Your Chamber

Board Elections

2026–2027 Board of Directors

Voting Opens:

Monday, May 11, 2026 9:00 am

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce 2026–2027 Board of Directors election runs from May 11, 2026 at 9:00 am to May 21, 2026 at 5:00 pm.

Serving on the Board is an opportunity to help guide the Chamber’s work, represent the voice of local business, and support the continued growth of Brandon and the Westman business community.

Delegates, please ensure your contact information is correct and updated in our system. You will receive an email with your voting link, voting instructions, and any other voting information.

Voting Closes:

Thursday, May 21, 2026 5:00 pm

Questions?

For questions about the nomination process or Board Elections, please contact the Brandon Chamber of Commerce at 204-571-5340 or info@brandonchamber.ca.

Below are the 2026-2027 Board of Directors Nominees. Nominee’s up for re-election are marked with an asterisk (*).

 

Alyshia Kelbert

Alyshia Kelbert is the Executive Director of the Assiniboine College Students’ Association, where she leads initiatives focused on student engagement, leadership development, and community connection. An Assiniboine alumni of the Social Service Worker program, she brings a strong foundation in advocacy and community support to her work. Alyshia currently serves on the Assiniboine Alumni Board and the Canadian Organization of Campus Activities Board, contributing to student life and engagement at both the local and national level. She was nominated for the 2026 Women of Distinction Community Leadership Award, recognizing her ongoing commitment to community involvement and leadership. Born and raised in Brandon, Alyshia is passionate about strengthening connections between education, students, and the broader community.

Amber White*

A versatile entrepreneur and community leader, was born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba. Together with her husband Bryan, she has cultivated a legacy of business success spanning over a decade, firmly establishing herself as a cornerstone of the local entrepreneurial scene. 

Amber’s journey into entrepreneurship began in 2001 when she embarked on a career in professional photography. Specializing in school and sports photography as well as Santa photos, her keen eye and passion for capturing precious moments propelled her to lead a dedicated team for 15 years. It was during this time that her love for photography, particularly in the realms of school and sports, ignited a new venture. In 2011, she seized the opportunity to purchase Champion Digital Photography, marking the inception of a thriving enterprise. 

Amber and Bryan expanded their portfolio with the inauguration of two locally owned and operated fitness clubs. Anytime Fitness Brandon, established in 2013, and Anytime Fitness Souris, inaugurated in 2021, stand as testaments to their commitment to promoting health and wellness within their community. As an Elite Certified Personal Trainer, Amber has played an instrumental role in guiding numerous clients towards their fitness aspirations over the past decade. 

Despite the demands of entrepreneurship and parenthood – she is a devoted mother to three children aged 9 (Brynn), 13 (Braylon), and 19 (Keenan), as well as billeting many Brandon Wheat Kings over the past 9 years– Amber’s altruistic spirit shines through her dedication to volunteering and organizing charity events. As a Mentor with Futurepreneur Canada, she empowers aspiring business owners on their entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, her past involvement as co-lead of the Fitness Council of Manitoba underscores her advocacy for the fitness industry’s interests. 

Beyond her professional endeavors, Amber’s philanthropic endeavors are both extensive and impactful. From participating in Memory Missions to aid in the construction of schools in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, to volunteering at the hospital, she consistently channels her energy towards uplifting her community. Notable initiatives include organizing the Wheat City Fun Run, the Annual Strongman Competition benefiting various charities such as the Dream factory, an annual Anytime Fitness golf tournament in support of Special Olympics Westman, as well as managing minor hockey and baseball teams for over a decade.  

In recognition of her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication, Amber was honoured with the prestigious Westman’s Top 4 Under 40 award in 2022. Her spirit, coupled with her passion for entrepreneurship and community service, continues to inspire and uplift those around her, solidifying her status as a beacon of hope and positivity in Brandon, Manitoba, and beyond. 

