The Board of Directors of Westman Communications Group (WCG) recognizes Bud (Eagle) Keys’ outstanding contributions and leadership as they announce his upcoming retirement as President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 1, 2027. Keys’ distinguished career in telecommunications spans over 38 years. He joined WCG in August 2012 as Director of Westman Business, where he quadrupled commercial revenues under his strategic leadership. In June 2022, Keys was appointed President & CEO, and by his retirement date, he will have served nearly five years at the helm of the organization. During his tenure as President & CEO, Keys spearheaded transformative growth and strategic initiatives across the Cooperative. Under his leadership, WCG expanded its service area from 54 communities to over 90, successfully completed the acquisition of a Dauphin-based fixed wireless provider (Rionet), and oversaw the sale of WCG’s radio stations to Pattison Media. He also oversaw the deployment of innovative new platforms to enhance service delivery for members. Beyond his operational achievements, Keys represented WCG as a recognized panelist at numerous industry conferences and held prominent leadership roles on the boards of the Manitoba Cooperative Association, the Keystone Centre, and the Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA). “It has been a privilege to lead WCG and work alongside such a dedicated team over the past 14 years,” said Keys. “I am proud of what we have built together, from expanding our network footprint to launching new platforms for our members. WCG is positioned for a bright future, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition over the coming months.” Reflecting on Keys’ impact, the Board of Directors commended his commitment to the organization’s vision and community roots.“The Board of Directors would like to express our sincere gratitude to Bud for his vision, leadership, and dedication to growing our Cooperative and serving our members,” said Dan Robertson, Chairperson of WCG’s Board of Directors. “We wish him the absolute best in his well-deserved retirement.” The CEO succession committee, comprised of elected members of the Westman Communications Group Board of Directors, will soon be starting the search for the next leader of WCG. The committee is confident that the Cooperative will continue to grow sustainably for years to come.

Sunrise Credit Union is supporting three major initiatives that make a difference in the lives of Western Manitobans for years to come: • YMCA of Brandon (Prairie Mountain Health Childcare Project) - $100,000 • YWCA Westman (Women’s Campus) - $100,000 • Keystone Centre Foundation - $50,000 “As a member-owned and community-based financial institution, Sunrise Credit Union has a vested interest in the health and well-being of the communities we serve. These three projects address tremendous needs and will have a profound impact on our communities,” said Sunrise President and CEO Tim Klassen. “Families across Western Manitoba depend on regional resources that tie our towns and cities together, meaning that an investment in one community radiates outward to lift neighbours across the entire map. By backing these initiatives, we are looking at the bigger picture: building regional resilience, closing critical infrastructure gaps, and ensuring that no matter where you live in Western Manitoba, you have access to strong, supportive services. We are proud to be able to help support the important work being done by these organizations to create lasting prosperity for our entire region.” The $100,000 to the YMCA of Brandon will help operate a child-care centre on Prairie Mountain Health property, about one block from the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Construction began earlier this year and is expected to be completed in 2027. “We are incredibly grateful to Sunrise Credit Union for their continued support of the YMCA of Brandon and the communities we both serve. Their investment in the new Prairie Mountain Health Child Care Centre will help us create a welcoming, high-quality environment for 148 children and provide families with the assurance that their children are receiving quality care,” said YMCA of Brandon CEO Lon Cullen. “With most of the parents expected to be PMH employees from the Westman region working on the hospital campus, this new centre will also contribute to the recruitment and retention of health care employees who provide essential services to people throughout our region.” The YWCA Westman Women’s Campus project is also receiving $100,000 from Sunrise Credit Union. The campus is a six-story facility in downtown Brandon designed to provide emergency housing, supportive spaces and wrap-around services for women and children. “YWCA Westman is deeply grateful to Sunrise Credit Union for its generous donation to the Women’s Campus Project. This early support shows how important this project is to our region and to the communities Sunrise serves,” said YWCA Westman CEO Lois Ruston. “We look forward to continuing to work with Sunrise, its branches, and its members as we create a safe and supportive space for families from across Western Manitoba who need it most. Thank you, Sunrise Credit Union, for helping extend care and hope to survivors of gender-based violence and their children.” Sunrise Credit Union is also donating $50,000 to the Keystone Centre Foundation. The Foundation was launched in the fall of 2025 to support the Keystone Centre's long-term sustainability, upgrades, and accessibility. The Foundation’s fundraising will support the vision for the Green Space enhancement project planned for the Keystone Centre property. “On behalf of the Keystone Centre Foundation, I thank Sunrise Credit Union for their generous contribution supporting the future of the Keystone Centre. Sunrise has long been a strong supporter of our facility, our activities, and the broader Westman community,” said Foundation Executive Director Barry Cooper. “As a cultural and economic cornerstone of our region, the Keystone Centre is where business, sport, culture, and everyday life come together. This donation helps preserve and strengthen the facility for generations to come.” The investments continue Sunrise Credit Union’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves, including more than $260,000 in funding to 26 community projects through the Building Communities Grant Program since 2023, and further demonstrate how credit unions make a meaningful difference beyond financial services.

