The member-owners of Assiniboine Credit Union, Caisse Financial Group and Westoba Credit Union voted in favour of a merger, creating a uniquely Manitoban credit union that will be one of the largest credit unions in Manitoba and in the top 10 in Canada. The Boards of Directors for all three co-operatives had recommended the merger to make them stronger and more sustainable. They need size and scale to meet member, employee, and community needs and wants now and into the future. A merger is a fundamental change and requires not less than two-thirds of the financial cooperative’s votes cast on the Special Resolution to be in favour, in order for the Special Resolution to pass. Online voting started June 6, 2024, and concluded on June 19th. The partners are happy to share that the resolution was passed with 89% of Assiniboine members, 84% of Caisse members, and 88% of Westoba members voting in favour. The three organizations serve diverse communities with diverse needs and wants, and diverse perspectives and opinions. The newly formed credit union will honour the commitments and work every day with the core purpose of serving our member-owners and communities. Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba are expected to merge effective January 1, 2025, after obtaining all necessary approvals, creating Assiniboine Credit Union / Caisse Assiniboine. The new credit union will have a combined 50 branches, 216,000 members, $9.6 billion in assets, and the widest geographic reach of any credit union in Manitoba. “As a merged organization, we are committed to continuing our work with partners for mutual benefit and the common good, dedicated to the International Co-operative Principles and the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence. We believe a merged credit union will have even greater capacity to create shared value for employees, members, and communities,” said Assiniboine Board Chair, Crystal Laborero. “We were reminded today that in a co-operative business model like a caisse or credit union, the membership plays an important role, and we are grateful for the trust our members have put in our collective future. This is a great opportunity for all of us,” said Laborero. “This is an exciting opportunity for Caisse members to get what they need and want while preserving French services,” said Caisse Board Chair, Réal Déquier. “This merger makes us stronger and more sustainable, while honouring our Francophone roots. We are now in a better position to compete with larger credit unions, banks, fintechs, and other major financial services providers. We can also now provide our members competitive rates, fees, and innovative products and services that only larger entities can offer,” said Déquier. “This merger gives us the scale and ability to serve more commercial and agricultural operations of all sizes. With branches throughout Manitoba, we will be providing our network of employees more opportunities to volunteer in rural and urban communities, which is important to all of us,” added Westoba Board Chair Garnet McBurney. “Our greater financial capacity will enable us to support more community organizations and invest in more of Manitoba’s diverse and varied communities and events. Our founders would be proud of how our members have decided to grow the co-operative movement,” added McBurney.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) has concluded its WCG Technology Scholarship for 2024. WCG introduced the WCG Technology Scholarship in 2023 to help students pursue post-secondary education. The scholarship consists of five $5,000 awards to students entering their first year of post-secondary education in a technology-based field and who contribute to their community. This year’s recipients are Aleah Gonty, Elizabeth Cox, Emily Miller, Hayden Jansen, and Brooklyn Claeys. The WCG Technology Scholarship was established to provide an impactful award for prospective students. By awarding a total of $25,000 to deserving individuals, WCG is ensuring that students who plan to study and work in a technology-based field are well-prepared for their future. The five successful applicants come from communities across the Westman region. Aleah Gonty attends Virden Collegiate Institute and will attend the University of Manitoba. Elizabeth Cox attends Crocus Plains and will attend Queen’s University. Emily Miller attends Major Pratt School and will attend the University of Saskatchewan. Hayden Jansen attends Crocus Plains and will attend Brandon University. Brooklyn Claeys attends Deloraine High School and will attend the University of Calgary. “The WCG Technology Scholarship is our commitment to supporting youth development and bolstering the technology fields,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “These five individuals exemplify WCG’s values and are primed for success in their studies and in their futures. We are confident that our award will aid in each of the recipients’ development, and are committed to funding opportunities for education and youth in our communities.” For more information about the WCG Technology Scholarship, please visit their website: https://westmancom.com/local-impact/education-initiatives.

