LCol J.P. Nguyen addressed guests at the first business luncheon held on Feb. 27, where guests attended a seminar to learn about potential growth at CFB Shilo, and after lunch, were able to take part in a tour of 1 RCHA. The next lunch is scheduled for May and is aimed at industry. (Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
The first CFB Shilo Business Luncheon was such a success on Feb. 27 that a second one has been announced for May 29, in which local contractors and interested parties are invited to participate and have their questions about industry contributions to the army base answered.
The upcoming luncheon and business gathering will focus on the theme of “Industry and CFB Shilo” with a presentation on current and future infrastructure plans, processes and contract systems, and best practices for outside organizations to become part of the industry initiatives at the Base. The presentation and lunch will be followed by a tour of the maintenance and supply unit for guests.
More than 65 attendees participated in the kick-off business lunch session last month, which was hosted to promote increased awareness of CFB Shilo activities, strengthen the military-community relationship, and offer a networking opportunity across the Shilo region.
Invited guests, including CFB Shilo senior leaders, the 3rd Canadian Division Support Group command team, local government officials, and community business members who came from as far as Winnipeg to hear about the future growth of upcoming projects at CFB Shilo. The group also heard how growth may potentially affect the local economy and surrounding communities.
MLA for Sprucewoods and Parliamentary Military Critic, Colleen Robbins, said she attended to be an active participant and stakeholder.
“I am excited in Westman to say we are going to have this great Base as an economic boom.”
After a catered lunch, guests had the option of participating in a guided tour around 1RCHA to explore the equipment and job tasks many soldiers complete on a daily basis.
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Brandon West, Wayne Balcan, said he has had many discussions with the CFB Shilo Base Commander regarding issues facing Brandon and the potential for future growth of Shilo. He said that as an “army brat” growing up on the base, he has a “vested interest” in the happenings.
“I am acutely interested in the growth of Shilo because it will have a direct impact on Brandon and our economy moving forward with our communities together.”
“I am excited to see the turnout of so many business people, so many influencers from Brandon … I think this is going to be a true form of a typical Brandon collaboration with Shilo. The previous Base Commander and [Lieutenant-Colonel Nguyen] have tremendous outreach toward our community, which will continue to build our energy and our synergy.”
“I like the value that is going to be put in here, and the opportunity not only with the military and the opportunities to expand with the number of troops and the individuals that will be here, but also for the fact this will have a direct impact on Brandon, all of the RegionalMunicipalities around here and the ability for $100 billion to go into our economy in the local area,” MLA Balcan said.
Photo Gallery of Feb. 2026 Business Luncheon:
Guests attended the Feb. 2026 to learn about proposed growth at CFB Shilo with Commander of the 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (3 CDSG) Colonel R.D Tesselaar, and Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Nguyen, CFB Base Commander, providing the pre-lunch seminar.
After a catered business lunch, guests were provided transportation to 1 RCHA where they embarked on a tour of the facilities led by Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Jordan Beatty. Guests were able to try on and handle military equipment and learn about processes during the tour.
