brandon business review 2009

balanceNo municipal business tax, cost competitiveness consistently ranked in the top 10% of over

50 Canadian cities, among the lowest electricity rates in North America, extensive transportation networks and supportive leadership create a dynamic environment to grow your business.

Rather than spending your time in traffic, Brandon’s maximum in-city commute of 12 minutes allows you the freedom to choose how you spend your time. Time to grow your business, time to

spend with family and friends, time for recreation, time for education. The choice is yours.

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2009 ••• Brandon Business Review ••• 3

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BRANDONBusiness Review IN THISIssueMessagesBrandon Chamber of Commerce President – Chris Griffin ...................................................4Brandon Chamber of Commerce General Manager – Nathan Peto .....................................4Brandon Mayor – Dave Burgess....................................................................................................5

FeaturesWelcome to the Wheat City

Doing business and living in Brandon has never been better ..........................................6

Down Home CookingBrandon’s Montana’s Restaurant serves up what the city needs ..................................12

Benefits of Chamber Membership.............................................................................................13

Get Your Game OnBrandon hosts the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup .....................................................14

The Ruby AnniversaryBehlen Industries celebrates 40 years in Brandon ...........................................................16

Home GrownMcKenzie Seeds has their roots in Brandon, and despite beingbought by an international company, they intend to stay that way .............................20

Working TogetherThe Brandon Maple Leaf plant is part of the community .............................................23

From Zero to SixtyRon Ball of Precision Toyota serves Brandon in numerous different ways .................26

The Tools to SucceedG.T. Smith & Sons Electrical Ltd. celebrates 90 years of servicing Brandon ..............28

Grin and Bear ItSmiles Specialty Centre brings pearly whites and business sense to Brandon ...........30

That Teego Tech GuyMark Clark heads up Teego Innovations in Brandon.....................................................34

Be Original – BUBrandon University enters a period of change with anew president and new infrastructure initiatives ...........................................................37

Trades & TechnologyAssiniboine Community College is in itssecond phase of expansion...................................................................................................40

Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal CorporationPreserving Brandon’s past, enriching the present and building the future .................42

The Rotary Club of Brandon #1344There’s more than 555 million reasons to be a rotarian ................................................44

Index to Advertisers......................................................................................................................46


••• PRESIDENT’S & GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGES

Thank you for taking the time to read the second edition of the Bran-

don Business Review. We take great pride in this publication because

it showcases the real strength of the Chamber; its members. Our

membership continues to thrive in challenging economic times and

continues to invest in our great city. The Brandon Chamber of Com-

merce is the voice of the business community and we’ll continue our

work to ensure that. Please enjoy these stories of business success in

our community and please contact us to learn more about the tools

the Brandon Chamber of Commerce can give your business to pros-

per and grow. •••

Greetings from the BrandonChamber of Commerce General ManagerNATHAN PETO

As President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce it is my sincere

pleasure to introduce you to the second edition of the Brandon Busi-

ness Review. Our goal with this magazine is to showcase some of the

outstanding businesses in this great community.

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in recog-

nizing our member's efforts to create a strong business and com-

munity environment. We have watched Brandon grow over the past

few years as commercial and residential developments continue to

stay strong. We have seen the world economy go through one of its

most tumultuous times over the past twelve months. Stock prices

plummeted and major corporations faced downsizing; but yet we

have seen Brandon maintain a strong business economy proving to

be a solid investment for business.

If you have any questions regarding Chamber membership or

want to get involved with our outstanding events, we are happy to

help. I believe we have one of the most efficient staff in the industry;

always looking out for the betterment of the businesses of Brandon

and our membership. I sincerely hope you enjoy our publication and

I wish you all the best in this upcoming Chamber year. •••

Greetings from the BrandonChamber of Commerce PresidentCHRIS GRIFFIN

Board of DirectorsChris Griffin, PresidentP.J. Crane, Vice-PresidentTanya Knight, Secretary/TreasurerRon Cumming, Past-PresidentDarren Blazeiko, Board DirectorJim Brannan, Board DirectorDaniel A. Burns, Board Director

Kerry Campbell, Board DirectorDon Cataford, Board DirectorCam Clark, Board DirectorMarci Crisanti, Board DirectorScott Hildebrand, Board DirectorPatti Shepherd, Board DirectorSharon Shepherd, Board Director


Iwould like to congratulate the Brandon Chamber of Commerce ontheir second edition of the Brandon Business Review. This is a valu-

able update on business activity in our fine city. I have great confi-dence in our business community and appreciate the Chamber’s ef-forts in promoting a positive and progressive business environment.

Brandon is currently experiencing significant investment andgrowth from all sectors. Commercial, industrial, residential, institu-tional and civic developments are contributing to substantial eco-nomic activity and population growth. The year, 2008, produced thehighest number of building permits in Brandon’s history.

With the repatriation of families of immigrant employees at Bran-don’s Maple Leaf Pork Plant, we have confirmation of 2,500 peoplemoving to Brandon over the next 18 months. This alone will in-crease our population by approximately six per cent and, coupledwith a rental vacancy rate of less than one per cent, will provide avery strong housing market.

In a recent survey of Canada’s Best Places to Live by MoneySenseMagazine, Brandon ranked 10 out of 154 communities in Canada.This has increased from ranking 19th in 2007. An interesting aspectof this result is that Brandon has, by far, the smallest population ofthe top ten communities.

The cost competitive analysis completed annually by KPMG con-tinues to place Brandon as one of the top cities in overall cost effec-tiveness. Brandon consistently ranks better than Edmonton, Calgary,Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg in this regard.

Significant investments are underway at the Brandon RegionalHealth facility, Brandon University and Assiniboine Community Col-lege. Civically, Brandon is building a new fire hall, police station, aquat-ics facility and new recreational facilities.

Brandon continues to thrive and prosper. It is my desire to workprogressively with the Chamber of Commerce to further improve ourcity and its positive business environment. •••

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MAYOR’S MESSAGE •••

Greetings from the Mayor of BrandonDAVE BURGESS


At the very heart of North America lies

Brandon, Manitoba, a city that has built

its reputation on providing the atmosphere

in which business can succeed without artifi-

cial incentives. Located in close proximity to a

24-hour U.S. border crossing and interna-

tional airport, near the geographic centre of

North America, accessible by cargo rail and

charter air, and at the cross roads of two

major highway systems – Brandon is well

placed for product export and supply import.

Brandon continues to consistently be

ranked in the top percentile of over 100 cities

in 11 countries with regards to overall cost

competitiveness. The business cost competi-

tive analysis completed annually by KPMG

analyzes 27 factors and consistently ranks

Brandon better than Edmonton, Calgary,

Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg in overall

cost effectiveness. Annually, Manitoba Fi-

nance analyzes nine Canadian and three U.S.

cities to determine overall manufacturing

competitiveness. Brandon has consistently

ranked better than most cities evaluated.

From its earliest inception, Brandon was,

and today remains, the service centre for

southwest Manitoba’s 180,000 plus residents

and an important contributor to the Mani-

toba economy. Brandon’s diverse economic

base has enabled the city to carve out a long

standing reputation as a city that offers both

a stable economy and room and opportunity

for businesses to compete profitably in the

global marketplace. This diverse economic

base coupled with strong economic growth

experienced the past decade, enabled Bran-

don to weather the recent global economic

crisis with far greater resiliency than other

Canadian centres.

The construction of Maple Leaf Food’s

By Sandy Trudel,Economic Development OfficerCity of BrandonPHOTOS COURTESY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BRANDON

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state-of-the-art pork processing plant in 1999

proved to be a catalyst for growth, trans-

forming Brandon’s solid and predictable

economy, to one of unprecedented growth

and strengthened optimism. Maple Leaf

Food’s addition of a second shift at the Bran-

don processing facility in 2007/2008 creating

1,000 new jobs, as well as, expansions at local

manufacturing firms such as Canexus, Behlen

Industries and Wyeth Organics has brought

positive sustained growth to the local econ-

omy resulting in a growing population and

strong residential construction.

Provincial, municipal and local capital proj-

ects currently, or soon to be underway, are

critical to ensuring Brandon’s infrastructure

remains ahead of population growth de-

mands. At a Municipal level, the City of Bran-

don is embarking on several infrastructure

projects that include, construction of a new

fire hall, police station and industrial waste

water treatment facility. The Province of Man-

itoba is building on its $58 million, state-of-

the-art redevelopment of the Brandon Re-

gional Health Centre through the redevelop-

ment of the Western Manitoba Laboratory

and construction of a CancerCare Manitoba

facility. In addition to notable health invest-

ments, the province is twinning the bridge on

one of Brandon’s busiest streets. Multi-level

partnerships are driving the construction of

a new YMCA, a Healthy Living Centre at Bran-

don University, construction of a Downtown

Skateboard park and the relocation and ex-

pansion of Assiniboine Community College

to the historical grounds of the former Bran-

don Mental Health Centre.

In 2009, the City of Brandon is commenc-

ing construction of two public safety build-

ings; a police station and a fire hall. The new

facilities will service the needs of a growing

community for the foreseeable future.

Ground breaking on the new $8.7 million fire

hall occurred in June 2009 with construction

expected to take approximately 13 months

to complete. The new 30,000 square foot

building will house the fire hall and associ-

ated offices, as well as, the 911 communica-

tions centre. In addition to providing space

for emergency vehicles, the new fire hall will

include a kitchen, day room, space for a mu-

seum, a physical fitness room, a classroom

and a 50-foot functional hose tower that can

also be used as a training facility.

Designs are nearing completion for the

new police station with the project expected

to go to tender in summer 2009. The $13 mil-

lion project has been designed to provide ad-

equate physical space for the Police Depart-

ment’s diverse service offerings now and in

the foreseeable future, while incorporating

design elements that maintain the safety and

security of individuals and evidence.

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A multi-party partnership was established

between three levels of government and pri-

vate industry to facilitate the construction of

an industrial waste water treatment facility.

The new facility has been designed to ac-

commodate residential waste for the next 25

years, ensure compliance with recently en-

acted treatment guidelines and provide ad-

ditional capacity for the handling of industrial

waste. Phase 2 of the project was completed

in June 2009, setting the foundation for the

third and final phase which will result in an in-

tegrated municipal and industrial waste treat-

ment facility, increased capacity and a bio

solid solution for the city.

