The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) Manitoba Economic Summit and Annual General Meeting brought together business and chamber leaders from across the province, along with provincial local government representatives, in Winkler for important discussions around Manitoba’s economic future.
Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens and MCC Board Chair Beverlie Stuart welcomed the 170 delegates in the room at the Meridian Exhibition Centre on Friday, May 2, kicking off the day of inspiring and informative keynote speakers and panel presentations, plus valuable networking opportunities.
“We were thrilled with the representation, the location, and the entire event,” said MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson. “It was great to be back in Winkler. It’s important for us to get out into rural Manitoba, to hear from and engage with the local government officials, businesses and chambers in the region, and to discuss issues that are important to the business community. It’s also an opportunity to talk about the value of the Chamber Network and to strengthen the entire network.”
A Warm Welcome to Winkler
The Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce co-hosted this year’s Summit, which is held in a different Manitoba community each year – benefiting both the host community and visitors.
“It brings people to a community they may not have been to, and showcases a part of the province people may not see otherwise. We had chamber folks attend from as far as The Pas,” Davidson added. “The Winkler chamber and the entire community were excellent hosts, and Mayor Siemens had a very strong message for the group: Winkler is open for business.”
Words of Wisdom
Attendees heard from three keynote speakers:
- Stuart Bergman, Vice President and Chief Economist, Export Development Canada
- Hon. Adrien Sala, Minister of Finance
- Hon. Glen Simard, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations
Three insightful Panel Discussions also presented timely topics:
- Trade Opportunities for Manitoba Businesses: Diversify, Expand, and Future-Proof Your Market, moderated by André Brin (Chief Executive Officer, World Trade Centre Winnipeg) with panelists Andrew Enns (Executive Vice President, Central Canada, Leger), Jill Verwey (President, Keystone Agricultural Producers) and Chris Avery (CEO, Arctic Gateway Group); moderated by André Brin, Chief Executive Officer, World Trade Centre Winnipeg
- Buying Better: Local Procurement as a Path to Supply Chain Resilience, moderated by MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson, with panelists Christopher Henry (President, Indigenous Canadian Medical Dispensary Inc. and Treasurer, Indigenous Chamber of Commerce), Rick Reid (CEO, Supply Chain Manitoba) and Jody Penner (City Manager, City of Winkler)
- Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Employment Readiness in Manitoba’s Evolving Labour Market, moderated by MCC Board Chair Bev Stuart, with panelists Dayna Hinkel (Director of Operations, Manitoba Start), Stan Pauls (CEO, Décor Cabinets which is based in Morden) and Enver Naidoo (CEO, Westman Immigration Services).
MCC also shared updates about the Manitoba Green Advantage program, presented by Christa Rust, Program Director, and our upcoming AI initiative, presented by Program Director Kay Gardiner.
Policies Passed
The day before the main Economic Summit event, chamber representatives from across the province and other attendees voted on six policies (five up for renewal and one new) that affect diverse aspects of the business environment, including the provincial tax structure, consultation with the Indigenous community, and enhancing funding for municipal infrastructure. All six policies were accepted by MCC.
New and Continuing Board of Directors
The 94th MCC Annual General Meeting took place during the Summit, which included swearing in new and continuing members of the MCC Board of Directors. Beverlie Stuart of the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, who became Board Chair last year, will continue in the role for the 2025/2026 term.
Read about the 2025/2026 Board of Directors
Recognizing Wins while Looking Ahead
During the summit, Board Chair Beverlie Stuart shared MCC progress and successes over the last year, including launching the Manitoba Green Advantage initiative, investing in even more projects through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, and wrapping up the Digital Manitoba Initiative. Stuart also highlighted the successful events and Economic Development Tours and held in 2024, along with our role advocating for Manitoba businesses on the provincial and national stage and being champions of Manitoba and the opportunities for growth.
Looking ahead, MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson revisited the pillars of MCC’s Strategic Plan – which is guided by the mission and vision to champion sustainable economic growth and make Manitoba the best place to live and work – and shared MCC’s actions and upcoming plans to further achieve these priorities:
- Growing corporate membership and strengthening local chamber engagement – including a focus on enhancing productivity and the member experience, improving processes and staff responsibilities, and providing further opportunities for training and growth.
- Developing Programs and Events that Enhance the Business Community – including continuing to deliver programs to help the Manitoba business community to become more productive, focusing on Manitoba’s advantages and helping businesses navigate these challenging economic times, creating a comprehensive content and information hub for businesses and local chambers and holding the renewed Manitoba Champions Awards on Manitoba Day – May 12. MCC will also launch its AI initiative in conjunction with the Chamber Network, more Economic Development Tours (including condensed single-day tours) and the next stages of the Manitoba Green Advantage initiative and the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund.
- Strengthening Connections and Advocacy – including amplify MCC’s voice through an enhanced presence in Ottawa, strengthening relationships with the provincial government and exploring new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations (especially with under-represented groups), continuing to build upon the Chambers of the Federation model to push on issues critical to the business community, and hosting our popular annual Advocacy Day for the Chamber Network. MCC also plans to actively engage in the development of the Province’s Economic Development Strategy.
Davidson wrapped up the event with a message about MCC’s priorities for the year ahead.
“The great thing about our team is that while we celebrate our achievements, we never rest on them. We always strive to do better and to do more,” he told attendees.
Coming Soon: Photo Gallery & Updates
Keep an eye on our Manitoba Economic Summit page for photos additional recaps on each panel discussion.
Thank You!
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce thanks the Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce, all attendees, speakers, and everyone who helped put the Manitoba Economic Summit together.
This event would also not have been possible without our generous sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
– Johnston Group
Gold Sponsors
– Travel Manitoba
– The World Trade Centre Winnipeg
Silver Sponsors
– Bioscience Association Manitoba
– Miller Environmental – Corporation
– MITT
Bronze Sponsors
– Access Credit Union
– Bizzz.ca
– Brandon Business Interiors
– CanTalk
– Golden West Broadcasting
– Manitoba Association of Senior Communities
– The Manitoba Immigrant Employment Council
– The Rural Manitoba Immigrant Employment Council
– Manitoba Pork Council
– Southport Aerospace Centre
– Valley Fiber
