Canadian author and investor David Chilton will speak to Winkler businesses this Spring.

Chilton was announced as the P.W Enns Business Awards Gala guest speaker on Thursday. An Ontario native, Chilton is the author of bestseller "The Wealthy Barber" and has also appeared on TV's Dragon's Den.

Brian Derksen shares the storied history of the Hometown Service Ford dealership

Winkler Chamber President Ryan Hildebrand explains the board is excited to hear from Chilton's varied business background.

"We've had some varied speakers in the last few years," Hildebrand says. "We're excited to hear what he has to say, encouraging the small, medium and large businesses we have in the community."

The chamber made the announcement at their annual Small Business Week Luncheon. Tickets for the April 20th Gala will be available starting in the new year.

The Small Business Week event also featured stories from local businesses Hometown Service and Country Cycle, as well as the work of the Winkler Community Foundation.

Brian Derksen shared the 60 year history of the Ford dealership, now in its fourth generation of family ownership.

Country Cycle's Peter Loewen shared the emotional journey from starting and building a business before arson destroyed his shop in Winkler this summer. Since then the community has rallied around the business to get Loewen back on his feet.

Country Cycle's Peter Loewen shares the emotional story of losing his business to arson

Joel Billing Manager of Personal Lending at the Winkler Access Credit Union Branch, Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tanya Chateauneuf and Board President Ryan Hildebrand