Work on a $12-million redevelopment and

modernization of Westman Laboratory in

Brandon commenced in June 2009. The proj-

ect will allow the facility to house all depart-

ments on a single floor and will include

equipment such as a pneumatic tube system

for sending samples from the hospital to the

lab and the installation of vented tissue-stor-

age units to ensure the biological safety of

specimens and samples. Renovations will in-

corporate new areas for offices, record stor-

age, training space and upgrades to heating,

ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

When completed, the laboratory will meet

top national standards, allowing the labora-

tory to keep pace with trends in technology

and function as a modern facility over the

next two decades.

The $20 million CancerCare facility that is

being added on to the Brandon Regional

Health Centre has moved through design

stage and will go to tender in summer 2009,

with work commencing shortly thereafter.

The new facility is expected to be operational

by late 2010. The 13,000 square foot facility

will be attached to the Brandon Regional

Health Centre via an underground tunnel and

will house an expanded chemotherapy de-

partment with 20 treatment stations, teach-

ing rooms and a medication preparation area;

a new radiation therapy department with a

linear accelerator for treatment, work space,

office space and a teaching room; a support-

ive care area including offices for a pharma-

cist, a dietitian, a social worker and a psy-

chologist; an outpatient clinic with work areas

and exam rooms and a quiet area for patients

and family members, as well as, volunteer

space.

Highway #10 South, also referred to as

18th Street, acts as one of the primary en-

trances to the City of Brandon and connects

Brandon’s two busiest commercial districts.

Construction is nearing completion on the

first half of a new twinned 18th Street bridge

that incorporates wide walking / cycling lanes

and a rest area that enables foot traffic to

gaze over the Assinboine River. The north-

bound bridge is expected to be in service by

September 2009 with construction com-

mencing on the southbound bridge imme-

diately thereafter. The $20 million dollar proj-

ect is anticipated to be complete by fall 2010.

The Brandon University Healthy Living

Centre will provide the community with a

modern, comprehensive, climate controlled

fitness, healthy living and elite sport facility.

Construction on the $18.8 million dollar proj-

ect is anticipated to begin in early 2010 and

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take approximately 14 months to complete.

The 79,000 square foot facility will be com-

prised of 34,000 square feet of renovated

space and 45,000 square feet of new space.

The Healthy Living Centre will be home to an

indoor walking and jogging track, a cardio fit-

ness facility, multi-purpose activity areas, ad-

ditional classroom space, three full sized

gymnasiums, (two of which will meet na-

tional standards), an expanded sports medi-

cine facility, 1,300 new bleacher seats, mod-

ern expanded change rooms and wash-

rooms, a new Bobcats athletics hall of fame

area, new weight resistance exercise ma-

chines and an expanded parking area.

Assiniboine Community College (ACC) is in

its third year of relocation to the historic site

of the former Brandon Mental Health Centre.

The first phase of this relocation was com-

pleted in 2007, with the opening of the Man-

itoba Institute of Culinary Arts which includes

a $1 million culinary theatre. Phase II of the

relocation commenced in August 2008 with

the construction of a $45 million, 135,000

square foot Len Evans Centre of Trades &

Technology. Once complete in fall 2009, the

Centre will enable the college to increase the

number of advanced skilled trades students

being trained at ACC from 480 to just under

1,300. This increased capacity will see the ad-

dition of new programs in truck transport, re-

frigeration and air conditioning mechanic-

residential and machinist necessitating the

hiring of up to 25 new instructors. The third

and final phase of ACC’s move to the 1st

Street North Campus scheduled to be com-

pleted in late 2011 will see the remainder of

Brandon-based programming moved to the

Parkland Building.

Positioning downtown Brandon as a recre-

The is the regional office for the and the Canada/Manitoba

. Entrepreneurs and business owners can access programs and services including business consulting, entrepreneurial workshops and training, financing programs, business resource library, self-help publications and access to the internet for research.

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WESTERN REGIONAL OFFICE

Room 131, 340-9th Street Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6C2 Phone: 204-726-6250 Fax: 204-726-6403

Bonnie Nay, Manager Direct line: 204-726-6253 or e-mail: [email protected] manitoba.ca/business canadabusiness.ca/manitoba


ation destination began with the develop-

ment of Stanely Park Spray Park and Play-

ground. The park was designed to meet the

needs of all age demographics. Through the

inclusion of an adventure playground, wash-

rooms, picnic tables, walking trails, a spray

park, basketball courts, volleyball beach

court, tennis courts, lawn bowling and en-

hanced floral displays, the hub has proven to

be an extremely popular gathering place.

Building on the success of the Stanley Park

recreational hub, a recreational corridor is

being developed along Princess Avenue that

encompasses the YMCA, Princess Park and

the Kristopher Campbell Memorial Skate-

board Plaza. Conceptual design work for the

$17 million YMCA redevelopment is finished

and construction is anticipated to com-

mence before the end of 2009. Once com-

plete, the expanded facility will encompass

70,000 square feet and include a leisure pool,

competition pool, gymnasium, weight and

conditioning areas, childcare facility, as well

as, other multi-use space. The facility was de-

signed to meet the needs of today’s residents

and future leisure needs. Princess Park’s set-

ting which includes a historically significant

water fountain, heritage lighting, walking

trails, picnic tables and an outdoor stage has

been identified as a key area for continued

improvements. Conceptual design work on

the approximately $1.1 million, 25,000 square

foot Kristopher Campbell Skateboard Park

Plaza has been completed. The design pays

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homage to Brandon’s historical roots by

building on the memory of the Prince Eddy

Hotel, one of Brandon’s early 20th century

railway hotels that previously occupied the

site. The design also incorporates significant

landscaping features that will set it apart from

traditional skate parks that tend to be mostly

concrete. The Kristopher Campbell Skate-

board Park Plaza is intended to set a new

benchmark for regional skate parks in North

America. The skate board park is being made

possible by the efforts of a dedicated skate-

board park committee and funding from

multiple levels of government and the com-

munity.

While the capital projects cited earlier in

this article are significant in scope, one can

not lose focus on the fact that overall building

permits in all sectors of the economy con-

tinue to see positive growth, speaking to a

growing economy. From 1984 – 1993 Bran-

don averaged 615 building permits each year.

In 1994 and 1998 Brandon experienced a

construction surge with permits exceeding

800 each year. Construction leveled off

through 1999 – 2001 and has experienced

consistent growth since then with over 1000

building permits issued in 2008. As one

would expect in a growing community, Bran-

don has also recorded a steady increase in the

number and dollar volume of residential sales

and the construction of new dwelling units.

In the past decade, approximately 2,700 new

dwelling units have been constructed, 50 per

cent of which were multiple family units. Be-

tween 2006 and 2008, Brandon averaged 372

new dwelling units each year. Despite strong

residential construction, housing prices have

increased significantly and the rental vacancy

rate is virtually non existent at 0.1 per cent.

Both items indicate a housing market where

demand has exceeded supply.

The growing value and volume of building

permits and residential construction and

sales, low vacancy rate in rental accommoda-

tions and consistent growth in job creation

attest to the fact that Brandon’s commitment

to developing a supportive business envi-

ronment is not mere words, but rather a day

to day practice. This supportive business en-

vironment, enhanced by a well managed city,

a competitive tax system, a central location

which includes an extensive and cost effec-

tive transportation network, a committed

workforce and a superb quality of life form an

impressive overall package for business suc-

cess. •••

PATERSON PATTERSONWYMAN & ABEL

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Imagine a place that combines home cooking, a welcoming

Canadian atmosphere and a friendly staff. You have just walked

in to The Cookhouse. Montana’s Cookhouse that it. This is a place

where the food is familiar, the staff is happy to be at work and, yes,

there is a moose on the wall. Today, there may also be a new award

on the wall. Recently, The Brandon Chamber of Commerce recog-

nized the city’s Montana’s Restaurant with a Business Excellence

Award for over 15 employees.

“At the end of a long day, we are a comfortable environment for

everybody. Come as you are,” says Chad Wallin, owner/operator of

Montana’s Cookhouse in Brandon. “Here at Montana’s, you may not

always come in with a smile on your face, but you will always leave

with one.”

Originally from Saskatchewan, Wallin took hotel and restaurant

administration, and upon graduation, he took a job with Kelsey’s

Restaurant as an assistant manager. Two years later, he was pro-

moted and six years after that he opened his first franchised restau-

rant – a Kelsey’s in Markham, Ontario. While in Markham he honed

his skills as an owner/operator, but always had his eye on the West.

“We’re prairie people,” he laughs.

When the opportunity to open a Montana’s, which is also under

the Cara Operations umbrella along with Kelsey’s, in Brandon came

up, he jumped on it. He knew that the Montana’s concept would

be a perfect fit for Brandon, both in philosophy and appearance.

The restaurant actually resembles a lodge with a casual wilder-

ness feel to it. Driving up, it appears as if you have arrived at a back-

woods destination.

“We’re meat and potatoes country here. We are comfortable and

accepting – we welcome all ages. Our goal is to be Westman’s first

choice - top of mind. We are great service and great food,” says

Wallin.

He’s right. There are many options on the menu that include com-

fort food. But Montana’s is also progressive with their menu. They

cater to families, they offer fresh new choices and they are con-

scious of time sensitive lunch hours. Truly they have thought of

everything from their mouth watering ribs to their fish and chicken

selections.

This culmination of great people, familiar recipes and an atmos-

phere that makes you want to unpack your sleeping bag and stay

the night is what makes Montana’s such a perfect fit for a small, yet

progressive, Western Manitoba city.

When asked about the reasons he feels his restaurant is so suc-

cessful, he laughs, “We like to have fun. We promote open commu-

nication and we encourage our staff to be individuals.”

Frankly, he gives a lot of credit to his staff.

“They have bought in to what we are trying to accomplish,” he

says. “We have had a core group of people from the beginning.” It

is no wonder his staff sticks around; Wallin is a very down to earth

person who seems genuinely happy.

Most importantly, it is obvious that Wallin is at home in Brandon.

“I am a small city person,” he smiles.

He will tell you that it makes his day to be out in Brandon and

over hear someone talking about a great experience at his restau-

rant. He loves working with the public and clearly holds himself to

the same standards he does his staff. He is open, friendly and loves

his job.

But, life is not just fun for Wallin. He also believes that being a

conscientious corporate citizen, means having a responsibility to

give back to the city that supports you. Brandon has been very sup-

portive to Montana’s and as a thank-you Wallin and his staff have

given back. Together they have fundraised over $100,000 for vari-

ous causes.

