The Gimli Chamber of Commerce has made strides over the past few years, delivering programs and services to its business community, and has a number of upcoming initiatives.
Chamber president Samantha Hampton, who has served as president for the past two years, said the volunteer board accomplished a number of goals that propelled the chamber forward, and they’ll be moving forward with a strong focus.
“As we step into this new chamber year, we’re moving forward with a strong, strategic focus. Over the past two years, we’ve laid a solid foundation—developing robust networking opportunities, launching impactful educational programs, building a dynamic new website and enhancing our brand presence. Now, we’re ready to hit the pavement running, driving real change that will create lasting impact for our members and community alike.”
For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the board launched a Lunch & Learn program for the business community, hosted a tour of Gimli for the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce president and his team, hosted a Manitoba economic development tour this summer that brought dozens of delegates to the community, hosted four business networking events and created six new chamber policies and procedures. The board also revamped its membership committee and will be forming a new financial committee.
Looking ahead to the new fiscal year, the board has already finalized its 2024-2025 events calendar and will be launching new programs and initiatives, including awards to celebrate business successes, innovation and drive.
Recognizing the contributions business owners across the region make to their local economies, Hampton said the chamber will be holding its first ever business awards gala themed “Recognizing the Commerce That Connects Our Community” on April 12, 2025, at the Lakeview Resort in Gimli. There will be about 10 award categories created, including business person of the year, young entrepreneur of the year and community appreciation for a group and for individuals.
“Our Heart of Business Awards reflect our commitment to honoring the individuals and organizations whose hard work and vision make our communities stronger,” said Hampton. “Recognizing these contributions encourages further growth, innovation and resilience within our business community. Celebrating success strengthens our bonds, inspires new ideas and reminds us of each business and organization’s valuable contributions to our shared prosperity.”
Award nominees will be drawn from Gimli and surrounding areas as well as areas covered by the Central Interlake Chamber of Commerce (Arborg) and Teulon. They’re still working out the details, but there will probably be awards recognizing business owners from specific areas such as Gimli. The Gimli chamber board will be creating a nomination form then forming a panel to judge the submissions.
“We’ll probably highlight the Top 3 in each category then we’ll announce the winner,” said Hampton. “It’s important to celebrate the business community. It brings us together. Sometimes you’ll hear about what someone else is doing and that sparks an idea for you.”
The chamber is also embarking on a business audit, an initiative to support local businesses through data gathering at the micro level, said Hampton. The audit will empower business decision-making and provide insight into the local area and what supports and services might be needed to help businesses thrive.
The chamber is in the early stages of the audit, but its overall objective is to identify and engage with all businesses – especially people who run a business on their rural property – in the RM of Gimli and surrounding areas and determine how the chamber can support and advocate for them.
Hampton said she’s not aware of other chambers drilling down for data relevant to their specific area and thinks this will be the first of its kind in the Interlake. The business audit will benefit the community by illustrating business community needs and enhancing funding opportunities for them. It will also provide detailed information on local businesses that will in turn allow tailored support programs and the identification of growth areas, as well as provide a picture of industry trends that will enable the chamber to advocate for policies designed to foster a thriving economy.
“The business audit will be a powerful tool for the chamber, helping us make data-driven decisions that truly reflect our community’s needs and goals,” she said. “By connecting businesses with the resources and support they need, we’re building a foundation for long-term economic resilience.”
Phase 1 of the business audit will entail preliminary research and outreach preparation. Phase 2 will be data collection and community engagement, which will likely entail in-person visits, phone and email contact. The chamber wants to compile a list of all businesses and try to determine what their three biggest challenges are.
“If it’s employee retention or not having enough apprenticeship spots, that’s great data to have. Then the chamber can take that data to a specific [provincial] minister and say we have all these businesses facing these kinds of big challenges,” said Hampton.
Phase 3 of the business audit will entail data analysis and report generation and Phase 4 will entail ongoing support and follow up.
To enhance the governance of the chamber, enhance clarity and align with provincial standards, the board created six new policies. They are a Treasurer’s Policy, Communications Policy, Digital Access & Posting Policy, AGM & Elections Policy, Committee Policy, and Electronic Voting Policy.
“Strong bylaws and policies are crucial for chamber operations and ensure a supportive business environment,” said Hampton. “With these guidelines in place, we’re better equipped to serve our members, streamline processes and uphold the standards that promote a thriving business community.”
The chamber is a volunteer-run board with committed business owners putting in lots of time to improve their business community. The board elected new board members at its annual general meeting last month.
For 2024-2025 the directors are Samantha Hampton, president; Michelle Thomson, vice president and membership chair; Rayme Thomson, bylaw and policy chair; Kathy Sauerborn; Anita McAlinden; Ron Moore; Jacqui Kennedy; and Cheryl Buhler.
For more information about the chamber, including membership benefits, visit www.gimlichamber.ca
