Visiting Small Businesses with Minister Ng

January 22, 2019
The Assiniboia Chamber had the pleasure of attending the World Trade Centre Winnipeg's breakfast: A Conversation with Minister Ng. The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill in April 2017 and was appointed Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion in July 2018. Throughout her 20 years of public service, Minister Ng has been a passionate community leader and advocate with a proven track record of results in the areas of education, women’s leadership, job-creation, and entrepreneurship.

Following the presentation, Kristi Meek, President|Executive Director for the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce was invited by our local MP Dr. Doug Eyolfson to join him and Minister Ng to visit a few local businesses in our district.

Visits to High Tea Bakery, Food Fare and San Vito Coffee provided the opportunity for us to hear from local business owners about the challenges they were currently facing, the suggestions they felt would help not only the local economy but the national one, and also their love and passion for doing what they do.

  • Applying for grants and applications - simplifying the process; communicating in a clear and concise manner especially when it comes to important dates; develop an appeal or ask further questions process once the grant application decision has been made.
  • Discussing the capital gains tax exemption for 2018 and if more things can be done to prevent a loss of money when passing down to family members.
  • Reducing small business tax - One of the things Minister Ng talked about was the small business tax cut, which came into effect on January 1st. By reducing the rate from 10% to 9% this year, the government committed to putting more money in the pockets of small businesses, and making it easier for entrepreneurs to create good quality and well-paying jobs. As a consequence, small businesses will benefit from one of the lowest small business tax rates in the world, and save up to $7,500 more per year. 

If you have similar concerns or interests, please give the Chamber office a call (204) 774-4154 - we would enjoy stopping by your establishment to hear what you have to say!
Graffiti Showing Up on Local Businesses

The cold weather doesn't seem to keep those who vandalize local businesses with graffiti away. But what we learned at our luncheon with Michael Herman, Inspector and Michelle Wagner, Staff Sergeant for the Winnipeg Police Service - West District Station is that there is a Graffiti Control Program that provides businesses with tips on how to remove graffiti and the process you should take to report the crime.

Did You Know? Winnipeg has a year-round graffiti removal program! Removal equipment includes soda blasters, pressure washers, paint sprayers and chemical wipes and sprays ... and a free can of Dulux paint. To participate in the program, you must provide your permission to remove graffiti from your property. Waiver forms are located online.

Learn more here:
Chamber Member Spotlight

Chamber Member Since: 1990
Number of Full-time Employees: 8

 Dave’s Quick Print is a Winnipeg printer and a proud member of your community – since 1982 and is synonymous with high quality printing and exceptional customer service in Winnipeg and throughout North America.

They have a wide array of digital and offset equipment for small and large format printing. They provide graphic design services and have a complete bindery department that offers an extensive array of finishing features. Dave's Quick Print caters to the corporate community and are relied upon to produce a variety of products that require quality, accuracy and fast turnaround. They look after many projects of a sensitive nature which demand the utmost in confidentiality and security and their consistency in meeting these challenges is why they continue to be a trusted and valued supplier to many organizations.
Cuddles' Capers - Facebook Promotion

Red Hat Rudy's 2nd cousin Cuddles has joined the Chamber for their 2nd Facebook Promotion running the week of February 11, 2019. Prior to the promo week, Cuddles will visit participating member businesses to do a photo shoot prior. During the promo week, the Chamber will highlight one of Cuddles' Capers on Facebook where our followers (new and old) can guess where she is and win a prize (donated by the participating business).

For your company to be one of our featured businesses, please contact Dorothy (204) 774-4154 or dorothy@assiniboiachamber.ca (Cuddles' handler). Cuddles has her first photo shoot confirmed so only 4 more spots available, so don't be disappointed.

Too soon to participate in this promotion? Check with Dorothy to see if you can participate in March featuring Rudy's other cousin Lucky Lou the week of March 11th.