*Amber is a current Board Director and is up for re-election.*

Curtis Firman

Growing up in Dauphin, MB, Curtis moved to Brandon in 2014 to attend Brandon University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hon.) in physics in 2019. After graduation Curtis entered the business world with Forman Auto Centre, joining the group at the end of 2019. Curtis is currently the Controller at Forman Auto Centre, overseeing all financial operations for Forman Honda, Forman Mazda, and Forman Collision. Curtis also serves as the Health and Safety Chair for the group obtaining and maintaining Safe Work Manitoba certification since 2021. While early in business career, he has a strong passion for business efficiency and optimization of processes and people, leveraging his strong math background and attention to detail.

Outside of work, Curtis and his wife Court, who is currently on the board at the Western Manitoba Women’s Centre, live in Brandon with their two cats. He enjoys racing motorcycles in the summer with the Manitoba Road Racing Association.

Darren Wright

Darren Wright is a resilient entrepreneur, real estate investor, and co‑owner of Infinite Properties Inc., where he leads the acquisition, redevelopment, and management of multi‑family housing in Manitoba. His career reflects a unique blend of technical expertise, operational leadership, and community‑minded problem‑solving.

Beginning as a licensed electrician and later operating a successful electrical contracting business, Darren went on to earn a B.Sc. in Computer Systems Engineering and an M.Sc. in Machine Neuroscience — a testament to his commitment to innovation and continuous learning.

Through Infinite Properties Inc., Darren and his wife, Dorothy, revitalize aging housing stock through strategic joint‑venture partnerships, improving housing quality and contributing to local economic growth.

Beyond his business work, Darren is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Brandon and serves as Chairperson for the annual Kar Derby, supporting youth programs and community engagement. He brings a governance mindset grounded in integrity, data‑driven decision‑making, and long‑term planning — strengths he hopes to contribute to the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Enver Naidoo*

Enver is CEO of Westman Immigrant Services, leading a team of 70+ staff across eight locations delivering programs in immigrant settlement, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. He also leads the Rural Manitoba Immigrant Employment Council, part of a national network supporting employers and communities to attract, hire, and retain immigrant talent.

With leadership experience across the non-profit and private sectors, both locally and internationally, Enver brings a practical approach to workforce development, economic growth, and partnership building. He holds an MBA in Community Economic Development and is pursuing a PhD in Education and Social Justice.

Enver serves on the Board of Directors of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and contributes to several community initiatives focused on economic and community development. He and his wife, Cora, are proud to call Brandon home.

*Enver is a current Board Director and is up for re-election.*

Jayden Lamb

Jayden Lamb is a Partner with the Vanderschuit & Lamb Private Wealth Management team at IG Wealth Management. He joined IG in 2016 after beginning his career in financial services and brings a client‑first, values‑driven approach to comprehensive financial planning. Jayden works closely with retirees, farmers, business owners, and professionals, helping clients navigate wealth and retirement strategies through an integrated planning process.

Born and raised in Killarney, Manitoba, Jayden has called Brandon home since 2013. He is deeply committed to his community and active in volunteer leadership. Jayden is a proud Assiniboine College alum and has served on the College’s Alumni Board since 2019, currently holding the role of Chair. He also co‑chairs the Westman chapter of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors.

Outside of work, Jayden enjoys golf, hockey, and staying active. He and his wife Jill enjoy spending time outdoors and travelling.

Jonathan Hunt

Jonathan Hunt is the Managing Principal of Hunt & Associates Private Wealth Management in Brandon, Manitoba. He leads a growing practice dedicated to advising individuals, business owners, and agricultural families across Western Canada, delivering institutional-level investment expertise with the personal attention that complex financial situations demand.

A recognized Rising Star Advisor of the Year, Jonathan has built a reputation as one of the most capable and forward-thinking emerging leaders in Canadian wealth management. Since entering the profession in 2018, he has distinguished himself by combining technical depth with a genuine commitment to his clients’ long-term outcomes.

Jonathan holds an exceptional range of advanced designations: Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM), Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI), Master Financial Advisor – Philanthropy (MFA-P), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

As the next-generation leader of a family-founded practice with more than 40 years of history in Brandon, Jonathan brings both a deep respect for the local business community and a modern, entrepreneurial approach to growth and client service. Outside of his practice, he is an active participant in the Brandon community, committed to fostering the kind of connected, resilient local economy that allows businesses and families to thrive for generations to come.

