It’s not actually the end of anything

Amazing things are happening, and there’s more yet to come

By Jeff Baker

It’s that time of year again. The nighttime is significantly longer than the daytime; the trees have dropped their leaves, and we have to shovel the precipitation that falls from the sky. 

It’s also that time of year when many folks and businesses go all out with the seasonal decorations, and despite the gloominess of a sunset at 4.00pm, the world seems a heck of a lot brighter thanks to the countless strings of holiday lights and festive colours adorning just about every lamppost and window in town. 

It’s like we make a concerted effort to let our spirits shine brighter in the times of year when the sun seems to make only ‘guest appearances,’ and we put in the time and energy to show others our good nature and generosity. It’s almost as if some big, bearded guy in red were watching us from over the horizon.

Prairie manufacturers are an amazing bunch of folks, and our team here at Prairie Manufacturer Magazine has the privilege and honour of sharing the stories from the industry with their peers, supporters, and other community members.

After years of covering the stories from and about the industry, and getting to know the people behind the headlines, we can say for certain that manufacturers don’t wait for the holidays to show their spirit of generosity and community-mindedness. All the reason this industry needs is a day that ends in ‘y!’

Between the covers

In this issue of Prairie Manufacturer, you’ll meet some amazing folks doing some incredible work in and connected to the region’s manufacturing sector. I think you will agree that this issue is chock-a-block with something for everyone. The team here is super excited to be able to share such high-calibre content and contributors with you!

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights shares why human rights is a concern for everyone everywhere—it’s not an issue ‘over there’— and needs to be top of mind for Prairie manufacturers, their employees, and their customers. Learn how your organization can work with the Winnipeg-based national museum to understand and become a champion for human rights.

Under international human rights law and Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every person has the right to housing. Habitat for Humanity, a global non-profit housing organization with presence in more than 70 countries around the world, is working across the Prairies to turn the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live into reality. They’re not alone in this endeavour, however; Prairie manufacturers are stepping up and providing materials, labour, and other support to help address the housing crisis that’s affecting so many.

Consul Rebecca Molinoff of United States’ Consulate in Winnipeg offers insights to the relationship between Canada the US and how interconnected our countries’ manufacturing industries really are. 

Lori Schmidt, President of Loral Management Group, offers a personal take on the power of knowing when (and how) to say goodbye to a job, a client, or even a project, even if it’s something or someone you’ve been with right from the start. It’s something that just about everybody has experienced but it’s a skill only a few of us have mastered and embraced. 

And Jayson Myers is back with the Economic Roundup to explain what might be at stake as the next American president storms takes office in January. 

What’s it really all about?

Throughout this issue, you’ll find a common thread wending its way through every article and column: Prairie manufacturers are making more than just the products they sell and send around the world; they’re building community right here at home.

As another year comes to an end and a new year arrives to take its place, remember that it’s not actually an end to anything—it’s a brand-new start for everything amazing yet to come!

On behalf of the entire Prairie Manufacturer team, I wish you and yours the best of the holiday season and a safe and productive 2025!

Until we chat again, I hope you enjoy the read.