Economic Development Tours
Explore the dynamism of rural and northern Manitoba with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce’s Economic Development Tours (EDTs). These intensive one and two-day tours connect participants directly with local chambers, decision-makers, and Indigenous, business and economic development leaders. Gain invaluable insights through meetings that delve into strategic economic initiatives and enjoy firsthand experiences with guided tours of local businesses and attractions.
Registration now open for the 2026 Tours!
Winkler: June 16
A tour of Winkler’s vibrant business community—one of Manitoba’s fastest-growing economic hubs—where innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry drive regional success. This experience offers a high-level look at the diverse sectors powering the local economy, including advanced manufacturing, agriculture and agri-processing, transportation, and technology.
Winkler Itinerary
7:30AM – Depart Winnipeg to Winkler
9:00AM – Arrive in Winkler
9:10AM – Welcome Session at City Hall (Light Breakfast)
10:25AM – Tour – Meridian Exhibition Centre
Winkler’s premier entertainment and sporting venue, the Meridien Exhibition Centre includes an arena, fieldhouse, event hall, walking track, and meeting spaces designed to serve residents of all ages.
The facility is a shining example of “if you build it, they will come,” offering amenities and programming that rival those found in much larger communities while strengthening quality of life, recreation, and community connection in Winkler and the surrounding region.
11:50PM – Small Business Luncheon – Winkler Arts & Culture Centre
1:10PM – Tour of Triple E RV
Like many Manitoba success stories, Triple E RV began with humble beginnings rooted in entrepreneurship and innovation.
In 1965, P.W. Enns visited Elkhart, Indiana and returned home inspired to begin manufacturing travel trailers alongside his two sons-in-law, whose last names — Ens and Elias — helped inspire the company’s name.
Over the past 60 years, Triple E has demonstrated the resilience, adaptability, and innovation Manitoba businesses are known for. The company has navigated tragedy, evolving trade barriers, economic shifts, and product diversification while remaining family-owned and deeply connected to the community it calls home.
2:30PM – Tour of Schnell Industries
Founded in 1994 in a 600-square-foot shop in Plum Coulee, Schnell Industries quickly built a reputation for innovation, problem-solving, and bringing new ideas to life.
As demand grew, the company expanded into a new Winkler facility in 2013 and diversified product lines originally focused on the oil and gas industry. By 2021, the facility had doubled in size to support continued growth.
Today, following both an ownership transition and further expansion, Schnell Industries continues its commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence from a 73,200-square-foot facility serving customers across industries and markets.
3:40PM – Tour of Icon Technology Limited
“The right part, right on time.”
Icon Technologies Ltd. has built its reputation on meeting the needs of recreational vehicle customers across North America through innovation, manufacturing expertise, and exceptional customer service.
Using advanced technology and extensive warehouse capacity, Icon sources and manufactures common, specialized, and hard-to-find RV parts, with more than 3,000 products produced on-site. What began as a small custom operation has grown into a major manufacturing employer with more than 125 employees.
5:00PM – Networking Reception – Heritage Farms Brewery
Where a passion for farming meets a love of brewing.
Operated by a family that has farmed the same land near Winkler since 1878, Heritage Farms Brewing Company combines agricultural roots with entrepreneurship and tourism as the community’s first craft brewery.
Participants will wrap up the day connecting with business and community leaders at a venue proudly rooted in local history, agriculture, and community spirit — where the beer is as connected to the land as the people who enjoy it.
6:30PM – Depart for Winnipeg
8:00PM – Arrive in Winnipeg
Churchill: July 6 - 7
A tour of Churchill’s unique and resilient business community—where northern innovation, tourism, and sustainability converge in one of Manitoba’s most distinctive economic landscapes. This experience offers a high-level look at the diverse sectors shaping the region, including tourism and hospitality, transportation and logistics, Indigenous-led enterprises, research and environmental science, and Arctic infrastructure.
Churchill Itinerary
Coming soon!
Thompson: October 6-7
A tour of Thompson’s dynamic business community—northern Manitoba’s largest economic centre and a critical hub for industry, services, and regional connectivity. This experience offers a high-level look at the key sectors driving Thompson’s economy, including mining and natural resources, clean energy, transportation and logistics, Indigenous-led enterprises, and essential services that support communities across the North.
Thompson Itinerary
Coming soon!
Brandon: October 20-21
A tour of Brandon’s diverse and growing business community—Westman’s economic hub and a key driver of Manitoba’s regional economy. This experience offers a high-level look at the sectors fueling growth, including agriculture and agri-processing, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, education, and health services.
Brandon Itinerary
Coming soon!
Why join a tour?
Valuable Connections
These tours offer a deep dive into Manitoba’s economic landscape, plus exceptional networking opportunities with decision-makers. Whether you’re seeking to understand emerging industries or connect with established businesses, you’ll gain a comprehensive view of what drives Manitoba’s economic growth and discover why our province is a hub for economic innovation and development.
Exclusive, Immersive Access
You’ll tour a variety of local businesses and gain a behind-the-scenes look at Steinbach’s thriving economy, while meeting with municipal leaders, economic development experts and local chamber representatives.
Supporting Manitoba’s Economy
We embrace a “made in Manitoba” approach to economic development for these tours. Participants can make connections within their home province to develop partnerships that encourage local procurement in a variety of sectors, and wherever possible, MCC uses local providers for transportation services, accommodations and catering.
Hassle-Free, All-Inclusive Experience
Your registration includes: Ttravel to/from/around the destination community (including airfare), accommodations for one (1) night when on two-day trips (room and taxes only), meals (excluding liquor unless otherwise specified), and admission to any sites/events during the MCC’s scheduled itinerary.
Registration does not include travel in a personal vehicle (fuel, parking, maintenance, mileage, etc.), incidentals, liquor (unless otherwise specified), or admission to any off-itinerary sites/events.