Whether it is the food, the friendly faces or the atmosphere, there

is no shortage of satisfied guests at Montana’s in Brandon. •••

Brandon’s Montana’s Restaurantserves up what the city needs By Brandi Parnell

PHOTOS BY KEN FRAZER


BENEFITS OF CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Six Reasons to be a Chamber Member

1 Lobbying & AdvocacyWith more than 650 member-companies, the Brandon Chamber ofCommerce is the credible Voice of Business, speaking out on behalfof all members on a variety of topics, including working with theCity of Brandon and Brandon School Division on business relatedissues. The Chamber has also lobbied municipal, provincial andfederal government representatives regarding issues that face ourChamber members.

2 Leads, Referrals & NetworkingThe Brandon Chamber is about making connections...whether it’schamber staff getting to know you and telling others about you orwhether it’s you attending a variety of gatherings from small groupevents (Committee meetings and Business After 5’s) to larger func-tions (Luncheons, the Annual Dinner or Golf Tournament).

Or whether it’s you connecting with other Chamber membersthrough our business directory, with its nearly 70 pages of listingsand contacts - a who’s who of the business community.

3 Awareness & Promotion of Your BusinessJoining the Brandon Chamber is about raising your profile in thebusiness community. The Chamber offers you numerous opportu-nities to promote your business through sponsorship of a variety ofevents from luncheons and networking events to dinner’s and golftournaments.

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce also provides advertis-ing opportunities for your company in both print and electronicmedia, getting your message out to more than 800 business ownersand their employees.

4 Cost Reduction ProgramsThe Brandon Chamber can save you money and make it easier to dobusiness through such member benefits as group insurance, mer-chant discounts and payroll.

5 Learning, Education & DevelopmentWhether it’s attending our luncheons and hearing from key politi-cal, business and community leaders or coming out to our SpecialEvents throughout the year, the Brandon Chamber keeps you up-to-date on topics of current interest.

The Brandon Chamber also provides you an opportunity tovolunteer and grow as an individual - whether it’s helping to de-velop policy, speaking at a Chamber meeting or welcoming guestsat a Chamber event.

6 Community BettermentBrandon is a great place to live, work and play, and the BrandonChamber is doing its part to make it even better. The BrandonChamber is proactively going after companies looking to open, ex-pand or relocate and convincing them that Brandon is the ideal lo-cation. We love our city and encourage current residents to stayand more people to come.

MAKING THE MOST OF ITADVERTISINGAdvertise to a targeted market through the Chamber Insider enewsletter, Chamber a glance, Membership Roster, mail inserts and Event Sponsorship. As a new member, you also receiverecognition at the first luncheon you attend and an opportunityfor a free member profile in the Chamber a glance.

NETWORKINGYou are your greatest asset in teaching other people about whatyour business can do for them. By attending a Luncheon, Business After 5, Friday morning Coffee Break and other specialevents you can spread the word about your business to otherChamber members in the Brandon community. This is also youropportunity to learn about other businesses and how they canbe of service to you.

ADDING YOUR VOICEThere are many opportunities to assist on a Chamber committeeto lend your hand towards various Chamber initiatives on behalfof the business community. To maximize your membership bene fit get involved, meet people and be available for other members. Use the Chamber to broaden your personal network.Other business leaders, who know the pressures of ownership,can offer insight to the local marketplace or can be a soundingboard for your newest idea.

DISCOUNTSVarious discounts are available to Chamber members, such as;AAA Security Systems; Ceridian payroll; Christie’s Office Plus;Imperial Oil; Enterprise RentACar; MTS; F.H. Black & Company; The Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan; andthe Visa/Mastercard/Interac Merchant Plan.

THE POWER OF AFFILIATION800 business people with one unified voice for business meansprotection for your business. Businesses faced with unfairgovernment administration, taxation, or legislation can usethe Chamber as a valuable resource. Well-established chan-nels to government and the power of representing over 800delegates give the Chamber a voice that speaks louder thaneach business can alone.

As a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce,you are automatically associated with the Manitoba

and Canadian Chambers of Commerce!

For further information please contact theBrandon Chamber of Commerce at

(204) 571-5340 or email [email protected]


The 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup is a

sporting event that will provide the

City of Brandon with exposure on the na-

tional stage, significant economic activity

and a legacy for the Keystone Centre. The

MasterCard Memorial Cup will take place

from May 14-23, 2010, hosting thousands of

hockey fans from across Canada as they

take in the final games of the Canadian

Hockey League season. Four teams will be

in attendance; champions of the Western

Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League

and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey

League, as well as, the hosting Brandon

Wheat Kings.

Brandon and the surrounding region will

recognize close to $13 million in economic

activity as a result of hosting this event. In

addition to guest expenditures, capital up-

grades worth $5 million will be made to the

Keystone Centre, adding seven luxury suites

and a new video score clock. These addi-

tions will make this unique facility even

more attractive for hosting other major, na-

tional events for years to come, continuing

to benefit our community and the sur-

rounding region.

In addition to the economic benefit of

hosting this event, Brandon will receive sig-

nificant exposure through national media

outlets. The event will host more than 200

accredited media, spreading sports news

and human interest stories from the Cup

across Canada and around the world. All of

the games are televised on Rogers Sport-

snet, providing Brandon with immeasura-

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ble value through ongoing media coverage

for 10 days of the event.

The Brandon Wheat Kings are pleased to

be the host team for this prestigious sport-

ing event. Their team has been building

over the past few years and will be compet-

itive, experienced and ready to challenge

for a championship in 2010. The club’s long

and respected history with the Western

Hockey League was instrumental in Bran-

don being awarded the hosting rights for

this event, and the Wheat Kings are work-

ing towards a MasterCard Memorial Cup

that is second-to-none.

The 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup will

not only host some of the best hockey that

Brandon has seen, it will also be a commu-

nity celebration. The Memorial Cup Village

will be a cornerstone of the event and will

be open to the public to enjoy free of

charge. The Village will be home to the CHL

School Exhibits, the Hockey Hall of Fame in-

teractive displays, a Jersey Swap featuring

hockey clubs from around southwestern

Manitoba and family entertainment. The

Village will also be home to a significant

armed forces display that will hopefully fea-

ture the Army, Navy and Air Force. The en-

tire event will have considerable involve-

ment from the Canadian Armed Forces and

the Royal Canadian Legion, as the Memorial

Cup was donated in 1919 to the memory of

the Canadian soldiers killed in the First

World War. Additional competitions, dis-

plays and celebrations will be incorporated

into this event as it draws closer, providing

something for everyone to enjoy and be a

part of.

The Host Committee for the 2010 Mas-

terCard Memorial Cup is working to ensure

that the entire community is involved in this

special event, creating a festival atmos-

phere throughout our city for 10 days next

spring. More than 600 volunteers will be

needed to ensure that all aspects of the

event run smoothly, and the Host Commit-

tee is confident that Brandon’s vast and ex-

perienced volunteer base will once again

rise to the occasion of hosting a world-class

Memorial Cup.

For more information, or to learn news about

the event, please visit the website at

www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/2010. •••

By Sandy Trudel,Economic Development Officer

City of BrandonPHOTOS COURTESY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BRANDON

Brandon and the surrounding region willrecognize close to $13 million ineconomic activity as a result of hosting this event.

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To see how far you’ve come, to surveywhere you are and to chart a course for

where you want to go – such are the bene-fits and insights to be gained from anniver-saries. For Behlen Industries LP, Canada’slargest manufacturer of steel building sys-tems, its 40th year in business represents arecord of solid growth, intermittent fallowperiods and corporate re-structuring lead-ing to Behlen’s status as one of Canada’s 50Best Managed Private Companies for thepast eleven years, with Platinum statussince 2003.

Behlen Industries has also distinguisheditself as the first North American steel build-ing manufacturer registered to ISO 9001(March 1995), as well as, achieving certifica-tion to CSA standard A660, the Canadianstandard for steel for Steel Building Systems.

These significant events have all un-

folded against the backdrop of Brandon,Manitoba where the Behlen Industries’ storyis inextricably entwined with its chosenhead office location.

Construction of the manufacturing andoffice facility began in 1969, and, in July of1970, Behlen Industries first saw day as afledgling company with a focus on the agri-cultural industry. Colin B. Tooth, vice-presi-dent of sales and marketing says, “The focusback then was on grain storage systems in-cluding bins and Curvets® (Quonsets) andCORR-SPAN® Buildings were the most activeat that time. The industrial/commercial con-struction market was not the primary focusat back then.”

Walter Behlen and his brothers wereAmerican entrepreneurs hailing fromColumbus, Nebraska who decided to“branch out” to Canada directly north of

their U.S. location. The brothers felt that alocation in the centre of the country couldbest serve the needs of the market. Labourwas available in Brandon with skilled tradesalso present. They also envisioned the loca-tion in Brandon serving the central north-ern area of the United States.

Adds Tooth, “Their business vision in-cluded the basis of many of the systemsthat are still produced by Behlen Industriestoday.”

In the mid to late 70s, the companychanged hands, as the Behlens sold the en-terprise to another American company, theWickes Corporation, with a shift in focus tothe construction industry as wholesaler anddistributor of products related to residentialand commercial projects. Tooth says, “WhenWickes took over, they felt that getting intosteel buildings and steel grain storage prod-

Behlen Industries celebrates40 years in Brandon By Margaret Anne Fehr


ucts was something they were interested in.

They did well for a few years and then the

recession hit in the early 80s, and in 1982,

Wickes went into receivership, more com-

monly known as Chapter 11 in the United

States. At the time, they sold off the assets

here in Brandon to the existing manage-

ment and that’s when the company offi-

cially became Canadian.”

Tooth explains that six key individuals on

the board at that time bought the assets

and officially took over the operations. The

company underwent another ownership

transfer in 1989, when the business was

sold to The Edwards Family. Today, Russ Ed-

wards is still the chairman of the board. He

and his family are the owners of a group of

companies called the Westman Group Inc.

(WGI) that consists of five core businesses;

Behlen Industries, Westman Steel, Canada

Culvert, Meridian Manufacturing and, its

most recent acquisition, Sakundiak Equip-

ment in Saskatchewan. These businesses

operate independently and manufacture

different products, but share the common

element of serving their customer base with

innovative, cost-effective products manu-

factured primarily from steel.

