Westman Next started with a group of 6 people who were interested in creating connections in their business environment in a more organic way. They had all been to traditional networking events that happen throughout the city but were looking for something a bit different. Their goal of course had networking in mind, but building relationships first and foremost with the hopes that business referrals would naturally follow. The name Westman Next evolved from the group’s focus on building relationships with the “next” generation of business professionals. The group currently consists of young professionals such as bankers, accountants, lawyers, real estate agents, brokers, managers, and entrepreneurs. Westman Next spent their first year planning events and inviting people that they knew who might be interested and the feedback was positive. They will continue to host quarterly social events which in the past have included a lawn bowling tournament, golf day, escape room, Christmas party, and an upcoming Mario Kart networking event at the Prairie Firehouse. In addition to the social events, there are also monthly lunch and ‘drinks after work’ type gatherings which all carry a casual vibe. Now that they are well established, they are looking to involve a larger group and invite anyone fitting the ‘young professional’ category to join in on the events. Follow their Instagram account @westmannext for upcoming event announcements, or email westmannext@gmail.com for more information.

Los Brothers Street Food, a new food cart in Brandon specializing in an array of street food from around the world, will open tomorrow at 6pm. You can find them in the Home Hardware parking lot on 18th Street until 10pm. The cart's location for the rest of the weekend is yet to be determined. In speaking with bdnmb.ca earlier tonight, they informed us that the plans include moving locations each weekend. To see the whereabouts of Brandon's newest food cart please follow their Facebook page. According to their online menu they will initially offer a variety of hot dogs including an "E! Mexican Hot Dog" with home made guacamole, pico de gallo, crispy jalapenos, their signature hot dog mounted on a special bun from a local bakery. A current listing of the menu items can be found at this link. Additional menu items will also be introduced throughout the summer including a variety of sandwiches (Cuban, Mexican) and salads.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Fusion Credit Union of Southwestern Manitoba has won the best overall marketing award for 2018 for their new brand, from a field of over 130 entries from across Canada. The Best Overall - Achievement in Marketing Excellence (AIME) Award was presented earlier this week at the National Conference for Canada’s Credit Unions Gala Event at the RBC Convention Centre. "We are so proud of this brand, and the hard work of the marketing team in bringing this together," said Ron Hedley, Chief Executive Officer, Fusion. "The brand fits us well because the team sought a great deal of input of staff, members and the Board and used that input to inform their decisions throughout the process." "From the beginning, our board saw both the potential and the risks of amalgamating two organizations that were each strong in their own right," said Guy Huberdeau, Board Chair. "To the credit of Board and the leadership team, we faced and addressed the challenges in real time, while encouraging people to consider the potential in all areas. This award-winning brand is one of the results of this approach." Fusion submitted entries into three categories, radio, website, and brand and brand building, based on work that was completed in 2018 with Fusion's Agency of Record, Honest Agency of Winnipeg. On Monday night, Fusion received awards in each of these categories and were awarded the Best Overall Marketing Award last night. "Building out the brand for Fusion has been a great experience," says Callum Beattie, Partner, Honest Agency. "The marketing team and the leadership at Fusion have been outstanding to work with."

Natural Elements Wellness Centre, a new business in Brandon located at 2940 Victoria Ave, officially opened for business on May 1. They offer two state of the art float cabins aimed at relieving aches and pain, reducing chronic pain, lowering stress and anxiety, and so much more. Individual floats can be 60, 90, or 120 minutes. Other services offered include halotherapy, life coaching, divorce coaching and natural energy therapy. For a full list of services, please click here.

Travel Manitoba recently released a list of "42 drive ins you must visit this summer that are NOT in Winnipeg" on their website. Among the list were 9 drive ins in the West region, listed below. Busy B Drive Inn: Boissevain What's the Scoop at McAndrew's Drive In: Hamiota The Beach Hut: Killarney Ice Cream Island: Virden The Dairy Bar: Souris Dandy Drive Inn: Oak Lake Tastee's Ice Cream & Grill: Brandon Dari Isle Drive In: Minnedosa Glenboro Drive Inn: Glenboro