The Gimli Chamber of Commerce saw an increase in membership over the course of 2023 and will be offering its business members and other entrepreneurs a number of new programs over the course of the upcoming year.
Chamber president Samantha Hampton said she’s focusing on three major areas in 2024 – marketing, networking and education – to move the chamber forward and attract new members, provide value to businesses that are already members and offer new programs and services.
“Our board’s diligent efforts, as well as innovative thinking and proactive initiatives, have directly contributed to a remarkable 56 per cent increase in our membership this year,” said Hampton.
Last year Hampton and the board wanted to find out what sorts of initiatives would be of value to their membership and what sort of services the chamber could offer to the community. To that end, they formed a communications committee and conducted a survey of its membership.
Based on feedback from that survey, Hampton said a new website was built, marketing supports including email marketing campaigns were offered, educational programs created and networking opportunities called STIR were held. An annual partnership opportunity package to entice sponsors into working with the chamber was also introduced.
STIR stands for socialize, talk, interact and reconnect. The events provide opportunities for Gimli business owners and members of other Interlake chambers to get together, exchange ideas, find solutions to common challenges and make new connections. Hampton said she encouraged other Interlake chambers to adopt STIR events, and the Central Interlake Chamber of Commerce in Arborg held its first STIR in April.
“We’ve had past participation for STIR events ranging from 25 to 100 business. All it takes is that single connection to make a big impact,” said Hampton. “The Gimli chamber put a lot of emphasis in 2023 on fostering initiatives that really ignite that connection through networking. If other chambers are doing things, you want to see what’s working great for them and see if you want to try it.”
The chamber is offering entrepreneurs a series of educational and professional development programs in 2024 to help them develop or enhance their business skills. The survey the chamber had sent to its membership included a list of topics people wanted to learn about. Highly rated topics included marketing, financial literacy, self-help, communication, leadership and running a non-profit organization.
The educational programs will kick off with a Lunch & Learn session titled “How to Plan for Your Future” on Feb. 20 (registration opens on Jan. 22). It will focus on financial literacy and is sponsored by Access Credit Union. Non-chamber members are welcome to attend.
“We will be sending out invitations to chambers in the surrounding areas – Selkirk, Central Interlake – to participate in our Lunch & Learn programs,” she said. “You don’t have to be a chamber member to attend the training; it’s for anyone that wants to level up and fill their toolbox.”
Better Yourself Breakfasts will also be offered to accommodate business owners who can only attend sessions in the mornings.
“Continued education for small business owners is paramount, essentially serving as a cornerstone for staying abreast of industry trends,” said Hampton. “You have to always refine your skills and adapt to our dynamic market, otherwise you won’t be able to sustain growth.”
Because there are lots of businesses in the RM of Gimli who aren’t part of the chamber, Hampton said they’ll be looking at ways to get them to join.
“One of our big focuses will be to figure out innovative ways to not only provide value to businesses that are right in town, but also provide it to the hundreds of businesses in Gimli and surrounding areas that are off the beaten path and aren’t chamber members. The challenge is how do we best represent the business community as a whole regardless of their industry?” she said. “We can say that a business should join the chamber, but what are we going to do for them in return for their membership fee? Part of that will be our focus on marketing, education and networking, as well as tourism.”
In August the chamber hosted a visit from Manitoba Chambers of Commerce president Chuck Davidson, who toured about 11 businesses and met with business owners afterwards during a mix and mingle.
“It was nice for the Manitoba chambers to see what Gimli was doing and discuss with business owners what’s working and what our struggles are,” said Hampton.
The chamber also partnered with the Manitoba chambers and the provincial government’s department of transportation and infrastructure for a pilot project that will feature local business logos on Manitoba highway signs. The goal of the initiative is to divert more highway traffic into Gimli.
“We’re still in the planning stages. Business owners will have to apply, meet certain criteria and pay a fee,” said Hampton.
In December Hampton went to the Manitoba legislature for Chamber Advocacy Day where she and members from about 13 other chambers had one-on-one meetings with ministers and got to meet premier Wab Kinew.
“We had a change to advocate for the business community, learn about the new portfolios and new government agenda and try to strengthen our relationships with different ministers,” said Hampton.
Other highlights from the past year include the chamber teaming up with Gimli High School Grade 10 students who digitally designed an image for the chamber’s membership card, which provides members with discounts at various businesses. Student Sammie Liebrecht’s rendition of winter angling on Lake Winnipeg was featured on the card in 2023. A new image will be featured on the chamber’s membership card in 2024.
The chamber’s executive board is made up of local entrepreneurs. In addition to Hampton, who owns Creative Community Promotions, the board consists of vice president Barb Stein (Hidden Treasures Art Studio), treasurer Anita McAlinden (Interlake Handmade Boutique), secretary Suzy Rayner (Valkyrie Pest Solutions) past co-president Cheryl Buhler and executive members Michelle Thomson (Autumnwood Motel & RV Resort), Romanna Klymkiw (Romanna Klymkiw Music Studio), Damon Kennedy (Spruce Sands RV & Resort), Rayme Thomson (Autumnwood Motel & RV Resort), Kim Giesbrecht (Inn on Centre, Right Choice Realty), Tanya Grimolfson (The Powder Princess) and Kathy Sauerborn (Access Credit Union).
For more information about programs and services, visit the Gimli Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or www.gimlichamber.ca
