As an introduction to their new Building Communities Grant program and in honour of their 15th Anniversary, Sunrise Credit Union announced on November 8 that they would be giving away $15,000 in grant funding to a non-profit organization. After an overwhelming response with 58 applicants from across Southwestern Manitoba, Sunrise decided to increase the funding to three grants at $15,000 each to allow more than one project to benefit from the grant. Sunrise Credit Union wanted to help as many community organizations as they could. Thus, they announced that not one but three winners were selected to receive $15,000 each: The Elkhorn Ice Plant Project, the Shoal Lake Aeration Project, and the Holland Outdoor Arena. The ice plant in the Elkhorn & District Community Centre needs to be phased out due to environmental laws. As a result, if they experience a breakdown, they will not be able to repair the plant, and their regular operations will end. A new ice plant has been ordered, fundraising efforts are in full swing to ensure hockey can remain affordable in Elkhorn, and the Community Centre can continue to be a community pillar. The Shoal Lake Aeration Project has been organized by For the Love of Shoal Lake, a local organization. Under normal circumstances, Shoal Lake is a popular angling destination that draws in thousands of fishermen a year. Due to excessive algae growth in recent years, the number of visitors to the lake has diminished. The addition of an aeration system will revitalize the lake, and its ecosystems will be protected, attracting visitors from near and far. The Holland Agricultural Society is constructing an outdoor event arena, allowing them to host more activities on the Agricultural grounds and continue using their historical grandstands and barns. The Agricultural Society has been in Holland for over 100 years, and they are committed to enhancing, promoting, and sustaining agricultural and rural living for years to come. “We are incredibly fortunate to be able to support local organizations that do so much for our communities,” said Sunrise Credit Union president and CEO Tim Klassen, “Because of the volume of worthwhile applicants and our desire to support our communities, we are elated to offer not just one, but three $15,000 grants.” The Building Communities Grant Program, which will officially launch in 2024, has generated widespread buzz thanks to Sunrise’s introductory grant. Sunrise receives hundreds of donation and sponsorship requests each year, and the newly formed Building Communities Grant Program will bring additional structure to the process. Each year, there will be two application intake periods where non-profits and community organizations can submit their project for consideration. With community betterment at the forefront of the project, the new grant program will ensure every project is given the same opportunity and platform to request funding. The first official intake period for Sunrise Credit Union’s Building Communities Grant Program will launch in Spring of 2024. Stay tuned for further details and announcements!

The aroma of crispy fried chicken and the promise of deliciousness have descended upon Brandon as a brand new Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant recently opened its doors to eager patrons. The buzz around town is palpable as locals anticipate sinking their teeth into the iconic, secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that has made KFC a household name worldwide. This new KFC establishment boasts a modern design that merges the classic elements of the beloved fast-food joint with a contemporary flair. As you approach the entrance, the sight of the iconic red and white stripes instantly evokes a sense of nostalgia while signaling the dawn of a new era for the fried chicken aficionados in the area. The restaurant's interior reflects a thoughtful blend of comfort and convenience, featuring spacious seating arrangements, vibrant décor, and state-of-the-art digital menu boards that showcase an extensive array of tantalizing options. From the classic Original Recipe chicken to the zesty Zinger sandwiches and the crave-worthy sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and gravy, there's something to satiate every craving. So, if you're in the mood for some finger-lickin' goodness, make sure to swing by the new KFC at 1815 Middleton Ave. In addition to dine in, takeout, and delivery options, this location also features a 24-hour drive thru.

There is a new way to get local restaurant food delivered to your door.  Uber Eats has recently launched in the Wheat City. People can use the app to order meals, desserts and late-night snacks from restaurants and have the items delivered directly to their location. Several local restaurants have already partnered with the app including Wendy's, Chilli Chutney, Romano Pizza, McDonalds and more. To use Uber Eats, download their app or visit ubereats.com.

