President's Message
Christine Beaumont
Several years ago, the Steinbach Chamber adopted the vision, Leading Growth and Connecting People. This vision propelled us to think bigger and led us to narrow our focus on what we believe matters most to our members and the business community at large.
In the past year, we have put emphasis on supporting our local businesses through shop local campaigns; we have continued to build community engagement through events like Steinbach Burger Days; and we celebrated the return to in-person events which allow leaders and business owners to connect.
We recognize the importance of building relationships and collaborating with local stakeholders and decision makers. We also understand the importance of representing the region and advocating for local business beyond the city’s limits.
This past year, significant effort has been given to laying the foundation for a successful and sustainable economic development pilot project. Facilitating growth and expansion of existing businesses as well as attracting new investment to Steinbach are the primary objectives of this initiative. The secondary goal is to play a supportive role for other community organizations and stakeholders on infrastructure and amenity projects, aligning with the growth of our healthcare assets, and supporting post-secondary education and recreation opportunities.
All these activities lead to job creation, more opportunities for our neighbors, our kids, newcomers, and visitors as well as more services, more amenities, and more recreational opportunities – all of which benefit the entire community.
Our Chamber is uniquely positioned to support growth through the economic development pilot project and Eastman Immigrant Services, our local immigration settlement program, both of which are housed and administered by the Chamber of Commerce. We are witnessing the synergies of these three organizations working together.
At the end of the day, it is the people that make the difference. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the staff of the Steinbach Chamber and Eastman Immigrant Services, the Board of Directors, the Chamber Committee members as well as the Economic Development Operating Committee and members of the Economic Development Stakeholder Group. These people are driving the growth and success of our organization and having a positive impact on our community.
– Christine Beaumont, President
Chamber Team
The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce unites and represents Steinbach and area businesses, in the belief that the resulting economic growth and stability provides an enhanced quality of life for the entire community.
Executive Committee
The mandate of the Executive Committee is to oversee all Chamber functions, programs, committees, and staff. This committee will recommend a strategic direction and assess annual achievements.
They will monitor the achievement of the financial goals and ensure prudent financial practices are being followed. They will provide an advocacy role to represent members on current issues and employment legislation that affect business and workforce needs and will lobby local, provincial and federal governments.
This committee will build and develop an effective, knowledgeable Board of Directors, identifying required knowledge, skills and experiences. They will strive for diversity of board members, and continuity through a smooth succession of board members that balances new ideas and energy with experience and ‘institutional memory’.
Community Relations Committee
The mandate of the Community Relations Committee is to bring business and the community together. This committee will coordinate various community events and will participate in community initiatives.
They will work to ensure the community is aware of the Chamber’s projects and activities, and in doing so, promote the values and work of the organization. They will look for ways to support and celebrate the work of our many local not-for-profit organizations and will support tourism in our area.
Membership Services Committee
The mandate of the Membership Services Committee is to develop and implement effective marketing, mentoring, and membership programs to achieve Chamber retention and recruitment objectives.
This committee will actively pursue new memberships and retain existing memberships through the provision of value to all members and will identify and respond to the changing needs of the membership. These committee members will be Chamber ambassadors in the business community.
Business Development Committee
The mandate of the Business Development Committee is to promote and support growth and development of business in the community.
This committee will create a learning environment and share information with members through special events, expert speakers, and workshops regarding employment, labour and job creation, workplace legislation and best HR practices, always attempting to help our members improve their knowledge base and develop new skills to strengthen their business. This committee will oversee the Eastman Immigrant Services program and the English at Work program, and ensure they stay vibrant and relevant.
Past Presidents Council
Every fall, the Chamber hosts a Past Presidents Council to thank former Chamber presidents for their involvement and commitment to our business community.
This event serves to keep these individuals updated on the Chamber’s current activities and future goals, while also providing an opportunity to gain valuable feedback from them.
