Board of Directors

The Chamber is governed by members of a highly dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. Our board members are from companies of various sizes and sectors and reflect the diversity of our membership.

Each member brings with them a wealth of knowledge and experience and is committed to community leadership and supporting The Chamber’s mission.

The Board meets regularly to approve policy, engage in discussion around issues affecting the business community and to make decisions around the general governance of The Chamber.

Executive

Emelio Brown is an entrepreneur, business leader, and community advocate with a strong passion for economic development, innovation, and technology. Originally from Jamaica, Emelio immigrated to Canada in 2014 and has since established himself as a respected leader within the Brandon and Westman business community.

He is the Partner and CEO of IntriTech Marketing, a full-service marketing and technology agency that works closely with businesses of all sizes and industries to help them grow through strategic marketing, technology, and digital innovation. He is also a Partner at Brandon Jobs, a platform focused on connecting employers with local talent and strengthening workforce development throughout the region.

Emelio holds a background in Computer Science and brings a technology-driven perspective to business leadership, with a particular interest in how innovation and emerging technologies can support long-term economic growth and business resilience.

Beyond his professional work, Emelio is deeply involved in community leadership and volunteerism. He serves as Co-Chair of the Westman Jamaican Community and sits on both the Brandon University Foundation Board and the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation Board, where he contributes to initiatives focused on education, economic growth, and regional development.

Above all, Emelio is family-oriented and values the importance of community, relationships, and creating opportunities for future generations. He and his wife are proud parents of two children and are committed to building a strong future both for their family and for the broader Westman community.

Chris Finley was born and raised in Brandon, attending Brandon University and graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2004. Chris joined Mazergroup in 2005, which operates 18 agriculture, construction, and turf equipment dealerships in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. As the V.P. of Parts, Service, and Precision, he is responsible for the operational and strategic direction of those departments. Chris is proud to call Brandon home, and having not grown up on a farm, is grateful that his career has found him working in the agriculture industry.

Chris has been married to his wife Diane for 13 years. Diane is also a Chamber member, and owner of a small business in Brandon. They are proud parents to their sons Maxwell and Otis.

Lisa Andrew is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Partner at BDO Canada LLP, where she provides strategic financial and advisory services to clients across southwestern Manitoba. With over 18 years in public accounting, Lisa brings extensive expertise in financial management, governance, and business development, working closely with business owners, farmers, and organizations to help them succeed.

A lifelong resident of Brandon, Lisa is deeply committed to the growth and well-being of the local community. Beyond her professional work, she has contributed to a number of local boards, including Brandon Crime Stoppers and the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, and currently serves as Treasurer for Helping Hands Soup Kitchen.

Lisa and her spouse, Cory, are proud parents to their daughter Riley. Lisa values the strong sense of community in Brandon and is passionate about giving back to the city that has given so much to her.

Lisa is honoured to be on the Board of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to contributing financial insight, governance experience, and a strong local perspective to help support and grow Brandon’s vibrant business community.

Jennifer Ludwig was born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba and graduated from the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Pharmacy in 2005. She is an owner and pharmacist at Super Thrifty Pharmacy (Richmond) and in 2022 became President of Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd, which operates 18 stores across Manitoba and British Columbia.

Jennifer is very active in the pharmacy profession, having been a member of the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) Council for eight years and acting as Executive Treasurer, President, and Past President. She also maintains positions on various committees involved in promoting patient safety and governance within the pharmacy profession. In 2022, she was appointed once again to Council and the role of Executive Treasurer.

Her love for her community has also seen her volunteer with the Westman Dreams for Kids Advisory Committee and Assiniboine Community College Foundation Board.
She is married to her husband Jordan, and together they enjoy spending time with their canine fur baby, Lou Bixby.

Board Directors

Matt Berg was born in Brandon and raised in a small rural town just 20 kilometers away. Working as a landscape labourer in highschool, Matt developed a love for the outdoors and the creative freedoms that landscaping offered. He purchased Livingstone Landscaping in 1999 as the sole employee to pay his way through university.

Matt graduated with a degree in Business from Brandon University, focusing on Finance with a minor in Economics. He completed the Prairie Horticulture certification program by Distance Ed from Olds College, Red River College, University of Winnipeg, and ACC. Matt also taught Landscape Design at our local Assiniboine Community College to pass on industry knowledge to those interested in landscape design.

