The Portage la Prairie Chamber of Commerce is thrilled with the support they've seen, as they mark a major milestone. Today they held a barbecue and celebration at the Fort la Reine Museum, marking their 130th anniversary of the signing of the original board of trade agreement in 1886. Dignitaries were on hand to congratulate the chamber, and credit them for their hard work over the years. A ceremonial resigning of the 1886 agreement also took place, signed by the chamber representatives and the dignitaries in attendance.  

Candice Bergen presents Dave Omichinski and Preston Meier with a certificate

Chamber President Dave Omichinski says he was fortunate to be president at the time of the celebration, noting it feels as if the Chamber is at a real high point in its history, and credits their partnerships with the local governments and stakeholders as one reason for their ongoing success.

"It's a pleasure to go to many, many of the meetings because of the nature of them. They're not argumentative, they're consultative. We disagree with each other, of course, we have our role and they have theirs but as long as you're working together for the common good, we shall continue to succeed."

Chamber Vice-President Preston Meier was also on hand, donning the guise of Sir Archibald William Prest, the original secretary of the board of trade in 1886. He says it's amazing to be involved with an organization that dates back more than a century, adding he was also thrilled to see the support for the celebration.

"We don't know exactly what it was like in 1886, but I know back then we had a strong, vibrant, dynamic business community. One hundred and thirty years later we still have a strong, vibrant, dynamic business community. To see everybody who came out to support the anniversary...there's support in numbers."

Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Chuck Davidson was also on hand at the event, praising the local business community for their work. He says with the Portage Chamber's advocacy work, community support, and ongoing partnership with community leaders, it really is the gold standard of Manitoba's 

Manitoba Chambers President/CEO calls Portage's Chamber "The Gold Standard"chambers.

"This is a chamber that's been around for 130 years. They've got a strong voice in the community, in terms of being an advocate for the business community. They do good events that bring business people together, but at the same time, they're a good community supporter. I think that's what a day like today shows."

It wasn't just those directly involved with the Portage and District Chamber of Commerce singing their praises. Several dignitaries also took to the podium to praise the work the local chamber has done both in the community and to improve communities across the province. Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen says the success over the past 130 years also paints a great vision of the future.

"It's great to be a part of the celebration and to know Portage is going to be doing even better. Every year that goes on, 130 years from now Portage will be bigger, better, and having even more of an impact on the province."

She adds the founders of the chamber clearly had an optimistic vision for the future of the region, and to see that come to fruition over 130 years is amazing. Meanwhile, Portage la Prairie Mayor Irvine Ferris says the chamber's continuity has been vital to the region over the years, adding the group's relevance hasn't diminished with the times.

"The fact is this organization has not only survived but thrived for 130 years. This organization has grown as our community has grown. In modern times, as mayor, I certainly appreciate the advocacy they do on our behalf. They're partners in the truest sense of the word."

RM of Portage la Prairie Councillor Terry Simpson provided comments on behalf of the RM, noting the chamber's longevity and consistency is a testament to their ability to work with both the RM and city Councils. He says it's a great relationship, that truly benefits all parties involved.

"It's nice that we can be an organization that sits down and listens to them, and they listen to what we have to say. I think that's one of the main parts of a chamber of commerce, that they listen to what the people have to say on the outside."

Those involved with the chamber were thrilled with the turnout for the celebration, adding they're looking forward to the next 130 years.