Winnipeg Chamber moves to Portage and Main
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce announced on Nov. 29 that the organization will move to the former Scotiabank building at 200 Portage Avenue in 2023, co-locating with the World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTCW) and CentrePort Canada.
“The Winnipeg Chamber is thrilled to make this commitment to our downtown and our city right at the center of it all– Portage and Main,” said Loren Remillard, president and CEO of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
The announcement was made at the launch of the new campaign that asks Winnipeggers to Find Their Way Back Downtown, created by three downtown Business Improvement Zones (Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, Exchange District BIZ and West End BIZ).
“Our member’s number one issue during the recent civic election was for us to continue our strong advocacy work for Downtown Winnipeg,” said Mark Jones, board chair of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. “Our announcement today of The Winnipeg Chamber investment at Portage and Main, the Crossroads of Canada, shows our ongoing and renewed commitment to work, live, invest and grow in our downtown. As we celebrate our 150th year, I am thrilled to be kicking off our next 150 years in our new home, in the heart of our city, in the heart of downtown.”
Birchwood Automotive Group expands
Birchwood Automotive Group announced Dec. 1 that FCA Canada has approved the purchase of Winnipeg Dodge Chrysler Ltd. to Birchwood. This acquisition brings to the total number of Birchwood dealerships in Winnipeg to 18, and 24th overall.
Now known as Birchwood Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, it joins dealerships of Honda, Kia, Volvo, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, BMW-MINI, Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, Collision Centres, and Birchwood Credit.
“We couldn’t be more excited,” says Steve Chipman, president of Birchwood. “Our goal is to provide current and future customers with the best possible customer experience. Whether that be through the purchase or lease of one of our new or pre-owned vehicles or servicing in our service department or collision centres, we strive to provide our guests with an unmatched level of experience in the industry. Our focus is time, ease, and transparency for our customers. We believe that our customers “Experience is Everything.”
Conference Board sees growth ahead for Manitoba
On Dec. 1, the Conference Board of Canada released new research on the economic outlook for Canada and the provinces. Manitoba’s economy is projected to grow by 3.7 per cent in 2022, due to recovery in the agriculture sector. The Conference Board sees GDP volume growth at 1.8 per cent for 2023 and 2.4 per cent for 2024.
“Rising interest rates are applying pressure across the country, but other more specific factors are affecting provincial outlooks unevenly,” said Ted Mallett, director, economic forecasting for The Conference Board of Canada. “Although the country as a whole is in for a few quarters of effectively zero growth, prospects for the provinces vary considerably—broadly in keeping with our previous forecasts.”
The Floor Show partners with Tarkett on recycling
The Floor Show (a division of Qualico) announced on Nov. 30 it has partnered with French flooring giant Tarkett on Tarkett’s flooring recycling program, ReStart.
“One of our motivations for action at Qualico is building sustainably. When it comes to building sustainably, we are always looking for new, progressive ways to achieve that goal,” said David Eggerman, regional vice-president, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. “Part of building in a sustainable way also encompasses what we do with the excess material after, and if we can reduce the amount that goes back into landfills then that will only help Qualico build better cities.”
ReStart takes back unneeded flooring not used at the end of a build and turns it into raw material to produce brand new flooring. As well, the program also diverts cut-offs from the landfill or incinerator. Recently, The Floor Show recycled 6,978 pounds of Tarkett product from a project at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre that would have been destined for the landfill.
“I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and I have seen too much flooring product go to waste over the years. It’s time we do something about it,” said Dan Schille, vice-president of The Floor Show. “There are other flooring recycling programs out there, but we are confident in the amount from Tarkett that gets repurposed back into the circular economy.”
Argyle to support charities with free training
Argyle, one of North America’s largest communications firms, will offer pro-bono communications training and consulting to North American charities with social justice mandates or programs. The third annual Argyle Community Day will take place virtually and in-person at Argyle’s larger offices on February 7, 2023.
“As we’ve emerged from pandemic restrictions, wise organizations are renewing and recalibrating their relationships with their employees, clients and stakeholders,” said Argyle CEO Daniel Tisch. “As a purpose-driven team committed to communicating truth and earning trust for our clients, we’re excited to share Argyle’s expertise to help charities use engagement and communication to build a healthier, more sustainable society.”
Interested charities are asked to apply by January 17, 2023, and selected organizations will be contacted on January 24, 2023.
