Apprenticeship Manitoba and the Apprenticeship and Certification Board hosted the 12th annual Apprenticeship Awards of Distinction last night at the RBC Convention Centre, where Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen helped announce exceptional employers, journeypersons and instructors. “We want to celebrate some of the exceptional tradespeople and the contributions they make to develop Manitoba’s skilled workforce,” said Goertzen.  “Employers, journeypersons and instructors all play an important role in the ongoing success of the province’s apprenticeship system, which supports our economic prosperity.” The 2018 Awards of Distinction were presented in the following categories: •   employer of the year ­    – rural – Forman Honda (automotive service technician) ­    – urban – PCL Construction (carpenter) ­    – internationally experienced tradespersons – Bison Transport (truck and transport mechanic) •   journeyperson of the year ­    – urban – Carl Gleich (carpenter) ­    – rural – Riley Chumola (welder) •   instructor of the year ­    – Gary van der Zweep, Red River College (aircraft maintenance journeyperson). A call for nominations this fall resulted in 32 nominees from colleagues, apprentices and community members.  A selection committee of Apprenticeship and Certification board members and Apprenticeship Manitoba staff chose the recipients. Award recipients and photos will be posted on Apprenticeship Manitoba’s website: www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/generalinfo/events/index.html. The minister noted the week of Nov. 5 is Apprenticeship Recognition Week in Manitoba, which highlights the contribution of skilled tradespeople, the role of the apprenticeship system and the importance of a highly skilled workforce.

Noel Harding was about to enter a boxing ring in Mexico to be in one of the biggest fights in his life. Meanwhile back at home everything he has fought for over the two decades was burning to the ground. "As I was walking into the ring I found out the fire was happening and I knew best case scenario the building would be condemned but didn't expect to lose everything" said Harding. After several months, fundraising efforts from Jayson McCallum and Smoked and Sauced, a GOFUNDME page, Brandon Bobcats, and Career Connections/Food Truck Warz helped give Noel and his members money they could use to help re-open.   Noel did approach the City of Brandon with not a handout but rather an exchange.   "What I wanted was to give free training to people under the age of 29 in exchange to assist with operating costs but the City declined my proposal." ( Noel Harding looking at the damage from the fires in Downtown Brandon in May 2018 ) The former Compusmart and Best Sleep Centre are scheduled to open November 1st as the Brandon Boxing Club. Harding is very confident that the doors will be open and will be selling monthly memberships for $80.00 per month. Currently they will be using 4,000 square feet but have plans for bigger events. "We will be hosting our own events in the club and bringing people from out of the city and people from North Dakota...this will drive tourism to Brandon and as well to downtown".   Harding says boxing is tough enough to operate and I have to be a smart businessman and be innovative. The toughest day of his life is now turning a corner with this new facility and a new outlook. We at BDNMB.CA wish Noel and his staff all the best of luck.

There is a lot to celebrate in downtown Brandon this fall as there are a number of businesses that have taken over the Bass Building on 10th Street. As tenants have been moving into the completely refurbished historic building for the past few months, they are now excited to show off their new location!   To jointly celebrate, they will be throwing open the doors on Friday, November 2 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. for a Night at the Bass Building. The event is open to the public and is free.   All four floors will be open with some of the businesses having their own events and special promotions including live music, light refreshments, and snacks. The entrepreneurs who have settled into their new space will be offering guests a chance to win a grand prize valued at $800, but you’ll need to visit all the participating businesses in order to get a valid entry.   Those hosting the Night at the Bass Building include ChezAngela, Muse Boutique & Bridal Studio, Charleston & Harlow Candle Co., Studio 78/Mint Magazine/Studio 78 Lofts, The Brow Loft, Open Hearts Wellness, Charlow Darling, Rheanon Neale Photography, KG Salon, and Dr. Darichuk Psychology and Wellness Centre.   The massive renovation of the Bass Building, undertaken by Robyn and Jason Sneath, began in early 2017. The 30,000 square-foot, four-story building was built in 1905.

Tokyo Smoke, one of the four groups picked by the Province to run pot shops in Manitoba, appears to have settled on a location in Brandon at 628 – 18th Street. Signage in the windows went up earlier today.  More than 100 groups initially applied for the four private retail licences up for grabs.  Manitoba is one of several provinces that are allowing for private retailers to handle sales of recreational cannabis.  No official word on an opening date. Tokyo Smoke Facebook

Brandon, MB – Westman Communications Group is proud to continue an 11-year long connectivity partnership with the Keystone Centre. The partnership will bring free public Wi-Fi throughout the frequently used areas of the Keystone Centre. “Westman Communications Group is very pleased to continue our relationship with the Keystone Centre that started in 2007, by expanding our complimentary guest Wi-Fi from beyond the main arena to the entire Keystone Centre complex,” said Chief of Marketing Officer John Quail. “It’s a natural fit for Westman as a co-operative to support a locally based organization through sponsorship and ensure that the Keystone staff and visitors benefit from our advanced business communication services”. Westman Communications Group has free public Wi-Fi fully operational and open to the public inside of Westoba Place, but the other areas within the complex are currently being added. “We’re very excited to have this project nearly completed,” said Jeff Schumacher, General Manager, Keystone Centre. “We’re lucky to be able to partner with such an important business in the region to bring this significant improvement to our joint customers inside our community facility.” Westman Communications Group is excited for the opportunity to help a local organization upgrade their facility to bring the best customer experience to the Keystone Centre. “This was an expensive upgrade that will benefit many user groups within our facility and we’re thankful for the flexibility in working with Westman Communications Group to ink this creative sponsorship deal, so we were able to proceed with the project without having to source the capital funds for its implementation,” said Schumacher. “As the event industry progresses technologically, we are forced to do our part to maintain basic standards to stay relevant and competitive in the industry and to meet the needs of our user groups. We look forward to a successful partnership with Westman Communications Group.”