Reflecting on 2022, the Steinbach Chamber identifies growth and diversity as key themes within the local business community. Working as the voice for local business at all levels of government, the Chamber maintained a strong focus on leading growth and connecting people in our community.

“Our Chamber cannot say enough good things about our business community and how they have sought opportunities for growth in various ways this past year,” said Christine Beaumont, President of the Steinbach Chamber. “We have a diverse local economy, and we have seen businesses in a variety of sectors grow and expand. In response to our community’s need for employees, the Chamber works closely with its program Eastman Immigrant Services to host job fairs and attract new people to our region, equipping them with English skills and matching many with local employment opportunities.”

Immigration is critical in helping our local businesses grow and flourish and connecting newcomers with employers has become a top priority for the Chamber and Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS).

The Steinbach Chamber’s mandate includes providing opportunities for businesses to connect to the resources and networks they need to grow their business and attain success.

“Building connections and networking is important to our business community,” said Beaumont, “and the Chamber worked to provide those opportunities with a combination of virtual and in-person events in 2022. These included virtual Mixers and Lunch & Learn events, an in-person Mixer at Cloud 9 Ranch, our Young Leaders Breakfast Series, Roundtable Mentor Event, and a return to our in-person Business Excellence Awards.”

In line with supporting the business community’s growth and love for local, the Chamber successfully executed on the following initiatives in 2022:

  • Return to some in-person events including a Mixer at Cloud 9 Ranch, our Young Leaders Breakfast Series, Roundtable Mentor Event, as well as two events with high-profile speakers and guests including Breakfast and Golf with Minister Cliff Cullen and our Economic Outlook event with BDC’s Chief Economist Pierre Cleroux.
  • Steinbach employed a Director of Economic Development, part of a strategic commitment to attract new businesses and opportunities to our region.
  • Engaged with Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, MB Business Council and provincial economic development organizations (EDAM, RMED).
  • In September 2022, the Chamber hosted its 5th annual Steinbach Burger Days event. Fifteen local restaurants featured signature burgers to tickle tastebuds across the southeast. During the week, over 8,500 burgers were sold, generating $157,000 in total sales, with each restaurant selling between 200-1300 burgers!
  • Excited to host the always-popular Pioneer Days Parade after a 2-year hiatus!
  • Although the Chamber’s Celebrate Supporting Local promotional video launched in December 2021, community pride gained momentum throughout 2022 via social media
    and other online platforms.
  • Continued promotion of supporting local through our second A Merry Local Christmas Campaign in November and December 2022. This campaign saw promotion of shopping local during the holiday season. Local businesses promoted a holiday special or deal on the Chamber’s website. Local consumers were encouraged to buy local, brag about their purchase on social media, and tag local businesses to spread the love for local.
  • EIS helped settle over 300 individuals in the Southeast and Interlake regions.
  • EIS program expansion saw the addition of the HIPPY Program (Home Instruction Program for Parents of Preschool Youngsters). Added 2.5 positions.
  • Realigned Chamber’s leadership team, including two promotions from within our organization.

“Looking forward in 2023, our community is well positioned for stable, long-term growth and we have seen that through new housing starts and commercial projects, including the new head office of HyLife being completed in the new Millbrook Market development and the start of the Southeast Events Centre project downtown,” said Beaumont. “We have an engaged membership, board, committees and staff. We have lots to be thankful for.”

As the fourth largest chamber in Manitoba, the Steinbach Chamber looks forward to their role in leading growth in the business community as they continue to work laying the foundation for a sustainable Economic Development program in 2023 and advocate for our businesses at all levels of government, make connections for and with our business community.