our students are trained to approach challenges with a strategic mindset and are eager to contribute to the growth of your business. Complete your to-do list. Connect with the Asper Career Development Centre to hire your master’s co-op student.
aspercoop@umanitoba.ca 204-474-8521 umanitoba.ca/asper/coop
THE GREEN SPOT HOME AND GARDEN
GROWING THE GREEN SPOT KEEPS
print hasn’t changed much when it comes to greenhouse space, with the original 11,613 square metres (125,000 square feet) reduced just slightly as it wasn’t being used in its entirety. Whetter added 511 square metres (5,500 square feet) to another part of the building just last year, making way for two local busi- nesses to set up shop. One of those businesses is The BloomBox, a Brandon-area florist that’s been in busi- ness since 1986. With bouquets for every occasion, The BloomBox is a natural exten- sion of The Green Spot’s garden services. The other business is Chez Angela’s Se-
BY TRINA REHBERG BOYKO
He’d earned a degree in agriculture years before and decided to follow it up by going for an MBA. Needing a job while he attend- ed school, he called The Green Spot and was told he could help in the nursery. “I left a $90,000 a year job and got one for $9 an hour,” he says, laughing. “It was great, though. It was fulfilling work.” The owner would joke about having Whet- ter buy the company, but he was set on fin- ishing school. After graduation, he started to seriously consider it. Near the end of 2007, it was a done deal. Located in Brandon, Man., The Green Spot opened its doors in 1978. The overall foot-
When Bernie Whetter started working at The Green Spot Home and Garden in Brandon, Man., in 2004, he had no idea he’d one day be running the place. “My previous job had come to an end, I was 50 years old, and I thought, ‘Now, what am I going to do?’” he says.
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THE GREEN SPOT HOME AND GARDEN
The Green Spot, based in Brandon, truly is a one-stop shop. Supplied photos
cret Garden Café. Chez Angela has long had a downtown Brandon location, home to its origi- nal café and bakery. With its second location at The Green Spot, Chez Angela brings its famous baked goods, soups, sandwiches and artisan espresso drinks to a hungry shopping crowd — or those just looking to spend an afternoon eating, drinking and meandering through the greenhouse and retail shop. Whetter expanded the retail shop during re- nos too, adding a dedicated clothing area. His favourite new space, however, is the Manitoba Foods Market, which features food from Mani- toba growers and makers. “It’s a very small part of my company, but it’s been a lot of fun,” he says. Keeping it local is the theme at The Green Spot, except when it comes to those things that can’t be grown in our Manitoba climate — like tropi- cal plants, which Whetter brings in from Florida every year. They’re best sellers in early spring, when Manitoba starts to come out of its deep- freeze and people crave a bit of warm-weather inspiration in their homes. Whetter co-ordinates their arrival with a family fun day, inviting customers to relax in comfy pa- tio chairs while reggae music plays in the back- ground. He brings in a pile of sand for kids to enjoy, adding to the tropical experience.
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THE GREEN SPOT HOME AND GARDEN
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“None of it is textbook,” Whetter says. “It’s information they’ve gath- ered from their own practices and I feel that’s the best kind. Everything is tried and true or tried and failed, but customers appreciate those sto- ries. They’ll come with their own stories, so we also learn from them.” The Green Spot also offers small- scale landscaping and winter snow removal. It truly is a one-stop shop, and then some. At 67, Whetter says he still has a lot of energy left, along with a passion to keep the business moving forward. “I tell people I’m still in my honey- moon phase with it,” he says. That’s one thing that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. ■
The Green Spot hosts other special events throughout the year, includ- ing musical guests, workshops and even a farmer’s market. “We try to do something once a month when we’re not in a busy sea- son,” says Whetter. By the middle of April, business is at its peak, he says, and it starts to slow after June. Holiday season is another busy time, and then it’s relatively quiet until the spring rush begins again. There are 15 or so full-time em- ployees that work at The Green Spot year-round, with up to 50 seasonal employees. “We’re not run like a corporate en- terprise,” Whetter says. “We are quite like family here.” Many staff members are gardeners themselves, always willing to share with customers what they’ve learned in the garden.
Find The Green Spot at greenspotbrandon.com.
The Green Spot expanded last year, allowing two more local businesses to set up shop. Supplied photos
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Apprenticeship SUPPORT PROJECT First Peoples Development Inc. SUPPORT PROJECT First Peoples Development Inc.
Working toward a better future! Working toward a better future!
Employers seeking first year apprentices will receive financial incentives. First year apprentices will get hands-on experience they need for a career in trades. First year apprentices will get hands-on experience they need for a career in trades. Employers with 499 employees or fewer, are eligible for a hiring incentive of $5000. An additional $5,000 is available for hiring of key groups: women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2+ communities, visible minorities, including Black and other racialized communities. Employers with 499 employees or fewer, are eligible for a hiring incentive of $5000. An additional $5,000 is available for hiring of key groups: women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2+ communities, visible minorities, including Black and other racialized communities. Employers seeking first year apprentices will receive financial incentives.
