Parkland Shines Bright for Economic Tour Delegates

With a rural focus, delegates heard the Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak’s State of the City address to the Parkland Chamber of Commerce talk about the city’s history, current economic state and population and workforce growth opportunities through the provincial nominee program.

The group toured Manitoba Metis Federation’s new Northwest Council office building, before heading to Ritz Machine Works, a manufacturing business that serves a global market for precision parts used in bus transportation, agriculture and side-by-side off-road vehicles. Ritz is a global leader in pipe bending with main manufacturing plants in Dauphin and Minnesota.

Vermillion Growers toured us through their 10-acre precision greenhouse set to open in late fall. Vermillion is harnessing green energy technology only found in Europe to bring fresh vegetables from vine to table in 24 hours.

A networking reception wrapped up the first day, where delegates spent the evening mingling with business owners and entrepreneurs from Dauphin and the surrounding area. 

The second day started at Hemp Sense, an all-natural hemp product company based outside Gilbert Plains where they make hemp-based pet food and pet bedding with the world’s largest and best supply of hemp. Hemp Sense opened in 2018 and can be found online or in major store fronts across Canada.   

Old September is a delightful dual-purpose space with a coffee and gift shop at the store front and a maker space and floral shop at the back. Women owned; this multi-use space has something for everyone.   

Just down the road from Old September, Heartland Lanes operates a five-pin bowling alley complimented by billiards, arcade games and shuffleboard. The alley has been throwing strikes for more than 50 years and brings in live music and 90s theme nights.   

Down the road in Grandview, delegates got to wet their whistle at Grand Vieux Liquor sampling vodka and various liquors. The recipient of the Parkland Start Up Business of the Year award, Grand Vieux continues to grow.   

Back in Dauphin, delegates heard from SciMar founder Mick Lautt on their groundbreaking work to prevent, detect and treat type 2 diabetes. Their bioscience technology is looking to create type 2 diabetes home testing kits to serve remote communities.   

Next stop was a tour of Norwex, the environmentally friendly cleaning product company located in Dauphin that serves as their main Canadian distribution hub. Shipping to 22 countries, Norwex started in 1999 and has over 600 unique products.   

The day’s last stop was Obsolete Brewery Company, where delegates got to sample beer on tap. Set to open in June, the owners are keen to invest in not only the local area but also the cycling community who take-in nearby trails.   

Delegates had to dodge big rain drops as they boarded the coach bus home but their spirits were not dampened after hearing the stories of growth, determination and resiliency during the economic development tour of the Parkland area.   

A big thank you to the Parkland Chamber of Commerce for hosting us- we had a wonderful time!  

Interested in attending an economic development tour? The Chamber is headed to Thompson, May 31 to June 1, and Morden/Winkler June 15-16. To learn more and register visit https://mbchamber.mb.ca/mcc-events/economic-development-tours/