Last week Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Chuck Davidson, Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) Program manager Edward Suzuki and Administrative Coordinator Lalonnie Shimonko visited Gimli and a number of local businesses part of the Gimli Chamber of Commerce.
The day started with a visit to Flatland Coffee Roasters, where owner Chad talked about the struggles as a small business owner. Passionate about building relationships and roasting coffee, the recent minimum wage increases have left a bitter taste for this small business.
Gimli Art Club and Gallery is a non-profit organization with 70 local Interlake members. Open since 1969, the club is currently awaiting renovations to help make the space more accessible to the more than 10,000 visitors per season they see coming from all over the world.
Hidden Treasures recently moved from Winnipeg to the Lake Winnipeg town during the pandemic. In Gimli, they are open year-round and offer paint your own pottery, paint nights, art classes and after school programs.
After lunch with Gimli mayor Kevin Chudd and members of the City Council, the group toured Evergreen Basic Needs, a social enterprise organization that operates a thrift store and community food bank.
Inn on Centre’s charming two-story Victorian home, complete with covered verandah, is the perfect place for morning coffee or an evening beverage. With two lovely rooms for rent that, the Inn offers a delightful Hallmark movie vibe.
Cast of Winery & Brewing Supplies offers wine kits that you can choose to brew in-store or take home while Interlake Homemade Boutique sells local Manitoba-made products.
The tour concluded with a stop at the Interlake Brewing Company. Started by Graeme Maclean and Kristin MacCary in 2021, they returned to Manitoba with brewing and travelling experience and fresh ideas. This summer, they opened a restaurant to complement their craft beer.
Thank you Gimli Chamber of Commerce for hosting us.