“Since Russ purchased Behlen, the com-

pany has not looked back, showing contin-

uous growth through the drive to service

new markets, significantly build the dealer

network, and offer new innovative com-

mercial and industrial related products to

the marketplace,” says Tooth.

The company’s initial choice of Brandon

for the company’s head quarters has proven

advantageous to both the Keystone City

and Behlen Industries over the years.

“Brandon has been very good to Behlen,”

says Tooth. “The city has provided Behlen

with a solid, steady work force to build from

both in the plant and technical design staff

in the office. We believe that Behlen has

been good for Brandon as well. During the

past 40 years, our company has provided

jobs to thousands of individuals who reside

in the community, pay their taxes and keep


local business prospering. During our peak

months we can have up to 285 people work-

ing at our facility with about 250 of those

employees from Brandon proper.”

Behlen Industries, besides undertaking

national and international projects, has also

been responsible for changing the cityscape

of Brandon over the years.

“Three times in the past 40 years, we have

added on to the Keystone Centre (now

known as Westman Communications Place)

which is our major recreational, meeting,

and events centre here in Brandon. Behlen

has also constructed new buildings at Sim-

plot (now known as Koch), a new 60,000

square foot facility for Mckenzie Seeds in

2008, the Westman Recycling building in

2001, two large additions to the Canexus Fa-

cility just east of town, as well as, scores of

smaller projects; all are part of the Behlen In-

dustries’ legacy in the community,” says

Tooth.

The dreams and values that first guided

the company in its business operations back

in 1969 have changed significantly over the

last four decades.

“I am not exactly sure what the motto was

back then, but our current statement of val-

ues has helped us get to our position today.Our core values make up the vision we havewithin our parent company Westman GroupInc.,” says Tooth. “At the Westman Group, wepursue our vision, make decisions, and ex-hibit behaviour that is consistent with ourcore values that include relationships,growth, fiscal responsibility, as well as, safety,health and environmental responsibility.”

“Relationships with our employees, ourcustomers, and our suppliers are the foun-dation of our success and these relation-ships are our true competitive advantage.We are committed to dealing in a fair andhonest manner, promoting teamwork andcooperation and recognizing commongoals, encouraging open and honest com-munication based on mutual respect andthe acknowledgement of the dignity of oth-ers, resulting in an environment of trust.”

Other relationship builders include, pro-viding opportunities for career and per-sonal growth and achievement throughcoaching, training, and learning activities,recognizing and celebrating efforts thatsupport the achievement of common goalsand sharing in the success of the company.

Tooth emphasizes that continued growthis not a given, but is based on respondingto an ever-changing business environmentby being prepared to pursue, develop andinvestigate new and alternative products,services and markets.

“Continuous growth is essential for thelong term health of our company and forthe opportunities that it provides for ouremployees,” he says.

As a consequence, Behlen Industries iscommitted to meeting changing customerneeds through innovation in processes,services and products. Methods includeusing technology to increase efficiencies in

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all aspects of WGI operations by exploring

new markets and business opportunities,

using people’s full potential to bring about

and to support growth and reinvesting in

their companies.

“Fiscal responsibility is essential to WGI’s

long term stability and existence,” says Tooth.

“Our commitment is towards operating in a

profitable manner by caring for, and pru-

dently managing our assets and our debt.”

As a long-time business presence in Bran-

don and south western Manitoba, WGI’s

commitment to safety, health and commu-

nity responsibility is paramount. Tooth ex-

pands, “We must be responsible to the com-

munities in which we have chosen to es-

tablish our facilities and to the individuals

and families that make up our team. As a re-

sult, we are committed to establishing and

maintaining safe work practices, striving to

provide a satisfying balance between work

and home life and supporting community

programs through financial and volunteer

support.”

The mutually beneficial business sym-

biosis between Behlen Industries and the

City of Brandon continues as strong as ever

and despite the vagaries of an uncertain

global economy, Tooth describes the com-

pany as optimistic in its prospects.

“Though the tougher economic times we

are currently in have affected our sales and

bottom line this year, we are confident that

our diversity in product lines, market sec-

tors, and ability to ship anywhere in the

world, will help us weather the storm and

see prosperous times once again.” •••


Driving up over the hill leading into

Brandon the old McKenzie Seeds

building stands empty, but still continues to

be a symbol of company’s success and con-

nection to the community that’s housed it

for over 112 years. And, even though A.E.

McKenzie Co Inc. has said good bye to their

historic and dated facility, their commit-

ment to the city continues at a new site.

McKenzie Seeds is Canada's leading sup-

plier of packaged seeds and related gar-

dening products. The consumer products

division features many well known seed

brands that are shipped to 5,600 retailers

across Canada every spring. The direct mail

division features catalogues that reach over

500,000 Canadian households annually.

This is a far cry from when the company

started many years ago with nothing more

than a one-side page seed catalogue.

Planting the Seed

Albert Edward McKenzie moved with his

family to Brandon in May of 1882, where his

father started a flour and feed business. At

the age of 26 he took over operations and

created the Brandon Seed House.

By 1897, McKenzie released his first seed

McKenzie Seeds has theirroots in Brandon,and despite being boughtby an international company,they intend to stay that way

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“catalogue” - a one sided, four inch, by 12

inch piece of paper. The following year it in-

creased to four pages, and by 1900 was a

full 28 pages.

Five years later McKenzie seed packets

were being sold in retail stores across

Canada, and the company expanded with

an office in Calgary. The Brandon branch

also needed to broaden and a new, six-story

concrete building was constructed on 9th

street in Brandon.

By 1940, the McKenzie Seed Company

was known as “the largest seed house in the

British Commonwealth”. Continued growth

also meant more expansion (there was al-

ready branches established in Edmonton,

Winnipeg and Toronto), and a five-storey

addition was built adjacent to the now

seven-storey building on 9th.

In the years that followed, McKenzie con-

tinued to expand their product offerings to

become one of the widest gardening selec-

tions in North America - from specialty lines

of wild-flowers, ornamental grasses, seed-

tape, gourmet vegetables to imported vari-

eties from England, France and Italy.

“Lawn and garden is our true focus which

include, home gardening seeds, Jiffy seed

starting, grass seed, bulbs, soil mix not to

mention our commitment to superior serv-

ice, top quality products and most impor-

tantly great people. That is really who we

are and what has made us successful over

the years,” says Scott Hildebrand, vice-pres-

ident and general manager for McKenzie

Seeds. “We are well known within the major

accounts, regional accounts and independ-

ents across the country and are trusted for

our products and service.”

Even thought the company was bought

out by the Norweigan company Jiffy in

2006, the company’s commitment to Bran-

don has never wavered.

“Everyone knows someone who’d

worked at McKenzie Seeds, either directly

or indirectly. McKenzie has been part of the

Brandon culture, heritage and skyline for

110+ years and we felt it made good busi-

ness sense to remain part of the commu-

nity,” says Hildebrand.

New Home

As part of that commitment to remain in

Brandon, the company recently made the

choice to build a new modern facility in

the city.

Unfortunately, the historic brick building

didn't allow for the efficiencies necessary

for a company of their size and volume.

There were major challenges associated

with the older building, which ultimately

contributed to the need for a more mod-

ern facility. Don Storey, Plant Manager, and

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Albert Edward McKenzie moved with his family toBrandon in May of 1882, where his father started aflour and feed business. At the age of 26 he took overoperations and created the Brandon Seed House.


his staff, dealt with these challenges on a

daily basis.

"The old building did not allow for effi-

cient flow of materials. With a total of 14

floors between two buildings and only

being connected on certain floors, it made

it very difficult to be productive...with only

one elevator in each building there were

times when employees had to wait for

their turn to use them...elevators also re-

stricted us to where product could be

stored,” he says.

After nine short months of construction,

initial transition of the plant and warehouse

into the new one level, 105,000 square foot

facility began in December, with the office

following in March. McKenzie Seeds in now

fully operational at the 1000 Parker Boule-

vard location.

Constructed by Brandon-based Crane

Steel, the expansion has already won praise

from the city’s Green Building Committee,

which recently presented McKenzie Seeds

with an award for its many environmental

initiatives.

“I notice they’ve got recycle bins in the

offices, green plantings outside, insulation,

energy efficient windows and energy effi-

cient furnaces,” says Brandon Community

Development Coordinator, Tom Keep.

"Certainly it’s an honour for our company,

but especially for everyone on our building

committee that put long hours into the

planning of our new facility. This recognizes

the work they did, to ensure we're just

doing our part as an organization in today's

world. Recognition like this will definitely

boost our entire staff's efforts, as our team

continues to work together towards long

term environmental sustainability," says

Hildebrand.

As they have only been in the new build-

ing for a few months, the company’s imme-

diate goals are to become more efficient in

their new one floor facility and continue to

find ways to cut costs and utilities.

Hildebrand adds they have also been in

talks with the provincial government on

more investment and opportunities in Man-

itoba, but have not been able to finalize

anything as of yet.

“Our goals are to continue to focus on

growth in the lawn and garden industry and

are looking for opportunities to bring gar-

dening to even more Canadians,” concludes

Hildebrand. •••

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Opened in 1999, Maple Leaf’s pork pro-

cessing plant in Brandon is a world-

class, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the

production of fresh pork products for both

domestic and international markets. But, it’s

also become a great place of employment,

and has brought many new Canadians into

Brandon’s community.

“The plant is strategically placed to receive

hogs from many provinces that in turn are

able to be fed from local feed mills,” says Leo

Collins, operations manager for the Brandon

plant. “There’s also a great proximity to cross

Canada and international borders both by

road and by rail.”

Located on Richmond Avenue East, ap-

proximately 0.5 kilometers east of the junc-

tion of Highway 110 and Richmond Ave East,

The Brandon Maple Leaf plantis part of the community

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Maple Leaf’s first 51 employees were hired in

July 1999 to begin training for the late Au-

gust/early September start-up. The first site

originally covered 11 acres, and after running

for only six months ramped up production

to 1,250 hogs per hour on a single shift.

1,200 hourly employees worked in Hog

Receiving, Kill, Cut, Packaging, Hamboning,

Distribution, Sanitation, Plant Services, Main-tenance, Power House, while 110 salariedemployees worked in Production, Finance,Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Mainte-nance, Engineering, Procurement, Healthand Safety, Human Resources, Distribution,Power Engineering.

