Brandon, Manitoba – Central 1 Credit Union (Central 1) announced the winners of its first annual AmpliFI Awards at its Momentum 2019 conference on Monday, and Sunrise Credit Union was honoured to be one of the five recipients. Sunrise Credit Union won the Supercharge Award for Best Campaign for an organization that has gone above and beyond to reinvent their customer acquisition strategy using Central 1 products and services. The Sunrise Supports Small Business campaign ran in September and October of 2018. The strategy of the campaign was to grow awareness of our business services among the communities we serve and to acquire new business members. The campaign involved social media, bus shelter ads, in-branch TV ads, newspaper and radio ads. As well, some business members recorded a simple ‘selfie’ style promo video that was distributed on social media channels and was played at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The campaign resulted in a 35 per cent increase in new commercial accounts. VP of Branch Operations Ted Billeck and Marketing Manager Terri Roulette McCartney accepted the award on behalf of Sunrise at the conference. “We opened our advertising platforms to our small business owners, kind of like a pay-it forward-thank-you,” said Marketing Manager Terri Roulette McCartney, “While we improved our relationships with our current members, non-members quickly realized the value to them joining Sunrise as well.” The AmpliFI Awards honour financial institutions that have focused on delivering an innovative technology-focused solution, customer acquisition strategies, or financial institutions that have given back to their community beyond a monetary contribution.

Looking for some new decor, or a unique gift for a special person? GO Creations May have exactly what you’re looking for! Gary Olmstead is a retired farmer, a Grandpa, steak BBQ’er extraordinaire, and jack of all trades!  His beautiful pallet wood decor has been working its way into homes, gardens and cottages all across the country!  There’s something for everyone, and he stands behind his quality workmanship! GO Creations (Gary Olmstead Creations) got its start 3 years ago as a part time retirement pastime. Using refurbished pallet boards as the basis for his designs, he incorporates metal, resin and/or other materials to create plaques, flower pot holders, miniature lantern poles, etc. Each is a unique western, nautical or gardening design, no two are the same! His creations are available at various craft sales throughout southwestern Manitoba or on Facebook under ‘GO Creations’.  

A competition is currently underway to determine who has Brandon's best burger. Voting started today and runs until October 11. The participants range from large franchise restaurants to local independent restaurants, but they all have one thing in common: they make a great burger. Eleven local restaurants are competing including Joe Beeverz, Smitty's, The Dock, T-Birds, and Original Joe's. Benny's Restaurant, who won the Burger Brawl last year with their Chorizo Burger, returns to the competition to defend their title. The event, presented by Assiniboine Community College, has a number of prizes available to those who vote including two tickets to Assiniboine Community College’s Harvest on the Hill and an Assiniboine picnic package. A full list of rules and participating restaurants can be found at this link.

Steppin’ Time Dance Studio Ltd. is embarking on their 24th year of helping individuals develop and evolve their dance skills, along with building lifelong skills and relationships.    Over the course of two and a half decades, a lot has evolved on the way to becoming the prestigious professional dance school they are today.   “Many things have changed in the past 24 years,” says Monique Roy-Keller, Owner/Director and Instructor at Steppin’ Time Dance Studio. “We opened the doors in 1995 with two instructors and less than 50 students and now 3 locations later, we own a downtown Brandon building with ten full-time teachers, 60 assistant teachers, and over 400 dedicated dancers.”   Perhaps the most significant change of all can’t be measured by a number. Roy-Keller says the dedication and love of dance in the community has changed drastically over the years.   Not only is Steppin’ Time Dance Studios excited about their past, but they continue to prepare for the future.    “Every season brings on so many exciting events, including our local Brandon Festival of the Arts. Steppin’ Time has over 200 entries in the Brandon Festival each year,” says Roy-Keller. “Our over 90 competitive dancers take part in conventions and competitions in Calgary, Regina, and Winnipeg. We also have pre-school spring recitals and our highlight of the year will be our year-end recitals in May at the WMCA.”   During the fall dancing season, the instructors aim to give the students a well-rounded dance program.   Roy-Keller explains that they create an atmosphere at the dance studio that will allow every dancer the opportunity to let their creativity, technique, and ability to be on display.   “We want each dancer to love their journey through dance, and all the instructors want to help each of them reach their goals through discipline and hard work while doing something they love!”   Every other year, the fall season of dance goes out with a bang with a Steppin’ Time original dance production. Roy-Keller uses these productions as a way to educate the audience and the performers about essential topics in society – mental health, bullying, etc.   “For this upcoming season we will be training and competing for more than the huge year-end recitals at the WMCA, but we will bring to life a new original production in celebration of our 25th year” explains Roy-Keller.   Learning to dance is so much more than footwork and coordination says Roy-Keller, but it is about being a part of a community.   “We are a community of like-minded children that love to challenge themselves, learn, and perform. Here, children discover their potential and develop skills to last a lifetime.”   Fall registration at Steppin’ Time is currently open, and they are accepting dancers! If you are interested or would like to learn more visit their website at www.steppintime.com.  

A new retail outlet specializing in the sale of automobile batteries is set to open in Brandon on September 4. Brandon Battery, operated by Dave Zajaros, will carry Johnson Controls, Atlas, Exide, and Willard batteries depending on the application of what is going in. All automotive batteries are priced at $89.99*. At present they will only be selling batteries at their temporary location at 305 Pacific Ave. Future plans, at an address currently under construction on Park Ave E, will include service and installation. Expected completion date of the Park Ave East location is March 2020. Brandon Battery will also carry heavy duty truck batteries, farm batteries, specialty batteries (hearing aid, remote car starters, alarm & security system) and alkaline batteries. Additionally, a variety of batteries for commercial, golf carts, boat and marine, snowmobiles, and motorcycles will be available as well. You can check out their website here or their Facebook page here. *a core charge of $18 applies if you are not exchanging a battery. Taxes not included in pricing.