Battle of the banners

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This article was published 21/05/2021 (1793 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The battle has begun.

Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce has issued a challenge for local businesses to take part in the West Winnipeg Sign Wars by posting messages on their signboards to create some light-hearted fun.

Kristi Meek, the chamber’s president and executive director, explained that sign wars pop up now and again in different communities. Earlier this year, a sign war in an Ontario town pitted Speedy Glass against Dairy Queen, gaining plenty of attention through the national chamber network.

“I had heard a few businesses toying with the idea here in West Winnipeg, but no one was taking the first leap. I threw it out there on a Facebook post made by Chicken Chef  (3770 Portage Ave.) that the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce would offer a prize of a one-year enhanced business membership with the chamber if businesses tagged the chamber on their posts,” Meek explained.

“We will make a draw on May 31 for the prize, and we may have some other goodies to share with businesses over the next couple of weeks.”

So far, a couple local businesses have kicked off the initiative.

Motel 6 at 4400 Portage Ave. in Headingley recently put up a sign saying “Hey Super 8 wanna start a Sign War?” A short time later, Super 8 Winnipeg West (3760 Portage Ave.) responded with a sign that says, “Hey Motel 6 Sure, we’re SUPER at this.”

For Meek, the goal is simple — to have fun and make people smile.

“It is good, clean fun, and with everyone feeling exhaustion from the pandemic, sharing a good chuckle can help,” she said.

“For the businesses, it will show others how well they are coping through all of the requirements and will provide some fun to the work day for their staff by coming up with clever signs.”

More businesses are welcome to get involved by posting photos of their signs on Facebook with the hashtag #westwpgsignwars and tagging @AssiniboiaChamberMB. To be entered in the draw, participating businesses also need to like and follow the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

The sign wars event is just one of several chamber initiatives aimed to create community engagement and a sense of fun. Their recent www.cheerhere.ca Easter colouring contest generated an astounding response.

“We had over 900 businesses mentioned in over 300 entries from our youngest participant at 12 months old to our oldest at 82 years young. The hotels and restaurants in West Winnipeg that participated as sponsors of the prizes were grateful for the attention, and we are very thankful to Canstar Community Newspapers for the support in helping getting the colouring page out to so many families,” Meek said.

“Our chamber also received notes and cards of thanks for providing a family activity that everyone could participate in. It was a true joy for us to get entries mailed to the office. Even our mailperson, Mark, would smile at the piles of envelopes and cards coming in. We surely did not expect the kind notes but, wow, did they ever make our day feel special.”

The response was well received in the community and beyond, she said, and businesses in West Winnipeg definitely felt some #LocalLove. Following its success, the chamber plans to host another colouring contest for Canada Day.

Another upcoming activity is the Member Drive Golf Event at Bel Acres Golf & Country Club on Tues., July 13. This event is free for guests to join, and each member is asked to provide a testimonial about why they joined the chamber or what value they receive from their chamber membership.

Members and sponsors are encouraged to bring a prospective member, who will also be able to golf for free. Businesses interested in membership and participating in the event can call the Assiniboia Chamber office at (204) 774-4154.

Meek is also happy to announce that the Assiniboia Chamber is the recipient of a Canada Summer Jobs grant. Job postings for a social media co-ordinator and a business development co-ordinator will be available on the chamber’s website and social media channels on Wed., May 26. Both jobs will begin July 5 and end Aug. 27.

In addition, the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce hosted its 91st annual general meeting on Thurs., May 13 with Obby Khan of GoodLocal as the guest speaker. The list of 2021-22 board members is posted on the chamber’s website at www.assiniboiachamber.ca.