Since then, over $90 million in upgradeshave been added to support the double-shifted operation, which began in 2007.Currently, the plant handles 85,000 hogsper week (equates to 7700 metric tonneslive hog weight/week), with 6,750 metrictonnes being shipped out of plant/week.The plant size has increased to 13.9 acres,and offers work to over 2,100 hourly andover 150 salary staff.

From a safety perspective, recordable in-juries this year-to-date is well below indus-try average (12.3 recordable injury rate),even with second shift expansion, and theplant’s quality programs meet or exceedCFIA requirements. This allows the plant tobe CFIA approved for a High-Line-Speedprocess, which allows for lines speeds of1,250 per hour.

The Brandon plant has also become highlyregarded place to work, honoured as “One ofCanada’s Best Corporate Cultures” in 2008,and has been hailed as the model for recruit-ment and settlement of international recruits.

“Our program has been regarded as beingvery good due to our relocation package,”says Collins. “This includes cost of flight, com-pany pays first month rent, free bus pass forfirst month, one bed per person is provided,

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first week cafeteria food is provided at nocharge and usually some money. If the per-son decides that they do not want to stay wealso pay for flight back home. Many peopleconsider this to be very fair for our foreignpeople therefore they regard this as being amodel for recruitment.”

As of April 2009, Maple Leaf Foods Bran-don has hired approximately 1,500 foreignworkers from El Salvador, China, Ukraine,Columbia, Honduras and Mauritius. Familyreunification until the end of 2008 broughtan additional 1,000 family members. In2009, Maple Leaf expects to hire approxi-mately 200 foreign workers from the Span-ish language grouping and in total will

bring approximately 2,500 new individualsof varying ages to Brandon in the next 18months.

Maple Leaf is also a strong supporter ofthe community as a whole. The companyis not only a supporter of the United Way,CIBC Run for the Cure and Food forThought, but also provides thousands ofkilograms of meat donations to variousgroups.

The company is also active with the RuralDevelopment Institute at Brandon Univer-sity in their studies and holds stakeholdermeetings with representatives from City ofBrandon, Transportation, Health, Educationto provide updates on staffing status.

Maple Leaf plays a pivotal role in Bran-don’s community, whether it be by bringingin new residents, supplying jobs or sup-porting local organizations. •••

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He’s honest. He’s humble. He’s Ron Ball

of Precision Toyota. And, most re-

cently, he is also an award winning recipi-

ent. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce

recently named Ball the Business Person of

the Year, and in speaking with him it is clear

why he was chosen.

Ball grew up on a cattle farm just outside

of Brandon, and in those days, he states,

running a farm meant helping out family

and working until the job was done. Today,

Ball still holds strong to his work ethic -

when there is work to be done, you do it,

and you do it well.

Obviously farming is seasonal, so when

the winds changed and the cold air began

to blow, Ball began to think about what he

could do in the winter months to earn

money. After some consideration, he de-

cided to sell cars for the local Toyota dealer.

Two years later, Ball’s entrepreneurial spirit

appeared and he decided to open his own

used car lot. Naturally, he seized the oppor-

tunity when Brandon Toyota came up for

sale. In 1979, he bought the local Toyota

dealership, renamed it Precision Toyota and

moved it to 18th Street, which is where

you’ll find it today,

Over the years, Ball has been involved in

various forms of commerce, but throughout

his career two things have remained con-

stants - family, first, and then cars. Ball is

very eager to give credit to the people who

have been with him all through his career.

He points to his brother Bruce. Together

they have been in business for over five

decades, and its one of many very strong re-

lationships in his life. Together Ball and his

brother have been involved in various part-

nerships, including a Nissan dealership.

“I am surrounded by good people,” he

humbly states when discussing his key to

success.

Regardless of the year, the make or the

model, Ball has a keen intuition about cars

and people, which serves him well when it

comes to hiring staff. But most importantly,

Ball is dedicated to treating people well.

“I have great staff, period. I also have fam-

ily in the business. Every day a lot of people

put in a lot of hard work,” he says.

That must be a continuous source of en-

ergy for Mr. Ball because he seems un-

scathed by the current challenges that face

the automotive industry. “All in all, the car

business has been pretty good to me.”

That being said, there wasn’t too much

that wasn’t good in Ball’s opinion. Perhaps

his positive attitude and his generous spirit

are also reasons why he’s been awards nu-

merous accolades. Fifteen years ago, he and

a friend decided over coffee that it was time

they spearheaded a fundraiser for a local

family whose child required a heart trans-

plant in Toronto. Unfortunately, Manitoba

Health would only cover the cost for one

parent to go, so Ball decided to help raise

the funds for traveling. From there “Dreams

for Kids” was born and, to date, this charity

has raised over a million dollars to help fam-

ilies that require financial aid.

Most interesting though, despite all of

Ron Ball of Precision Toyota servesBrandon in numerous different ways

By Brandi Parnell

PRECISION TOYOTA

DAVID J. HANassistant sales manager

business (204) 725-0508 ext. 227toll free 1-866-684-6820fax (204) 725-1690email [email protected]

www.precision.toyota.ca

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DARREL BOGHEAN Route Supervisor telephone 866.999.9433 facsimile 204.694.1884 e-mail [email protected] address 398 Park Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 7A8


the successes in various areas of his life, is

Ball’s nature and disposition. Printed articles

and media attention would indicate that

Ball is somewhat of a Brandon icon. But in

speaking with him, it is very clear that he

doesn’t like to be at the centre of attention

and his principles are similar to what they

were back on the farm. He is hard working

and extremely humble.

These strong qualities have undoubtedly

done Ball well in life and in business. Even

more admirable is that he took his suc-

cesses one step further, into his community.

The City of Brandon is fortunate to have a

leader in the city’s economy and in charita-

ble measures. There have been many peo-

ple employed by Mr. Ball and many dreams

that have come to life thanks to “Dreams for

Kids”.

“The most important thing is just that

you care about people in business, in family

and at home,” he concludes. •••

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Phone: (204) 728-3974Toll Free: 1-800-705-7818


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443 – 10th Street Brandon, MB R7A 4G3

: 204 725 9255: 1 877 725 9255 (Toll-free)

204 725 9255

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Academic achievement, vocational tri-

umphs or numerous possessions are

among many of the things people strive for,

but it is not often that one has the opportu-

nity to be an integral part of the making of a

city. As the President of G.T. Smith & Sons

Electrical Ltd., Blair Smith walks down the

streets of Brandon and takes pleasure in the

buildings around him, knowing that he and

his company had a hand in them.

“It brings pride to me to see things like

the city hall, that bank, that strip mall, the

airport. To see those and say we wired

those,” says Smith. “You're not going to find

too many people in Brandon who don't

know where the city hall is, and after all

these years it's still an impressive looking

building. We can say we did that and that's

important to us.”

The electrical company is celebrating 90

years of servicing Brandon and area, provid-

ing everything from installing telephones

and adding plugs in local homes to mainte-

nance work for other businesses and offer-

ing retrofitting (a program through Mani-

toba Hydro that encourages customers to

use more energy-efficient technologies in

new or existing buildings).

“We do it all,” exults Smith. “We have pic-

tures on our walls of some of the projects

we've done over the years and it's been so

many years that some of the buildings are

not there anymore.”

When Smith’s great-grandfather, Guy

Thomas, started the company, electricity

was coming to rural areas and Manitoba

G.T. Smith & Sons Electrical Ltd.celebrates 90 years of servicing Brandon

By Lea Gunner


Hydro was installing poles for residents out-

side of Brandon. Thomas and his brother,

Art, drove up and down offering to wire rural

homes and Hydro would charge their

monthly bill.

The company has varied over their his-

tory; from the crew of two brothers at

start-up to 47 employees in its prime, it has

endured the ups and downs of any small

business.

And, throughout the years, G.T. Smith &

Sons Electrical Ltd. has been passed down

through the generations. Smith began

working in the family business in 1984 as

an apprentice.

“You start at the bottom and do what

you're told. I worked my way up,” states

Smith.

After becoming president in 1999,

Smith has cultivated the company and

watched it expand. He credits the

longevity and strength of G.T. Smith &

Sons Electrical Ltd. to loyal customers,

good staff and hard work.

“We're a fairly low profile company. We go

about our job and we hope we do good

work for people,” says Smith. “We strive to do

the best that we can do. If there’s a problem,

please explain it and we'll try to resolve it.

I'm not going to purposely try to take ad-

vantage of a customer. You have to be hon-

est and up front with people; that's how

companies stay here for that long.”

With 25 years in the in-

dustry and 90 years of

company history behind

him, Smith knows what it

takes to succeed.

“If you're not going for-

ward, you're going backwards because you

can't stand still in business,” advises Smith.

“If you're not progressively looking for

more customer and expanding your busi-

ness, you're going backwards because

you're losing customers.”

Smith plans to strengthen and grow the

business with more staff, larger projects and

a new location in the future. With drive and

determination, Smith will do what genera-

tions before him have done – watch the

company and the city landscape develop

and prosper. •••

SERVING WESMAN FOR OVER 90 YEARS!

TOLL FREE 18665483385

we willwe will ELECTRIFYELECTRIFY you with our services.you with our services.

859 9th Street | Brandon, Manitoba | R7A 4B7Phone: 728-3385 | Fax: 727-1661 | Email: [email protected]

“It brings pride to me to see things like thecity hall, that bank, that strip mall, the airport.To see those and say we wired those...”


Dr. Trudy Corbett and Dr. Jeff Bales are

in the habit of making people

smile, one patient at a time. To-

gether they are Smiles Specialty

Centre and although they are not

Brandon natives originally, they be-

lieve in the city and its people.

Dr. Corbett grew up in Sussex, New

Brunswick, attended McGill University and

practiced for two years in British Columbia

before she taking her specialty training in

periodontics at The University of Mani-

toba. Dr. Bales, who happens to be not

only her business partner, but also her

husband, has an eastern Canadian past as

well.

He grew

up in Midland,

Ontario and took his

dentistry degree at the Uni-

versity of Western Ontario. He too did his

residency in British Columbia and moved

back with Dr. Corbett to Manitoba to com-

Smiles Specialty Centre brings pearlywhites and business sense to BrandonBy Brandi Parnell


plete his specialty training in Orthodontics.

Upon completion of her degree, Dr. Cor-

bett decided to bring her skills to south

Western Manitoba where she worked as a

specialist in general dentists’ offices. This

opportunity allowed Dr. Corbett the chance

to visit various practices in and around

Brandon. In doing so, she was able to gain

insight on what worked and what didn’t

work from a business perspective. When Dr.