Karin Griffin*

Karin Griffin is the co-founder of Alternative Group, which she started alongside her husband Chris in 1998. With a strong work ethic, a creative eye, and a deep respect for the land, Karin has been a driving force behind the company’s vision, growth, and values from the very beginning.

From hands-on work in the early years to guiding the company through expansion from Landscaping into Yard care, Retail Garden Centre , and Excavation, Karin has played a key role in shaping Alternative into a trusted, multi-department operation. Her approach has always focused on quality, long-term solutions, and building genuine relationships with clients and the community.

Beyond the business, Karin is also a mother of two, in the early days of the business, balancing family life with entrepreneurship. Her ability to manage both has helped shape Alternative’s people-first culture—one rooted in responsibility, teamwork, and respect. She remains actively involved in the company today, ensuring that the principles Alternative was founded on, continue to guide every project and every department.

*Karin is a current Board Director and is up for re-election.*

Matthew Blunt

Matthew is a lawyer with Patersons, with a practice focused on corporate, commercial, and real estate law. He has practiced with Patersons in Brandon and Neepawa since his call to the bar in 2019.

Matthew is an alumnus of the University of Manitoba and attended law school at the Western Michigan University. He is a member of the Western Manitoba Bar Association and has previously served on the board of Westman Immigrant Services. In his spare time, Matthew volunteers his time with local organizations and enjoys all things outdoors, whether fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, or camping.

Rhea Majewski

Rhea Majewski is a lawyer and partner of Donald & Kehler Law Office. She obtained her law degree in 2014 and moved to Brandon with her husband Joshua Dyck. Rhea has a general practice, litigating complex civil liability and family law matters, as well as transactional work in real estate, wills and estates and business matters. In addition to her practice, she currently sits as a Bencher for the Law Society of Manitoba; actively volunteers for the Western Manitoba Women’s Centre; and provides community presentations for the Community Legal Education Association.

Outside of work, Rhea has been a long-time member of the Y downtown and enjoys strength training; travelling; and walking her rambunctious Bernese mountain dog, Fern. Some of her favourite places she’s been have been Portugal, Nice, Athens and Paris.

Rosa Villamizar

Rosa is a global business leader with 25+ years of international experience across North America, Latin America, and Europe. She specializes in driving growth and transformation within the steel construction and manufacturing sectors.

Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, she thrives in multicultural environments and excels at building bridges between markets, clients, and opportunities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and an Associate degree in Marketing.

As Director of U-Build Steel Buildings, a division of BEHLEN Industries LP, she has led the division’s strategic direction for the past nine years—delivering consistent revenue and profit growth while expanding its footprint across Canada. Her focus is on aligning business strategy with market dynamics, strengthening competitive positioning, and delivering solutions that provide certainty, cost-efficiency, and peace of mind to clients.

What sets Rosa apart is her combination of global perspective, proven commercial results, and a forward-looking mindset—ensuring organizations are not just competing today, but positioned to lead tomorrow.

Tim Melnyk

I have been proud to call Brandon home for my entire life. I often boast about our city to the many people I have met throughout my 28-year career as Sales Associate, Head of Commercial Department and Partner at Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd. I have helped new companies come to Brandon and businesses that needed to find a new location because they had outgrown their original one.

As a Sales Associate, I have seen Brandon evolve. Our market is consistent, strong and growth is steady without the peaks and valleys that larger markets would experience.

Previously, I served on the Brandon Real Estate Board Executive Committee from 2007 – 2011, experiencing all the positions as well as being tasked with 2 years as President of the BREB. From this, I was then honored to be nominated to the Executive of the Manitoba Real Estate Association 2011-2015 and was the voice of more than 2,000 Manitoba realtors, representing them in 2012 as President of the Manitoba Real Estate association amongst every real estate association across Canada. Even during that time, Manitoba was recognized as one of the most stable real estate markets in Canada.

I feel I could bring realistic perspective to the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and am not opposed to voicing my opinion, when needed. I’ve watched Brandon grow and change so much over the years and would be honored to represent Brandon through the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.