History
Art Kinny was the founder and 1st President of the Russell Chamber of Commerce 1979.
The Chamber has historically spearheaded, supported, or collaborated on community projects designed to boost local commerce and tourism:
- The Beef & Barley Festival: An annual festival that celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage.The Russell has been running since 1973.
- Christmas Under the Arches: An annual holiday event organized by the Chamber to drive traffic into the local business district.
- Visitor Centre: The Chamber manages the Russell Visitor Information Centre to promote local tourism.
A Brief History of the Chamber of Commerce’s Local Accomplishments
2025 - Community video project for visitor center completed.
2024 - “Christmas Under the Arches” festivities started.
2023 - First “Shop Local” guide released.
2022 - Re-opening after covid shutdown
2021 - Completed visitor center renovations
2020 - “Project Hometown” started
2019 - Visitor center begins offering Russell, Beef & Barley, and area merchandise.
2018 - Visitor center landscaping efforts.
2017 - Installation of Russell visitor center electronic billboard.
2015 - Russell chamber office moved from town office to visitor center.
2007 - Russell Mainstreet revitalization project continued by committee.
2006 - Sunday shopping bylaw revised, commerce permitted on Sundays.
2005 - Beginning of Main Street revitalization project.
2004 - New Town of Russell website and town of Russell official sign unveiled.
2003 - First ever National Fly Fishing Championship & Symposium
2002 - Russell & District Ag Awareness Committee established
2001 - Arthur the Bull chosen as name for town mascot.
2000 - Highway Maintenance project initiated.
1999 - Worked with the Manitoba government to expand internet services in the rural community.
1998 - Russell & District radio advertising promotion launched.
1997 - Flood relief project undertaken at Ste. Agtathe
1996 - Restructuring of Chamber of Commerce.
1995 - Discussion regarding restructuring of the Chamber began.
1994 - Continuation Assessippi Ski Hill project.
1993 - First issue of Russell Ramblings magazine.
1992 - Many local business renovations and expansions.
1991 - Assessippi Ski Hill concept pitched.
1989 - Beginning of Russell Manitoba welcome wagon event for new residents.
1979 - Art Kinney becomes Russell Chamber of Commerce’s founder and first president.
1974 - Creation of the town bull mascot.
1973 - Debut of Russell’s yearly Beef & Barley festival.