Bales graduated from The University of

Manitoba, they decided to bring their skills

together. In July 2008, they opened Smiles

Speciality Centre where they combine two

different types of specialty oral care.

Their business although under one roof,

houses two separate practices, and even

though they are in different areas of one

building, their focus is one and the same –

their patients. Every decision that they

make about their business comes back to

patient care.

For Smiles Specialty Center, it all starts

with a welcome feeling as soon as you walk

through their doors. They do divide their

practices, but they unite on their business

philosophies. Dr. Bales has a very large

number of families in his practice due to the

orthodontic natural of his business. That

being said, he is thoughtful about who is

• DAMON system braces

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ILES

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CURTIS KEBER

Store Manager The North West Company LP

Phone: 204 728 6443 2626 Victoria Avenue

Fax: 204 728 6572 Brandon, Manitoba

Website: www.gianttiger.com R7B 0M8

Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5Toll Free:1.866.831.4744 | Toll Free Fax: 1.866.711.5282

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We offer outstanding personal serviceand quality in the areas of:

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DELCommunications Inc.


© 2009 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Buy it for looks.

The ones you’re inevitably going to get.

The All-New 2010 GLK. Starting from $41,800.

Lone Star Motors Inc 2554 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba P. (204) 667-2467 E. [email protected]

waiting. Typically there is a parent and a

child on his side of the building. So, natu-

rally he caters to youth. He has both a

Playstation and a bubble hockey game to

entertain teenagers. Happy kids, make for

easy visits to the dentist. So, while the ‘pa-

tient’ relaxes, the parents can sit back, slow

down and read a magazine.

Dr. Corbett on the other hand is mindful

of a more mature audience. Her patients

can find a waiting area that mimics a living

room - open and comfortable and contains

both a couch and a fire place.

Not only is a combined specialty practice

unique, so is their approach to patient care.

Dr. Corbett and Dr. Bales are taking dental

care and turning it into a business where peo-

ple are their top priority. Regardless of the

waiting room, they vow to keep wait times at

a minimum. They want their patients to feel

at home in a welcoming environment. But

most importantly, they want their patients to

understand that they come first.

Conscientious patient care is at the fore-

front of their practices. Their service is sec-

ond to none, and yet, they speak about al-

ways improving and thinking of the fu-

ture. They want to hone their specialty

skills, take great care of their patients and

appreciate their staff. Knowing that, it

may seem obvious why The Brandon

Chamber of Commerce recently presented


Smiles Specialty Centre with a business

excellence award honouring their dedica-

tion to business and community.

The business part is clear, but it is ad-

mirable the reach that Smiles Specialty

Center has in the community. As a staff,

they participate in many community

events, including fundraisers for various

charities. They recognize that being out in

their community is one step closer to ulti-

mate patient care.

When Dr. Corbett and Dr. Bales first ar-

rived in the Brandon area, they were out-

siders. Dr. Corbett will go so far as to tell

you that it took her five years to convince

the people of Brandon that she was stay-

ing. Today, the city has embraced them

and is very loyal. She laughs when she

mentions that every where she goes, she

sees a patients. To Dr. Corbett and Dr.

Bales, Brandon is relatively small, but it has

everything to offer, including specialty

dentists.

Brandon has taken the time to recognize

Smiles Specialty Centre, but Dr. Corbett and

Dr. Bales appreciate doing business in Bran-

don. They are grateful to be members of The

Brandon Chamber of Commerce, which has

a strong voice for the business community.

A culmination of all of these things, plus

their successes, means smiles are here to

stay in Brandon. •••


Mike Clark heads up Teego Innovations in Brandon, an auto -

mation solutions company that helps the rest of us make

sense of the ever-burgeoning world of technology and how it can

simplify and enhance our lives at home and at work. The Brandon

Business Review thought a straightforward question and answer

format would be the most direct way for Clark to share his expert-

ise about his business, a subject about which he is so obviously im-

passioned.

Brandon Business Review: Teego Innovations brings auto -

mation to the home and to the office including WiFi hot spots. What

specifically do you offer around these functions?

Mike Clark: Teego Innovations' home automation solutions

make sophisticated automation and control practical and afford-

able for every home. We give you simple, centralized control over

your lights, music, home theatre, temperature and security system.

Our wireless, IP-based products integrate your existing technology

into one complete system, providing a new level of entertainment,

comfort, and convenience to you and your family, all with just one

By Margaret Anne Fehr

“Individual looks for women of all ages”

Dianne FotheringhamGloria McMillan

The Town Centre800 Rosser Ave.Brandon, MB

R7A 6N5

Ph: (204) 728-7486Fax: (204) 728-7490

email: [email protected]

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www.guildinsurance.ca

GRANT TWEEDCONSULTANT

244 - 10th St. Brandon, MB Direct: (204) 761-6884 E. [email protected]

R7A 4E8 Fax: (204) 726-5883 www.granttweed.com

I specialize in Commercial & Farm I specialize in Commercial & Farm properties throughout Westman!properties throughout Westman!


remote, Utilizing the same technology,

Teego Innovations can also fully automate

your boardroom and provide a complete

digital security solution for your entire busi-

ness.

Our Hotspot service provides WiFi access

to your restaurant, hotel, coffee shop or

campground. This completely customized

solution can be configured as a revenue

share opportunity for your business or as a

means of preserving customer loyalty and

return visits to your place of business.

The corporate services we offer vary from

installing TVs, Sound Systems, WiFi

Hotspots, Security Cameras, and Security

System Consulting. What sets us apart is

that all of these systems can work together

providing a complete solution.

We also enjoy cutting edge projects, pro-

viding custom solutions for just about any

situation.

BBR: What business opportunity led to the

start up of the company?

MC: I love technology, and always have.

I have had my eye on home automation for

many years and until recently, it was expen-

sive and I did not feel the technology was

ready to be integrated into every home.

When my father decided it was time for

him to build a home, we started drawing up

plans for a Home Automation System. I

started looking into many different prod-

ucts and attended a few trade shows. That is

where I found Control4, which is an au-

tomation system like no other. It is cost ef-

fective, has a complete range of products,

and integrates with just about anything. At

this point, I decided to take a risk. I secured

a few consulting contracts, and started

building automation systems.

BBR: How would you describe the com-

pany's progress since its start up?

MC: We have had our ups and downs as

any new company does. After just about

three years I think we have diversified into

enough fields to gain the stability required

to launch some truly astonishing new prod-

ucts and services.

BBR: Could you describe some of your

company's most memorable projects and

why they stand out for you?

MC: Most of our customers to date had

been people who love being on the cutting

edge. However, recently I got a call from a

gentleman I had met a few years ago, when

I was coaching his kid’s football. He had just

gotten a 52-inch TV and a Blu-ray player for

Alarm switch over customers get a fi rst year rate of $8.25 / Month!

We are 100% locally owned & operated

We do new & existing homes for alarms

We do Video Security Systems for homes and businesses

We do Telephone Systems & 2-Way Radios

See Chris Sobchuk or Darren Hossack!

Phone. 204-728-8878

Allen Leigh Security & Communications Ltd.

712 Victoria Avenue. East Brandon, MB R7A 1Z9P. 204-728-8878 F. 204-725-2234 TF. 866-289-8164

www.allenleigh.ca

A Brandon Company

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DESIGN/BUILD • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURE • RE-ROOFING


Christmas and he didn't know how to use it.

He had to use three remotes just to get the

thing on, and was getting very frustrated. I

went in and installed a basic automation

system. He can now control his TV, Blu-ray,

sound system, satellite receiver, and he can

connect his laptop to his TV wirelessly all

from one remote, and he loves it.

Another project that was also very mem-

orable was a customer who also owns a

business, and needs to know where all of

his trucks are at any time, so we partnered

with another company, and deployed GPS

transmitters into his whole fleet, which can

be monitored from the main office, or a

rugged laptop mounted in his truck.

We partnered with another local com-

pany to do a board room for a client. We in-

stalled a motorized projector screen, a mo-

torized projector lift and integrated all of

their other equipment, so it was all accessi-

ble with custom buttons programmed on a

touch screen.

We have installed all of the TVs, alarms,

cameras, and WiFi systems in all of the Bran-

don and Neepawa McDonalds restaurants.

We also had a customer that had just fin-

ished renovations, and realized that they

did not have any way to see who was at the

front door. We were able to install a camera,

and an in-wall screen to view the front door.

BBR: What's it like doing business in Bran-

don? Describe some of the benefits.

MC: Brandon is a great place to do busi-

ness. We have an active Chamber of Com-

merce that is willing to assist small business.

Our local clients and suppliers have all been

great to deal with. We chose to do business

in Brandon, because this is where we grew

up and we feel this is a great community in

which to raise our kids.

BBR: What are your business plans for the

future?

MC: Our future plans are to continue to

grow, and offer new and exciting technol-

ogy into our customers’ homes and busi-

nesses. We are also in the process of finish-

ing our Demo Home. Once completed, we

intend to offer open houses, in order to

demonstrate our products.

BBR: What trends do you see in the mar-

ketplace that will affect your business?

MC: Brandon is a very stable marketplace.

We knew starting out that most people had

never considered putting this kind of tech-

nology into their homes and it would take

some time for Home Automation to hit the

mainstream. Most of our customers are

pretty high tech and enjoy being on the

cutting edge of technology, but we hope to

change that, by showing everyone just how

great this system can be. •••

Your grounds areLooking better already.

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Since its establishment as Brandon

College in 1899, Brandon Univer-

sity has endeavoured to be the desti-

nation of choice for students in West-

ern Manitoba who seek a personal-

ized, quality education characterized

by small classroom sizes and a low

student-to-professor ratio.

BU is a primarily liberal arts under-

graduate university, offering its 3,200

students degrees in education, music,

science, arts, nursing, fine arts, psy-

chiatric nursing and applied disaster

and emergency studies. BU also offers

graduate degrees in music, rural de-

velopment and education, certificate

programs in business administration,

the justice system and labour studies and pre-professional programs

in 19 areas ranging from pre-med studies to preparatory programs in

dentistry and veterinary medicine.

The University is now entering a period of change and revitaliza-

tion as it welcomes its new President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Debo-

rah Poff. Dr. Poff, a professor of philosophy, comes to Brandon Uni-

versity from the University of Northern British Columbia, where she

was the founding dean of the faculty of arts and science and served

for 10 years as the vice-president academic and provost.

