Assiniboine Community College’s School of Business took a major leap today, introducing the Peters School of Business. As part of the plan for continued growth, the Board of Governors made the decision to name the School of Business in honour of well-known community and business leaders, and long-time college champions, Gord and Diane Peters. “Gord’s success in building a hugely successful business, born in Manitoba, is inspirational and a great example for students coming through the Peters School,” said Assiniboine President, Mark Frison. “Marrying our brand to a couple who have built this business in a way that’s both socially conscious and innovative is extremely meaningful. This naming represents the synergy between the Peters’ reputation and ambition and Assiniboine’s.” The Peters’ are life-long residents of Westman. Gord’s most notable success came from co-founding Cando Rail & Terminals, a small rail line dismantling and salvage company, in 1978. He has been a leader in the Manitoba business community for more than 45 years, serving on many Chamber of Commerce boards, both locally and nationally, and being recognized with a number of awards for his success in business. Diane is an alumnae of the college’s Practical Nursing program and Gord was the first recipient of an Honorary Diploma from Assiniboine in 2009. Incredibly hardworking, yet modest in his success as an entrepreneur and generosity as a lifelong philanthropist, Peters believes in setting those around you up for success. “I co-founded Cando Rail & Terminals right here in Brandon, and believe with the right tools, education and support, the next industry business leaders will come from right here at the Peters School,” said Gord Peters. “One success story of the business I was especially proud of was the employee share ownership program that we implemented at Cando. It gave employees a way to invest in themselves and truly own a part of what they did every day. It became quite rewarding for employees who opted in.” Gord and Diane Peters also announced a gift of $10 million toward the School today—the largest donation ever received, both by the college and in the Westman region, from an individual, family or business. “We are grateful to be in a position to be able to give back to the school, and support future business leaders,” said Diane, a graduate of the Practical Nursing program at Assiniboine. “We are honored to be able to establish The Peters School of Business and give students the opportunity to achieve the success we’ve been fortunate to have experienced.” The Peters believe in giving back, whether it be to employees, the community, or education facilities. They are lifelong entrepreneurs and community builders and have been instrumental in many college initiatives, from the development of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts, to the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, and now the School of Business. “This generous donation from Gord and Diane Peters will make a real and significant difference in the lives of Manitoba business students,” said Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “This philanthropic investment by the Peters family will ensure that ACC is a world class facility with quality education supporting the advancement of commerce education.” Gord and Diane continue to share their business knowledge by mentoring young entrepreneurs. Alumnus and friend Charlie Baessler and his wife Jesce at Corcelettes Winery in BC along with Hailey and Cale Jefferies of Prairie Fava, a growing business out of Glenboro, are entrepreneurs who are benefiting from their mentorship and support. “They see our vision, and have stepped in to help us transform the lives of our students in a big way,” said newly appointed Dean, Peters School of Business, Terry Burgess. “This transformational gift from the Peters will have such an impact on the advances we are making for the future of our School.”

The Keystone Centre has unveiled a brand new logo as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. The new logo, designed in partnership with Leech Group, features a K dressed in the outline of a star. The departure from the previous Keystone Centre logo has taken immediate effect. “Our new logo, in the shape of a star, captures the spirit of direction and destination, instilling the logo with a sense of purpose,” says Keystone Centre acting general manager Connie Lawrence. “As our customers embark on their journeys towards success, our logo stands as a symbol of guidance, pointing them towards their desired destinations.” “Incorporating this star-shaped logo into our brand identity symbolizes our commitment to excellence in customer service,” adds Lawrence. “It serves as a visual representation of our dedication, reminding us, and our customers, that their aspirations are our top priority. With this logo, we showcase our values, and demonstrate our dedication to being the guiding light for our customers, illuminating their path to success.” In addition to the new logo, the Keystone Centre will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special community event on June 15th, featuring live music, and more to be announced. “We want to welcome Westman to our 50th anniversary celebration, where we commemorate half a century of community unity and growth,” says Jared McKenzie, Keystone Centre director of marketing. “This event, featuring live music, will be completely free to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all. We’re eager to announce the bands, and a bunch of other exciting features of this 50th anniversary celebration, but most of all, we look forward to the next 50 years of bringing our community together.” Replacement of existing signage is set to take place in stages over the coming months.

