As a member-owned financial institution, Fusion believes that success should be shared.  At the Annual General Meeting held last evening via webcast conference, Fusion announced a $1.26 million return to members in the form of patronage allocations and cash pay-outs to select members.  The $1.26 million in total returns for 2025, based on 2024 results, includes a patronage allocation of $800,000, plus an estimated $468,000 in cash payouts to select members. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do,” states Darwin Johns, Chief Executive Officer at Fusion Credit Union.  “This return is more than just numbers – it’s a reflection of our commitment to helping our members and our communities thrive.” A patronage allocation is a value returned to a member of Fusion Credit Union based on their relationship with the credit union.  The patronage amount is a portion of interest paid and earned during the past year and varies from member to member.  All patronage allocations are retained in a Surplus Share account and select member groups receive cash payouts. The credit union is returning value directly to those who make our communities strong.  “From family farms to small businesses to individual households, every dollar reinvested back to our members helps to strengthen our communities,” says Johns.  “The return is our way of saying thank you for trusting us with your financial journey.” This year an estimated $468,000 will be paid out in cash to members 65 years of age and older and those under age 19, as well as members who hold over $15,000 in surplus shares.  A new addition this year is a cash distribution of over $82,000 to non-profit or charitable organizations.  All eligible members will receive their pay-outs in May, while patronage allocations will appear on member statements in April 2025.  Over the past seven years, Fusion Credit Union has rewarded members with over $10.9 million in patronage allocations and cash pay-outs. “Our success is built on strong relationships, and this $1.26 million return is just one of the many ways we can show our appreciation to our members,” says Johns.  “We care about our communities and the people who live in them.  When we succeed, we all succeed together.”

Sunrise Credit Union has reached $2 billion in assets. President and CEO Tim Klassen says this milestone speaks volumes about our strength, vision, and, most importantly, our people. “This achievement is not just about numbers; it’s about the trust our members place in us every day. The hardworking employees who bring our mission to life, the leadership that steers us forward, and the communities we serve who inspire us to do better and be better.” The $2 billion asset milestone represents years of strategic growth, innovative services and a member-first approach. With over 225 employees and 34,500 members, Sunrise Credit Union continues to be a trusted resource for individuals seeking to secure their financial futures.     “When we started this journey, we envisioned a credit union that would be more than just a place to save and borrow,” said Klassen. “We wanted to build something that uplifts people, fuels local economies, and fosters financial well-being for generations.” “We will continue to invest in technology, strengthen our risk management, and uphold the values that make Sunrise Credit Union a trusted name in our part of the province. Because of you, we’re at 2!” adds Klassen. As Sunrise Credit Union celebrates this remarkable achievement, the credit union is more committed than ever to shaping the future of financial services and continuing to build a brighter future together.

Bargain hunters in Brandon have something exciting to look forward to! Liquidator’s Closet, a brand-new discount store, is set to open its doors this Friday in the Corral Center, conveniently located (923 18th Street North) between Dollarama and Moores. Offering brand-new items at unbeatable prices, Liquidator’s Closet promises a treasure hunt shopping experience with a wide selection of clothing, bedding, shoes, toys, bikes, household goods, and much more. With new stock arriving daily, shoppers can expect fresh deals every visit. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials or a surprise find, Liquidator’s Closet is sure to become a go-to destination for savvy shoppers. Don’t miss out—stop by on opening day and see what bargains await!

Based on a post on their Instagram account, Sugar Shop (726 18th Street) will be opening a location in Brandon on March 24, 2025. They offer body sugaring services and products for both retail and wholesale.. For more info on their products and services, click here.

For the third consecutive year, Westoba, a division of Assiniboine Credit Union (WCU) has been named a Top Manitoba employer by the editors of Canada’s Top Employers. In choosing recipients, Canada’s Top Employers evaluate companies’ physical workplaces, atmosphere, health and other benefits, time off, employee communications, professional development and community involvement. Here’s why the judges selected Westoba. A feature article on the award and Westoba appears in today’s online edition of the Winnipeg Free Press. In the article, two Westoba employees describe why they chose to work for Westoba and how Westoba knows how to keep and care for its people. Manager of virtual services and Employee of the Year in 2024, Danielle Kenler said coaching, mentoring and internal training helped advance her career. “My dad was a Westoba member, and when I was a kid, I used to go with him when he did his banking,” said Kenler. Starting as a Member Services Representative, Kenler set her goals and achieved them quickly. “I wanted to be a financial consultant, and I was promoted within six months. ” Elizabeth Modersohn, chief information and culture officer joined Westoba in 2017, as director of the project management office and continuous improvement. Like Kenler, she has benefited from mentorship and training. “Employee retention is huge for us, and we know that through promotions, we keep our people in our organization long term,” said Modersohn. With the January 1st, 2025, amalgamation with Assiniboine Credit Union and Caisse Financial Group, Modersohn will take on the role of VP of Operations in the new Assiniboine Credit Union/Caisse Assiniboine. Caisse Financial Group is a past recipient of this prestigious designation and Assiniboine Credit Union was also named as a 2025 Top Manitoba Employer. “We knew we had found the right partners in this merger, and this confirms our core values and culture align,” said Modersohn.