The Keystone Centre is pleased to announce that the outdoor stage renovation project has been completed, thanks to the generous support of two local organizations: Sunrise Credit Union and Heritage Co-op Brandon. Each contributed $10,000 to the project, which was completed this spring by J&G Commercial. The renovated stage has already seen increased use, with events such as the Manitoba Summer Fair and the Keystone Centre's 50th anniversary celebration taking place on the newly renovated stage. "We are thrilled to have partnered with Sunrise Credit Union and Heritage Co-op Brandon to bring this project to life," said Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre CEO & general manager. "The new outdoor stage is a fantastic addition to our facilities and will provide a wonderful venue for our community to enjoy." "The Keystone Centre is a hub of activity in Brandon and Western Manitoba and a strong community partner that benefits our area, and we are pleased to be able to support the revitalization of the outdoor stage," said Sunrise Credit Union President & CEO Tim Klassen. "This revitalization will allow for additional outdoor music festivals and cultural activities to take place on the grounds of the Keystone Centre as part of the continuing development of the green space at the southeast corner of the Keystone property." “Over the past fifty years, the Keystone Centre has contributed to the Brandon area in so many meaningful ways. It has acted as an essential hub for culture and community for the entire Westman region,” said Trinity Nylen, marketing assistant at Heritage Co-op. “At Heritage Co-op, we believe that investment in spaces that foster a sense of community is essential. That is just one of many reasons why we are so excited to support its continued success by providing funding for the new performance stage. We look forward to many more great events at the Keystone Centre in the years to come!” The outdoor stage renovation was completed is now ready to host a wide range of events and activities, and it looks forward to seeing it come alive with music, entertainment, and community spirit. The Keystone Centre is hosting a special event on June 15th to celebrate its 50th anniversary, featuring live music from FONTINE, Boy Golden, and Begonia. The event is free and open to the public, and the community is invited to come out and experience the newly renovated stage for themselves. The evening will include live music, food trucks, and a variety of activities for all ages. Mark your calendars for June 15th and join the Keystone Centre for an unforgettable night.

A&W Canada, Home of the Burger Family, is introducing a delicious treat with a special purpose, dedicated to the cuddliest members of our families: dogs! From June 10th to June 23rd, dog parents can visit their nearby A&W drive-thru and treat their furry companions to a $2 Pup Patty. A&W is cooking up these Pup Patties without the iconic A&W seasoning so that every dog can safely savour the taste of their premium grass-fed beef. This marks the first time a Canadian burger chain has launched a menu item dedicated to dog parents and their pets. When you treat your furry friend to this special meal, you're also supporting service dog training organizations across Canada. A portion of the proceeds from every Pup Patty purchased (from June 10th to 23rd) will be donated to non-profit organizations in Canada dedicated to raising and training service dogs that provide life-changing independence to Canadians living with disabilities. The organizations include the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS). Sarah Bourne, a client of PADS, has experienced firsthand the transformative impact of service dogs. She shares, "Queso is my fourth Mobility Dog from PADS. He has become an incredible sidekick, enriching my daily life in ways I never thought possible. His exceptional proficiency in physical tasks—like retrieving dropped items, adjusting my feet on my wheelchair footplates, and skillfully opening and closing doors—has granted me new levels of independence and deepened our bond." "I have been a PADS volunteer for the past two years so this program is very close to my heart," said Amanda Wang, A&W's Director of Marketing. "When I'm out with a service-dog-in-training, it's not just a learning opportunity for the puppy but it's often a chance to enrich the public's understanding of working dogs as well. I'm very grateful for the support from the whole A&W organization in running this campaign to help further the awareness of non-profits like PADS." "PADS is grateful to A&W not only for this imaginative approach to supporting assistance dog programs across Canada but also for their corporate culture of volunteerism. The A&W team is truly changing lives, one dog at a time," said Tara Doherty, Director of Communications at PADS. The Pup Patty is only available for ordering at A&W drive-thrus; pets are not allowed inside the dining area. It's always recommended to consult your veterinarian before feeding any human food to your pets. Next time you're planning to visit your local A&W drive-thru, don't forget to take your dog with you for them to enjoy a Pup Patty.

Nestled on the outskirts of Brandon, lies a hidden gem that beckons both locals and visitors alike. The Southview Flea Market and Market Garden stand as vibrant hubs of community activity, offering a unique blend of commerce, culture, and camaraderie. The Southview Flea Market has served as a haven for treasure hunters, antique enthusiasts, and bargain seekers. What began as a gathering of vendors has blossomed into a sprawling marketplace boasting a diverse array of goods. From vintage collectibles to handmade crafts, every stall tells a story, inviting patrons to embark on a journey of discovery. One of the market's most enchanting qualities is its ever-changing nature. With each visit, visitors encounter new vendors and fresh merchandise, ensuring that no two experiences are alike. It's this element of unpredictability that keeps people coming back, eager to unearth hidden gems and one-of-a-kind treasures. The Southview Flea Market and Market Garden opens for the season on June 8 and 9. The hours of operation are from 10 am to 4pm and admission is only $3 for adults and children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Among the items one can expect to find include: Antique Furniture, Antiques and Collectibles, Vintage Pyrex, Retro Collectibles, Crystals, Rodan and Fields, Records, Painted Glass, and Home Baked Goods. 2024 Dates: June 8 - 9 July 13 - 14 August 10 - 11 September 7 - 8 Address: Eastern Access Road and 17th Street East across from the Humane Society. 1 mile south of the Shoppers Mall and 2 miles east on the eastern access road Brandon, MB, Canada.