On November 29, the TC Energy Centre in Île-des-Chênes filled with entrepreneurs and businesspeople from across the rural southeast. Hosted by the Manitoba Southeast Commerce Group, and made possible by sponsors, the third annual business gala brought the business community together under one roof for a Vegas-style evening featuring table vendors, wine and cheese networking, a live pianist, business awards, and gaming.
Elisa Griffin-Boily attended for the first time as the newly appointed executive director of the Southeast Commerce Group, a chamber of commerce representing businesses from the RMs of Ritchot, Ste. Anne, and Tache. Only 14 days into her new role, she says she is already working alongside board members on initiatives focused on strengthening connections and raising awareness.
As a fourth-generation farmer operating Porchland Produce, Griffin-Boiley recognizes the importance of expanding the chamber’s social media presence to increase visibility while emphasizing the continued need for in-person social events.
“We are working on expanding our presence on social media. It’s very important,” Griffin-Boily says. “It’s interest media, really. Social media is us standing here. We want to pique people’s interest and still have the kind of social outings where we can talk face to face. We’re so connected online that we’re almost losing the ability to be truly connected in person.”
Gavin Wall, chamber vice-president and director of the food division for Clearview Co-op, echoed Griffin-Boily’s emphasis on connection.
“There is an effort being put forth to connect businesses in the southeast,” says Wall. “Everyone is a bit spread out compared to Winnipeg, and with the strength of a larger group in the southeast we have the power to accomplish more together.”
Wall also emphasized the importance of increasing awareness of the chamber’s role and the opportunities it provides for its members and the broader community.
“We aim to serve as a glue for businesses and entrepreneurs in the region,” he adds. “We want to open opportunities to talk and communicate, but also to bring about action through those conversations.”
The evening’s awards highlighted a range of businesses and individuals who contribute to the local economy. There were 15 nominees in total—and although there were initially intended to be five awards up for grabs, seven ended up being distributed.
Seine River Telecom was named business of the year, and Villa Youville was recognized for its non-profit excellence. For customer service, the prize went to a pair of tied businesses, A Maze In Corn and Fleuriste XO Flowers and Gifts Ltd.
A special subcategory award, for entrepreneurial excellence and business leadership, was announced and awarded for the first time to Marc Palud, a founding member of the original Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce. Palud was pivotal to the rebranding of the chamber as the Manitoba Southeast Commerce Group.
The Rising Star Award was presented to Sippin’ Pretty, owned and operated by Krista McCullough of Lorette. McCullough, who transitioned from custom drinkware to candle-making, said that her work is rooted in creating experiences that connect people to memory, creating a sense of nostalgia.
“Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory,” McCullough says. “One of my friends told me one of my candles reminded her of going to her grandmother’s house and coming inside after playing for hot apple cider. It’s not just a candle, it’s an experience.”
Anna Hunter, owner of Longway Homestead, was named entrepreneur of the year. Based near Ste. Geneviève, Longway Homestead is a family-run sheep and fibre farm and wool mill focused on sustainability, education, and advocacy. While the business serves customers across North America, Hunter spoke of the importance of remaining rooted in local, community-focused agriculture and hands-on learning.
“We think a lot about where our food comes from,” Hunter says. “But we don’t often talk about where our clothing comes from.”
Hunter also emphasized the importance of strengthening local infrastructure and awareness, noting that many residents are still unaware of what exists in their own region.
“Local is really important,” Hunter adds. “We need to know what we have for sustainability in our own backyard.”