Learn more, visit the FPDI website ( fpdinc.ca) or call Julie Parenteau at 204-987-9570 Learn more, visit the FPDI website ( fpdinc.ca) or call Julie Parenteau at 204-987-9570
FPDI Apprenticeship Support Project is scheduled to begin August 2, 2022. FPDI Apprenticeship Support Project is scheduled to begin August 2, 2022.
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TRAVEL MANITOBA
ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Across Manitoba, tourism businesses are welcoming back visitors and seeing increased interest in their services and destinations. And yet, it is impossible to talk about tourism without talking about the impact of COVID-19. While it’s been felt in all sectors, the travel, tourism and hospitality industry was decimated by the outbreak, and continues to struggle. To put it in perspective, the impact on the tourism sector in Canada was more dire than the impact experienced after 9/11, SARS, and the 2008 economic crisis combined. In Manitoba, lost hospitality jobs account for almost half of all lost jobs during the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the tourism industry was on track to achieve annual revenues of $2.2 billion by 2022. At that time, the industry supported close to 21,000 direct and indirect jobs, and tourism wages and direct spending contributed $649 million in tax revenues to the economy, money that went to support public priorities such as health care and education. Clearly, the province’s economy will not fully recover until the travel sector recovers. In an effort to mitigate losses felt by the tourism industry, Travel Manitoba launched new initiatives to aggressively market travel within the province. The award-winning Home Is Where the Heart Is campaign saw Manitobans travel safely within their own province. This year, our spring and summer campaigns will target local, national and international travellers, placing Manitoba top-of-mind for travel consideration among our target audiences.
The Manitoba Tourism Strategy, a collaboration of the Government of Manitoba, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Travel Manitoba, has a target to grow visitor spending by 50 per cent to reach $2.5 billion by 2030. 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. Tourism is a significant economic driver for Manitoba and it is imperative to find ways to foster collaboration amongst key stakeholders to generate innovative ideas and stimulate recovery from the pandemic. A whole-of-government approach to tourism is required, and businesses in the tourism industry need a common voice. 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.
Learn more at travelmanitoba.com
↓ Winnipeg
After two years of pandemic-related stops and starts, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) team is out and about! Here is a snapshot of some of the experiences we’ve had recently as we've championed economic development across the province, as well as an overview of a few of the key initiatives we’ve been working on in support of recovery and growth. #OnTheRoadAgain
A RETURN TO IN-PERSON EVENTS: 791 DAYS IN THE MAKING Following the release of Budget 2022, MCC hosted Honourable Cameron Friesen, provincial Finance Minister, for a budget breakfast and a discussion of business recovery needs. "After a two-year COVID delay topped off by an inclement weather postponement, we were finally able to meet in person on April 21 – 791 days since our last in-person gathering – and the networking and connections were energizing,” said Chuck Davidson, MCC president & CEO. "Thank you to our members for their continuing support of the chamber despite two years without in-person networking events."
Advocacy on behalf of strong business and community is at the heart of everything we do. In July 2021, we launched MB Pulse, our secure online survey vehicle and engagement community to gather point-in-time data from our business community and inform our policy and advocacy efforts. To access survey reports and join MB Pulse: www.jointhechamber.ca
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LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD IN BRANDON On April 7, MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson was honoured to participate in a rural economic development panel alongside Honourable Cliff Cullen, Deputy Premier and Minister of Economic Development, Investment & Trade, and Margot Cathcart, CEO, Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation (RMED). RMED was established one year ago as an economic driver for southern rural Manitoba, working with communities to build capacity for growth. The team has been successfully engaging with clients and stakeholders, and striving to find solutions to the common challenges that rural Manitoba faces. To learn more about RMED: https://rmedcorp.ca/ LOOKING NORTH MCC president & CEO Chuck Davidson (centre), Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) program manager Jessica Ferris (left), and policy analyst Matthew Benger (4th from left), spent two action-packed days in April 2022 seeing first-hand the economic opportunities in Northern Manitoba, meeting with representatives from the Town of Snow Lake, as well as with Vale, Hudbay, and Snow Lake Resources. Since its launch in July 2020, MMDF has approved 34 projects focused on northern community development, allocating more than $4.5 million. For info: https://mmdf.ca/
ADVOCACY IN ACTION Throughout the pandemic, we consulted regularly with our members, industry association leaders, and the broader business community to explore emerging issues and better understand economic impact. We engaged with government and our members frequently, developing a wealth of tools and resources to support businesses, and always advocating for safe restart and recovery. We also successfully designed and administered relief funds benefiting many of the hardest-hit sectors. Funds included the Restaurant Relief Fund, Tourism Rebate Incentive Program, Digital Manitoba Initiative, and Retrain Manitoba. TO DOWNLOAD OUR COMMUNITY REPORT: www.jointhechamber.ca
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