From kitchens built in 120 minutes, to mine safety chambers engineered in Morden, to a seed farm east of Carman carrying three generations of Manitoba’s legacy, our latest Economic Development Tour (EDT) was a showcase of made-in-Manitoba innovation.
On October 2, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce brought members, partners, and community leaders together for a full-day EDT through Morden and Carman. These tours open doors to local industries, spotlight rural innovation, and foster direct dialogue with business leaders and municipal officials. The Morden–Carman EDT was no exception.
Welcome to Morden: Bella’s Castle
Our day began at the historic Bella’s Castle with greetings from City of Morden Mayor Nancy Penner and Economic Development Officer Jason Dyck. Jason highlighted Morden’s bold approach to growth: new housing, industrial parks, and a 100,000-square-foot industrial incubator providing affordable space for startups to thrive. He also emphasized partnerships with MITT and Valley Fiber that are building a skilled local workforce for the future.
Innovation in Action: Decor Cabinets
At Decor Cabinets, we saw the scale of a manufacturer producing 425 cabinets a day with all-Canadian wood. Their upcoming automated line will assemble an entire kitchen’s worth of cabinets in just 120 minutes.
In September, Decor secured a $3.2 million PrairiesCan investment to boost automation and workforce training. The funding strengthens Manitoba’s manufacturing base while creating long-term skilled jobs. Beyond business, Decor is community-focused, supporting initiatives like global microloans through Opportunity International.
Engineering Solutions with Global Reach: ON2 Solutions
Next, we toured ON2 Solutions at the Morden Industrial Incubator Mall. ON2 designs on-site oxygen and nitrogen generation systems used in hospitals, veterinary clinics, and mines worldwide. Their TommyKnocker mobile refuge chambers save lives in emergencies, while their medical gas systems reduce hospitals’ reliance on external suppliers. This innovative company proves that Manitoba-made technology can compete globally.
Local Voices: Small Business Luncheon
At the Morden Friendship Centre, MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson moderated a panel discussion with local business champions:
- Candace Grenier, Pure Anada
- Kyle & Audrey Wiebe, Maverick Industries
- Earl Gardiner, Careica Health
Panelists spoke candidly about the rewards and challenges of rural entrepreneurship and emphasized the value of mentorship in building resilient businesses.
Building on Legacy: Huron Window Corporation
Our last Morden stop took us to Huron Window Corporation, a family-founded business crafting windows and doors since 1980. With over 40 years of growth, Huron has remained true to its values of quality, honesty, and community spirit. From long-serving employees to local sponsorships, Huron proves that scaling a family-owned business does not mean losing its roots.
Welcome to Carman: Memorial Hall
After lunch, we traveled to Carman, where CAO Susan Stein, Reeve of Dufferin Cor Lodder, and Carman & District Chamber Executive Director Jodi Winkler welcomed us.
Susan spotlighted Carman as a regional hub for agriculture, healthcare, and education. With new housing, an expanding industrial park, and tax incentives for investment, Carman is charting steady and deliberate growth built on strong partnerships with the RM of Dufferin.
Growing with Generations: Agassiz Seed Farm
At Agassiz Seed Farm, the Froebe family shared their three-generation journey of supplying certified seed to Manitoba farmers. Known for reintroducing soybean genetics in the 1990s, they continue to blend tradition with innovation through agronomy services, seed treating, and partnerships with SeCan and NorthStar Genetics.
Precision and Performance: Walinga Inc.
We then visited Walinga Inc., a cornerstone of Carman’s industrial sector. The facility produces precision-machined components like blowers and airlocks, with chrome plating and advanced machining for pneumatic conveying systems.
Adding a personal touch, Reeve Cor Lodder shared his long career with Walinga, dating back to 1977, and his pivotal role in expanding the Carman operations. His story perfectly illustrates the link between business and community leadership in rural Manitoba.
Closing Connections: Boyne River Bistro
The day wrapped with a networking reception at Boyne River Bistro, where members reflected on the day’s insights and sparked ideas for future collaboration.
Why It Matters
The Morden–Carman EDT offered a front-row seat to the innovation, resilience, and community spirit that define rural Manitoba. From advanced manufacturing to agriculture, from family-owned businesses to global exporters, our stops highlighted the diverse economic activity fueling local prosperity.
Most importantly, the tour showed how partnerships between municipalities, businesses, and chambers are the engine of sustainable growth. For attendees, the day was not just a tour. It was an opportunity to engage, learn, and envision Manitoba’s future.
What’s Next
We are keeping the momentum going. Our next Economic Development Tour takes us up Highway 7 to Stonewall and Teulon on October 29.
Register for the Hwy 7 – Stonewall & Teulon EDT
And this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more tours in 2026. Want to be first in the know? Sign up for our newsletter to never miss an opportunity to connect, explore, and grow with us.
