Brandon’s cannabis dispensary market is about to increase by one as Garden Variety is targeting opening their doors just before the holiday. The 3471-square-foot store will be located at 1350-18th Street. The floor space will leave plenty of room for displays where customers will be free to browse at their leisure. Friendly, knowledgeable staff will be on-hand to answer questions and educate shoppers on the products they offer. You will also be able to signup for the store's loyalty program to receive rewards, exclusive updates, and invites to in-store events. "Garden Variety is an adult-use cannabis retailer with locations in Winnipeg and Brandon (opening soon) offering top quality flowers, oils, capsules, and pre-rolls. Building on ten years of regulated cannabis experience in Colorado, Garden Variety is a partnership of the Fisher River Cree Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Avana Canada Inc., MediPharm Labs, and Native Roots Cannabis Co." For more information, visit www.gardenvariety.com.

DAUPHIN – Fusion Credit Union has been named a Top Manitoba Employer and Ron Hedley, Chief Executive Officer, couldn't be more proud. “We have an outstanding, talented group of employees,” says Hedley. “We’ve really gelled and come together as a team, and I think that’s reflected in the way we care for our members.” It was less than two years ago that Catalyst and Vanguard Credit Unions merged to create Fusion, a full-service financial institution, with 175 employees serving over 30,000 members through 18 branches across the region. That amalgamation gave the organization the rare opportunity to redefine who they are and set the culture that staff and members wanted. "It worked," added Hedley. "We made a conscious choice at the Board and leadership level, but it was the staff who built out the organization they wanted to be a part of." “Yes, the benefits we offer are excellent, but we also cultivate a work environment that aligns extremely well with the values we share with our members and communities, and the many groups and projects we support.” Fusion employees receive competitive salaries and company benefits, including training allowances, education funding and other professional development opportunities. The credit union considers itself an “idea place” and encourages staff to develop creative ideas about how the organization can strengthen its commitment to innovation and service excellence. “We’re constantly doing innovative things and people across the organization are always encouraged to participate,” says Hedley. “We value everyone’s feedback and input, and listen to every voice. Great ideas have come from every level of the organization.” Owned by its members, governed by a board of directors, and staffed by area residents, Fusion continues to be one of the most active supporters of community organizations and events in the region. The credit union is a major sponsor of Credit Union Place and Countryfest in Dauphin, as well as the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon. This year, Fusion launched the Full Circle Fund, a special fund to support ambitious projects that enhance the quality of life for people of all ages in the communities served by Fusion. Recent community projects funded include the Gilbert Plains Community Hall, Whitmore School Playground in Dauphin, Foxwarren Arena, Binscarth Museum and the Oak Lake Community Hall. Hedley says Fusion continues to succeed by staying true to its vision, mission and values and by ensuring that the best interests of its members are always an organizational priority. The organization recognizes the value of outstanding member service delivered by a team of staff members who share Fusion’s values and take pride in their work and their communities. “Our members deserve the very best, and so do we, as co-workers and team players,” says Hedley. “Great people drive great results.” For more information about career opportunities with Fusion Credit Union, visit fusioncu.com.

Due to various unspecified reasons, CREAM Clothing (341-10 Street) will be closing in the next several months. A post with the announcement was made on their Facebook page towards the end of November. All gear has been marked at 40% off and previously marked gear at 50% is said to be discounted to 80% off. Established in December 2015, CREAM Clothing carries a wide-array of urban apparel from major labels like Mitchell & Ness, Champion, Crooks & Castles, Hustle Gang, New Era, and more.

MNP, Canada’s fifth largest national accounting and business consulting firm, announced today Dauphin-based accounting firm, Pernarowski Accounting Chartered Professional Accountants Ltd. (Pernarowski Accounting) will merge with MNP, effective December 2, 2019. While Pernarowski Accounting was seeking to deliver more specialty services to their clients, MNP was looking to expand its presence in the Dauphin and Southern Manitoba region and add more professional resources to serve the region. “Changing market conditions are impacting the way businesses must operate. As such, we are continually looking at new ways to enhance our service offerings and help our clients achieve their goals,” said Marion Pernarowski, Pernarowski Accounting. “By joining MNP we add more resources, more specialized services and a wider range of experiences, all of which will bring greater value to our clients. MNP serves a wide range of clients in diverse sectors, including all the key industries we serve and more. This merger is a perfect example of how two firms can come together to give clients the edge they need to stay competitive, overcome challenges and pursue opportunity.” “MNP has 12 locations across Manitoba. Our strategic approach to growth and our entrepreneurial spirit have always been key factors in our success. This latest merger allows us to continue meeting the growing needs of our clients and marketplace in the Dauphin area,” said Patti Bell, Regional Managing Partner, Southern Manitoba, MNP. “We’re excited to welcome to our team a well-established and respected accounting firm that shares our values and client-focused approach.” MNP is one of the largest national accounting and business consulting firms in Canada and employs over 5,000 team members from more than 80 locations coast-to-coast. In addition to tax and accounting expertise, MNP delivers a diverse range of advisory services, including consulting, enterprise risk, corporate finance, valuation and litigation support, succession planning, estate planning, insolvency and restructuring, investigative and forensic accounting, technology solutions, cross-border taxation and much more. Jordan Pernarowski, Pernarowski Accounting, said one of the key factors in deciding to join MNP was the culture. “MNP offers the best of both worlds as far as the services of a large national firm but the culture and personalized approach of a small firm—and a strong commitment to supporting the local community. We knew joining MNP would be a good fit for our clients and our team and we are excited about the future,” he added. MNP credits its strategic mergers and acquisitions, organic growth, value-added services and values-led culture for catapulting the firm to the highest year-over-year growth rates of any of Canada’s top accounting firms. Pernarowski Merger with MNP “To maintain our culture, we have been very strategic about who we invite to join our family,” said Bell. “Both our firms’ cultures and values are well aligned and we share the same entrepreneurial approach to doing business. It’s truly a win-win for both our firms and for our clients and other businesses in the marketplace. We are thrilled to have found the perfect firm to join forces with, one that, like MNP, always puts their clients first.” The Pernarowski Accounting team of nine will relocate to MNP’s Dauphin office in early December 2019. (submitted)

You can now support ACC students in the Food Processing program by shopping in the newly opened retail space at the ACC Victoria Ave East campus (room 261). The storefront will carry a variety of meat products including cuts of pork and beef, sausages, and ribs. The meat products are produced by faculty and students in the Food Processing Centre at Assiniboine Community College. The retail space is part of the $1.6 million Food Processing Centre which opened earlier this month and is open to everyone: staff, students and the general public. Similar retail spaces can be found at various colleges across the country including Olds College and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Hours of operation: Monday and Tuesday: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday: noon to 5 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information on this exciting new venture, you can read the ACC blog here.