In 2020, Matt was one of the founding partners of their sister company, Livingstone Outdoor, a landscaping retail supply store and greenhouse set to open in spring 2021. Today, the two companies employ ninety-five staff members and operate interprovincially in MB & SK.

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.

Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, but calling Manitoba home since 2005, Emmy is keenly dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Brandon and support and advocacy of local businesses. With 16 years experience in EMS, a background in residential construction, particularly the restoration of character homes, decades of experience in project management, and an education in Human Resources, Emmy’s background gives her a perfect skill set to bring into her role as Executive Director. Working with the Brandon Downtown BIZ since its resurrection in 2023, Emmy has found a passion in advocacy for, and promotion of, the hundreds of businesses and business owners that make up the downtown business community. 

In addition to a lifelong love of downtowns, Emmy also brings her belief of collaboration to her role in building cooperative relationships with the other downtown stakeholders, as well as a seemingly endless supply of personal energy, optimism, and genuine interest in learning from the people she meets in her BIZ adventures. 

Lyndsay Seafoot is a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to building strong teams and forward-thinking workplaces. In 2020, she launched Curbridge, an HR consulting company that works with businesses and organizations across the province to strengthen culture, recruitment, and leadership capacity. 

In 2024, Lyndsay founded Stand Out Staff, a digital resume builder designed to help job seekers showcase their skills while connecting employers with top talent in today’s digital landscape. 

Her work spans business development, leadership training, and team management — all with a focus on future-ready solutions. Lyndsay is committed to supporting both employers and employees in creating meaningful, growth-oriented work environments. 

A versatile entrepreneur and community leader, Amber was born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba. Together with her husband Bryan, she has built a legacy of business success spanning more than a decade, becoming a well-known member of the local entrepreneurial community.

Amber’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2001 with a career in professional photography. Specializing in school and sports photography, she led a dedicated team for 15 years before purchasing Champion Digital Photography in 2011, growing it into a thriving business.

Amber and Bryan later expanded their portfolio with the opening of Anytime Fitness Brandon in 2013 and Anytime Fitness Souris in 2021. As an Elite Certified Personal Trainer, Amber has helped countless clients achieve their fitness goals while promoting health and wellness throughout the community.

Alongside her business ventures, Amber is a devoted mother of three and has billeted Brandon Wheat Kings players for the past nine years. She is also passionate about mentoring and community involvement, serving as a Mentor with Futurepreneur Canada and previously as co-lead of the Fitness Council of Manitoba.

Amber’s commitment to giving back is reflected in her extensive volunteer work and fundraising efforts. She has helped organize initiatives such as the Wheat City Fun Run, the Annual Strongman Competition, and the Anytime Fitness Golf Tournament in support of Special Olympics Westman, while also dedicating many years to minor hockey and baseball.

In recognition of her business achievements and community leadership, Amber was named one of Westman’s Top 4 Under 40 in 2022. Her passion for entrepreneurship, service, and community continues to make a positive impact across Brandon and Westman.

Rob Starkell is a Brandon-born seasoned entrepreneur and business professional who holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from U of M. Rob has spent a good portion of his career working overseas for large Fortune 500 companies and is now co-owner of West-Can HR in downtown Brandon.

With over 25 years of experience, he has developed a reputation for providing innovative and effective solutions to complex organizational challenges. Robert is committed to helping organizations optimize their people practices and achieve their business objectives and has a proven track record of delivering results for clients across a wide range of industries.

Rob is a current CARM (Construction Association of Rural Manitoba) board member and has sat on both the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Business Development and Government Relations committees in the past. Rob is passionate about supporting local businesses in Brandon and the exciting cultural diversification and opportunities in our community.

Currently the General Manager of the Victoria Inn, Brent has shown tremendous dedication to his work and to the community. Volunteering with the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Board of Directors for over 13 years,  Brent brings awareness to agriculture through helping bring rural and urban communities together.

Brent even sat as President of the Provincial Exhibition Board for 2 years, and has also been a part of their Summer Fair Committee, Dome Building Restoration Committee, and more. Notably, Brent played a lead role in helping determine how the Provincial Ex would continue to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic, and executing the activities that held them afloat.

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.

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.

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.