Communities along Highway 7 had the chance to showcase economic initiatives, local businesses and must-see attractions during a recent tour.
A group of visitors recently made the trip to Stonewall and Teulon to participate in a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) economic development tour. This one-day tour connected participants with local chamber representatives, business leaders and elected officials.
Teulon Mayor Todd Campbell greets participants during the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce economic development tour on Oct. 29, welcoming visitors as they stopped in Teulon to learn about local business initiatives and community projects
After leaving Winnipeg bright and early on Oct. 29, the tour headed to Teulon for its first stop at the castle sign, followed by a presentation and breakfast at Teulon’s Farmhouse Café. Familiar faces greeted the crowd, including Teulon Mayor Todd Campbell, Jan Lambourne on behalf of the Teulon and District Chamber and David Leduchowski on behalf of the Teulon Community Development Initiative.
From there, the group headed to Vidir Solutions to tour the local manufacturing hub, followed by a visit to Green Acres Park to learn about plans for a proposed recreation and event pavilion.
For lunch, they headed to Oak Hammock Marsh where they also learned more about local communities through a presentation featuring insights from Stonewall Mayor Sandra Smith, Stonewall CAO Wally Melnyk, Stonewall economic and tourism development officer Brittany Isfeld, Rockwood Reeve Wes Taplin, Lakeside MLA Trevor King, and Stonewall and District Chamber president Robert Price-Lewis.
Next up, they toured family-run business Stonewall Glass and wrapped up the day with a networking reception at the Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre.
Reflecting on the experience, Jan Lambourne said one of the event’s main benefits was the chance to network with fellow chamber members and business leaders.
“The best part was enjoying the opportunity to speak with other members and touring local businesses,” she said. “Vidir Solutions was fascinating. We learned about the process and how they have expanded their business over the years.”
She said it was also a great experience to share the community with representatives from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
“Teulon Chamber is a member of the MCC, and we utilize and support our local chamber members with the benefits offered,” she said.
“Having them come out and hear about a few of our industrial, agricultural and initiative projects before touring our area opened up a positive window for networking ideas. Combining Teulon and Stonewall on this one-day tour was an MCC initiative — and we enjoyed having them.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Robert Price-Lewis said the Stonewall and District Chamber of Commerce maintains a strong relationship with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. He added that the local chamber was delighted to have been included as partners during the development and execution stages of their economic development tour.
“I had the pleasure of speaking at the luncheon held at Oak Hammock Marsh about some of our recent success stories and our plans for the future. I’d encourage everyone to go and see the wonderfully updated Oak Hammock Marsh facility,” Price-Lewis said.
“Having the MCC include us in this venture was another example of how this umbrella Chamber of Commerce cares for its regional members. I look forward to touring some other communities next year.”