Assiniboine Community College’s School of Business took a major leap today, introducing the Peters School of Business. As part of the plan for continued growth, the Board of Governors made the decision to name the School of Business in honour of well-known community and business leaders, and long-time college champions, Gord and Diane Peters. “Gord’s success in building a hugely successful business, born in Manitoba, is inspirational and a great example for students coming through the Peters School,” said Assiniboine President, Mark Frison. “Marrying our brand to a couple who have built this business in a way that’s both socially conscious and innovative is extremely meaningful. This naming represents the synergy between the Peters’ reputation and ambition and Assiniboine’s.” The Peters’ are life-long residents of Westman. Gord’s most notable success came from co-founding Cando Rail & Terminals, a small rail line dismantling and salvage company, in 1978. He has been a leader in the Manitoba business community for more than 45 years, serving on many Chamber of Commerce boards, both locally and nationally, and being recognized with a number of awards for his success in business. Diane is an alumnae of the college’s Practical Nursing program and Gord was the first recipient of an Honorary Diploma from Assiniboine in 2009. Incredibly hardworking, yet modest in his success as an entrepreneur and generosity as a lifelong philanthropist, Peters believes in setting those around you up for success. “I co-founded Cando Rail & Terminals right here in Brandon, and believe with the right tools, education and support, the next industry business leaders will come from right here at the Peters School,” said Gord Peters. “One success story of the business I was especially proud of was the employee share ownership program that we implemented at Cando. It gave employees a way to invest in themselves and truly own a part of what they did every day. It became quite rewarding for employees who opted in.” Gord and Diane Peters also announced a gift of $10 million toward the School today—the largest donation ever received, both by the college and in the Westman region, from an individual, family or business. “We are grateful to be in a position to be able to give back to the school, and support future business leaders,” said Diane, a graduate of the Practical Nursing program at Assiniboine. “We are honored to be able to establish The Peters School of Business and give students the opportunity to achieve the success we’ve been fortunate to have experienced.” The Peters believe in giving back, whether it be to employees, the community, or education facilities. They are lifelong entrepreneurs and community builders and have been instrumental in many college initiatives, from the development of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts, to the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, and now the School of Business. “This generous donation from Gord and Diane Peters will make a real and significant difference in the lives of Manitoba business students,” said Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “This philanthropic investment by the Peters family will ensure that ACC is a world class facility with quality education supporting the advancement of commerce education.” Gord and Diane continue to share their business knowledge by mentoring young entrepreneurs. Alumnus and friend Charlie Baessler and his wife Jesce at Corcelettes Winery in BC along with Hailey and Cale Jefferies of Prairie Fava, a growing business out of Glenboro, are entrepreneurs who are benefiting from their mentorship and support. “They see our vision, and have stepped in to help us transform the lives of our students in a big way,” said newly appointed Dean, Peters School of Business, Terry Burgess. “This transformational gift from the Peters will have such an impact on the advances we are making for the future of our School.”

The Keystone Centre has unveiled a brand new logo as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. The new logo, designed in partnership with Leech Group, features a K dressed in the outline of a star. The departure from the previous Keystone Centre logo has taken immediate effect. “Our new logo, in the shape of a star, captures the spirit of direction and destination, instilling the logo with a sense of purpose,” says Keystone Centre acting general manager Connie Lawrence. “As our customers embark on their journeys towards success, our logo stands as a symbol of guidance, pointing them towards their desired destinations.” “Incorporating this star-shaped logo into our brand identity symbolizes our commitment to excellence in customer service,” adds Lawrence. “It serves as a visual representation of our dedication, reminding us, and our customers, that their aspirations are our top priority. With this logo, we showcase our values, and demonstrate our dedication to being the guiding light for our customers, illuminating their path to success.” In addition to the new logo, the Keystone Centre will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special community event on June 15th, featuring live music, and more to be announced. “We want to welcome Westman to our 50th anniversary celebration, where we commemorate half a century of community unity and growth,” says Jared McKenzie, Keystone Centre director of marketing. “This event, featuring live music, will be completely free to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all. We’re eager to announce the bands, and a bunch of other exciting features of this 50th anniversary celebration, but most of all, we look forward to the next 50 years of bringing our community together.” Replacement of existing signage is set to take place in stages over the coming months.