Chuck Davidson, President and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, stressed the importance of building connections between Winnipeg businesses and rural communities during a recent tour of Portage la Prairie. He, along with delegates from businesses and organizations around Manitoba, explored much of what the city has to offer.
"The main goal of these tours is to provide organizations in Winnipeg with a better understanding of the opportunities that exist in rural Manitoba. We've been doing this tour for five years, and each time we uncover valuable insights that can drive economic development."
The tour included a presentation by Eve O'Leary, Director of Economic Development for Portage Regional Economic Development. She highlighted the region's growing investment potential.
"Portage la Prairie is a place of investor choice. We've seen amazing amounts of investment here, thanks to strong partnerships and a proactive approach to being investment-ready."
Davidson shared his observations following the tour.
"There's a ton of activity happening here, along with some workforce challenges. But understanding these dynamics allows us to inform others about the growth and opportunities in Portage."
He pointed out that local businesses, like Simplot, are vital assets.
"When you visit these companies, you realize why they are here. They are committed to the community, and that's something we need to champion."
O'Leary explained that relationship building was a recurring theme during the discussions. She talked about the Portage Triangle and what that is.
"We are a centralized location, and strategic location. We are strategically located in terms of our communities. We're just over an hour to Brandon, just over an hour to Winnipeg, and then less than an hour and a half to the United States border, meaning that if you open your business here in Portage Prairie, you have an opportunity to get your product to any market.
She focused on one unique feature that could entice investment.
"Portage la Prairie is the only place in Canada where the Canadian National Railway (CNR) and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) cross each other. That gives a unique opportunity that our businesses and industries have here to move product with either railway line."
Davidson echoed this sentiment, urging communities to champion their local business environment.
Both Davidson and O'Leary are committed to raising awareness of Portage la Prairie's advantages.
"We want to showcase our region as not just a place to invest," O'Leary emphasized. "But as a place to live, work, and play. Our marketing efforts are focusing on businesses that complement the agriculture industry, which is a cornerstone of our local economy."
The tour concluded with a shared enthusiasm for future collaborations.