Chamber Blog

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce kicked off the 2025 Economic Development Tour season with our first-ever single-day tour— and it was a resounding success. Designed to connect Manitoba’s business leaders with emerging opportunities, this dynamic tour spotlighted Steinbach — one of the province’s fastest-growing communities — as a thriving hub of innovation, industry, and economic resilience.

Nearly 40 delegates, joined by participants from the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, embarked on a full-day journey on Friday, April 25 to experience firsthand Steinbach’s vibrant industries, strategic growth initiatives, and spirit of collaboration.

From innovative agricultural practices and cutting-edge manufacturing to vibrant local food producers and family-owned businesses, Steinbach’s story is one of impressive economic diversification and momentum. Delegates explored how the community’s strategic investments could inspire new ideas for their own organizations, while building valuable connections with local leaders and policymakers.

First Stop: A Warm Welcome to Steinbach

Departing Winnipeg bright and early, delegates rolled into Mennonite Heritage Village, where history and economic opportunity meet. Mayor Earl Funk and Steinbach Chamber Executive Director Tessa Masi delivered a warm welcome and shared powerful insights on Steinbach’s thriving economic sectors — agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.

Delegates enjoyed handcrafted pastries from Old Church Bakery and fresh, locally roasted brews from Hitch + Boler Coffee Roasters — because no world-changing discussions should ever start without coffee!

Digging Deep: Friesen Drillers

Next, we ventured into the heart of Steinbach’s industrial success with a tour of Friesen Drillers. A fifth-generation family business, Friesen Drillers specializes in residential and commercial water wells — and they’re no small operation, drilling between 300 to 500 wells annually. Their work supports communities across Manitoba, literally drilling down to the foundation of future growth.

Lunch, Leadership, and a Vision for Manitoba’s Future

Delegates then gathered at the brand-new Southeast Event Centre for a keynote luncheon where the Honourable Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation, shared some news about Manitoba’s forthcoming Economic Development Strategy.

Minister Moses shared that consultations have officially begun through the Engage MB platform, inviting Manitobans to offer insights on building a diversified, resilient economy that fosters growth, higher wages, and strong communities.

The strategy aims to:

• Strengthen productivity and competitiveness,

• Leverage opportunities in emerging sectors like critical minerals, biosciences, and aerospace, and

• Chart a sustainable economic path for urban and rural communities alike.

Delegates were encouraged to lend their voices to help shape Manitoba’s future prosperity. Learn more and take the survey here.

Innovation on Ice: Southeast Event Centre

After lunch, delegates explored the brand new, barely open Southeast Event Centre. Designed to be a beacon for sports, entertainment, and community events, the facility boasts the second-largest video screens in Manitoba — a massive 42 x 15 feet, second only to the displays at Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium. We even had the opportunity to see the Steinbach Pistons dressing rooms. The facility also features a gym, walking track, restaurant with patio, and so much more.

A high-tech hub for a fast-growing community — talk about future-forward!

Manufacturing Excellence: Signex and Penn-Co Construction

The afternoon saw delegates deep dive into Steinbach’s manufacturing strength:

• At Signex Manufacturing, a tour through award-winning signage innovation highlighted the creativity and precision powering local industry.

• At Penn-Co Construction, delegates met a company with more than 500 employees and operations in over 200 communities — a builder of not just structures, but of opportunity and prosperity across Manitoba.

Craftsmanship Elevated: Cornerstone Timberframes

Our final industry tour took us to Cornerstone Timberframes, where old-world craftsmanship meets cutting-edge design. This family-run business creates stunning custom timber frame structures, combining artistry with technical mastery to deliver breathtaking results across Canada and the United States.

Cheers to Connections: Reception at The Public Brewhouse and Gallery

We wrapped up the day at The Public Brewhouse and Gallery, where delegates networked, shared insights, and reflected on a day packed with innovation and inspiration — all while enjoying some of the region’s finest local brews.