The 35th Manitoba Business Awards, hosted by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, will be presented on Friday, October 26 at the Fairmont Winnipeg and three local businesses are among finalists for Manitoba Business Awards. "Each year, awards are given to businesses and/or people who contribute to Manitoba’s employment; have a successful employee relations department; have seen sustainable growth; and been involved in the province’s community development." Westman Communications Group is one of three finalists in the Outstanding Large Business Category.  The Sneath Group and Brockie Donovan Funeral & Cremation Services join Winnipeg's Sycamore Energy Inc. in the Outstanding Small Business category.

One of Brandon's longest serving and most popular food trucks Pork Floyd is getting ready to expand their operations. Starting the first week of September they will be serving their signature pulled pork sandwiches and east coast donairs out of their brick and mortar location inside Boardgame Empire (1150-19th street).   The 76-seat, licensed dining room/restaurant will also be serving a wide array of other menu items. The move to Boardgame Empire allows Pork Floyd to also extend their catering season as they can now utilize the kitchen inside Boardwalk Empire to cater parties, weddings, events and more year round.  The space is currently undergoing some minor renovations and painting prior to opening.  A grand opening will be scheduled for the middle of October.  They will continue to also run the food truck.

Wheat City Meal Prep is a meal prep service created to serve the community of Brandon by offering convenient, healthy, fully prepped meals delivered right to your door.  The concept was created by 31 year old Rylan Lewis who thought his niche business idea had the possibility of succeeding in Brandon and area. With an extensive menu of meals and healthy food options it appears that Lewis is moving in the right direction. BDNMB – So how are you different from all those companies from Toronto etc. that can ship meals to your home? LEWIS – We are much smaller and focus only on Brandon and area.   Also I feel we are more flexible and more accommodating. BDNMB – Of course, people will want to know HOW MUCH? LEWIS – First of all we can customize our packages and substitute as requested by the customer.  We can prep 24 meals from our options for $109.00 which we feel is very reasonable. BDNMB – Personally, the thought of getting a meal shipped to Brandon from Montreal doesn’t really make me feel comfortable...how do you guys drop meals off? LEWIS – My bother and myself personally drop all meals off...even if we have to go to Russell.  We can turn around orders very quick. You can check out Wheat City Meal Prep on Facebook.  You can also call Rylan Lewis (204-720-4227) to obtain more information.

The Nearly New Shop Grand Reopening is Thursday August 23rd. In their own celebration of the changing seasons they empty the store of everything twice a year and start anew with completely fresh stock. The Nearly New Shop is located at 601-9th St in Brandon. Their normal hours are Mon-Sat 10-5. The shop is 2800 sq ft stocked with a wide range of almost anything that belongs in a house that isn’t much larger than a big bread box. On the north side of the shop they sell jewelry, ornaments, clothes, CD’s, DVD’s, shoes, sporting equipment, children’s toys, small appliances, and housewares. On the south side of the shop they sell clothing, magazines, craft supplies, fabric, yarn, luggage, lamps, books, puzzles and art. They have a full-time manager supported by 100 volunteers who work in shifts to accept, stock and sell the items generously donated by the citizens of Westman.  Profits stay in Brandon and are used by the hospital to buy equipment for patient care. They sell new and like-new items at great prices. Not only are the donors and customers helping to support quality healthcare in our community, they are also helping th environment by recycling quality items for someone else to love. They cordially invite you to come down to the Shop on Thursday, 23 August to see all of the amazing items they have put out to make your Fall and Winter better. Look around for something that you adore, get it at a bargain price, and know that you are really making a positive difference in our community. It’s what we call Feel Good Shopping. Come for a visit and try it out!

Last night, by vote of our members, Vanguard/ Catalyst became Fusion Credit Union. “Fusion reflects all that we stand for, the coming together of members, staff and communities,” says Guy Huberdeau, Board Chair. “It’s about more than just creating a spark and igniting change. Fusion creates tremendous amounts of energy that net only positive returns.” The name change takes effect immediately, but the new Fusion brand will not be rolled out until the end of the year. So members will continue to use the websites as they are now and all of their members services under the existing Vanguard or Catalyst brand for a few more months. “Our evolution to Fusion Credit Union is taking place now,” says Ron Hedley, CEO. “Internally, we’re aligning our policies and processes and we’re working on member service improvements. Now that we have the name ratified, we will begin developing our brand, website and member tools under the Fusion name.” The name was selected through a contest for members and staff, which generated 650 entries. The amalgamation committee reduced the number to 50 entries and staff and members voted on those. The Board selected Fusion, the most popular new name based on three voting groups – members, staff and the amalgamation team.  135 members attended the name ratification vote, held in Dauphin, Rossburn, Hamiota and Roblin. Vanguard / Catalyst officially amalgamated in April, 2018. They now represent over 30,000 members across 18 branches, employing over 170 staff.  Their assets total $1 Billion CAD and they returned over $800,000. in profit sharing to member-owners. “Our members will continue to be served by the same friendly, professional staff, with access to their accounts at 18 branches, from Oak Lake to Winnipegosis and we are fast-tracking introductions of the latest technology in financial services,” added Hedley. “But we know where our bread is buttered and we will never lose our focus on making life better in every community we serve.”