“Brandon University has a rich and long-standing tradition of

serving its community through personalized education, research

and service," says Dr. Poff. "I look forward to serving in the facilita-

tion of strengthening and broadening that tradition in the complex

global context which is university education and research in the

21st century.”

Dr. Poff serves and has served on numerous national and interna-

tional boards and councils and is currently the president-elect of the

National Council on Ethics in human research. As well, she is currently

the vice-president development with the Canadian Federation for

the Humanities and Social Sciences. Her areas of research are lead-

ership, business and pro-

fessional ethics, and

healthcare ethics. As

well, she does research

on social justice issues

and women’s studies. In

1995, she was awarded a

lifetime honorary mem-

bership by the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of

Women in the category of “outstanding contribution to feminist

scholarship”.

Brandon University enters a periodof change with a new presidentand new infrastructure initiativesBy Lisa Thomson


Brandon University’s 16thPresident and Vice

Chancellor Dr. Deborah Poff.


The beginning of Dr. Poff's tenure at BU

is sure to be remembered as a time in

which great improvements were made to

the campus infrastructure. Over $11 mil-

lion in expansion and campus improve-

ments were announced in February by

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer. This funding

will support the construction of a new

physical plant building at Brandon Univer-

sity, which in turn will allow for the con-

struction of an expanded Students' Union

building.

Construction of the new $3.9-million phys-

ical plant clears the way for a $4-million,

12,000-square-foot expansion and renova-

tion of the student-owned and operated

Knowles Douglas Commission building

which will provide essential additional stu-

dent common space, room for commercial

tenants, expanded space for student clubs

and organizations, and will allow for the re-

location of the Students' Union office. Ad-

ditionally, Brandon University received $3.3

million from the province for campus im-

provements announced in January 2009.

The physical plant serves as the hub for

many campus operations and provides serv-

ices from security and technical support to

building maintenance, project management,

groundskeeping, deliveries and housekeep-

ing. Employees operate and maintain Bran-

don University buildings, do smaller-scale

construction projects and provide in-house

trades expertise. The new building will in-

clude electrical, power engineering and me-

chanical services, painting, carpentry and a

groundskeeper shop, along with a locksmith

shop and storage capacity.

The Students' Union building is a student-

led project is being funded through the stu-

dent union and by commercial tenants to be

located in the building.

"The Brandon University Students' Union

has been actively working toward an expan-

sion and renovation of the Knowles-Douglas

Building and we are grateful that the Council

on Post-Secondary Education has responded

to BU and BUSU requests for the Physical

Plant to be replaced. This clears the way for

our capital project," says Brandon University

Students' Union President Stephen Mon-

tague. "The Knowles-Douglas project further

enhances our ability to continue to meet stu-

dents' needs and enrich their learning expe-

rience at BU."

Brandon University is also still at work to

secure funding to build a new proposed

Healthy Living Centre, which will expand on

the campus’ current gymnasium building by

adding 70,000 feet of new recreational space,

A glimpse of what the Healthy Living Centreinterior will look like once complete byMCM Architects Inc.

“WE'D LOVE TO BE PART OF YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER”

McCallum Jewellers

Brandon Shoppers Mall1540 - 18th Street

Brandon, MB R7A 5C5P: (204) 725-4367F: (204) 727-1457

E: [email protected]


The existing Knowles DouglasStudents’ Union Centre.

BRANDON OFFICE:1239B Princess Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 0R2Phone: (204) 725-7230 Fax: (204) 726-5251

Toll Free: 1-877-7220

as well as sports medicine services, an indoor

walking track and much, much more. The fa-

cility will be a fantastic addition to Brandon,

not only benefitting BU students and employ-

ees, but also the greater community by bring-

ing large-scale sporting events to Brandon

and supplying the city's only indoor venue for

walking and jogging during the winter

months. •••


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Assiniboine Community Collegeis in its second phase of expansion

Assiniboine Community College is in its third year of an excit-

ing relocation to the site of the former Brandon Mental Health

Centre in Brandon. The project is a long term plan to move the col-

lege from its location in Brandon’s east end to the North hill over-

looking the city.

The first phase of the project was completed in 2007, with the

opening of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts. The institute

houses culinary arts and hotel and restaurant management pro-

gramming, as well as, community programming. A $1 million broad-

cast culinary theatre was added to the building in the spring of 2009.

Phase two of the project is currently under construction, as the

$45 million Len Evans Centre of Trades & Technology begins to take

shape. The centre is a much needed project that will allow the col-

lege to double apprenticeship enrollment to meet the growing

labour needs of the region.

Phase three of the relocation will see the remainder of the col-

lege's Brandon-based programming moved to the Parkland build-

ing at the site.

www.vanhoutte.com

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Phase two of Assiniboine Community College’s relocation to the former site of the Brandon

Mental Health Centre mixes the past with the present, as construction crews meld the red

brick Pineridge building with a new steel structure to erect what will be called the Len Evans

Centre of Trades & Technology. The Government of Manitoba announced that it would be

naming the centre after the long time Brandon East MLA in July 2008. Len Evans helped break

ground on the project during the announcement.

General contractor, Akman Construction, started work on the $45 million centre in August

2008, along with various subcontractors from the province. Construction will see the historic

old building, which was built in 1933, renovated and expanded to include 130,000 square

feet of classroom space and shops. The Pineridge building will contain classrooms and labs,

faculty offices and meeting rooms, as well as, a student lounge area, while the steel structure

will house the remainder of programs, as well as, a food services kiosk. All sections of the cen-

tre will be linked by enclosed bridges.

When it’s completed, the centre will include improved machine shops, CNC laboratories,

computer rooms and smart classrooms. The centre will allow the college to more than dou-

ble enrollment in apprenticeship and pre-employment programs from just over 600 students

to 1,400. With increased student capacity, the college will also require 25 new instructors to

serve the growing student body. The new centre will also allow the college to explore new

programs in Truck Transport, Machinist, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.

Currently, the college trains students in eight apprenticeship programs, ranging from Heavy

Duty Equipment Technician to Pork Production Technician, as well as pre-employment pro-

gramming.

The redeveloped and expanded building will also meet Leadership in Energy and Envi-

ronmental Design (LEED) silver building standards, in keeping with Manitoba’s green build-

ing policy.

Completion of the Len Evans Centre of Trades & Technology is scheduled for 2010, with

faculty and students slated to start classes and training in September of next year. •••


The Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation is a not-for-

profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life

for residents in Brandon’s core residential neighbourhoods. The

BNRC delivers programs that strengthen housing choices, improves

recreational and leisure amenities, builds economic opportunities,

creates community potential and creates safe, attractive and invit-

ing neighbourhoods. Through our funding sources, the BNRC has

delivered programs that have contributed over $42 million to our

local economy.

Housing Initiatives

Through partnerships with the provincial government and the City

of Brandon, the BNRC has addressed the housing needs in Brandon

by the creation, renovation and exterior façade enhancement of

close to 900 rental units and owner occupied homes. This effort has

contributed $24,922,539.69 to Brandon’s economy.

Front and Paint

Front and Paint is a program available to homeowners and rental

properties located within the BNRC district. The goal of the program

is to provide incentives to district residents and landlords to enhance

the appearance of their properties. Since 2002 the total value of this

project includes:

Funding: $301,107.88

Homeowner equity: $245,583.42

Total Project Costs: $546,691.30

Storefront Improvement Program

The Storefront Improvement Program provides a grant to busi-

nesses in the BNRC district to assist with the costs associated with

improving the aesthetics of their business. Since 2005 the total value

of this project includes:

Funding: $146,500.00

Owner equity: $541,171.39

Total Project Costs: $687,671.39

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program

RRAP provides financial assistance to homeowners and landlords of

existing substandard housing that needs major repair in at least one

of the five basic areas: structural, electrical, plumbing, heating or fire

safety. Similar assistance is available under RRAP for persons living

with disabilities, for alterations required to make a unit accessible and

comfortable to the occupant. The total value of these housing proj-

ects includes:

Funding: $9,872,853.00

Private funding: $13,815,324.00

Total Project Costs: $23,688,177.00

Homelessness

The BNRC has established the Brandon Interagency Housing Com-

mittee and the Brandon Homelessness Steering Committee to work

collaboratively towards providing appropriate housing and shelter

for all individuals. Since 2000 the BHSC has been working with a va-

riety of community organizations to help increase Brandon’s capac-

ity for addressing homelessness. A major development supported

by the BHSC is the conversion of the former Massey-Harris building

which will further provide 58 units of affordable housing to Brandon.

In total $23.1 million has been collected through federal, provin-

cial, city and private development to create 13 emergency housing

units, 97 supporting and transitional units and 40 affordable hous-

ing units, supporting over 500 individuals and families through crisis

situations.

Brandon Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP) seeks to increase en-

ergy and water efficiency in low income housing in Brandon while

Preserving Brandon’s past, enrichingthe present and building the future


providing skill training to individuals with lim-

ited work experience to prepare them for the

labour force.

Since inception in 2007 BEEP has retrofit-

ted 190 houses and has trained 45 entry level

employees.

The 190 homes retrofitted saves 15.2 million litres of water annu-

ally and reduce energy costs by $95,000 per year (a savings of

$500/house). These energy retrofits can save approximately 3 tonnes

of greenhouse gas emissions per house every year. BEEP’s initiatives

also provide Brandon businesses with over $300,000 of building ma-

terial sales per year. In the end the economy benefits, the homeowner

benefits, and the environment benefits.

Partnerships with the Provincial Government, The City of Brandon,

Westbran Human Resource Centre and Manitoba Hydro-Power Smart

make it all possible.

Neighbourhood Renewal Fund & Community ProjectsAwarded by Neighbourhoods Alive! the Neighbourhood Renewal

Fund provides funding to community organizations for neighbour-

hood capacity building, neighbourhood well-being, neighbourhood

stability, and neighbourhood economic development initiatives

within the BNRC District of Brandon. Since the year 2000 $2.7 mil-

lion has been distributed with major projects including: Stanley

Spray Park, Rideau Park, YMCA Indoor Climbing Wall, Knox United

Church Elevator Project, Ecole New Era School Playground, and the

Brandon Community Garden Network. In Brandon, Neighbourhoods

Alive! has supported over 60 major projects and over 200 Community

Projects.

