Manitoba’s Grow Brandon Alliance Harnesses Economic Potential

Manitoba’s Premier emphasizes the importance of economic strength with the phrase, “the economic horse pulls the social cart.” This saying serves as a reminder that societal aspirations can often only be realized if financial resources are available. A thriving economy is essential for fostering a healthy community. To address this need, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce has spearheaded the creation of the Grow Brandon alliance, an initiative designed to unite various sectors for regional prosperity.

Building Collaborative Efforts

Established as a partnership among federal, provincial, municipal, and Indigenous governments, as well as post-secondary institutions and the private sector, Grow Brandon aims to align goals and resources. The collaboration acknowledges that working together can yield greater results than individual efforts. As a regular participant in the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, the analogy of heavy horses pulling a cart in unison resonates strongly with the philosophy behind this alliance.

In a resource-constrained environment, achieving significant outcomes becomes increasingly challenging. This reality is particularly acute for regions outside the provincial capital, where access to government support can be limited. The Grow Brandon alliance seeks to address this gap by leveraging the assets of various stakeholders to enhance economic opportunities for the region.

Strategic Alignment for Economic Development

The importance of alignment is further underscored by the perspectives of leaders within the alliance. For instance, as a college president, I recognize that prioritizing labor force development is vital for supporting regional industries, particularly when there is a shared vision for the future of the economy. If the community identifies itself as a leader in value-added agriculture or food production, educational institutions must align their programs to meet those needs.

“Pulling in tandem gives us a much greater chance of success than pursuing independent goals,”

a sentiment echoed by various stakeholders involved in the initiative. The Grow Brandon alliance does not aim to create another bureaucratic entity; rather, it serves as a coordinating body. Initially, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce provided secretariat services, but recently, the City of Brandon has taken on that role, facilitating better coordination among members.

In a significant development, both the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba have committed to supporting the alliance for a three-year period. This support will enable the hosting of an annual economic summit, which serves as a platform to assess regional economic conditions, discuss challenges and opportunities, and foster dialogue among stakeholders. The first summit took place last month, drawing a capacity crowd and setting the stage for future discussions.

My background in economic development, spanning nearly two decades, informs my enthusiasm for this initiative. Prior to my tenure in higher education beginning in 2004, I dedicated a significant portion of my career to economic development. This experience has shaped my understanding of the collaborative efforts necessary for regional growth. I am honored to serve as chair of Grow Brandon and remain committed to highlighting economic development issues in upcoming columns.

As the alliance progresses, we anticipate that our efforts will lead to tangible improvements in the region’s economic landscape. The collaboration has the potential to create lasting impacts, ensuring that Manitoba can effectively harness its resources for collective success. I look forward to what we can achieve together as we move forward.