Member Highlight Chad Friesen CEO, Friesens Corporation Chad is the CEO of Friesens Corporation. While he is the fifth Friesen to lead the company, he is not related to the original Friesen family. Since joining back in 1993, he has played many roles in the company; He has worked on the shop floor, served customers, marketed the firm, and sold the products. […] Read More Member Highlight Chad Friesen CEO, Friesens Corporation Chad is the CEO of Friesens Corporation. While he is the fifth Friesen to lead the company, he is not related to the original Friesen family. Since joining back in 1993, he has played many roles in the company; He has worked on the shop floor, served customers, marketed the firm, and sold the products. In many ways, he himself is a product of the company. From 2009 to 2014 Chad briefly stepped away from Friesens to join the executive team of Red River Mutual. After five years in the insurance business, he returned to Friesens to become CEO in 2017. Chad is a community builder at heart having served on numerous committees and was a founding member of several organizations focused on economic development and charitable work in Southern Manitoba. He is currently a Director on the Boards of Friesens Corporation, Red River Mutual, and Supporting Entrepreneurs through Economic Development (SEED). Friesens Corporation Established in 1907. Friesens helps others share their best story with the world through the power of print. The company is 100% employee-owned and is made up of four businesses that serve book publishers, self-publishers, school yearbook programs, and consumer brand packaging. The company employs 600 people, most of whom work in Altona, MB (pop. 4,200) or at FriesenPress in Victoria, BC. The company’s secret to success has been enabling great people to do greater things through a relentless investment in technology. IndigenousEducationAwards LEARN MORE APPLY NOW APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 31 Indigenous Education Awards LEARN MORE APPLY NOW Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN Newsletter The Taking Care of Business newsletter is designed to keep you up to date on the latest happenings in the Manitoba business community directly from BCM member companies. READ Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN Newsletter The Taking Care of Business newsletter is designed to keep you up to date on the latest happenings in the Manitoba business community directly from BCM member companies. READ Podcast The Council’s podcast explores the people behind our mission to make Manitoba a preferred place to live work and invest. Taking Care of Business goes one-on-one with Manitoba’s president and CEOs to learn more about who they are, how they got to where they are, what inspires them, and how they take care of business and the community. LISTEN MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Bram Strain I am very honored to have been entrusted to be only the third President and CEO in the history of the Business Council of Manitoba. The Council, established in 1998, is proud of its record of accomplishments, offering a constructive, non-partisan voice on major challenges and opportunities for Manitoba and Canada. I look forward to working with our members and our key stakeholders in building on our past successes and continuing to contribute towards realizing the full potential of our great province. READ MORE Our membership, through private sector investments and working in partnership with various levels of government, is focused on sustainable long-term growth, jobs and prosperity for all Manitobans present and future. We welcome inquiries from readers who are interested in the work we do and the opinions we hold. We recognize the value in building support for positive change to make our province more competitive as we look forward to future opportunities and challenges. Our goal is simple, to provide fact based and innovative input into major policy issues focused on making Manitoba a place where all can live, work and invest in vibrant and healthy communities. Please follow us on LinkedIn MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Rick Duha It’s an honour to step into the role of Chair of the Business Council of Manitoba and to help guide this dynamic group of leaders as we continue to champion Manitoba’s growth and prosperity. I’m inspired by the legacy of those who came before me and energized by the opportunities ahead. The Business Council brings together CEOs and senior executives who are united by a shared belief in Manitoba’s potential. Since 1998, we have collaborated across sectors, with community partners, and all levels of government to promote policies that encourage innovation, economic growth, and inclusive opportunities. READ MORE We know that today’s challenges—both local and global—require steady leadership and collaborative solutions. Whether navigating economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, or evolving workforce needs, the Council remains committed to advocating for what’s best for Manitoba and its people. As the Business Council, our strength lies in our interconnected community and shared purpose: to make Manitoba a place where businesses thrive, communities flourish, and future generations can succeed. Thank you to all who share in our vision for a stronger Manitoba. I’m proud to help lead the Council into its next chapter. I invite you to follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected with our latest updates and initiatives
