FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2023
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) held its 92nd Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre focused on “Moving the Dial” for the Manitoba economy and charting a course for the path forward for the Chamber network.
“As I assume the role of chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, I want to continue to build on the momentum the organization has created as a strong credible voice of business and a key deliverable will be updating MCC’s Strategic plan,” says Alison Kirkland, incoming chair, and CEO of the Women’s Enterprise Organization of Canada. “At the same time, we want to grow our presence by engaging and expanding our partnerships and advocacy work across the province and on the national stage.”
Some of the highlights of the past year for MCC include:
- Partnership with Doctors Manitoba on a Rural & Northern Health Summit that resulted in 22 recommendations to address Manitoba’s Physician shortage issue.
- The Province of Manitoba declared October 19th as Chamber of Commerce Day in Manitoba.
- A new three-year agreement with the Province of Manitoba to deliver the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, which to date has approved 49 projects and more than $7.7 million in funding towards mining and economic development opportunities in the province.
- After years of advocacy, the Province of Manitoba has undertaken a provincial tax review process that resulted in a significant increase in the Basic Personal Amount.
“In the coming year, MCC will continue to focus on providing value to both the business and Chamber network through the return of our Economic Development Tours”, said MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson. “Of particular importance will be a focus on programs and advocacy that address the workforce and digital challenges business continue to face.”
In addition, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce swore in its new Board of Directors for 2023-2024.
OFFICERS
Chair, Alison Kirkland – Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada
Past Chair, Michelle Kuly – Blueprint Inc
Vice Chair, Beverlie Stuart – Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology
Vice Chair, Karly McRae – Lakehouse & Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce
Treasurer, Mike Boucher – Deloitte
Secretary, Peggy May – Southport Aerospace & Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce.
Legal Counsel, Nicole Smith – Pitblado Law
DIRECTORS
Vince Barletta – Harvest Manitoba
Stephen Chychota – Parkland Chamber of Commerce & CEM Representative
Barry Cooper – Heritage Co-op & Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Jamie Dumont – Jamie Dumont Consulting & Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
Luis Escobar – Stantec
James Fehr – RBC Royal Bank
Josh Girman – PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
Paul Holden – Education Canada Group
Kate Loewen – Payworks
Jordan Ludwig – Brandon Business Interiors
Sachit Mehra – East India Company Pub and Eatery
Matt Pilloud – MNP LLP
Kevin Ploegman – Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants Inc.
Karin Pooley – People First HR Services
Michael Woelcke – Arctic Gateway Group
To learn more about the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, visit www.mbchamber.mb.ca
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FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Tammy Sawatzky – Director of Communications and Marketing
cell: 204-955-4437
email: [email protected]