Carberry Signs is entering a new chapter with a fresh name and identity, officially rebranding as Elevate Print House. The company says the change reflects how its business has evolved over the years, growing beyond traditional signage to offer a broader range of services, capabilities and creative solutions. According to the company, Carberry Signs has expanded its team, services and the communities it serves, making the new brand a natural fit for its continued growth. The name “Elevate” represents the company’s goal of helping customers take their ideas, businesses, organizations and events to the next level through print, promotion, signage and design. While the name and visual identity are changing, the company emphasized that many of the things customers have come to know and appreciate will remain the same. Elevate Print House will continue to operate with the same local team and locations while maintaining its focus on customer service and supporting the communities it serves. The company described the rebrand as a “fresh new identity” designed to reflect where the business is headed while recognizing its history as Carberry Signs. Over the coming weeks, Elevate Print House plans to introduce customers to more aspects of the new brand, including its services, team members, locations and business partners. The company also expressed its appreciation to the customers, partners, friends and communities that have supported Carberry Signs throughout its history. “We’re incredibly excited to bring you along for this next chapter,” the company said in announcing the rebrand.

Music lovers and collectors now have a new destination to explore as Sunshine Records opened its doors at Shoppers Mall in Brandon. The new store offers a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, movies, collectibles, and pop culture merchandise, bringing a unique retail experience to shoppers in the city. For vinyl enthusiasts, the arrival of Sunshine Records will provide a welcome opportunity to browse both new and classic albums without leaving the city. The growing popularity of vinyl records has helped fuel renewed interest in music-focused retail stores across Canada, with collectors seeking everything from new releases to timeless classics. In addition to music, the store carries a variety of entertainment-related products, including movies, gifts, and collectibles that appeal to a wide range of ages and interests.

Brandon’s The Keg Steakhouse has temporarily closed its doors as the popular steakhouse undergoes renovations aimed at modernizing and elevating the customer experience. The restaurant, located at 1836 Brandon Ave., closed during the final week of August and is expected to remain closed for several months. Management says it is currently aiming for a mid-November reopening. “It was time to modernize and elevate the restaurant,” management said when asked what prompted the renovations. While additional details will be released as the reopening approaches, customers can expect several noticeable changes when they return. Among the updates will be a new lobby, new guest washrooms — including a barrier-free washroom — and a semi-private dining room. The renovations are being completed with the overall guest experience in mind. “There are a lot of aesthetic changes and a great deal of back-of-house changes, all designed to elevate any night out at The Keg,” management said. The work will include changes both customers will see and improvements behind the scenes, with the goal of creating an updated atmosphere while maintaining the experience guests have come to expect from the restaurant. Additional information about the renovations and plans for the reopening will be shared as the project gets closer to completion. If the current timeline holds, The Keg is expected to welcome Brandon customers back in mid-November.