Hosting a variety of speakers and presentations in their community in 2023 was a highlight for Souris-Glenwood Chamber of Commerce President, Loretta Turner.

"I really enjoyed when the World Trade Centre from Winnipeg came," shares Turner. "It was something new that a lot of us didn't know about. And then we also featured a lot of our local speakers.  We had Souris School come and talk about opportunities for students and your workplace. And then we featured some of our members, like Western Financial Group, RBC and Westoba Credit Union."

"Probably our best turnout was with our elected Council for Souris-Glenwood," she adds. "We were celebrating 1 year in and finding out how it's been for our council members, and then to build on that relationship that we have with the Council and the Chamber."

The entire community of Souris and area celebrates the start to the summer season with their Spring Fling, and then they delve right into summer mode with their summer parade, Ag Society Fair and Peacock Days. Scarecrow Days winds down the summer months and shortly after that the Christmas celebration begins with their Red Card campaign, and this year a host of new initiatives to get residents and businesses involved!

It's important to note that this was the second year for the peacock calling contest and as last year, there was quite the list of residents who were brave enough to screech, squeal and squawk their way to being crowned the 2023 Peacock Caller!

In October the local Chamber hosted an election candidate's forum which was also well received.

"Our Chamber initiates events very well, seeing something that can be done and then doing it," explains Turner.

One such project is the bike fix stations that was launched in 2023.

"So, they're basically a stand that has tools so anyone who is out cycling can go to one of these stations and fix their bikes. We get quite a bit of cycling traffic from Brandon and along Highway 2, across Canada cyclists and that sort of thing.  We installed the first of three bike fix stations this year, and we're trying it out, seeing what we think of the location and checking that the tools are good. And then we'll install the next two in 2024; one down by the campground and the other one by our Souris Swinging Bridge."

Turner says they had a fantastic year with their Chamber members and executive board, the only challenge was finding enough time to volunteer for all the events taking place. 

"Souris is well-known for having a wealth of volunteers, and a large group of volunteers and so many things are built or done in this community because of our volunteers, and our Chamber is no different," she explains. "We have an executive of 13 business owners or employees that we all come together monthly, initiate these events, promotions and speakers."

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