The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce has hit a record membership of 476 business people. President Cam Bergen says they are hoping to soon hit the 500 mark. He explains why the chamber is growing.

"It's all the effort that we put into making sure that everything we do brings value back to our members. Our small business, our medium business, our large business, the entire business community, we focus on making sure that everything brings value back and, through that value, I believe people and businesses are seeing it and wanting to be a part of it."

Bergen says one area they want to expand is mentorship programming. They also want to enhance economic development and are working on plans to improve the annual Pioneer Days parade with changes expected in 2018. Bergen also says they are continually reviewing various programs and notes they have dropped their Black Friday promotion and their Business Expo and are looking at new initiatives to replace them.

"There are some events that we can no longer participate in due to the partnerships that we had not being able to support them as they have in the past . And, those types of things happen so we will continue to provide to the business community what is most relevant today."

Bergen notes 2017 is a transition year as executive director Linda Peters has retired and they have hired Ben Dueck to succeed her. He adds they have also completed a three-year strategic plan and are currently working on a new set of goals.

The chamber of commerce has an annual budget of $725,000.