Assiniboine Community College’s Centre for Creative Media (CCM), one of the college’s newest learning spaces, has received a $100,000 donation from the Leech Group and family, commemorating their upcoming 100th year in business. This generous contribution made by the local print and digital media company and the Leech family includes $75,000 toward the Centre for Creative Media space and $25,000 to support financial awards for students in Digital Art and Design, and Web and Interactive Development―two of the programs delivered within the Centre. “We're very excited to invest in the Assiniboine Community College’s Centre for Creative Media,” said Meredyth Leech, Sales & Marketing Director at Leech Group. “Our hope is that this contribution further enhances an already impressive program as it continues to grow and evolve. Our company has benefited greatly from the talent coming out of ACC for decades and we look forward to continuing our partnership into the future.” Tuesday afternoon, the college revealed a space named on behalf of the donor—the Leech Group Collaboration Classroom. Construction on the 10,050 sq. ft. Centre for Creative Media started in early 2021 and was completed later that year. The college held a grand opening for the space for community and industry partners, staff, students and alumni in early 2023. “The Centre for Creative Media is an incredible new space for students to learn the skills they’ll need to enter the workforce, some of which are current employees at Leech Group,” said Gillian Leech, General Manager at Leech Group. “We really want to play a role in the success of these students, so we are proud to be contributing to this innovative new learning space.” The Centre for Creative Media is a one-of-a-kind space for Western Canada, and was developed with industry needs and standards at its core,” said Jana Sproule, Chair of Media and Office Technology at Assiniboine. “The training we are able to provide our students will prepare them to confidently enter the industry. The support we have received from industry partners, like Leech Group, solidifies the work we are doing.” “This contribution from Leech Group further enhances the college’s longstanding relationship with this local business leader,” said Terry Burgess, Dean, School of Business. “As a local employer to many graduates of our creative media programs, we are greatly appreciative of Leech Group’s support and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.” Leech Group, founded in 1927 as The Leech Letter Co by Michael Leech’s grandfather, has transitioned into its fourth generation of family ownership.

Brandon’s Brent Campbell has a vision for bringing to the people of Brandon and Western Manitoba a life like F1 driving experience. Introducing The Focus located on 10th Street. People are always looking for something different to do and Campbell’s business www.focus.ca offers adults and parents looking for new birthday party ideas. Sitting in the F1 simulator is as close as it gets to driving a car on a F1 track. Advanced Sim Racing features virtual reality that is endorsed by F1A. This will be as close as you will come to being in an actual F1 car. The system is set up for the beginners to the advanced drivers. Campbell is working on getting a second car for head to head racing. To book a time for you and your friends check out. http://thefocus.ca/ Or see them at 126th – 10th Street

Westoba Credit Union (WCU) is excited to announce $3,000.00 in funding from the Westoba Inspire program to support the Elton Community Centre. The Elton Community Centre (ECC) is located just five minutes north of Brandon, MB in the hamlet of Forrest. ECC Treasure, Emma Kohinski recognizes the importance of this facility to not only Forrest but the surrounding area. “The ECC is an integral part of our community and provides recreation and sport opportunities for children at a much lower cost than programs that run in larger cities,” said Kohinski. " In the past we have had approximately 50% of our registrations from RM of Elton residents, the other 50% coming from Brandon & other communities such as Douglas, Justice, Chater, etc.” Known locally as the Forrest Rink, the facility operates a natural ice rink for the months of December through March (weather permitting) offering a variety of activities and events. “We offer Learn to Skate lessons and have a full hockey program for kids ages 3 and up, as well as an adult men’s rec hockey night and an annual Men’s 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament fundraiser,” said Kohinski. Kohinski reported the facility was recently approved for an Efficiency Manitoba grant to upgrade the arena lighting having a direct impact on the revenue generating abilities of the facility. Funds from Westoba Inspire will be used to purchase a new upgraded score clock for the arena as the current clock needs replacement. “Having a clean, bright and professional rink will draw more spectators out to games and tournaments which will increase our 50/50 and canteen sales, providing more profits for our community center,” said Kohinski. The funding from Westoba Inspire is part of Westoba’s 60th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2023 Westoba has been showing their appreciation with a $60,000.00 giveaway through Westoba Inspire and other community involvement. President and CEO, Jim Rediger said the 60th celebrations this year and the launch of the new Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Values statements have been a highlight for him. “Our employees at all levels have put an incredible amount of work and dedication into celebrating this historic milestone with our communities,” said Rediger. “Investing in community initiatives like this is important to us as it supports our cooperative principles and our purpose of empowering people and communities to thrive.”