Heritage Co-op has acquired Westman Aerial Spraying Ltd. The announcement was made earlier today on the company's website. Heritage Co-Op had previously purchased a crop input business from Westman Aerial Spraying in 2015. From today's release "“We are pleased with the support from our members since we acquired the ag input business in 2015,” said Zacharias. “We are privileged to continue working with Jon Bagley and the team at Westman Aerial Spraying, and we look forward to a smooth transition.” The release also stated that all previous staff, pilots and aircraft will remain the same during the transition. Jon Bagley, who initially started Westman Aerial Spraying Ltd 30-years ago, will continue to manage the aerial application business. "With this acquisition, Heritage Co-op is the first co-op within the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS) to offer aerial spraying services to its farm customers."

Former Wheat King Mark Derlago and his wife Jenna have come up with a business venture that hits close to home for the couple. Billy's Beef is a 5th Generation farm bringing hormone and antibiotic free beef to your door. The company has a number of different steak and multi-pack options to select from including ground beef, ribeye, New York, sirloin, beef roasts, cross rib roasts and more. BDNMB.CA had the opportunity to reach out to Mark today to discuss his decision to enter the beef business. BDNMB.CA: Explain to our readers how this business came about...and other than Jenna & yourself, who is operating Billy's Beef? Derlago – I have been married to Jenna for 9 years and her family farms just outside of Hartney.   We have always had a home in Brandon and lived there but we spend a majority of the time at the farm.   My in-laws really enjoy hosting parties and dinners and the conversation always tends to revolve around how good the meat or burgers steaks etc are.   So we thought lets share this and market it and let everyone experience it.   Myself and Jenna are the marketing and sales part of the business and Mike Morrison is out at the farm and raises the animals. BDNMB – I have known you for about 20 years, been your hockey agent in Europe and Japan, and I have never seen this entrepreneurial side of you, so what happened? Derlago –  Hockey is my passion and I love it and love being part of the Wheat Kings coaching staff and I plan on continuing that career for as long as I can,  but we thought it was a great time and opportunity to start marketing this beef. BDNMB – Why is buying direct from you better than Safeway etc? Derlago – Our beef has never been treated with antibiotics and hormones, it is aged 21 days which is unique and will enhance the tenderness.  It is truly farm to table plus we truly enjoy what we do. BDNMB – How can people order and see your prices? Derlago – We are on Instagram at billys.beef and on Twitter at @billysbeef and Email is billysbeef20@gmail.com  Our website will be launched in a few weeks. Congrats to Mark and Jenna on this new enterprise.

Norwex  today announced it will provide one million face masks to healthcare professionals fighting the spread of coronavirus on the frontlines around the world. Their "A Million Masks. A Million Thank Yous." initiative was created to help alleviate the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) by distributing masks to hospitals in some of the hardest-hit areas.  Norwex, through its global supply network and manufacturing partners, quickly secured one million face masks to help increase the protection of frontline healthcare professionals. "Whether donating time, money or goods, charitable efforts are part of who we are, and this is our way of offering support and saying 'thank you' to our frontline medical professionals in a practical and tangible way," said Judy Letain, Global Chief Executive Officer.  This initiative will take place in North America in partnership with organizations including Provincial Health Departments in Canada and through DonatePPE.org in the US. Shipments of the donated masks will be sent directly to distribution centers, where they will be passed on to areas identified as the most in-need.  "This donation of face masks, in a time where our provincial leaders predict critical shortages of them, will make a substantial positive impact in our fight against the virus," said Dr. Kyle Saikaley, Emergency Medicine. "An adequate supply of masks means that healthcare workers can protect both themselves and the patients they're treating. I cannot stress how important this is."  To learn more about the "A Million Masks. A Million Thank Yous." initiative, visit https://norwex.biz/en_CA/blog/million-masks. (submitted)

Joe Beeverz Bar and Grill, reopened for online ordering, delivery and curbside pickup on Tuesday. You can now order your favorite poutine, wings, sandwiches, burgers, salads and more online or by phone at 204-726-5637. Open 11:30am-8pm Tuesday-Saturday this week. Please follow their Facebook page for additional updates. Starting Monday, April 13th, The Dock on Princess will be introducing meal kits of some of their favorite menu items. Meal kits will be available Monday to Friday (noon to 6pm) with a zero contact carry out service in their parking lot. Zero contact delivery ($4) of your meal kit will also be available between the hours of 4pm and 6pm. Debit cards or credit cards only with all orders. Earlier today they released details of their first meal kit which includes 4 homemade beef or bison patties with fixings (lettuce, tomato, onions, cheddar cheese, buns, & more), homemade dill pickle chips, and 8 mozza sticks. Orders can be placied by calling them at 726-1234. For more information, please visit their Facebook page.

Sunrise Credit Union is proactively making some changes to how we serve the financial needs of our members in response to the current COVID-19 health crisis. Effective April 14, for the safety of our staff, members and our communities, we are temporarily suspending walk-in traffic at all of our branches. Members may still be able to access in-branch services, if necessary, but they will be required to call ahead and make an appointment. We will work hard to ensure all of your financial matters are handled effectively and efficiently during this temporary change in member experience. We will be available to our members over the phone. Members can contact their local branches or use Sunrise Credit Union’s toll-free number 1-888-289-3097. We ask members to continue to use alternative banking methods, including: ATMs and Secure Night Deposit Boxes Online banking through sunrisecu.mb.ca Sunrise Credit Union app Assistance over the phone for questions, appointments and all other matters. (submitted: Sunrise Credit Union)