Brandon Community Garden NetworkIn 2007 a working group was formed that brought together indi-

viduals and organizations interested in building an organized com-

munity garden network. Using existing garden sites operated by

Samaritan House Ministries, this partnership now includes the Bran-

don Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, the City of Brandon, and

the Agri-Food Canada Research Station. Since 2008 Neighbourhoods

Alive! has provided over $23,000 in funding through the Neighbour-

hood Renewal Fund to the Community Gardens. There are currently

over 60 gardeners and three gardens operating within the BNRC Dis-

trict with plans to increase in 2010.

For more information on any of our programs contact the Brandon

Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation at:

410-9th Street (City Hall – Main Floor), Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A2

Ph: (204) 729-2496 | Fax: (204) 729-0101

Or visit our website @ www.bnrc.ca •••


Rotary is the world’s first service club or-ganization, founded in Chicago Febru-

ary 23, 1905. Rotary is an organization ofbusiness and professional men and womenrepresenting their vocations, sharing fellow-ship and together making their community abetter place to live. The motto embraced is“Service Above Self” and this simple, but pro-found statement is the Rotary ethical guidein business and professional life.

Rotarians abide by “The Four-Way Test”.The Four Way Test is a measure of the thingswe think, say or do:1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build good will and better friend-

ships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

“Anyone who checks his thoughts, hiswords and deeds against the Four-Way Test isalmost certain to do the right thing”

There are 1.2 million Rotarians in the worldin 32,000 clubs in 160 countries.

Rotary International is the association ofRotary Clubs around the world and is in-volved in self-help programs in the develop-ing countries of the world, programs whichpromote health, alleviate hunger, protect theenvironment, stimulate learning and helpbuild goodwill and peace in the world. TheRotary Foundation supports the efforts ofRotary International to achieve world under-standing and peace through internationalhumanitarian, educational and cultural ex-change programs.

There are two Rotary Clubs in Brandon,The Rotary Club of Brandon and The Rotary

Club of Brandon Sunset. The Rotary Club ofBrandon was chartered March, 1921, and TheRotary Club of Brandon Sunset was char-tered April, 1990. The Brandon Rotary ClubWestman Foundation Inc.,founded in 1977,is also affiliated with The Rotary Club of Bran-don.

The Brandon Rotary Club Westman Foun-dation Inc., since its founding in 1977 hascontributed $145,000 into the Westmancommunity.

Presently, the Rotary clubs in Brandon arein the process of organizing a Rotaract Club.Rotaract is targeted to accommodate youngprofessionals and university students in theage range of 18 – 30 years of age, operatingtheir club under the structure of Rotary butseparate from the parent Rotary club.

Rotary Clubs select their own service proj-ects in their communities and work on proj-ects relating to health, hunger, environmen-tal concerns, literacy, vocational assistance,drug abuse, assistance to senior citizens andyoung people.

Some of the very successful programs di-rected to young people have been the Liter-acy program of Rotarians helping youngschool children to learn to read. The Y-KidsStay in School program has also providedgreat support to our young students alongwith BSD Food for Thought project. RYLA(Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) continuesto be a very significant program contributingto the development of our young people to-wards responsible and contributing citizens.Another significant literacy program is the“Message to My Baby” book which, reminds

all of the importance of reading to children,is given to every newborn at the Brandon Re-gional Health Centre.

Bi-Annual Household Hazardous WasteDay continues to be a very successful com-munity project, preventing tons of non-biodegradable waste going to landfill.

The Rotary Clubs of Brandon organizemany fund raising projects annually to raisefunds for their various projects. The RotaryClub of Brandon holds the Bi-Annual RotaryBook Sale, Rotary Wine Festival, Burger Day,and Christmas Cake Sales. Presently the Ro-tary Club of Brandon Sunset organizes an an-nual Chicken Fest and also earns funds fromproviding security people for Brandon Win-ter Fair.

The Rotary Clubs of Brandon, along withBrandon Rotary Club Westman FoundationInc. together and /or separately in recentyears have contributed high school scholar-ships, community service awards, Brandonuniversity Nursing, University of ManitobaBRHA Nursing, Assiniboine Community Col-lege, funding support to the 82nd RoyalCanadian Air Cadet Squadron, RYLA, Childand Family Services, Traditional ChristmasDinner, Relay for Life-CCS, Rotary Student Ex-change, Samaritan House, Special Olympic-Westman, Big Brothers and Sisters, proposednew Skate Park. These are a sampling of themany organizations which Brandon RotaryClubs has supported.

Other major projects which Rotary hascontributed to in recent years are the 1997Summer Games – $75,000, permanent light-ing at Westbran Stadium (Neil Andrews Field)

There’s more than 555 millionreasons to be a rotarian

By Don G. Partrick, Chairman, Public Relations, The Rotary Club of Brandon #1344


– $38,500, Bone Densitometer RHA -$50,000, Polio Plus Rotary Interna-tional Program –$22,500, Child & FamilyServices – $22,000, Brandon School DivisionHigh School Score Boards – $33,000.

Rotary Clubs also support projects inter-nationally through contacts with Rotariansin other countries, and through participationin programs of Rotary International. The flag-ship project of Rotary International is thePolio Plus Program. Polio Plus was the visionof Rotary International in 1985, with the goalbeing to eradicate polio in the world. Rotaryconvinced the global community (WorldHealth Organization, Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention and the United Na-tions Children ‘s Fund) to take on the huge

challenge. The global incidence of polio has

been reduced by over 99 per cent, from an

estimated 350,000 cases in 1998 to 1,200

cases in 2004. More than two billion children

have been vaccinated, and more that five

million children who would have been para-

lyzed by polio are walking today.

For more information on

Brandon Rotary Clubs contact:

The Rotary Club of Brandon,

Marty Snelling, President, (204)729-2495

The Rotary Club of Brandon Sunset,

Ron Wells, President, (204)726-6570 •••

The origin of this project began in May 2002 when the Provinceof Manitoba initiated the construction of a memorial at the In-ternational Peace Garden to honour and remember those killedon September 11, 2001. Soon after Manitoba received 10 sec-tions of girders that were part of the World Trade Centre andtransported them to the Garden. A temporary memorial site wasconstructed midway to the Peace Chapel and a listing of the vic-tims and their country of origin displayed in the Peace Chapel.This site remains temporary today.

In August 2006, the idea of Rotary becoming involved and as-sisting in the development of a permanent memorial site wassuggested. The location and internationality of the Peace Gar-den, what it stands for and how this relates to Rotary’s ideals ofWorld Peace and Understanding was seen as an excellent fit forRotary involvement. These reasons led us to contact our adjacentRotary District in North Dakota who agreed to get involved. BothDistricts will be raising funds to complete the project.

Contact was made with the Peace Garden and at their Boardmeeting in December 2007 permission was given for Rotary toproceed with fund raising in the name of the Peace Garden. Theonly caution given was that any fund raising activity on Rotary’spart would not interfere with any revenue flows the Garden hasin place from their sources of funding.

A design for the permanent memorial is shown in the attachedarchitect’s sketches. The design does not require moving thegirders, provides good visibility when approaching the site andfits with other landscaping being planned. The cost for comple-tion of the project using this design is estimated at approxi-mately $150,000. The current design was completed by a mem-ber of the faculty at the University of Manitoba.

Rotary’s intent is to raise the required funds from fundraisingprojects, club donations and requests to the federal and provin-cial levels of government. Ideally, an equal split of funding fromthe private sector, federal and provincial sources would be mostbeneficial for success. Fundraising must be completed in 2009 tomeet that the tentative goal for project completion in 2010. 2010is a significant milestone in Rotary history being the 100th an-niversary of the year Rotary became international with the for-mation of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.

The answer to any questions or more information on the project isavailable by contacting the Project Chair, Rick Felstead, PDG,Rotary International District 5550, c/o One Elk Place,Brandon Manitoba, R7B 3B7,by phone at (204) 725-3397 orby e-mail, [email protected] •••

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Advance Auto Body & Painting 6

Allen Leigh Security & Communications Ltd. 35

Alternative Landscaping Ltd. 5

Assiniboine Community College, School of Business 40

Behlen Industries 17

Benmarks 10

Brandon Bus Lines 14

Brandon Economic Development IFC

Brandon First 18

Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation 43

Brandon University 39

Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd. 7

C&C Rentals Ltd. 36

Canadian Linen & Uniform Service 26

Canexus Chemicals Canada Limited Partnership 38

Career Connections Inc. 20

Community Futures Westman 27

Crane Steel Structures 35

Dick Agencies Insurance Brokers 6

Elkhorn Resort Spa & Conference Centre 15

Fitness Quest 27

Friends Fashion Boutique 34

G.D. Newton & Associates Inc. 27

G.T. Smith & Sons Ltd. 29

Giant Tiger #410 31

Grant R. Tweed / Century 21 34

Guild Insurance Brokers Inc. 34

Lady of the Lake Shop & Cafe 5

Leech Printing Ltd. Insert

Lennon Trilogy – Professional Land Surveyors 36

Liberty Tax Service 7

Lone Star Motors Inc. 32

M.C. DeLandes Monuments & Memorials Inc. 27

Manitoba Competitiveness Training & Trade 9

Manitoba Hydro OBC

Maple Leaf Consumer Foods 23

McCallum Jewellers 38

McKenzie Seeds 21

Meyers Norris Penny LLP 33

Midas Muffler & Brakes 25

Minute Muffler & Brake 23

Mooswa Resort 22

MPIC – Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation IBC

Myphone.ca 19

Paddock Drilling Ltd. 10

Partners In Discovery 45

Paterson Patterson Wyman & Abel 11

Persnickety Furniture Refinishers 27

Phillips Insurance Agencies Ltd. 34

Pinchin Environmental 22

Podjans / Academy Florists Brandon 23

Precision Toyota Ltd. 26

Redwood Plaza 25

Roland/Weir Realty & Appraisal 8

Smiles Specialty Centre 31

The Group Insurance Guy 23

Thunderbird Bowl 39

U Weight Loss Clinic 28

Union Shoes 41

Van Houtte Coffee Services Inc. 40

Vanguard Credit Union 14

Victoria Landing Retirement Residence 20

W.P.G. The Wealth Planning Group Inc. 39

WCB – Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba 24

Westman Communications Group IBC

Westoba Credit Union 41

Wheat City Roofing Ltd. 10

Zenith Paving Ltd. 25

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