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.”

Heritage Co-op’s Brandon Food Store Thanks Customers, Reveals a Fresh New Look This Week Major renovations at the Heritage Co-op Food Store in Brandon (1035 Richmond Avenue) are officially complete this week, after 8 months of work. With the renovation complete, Heritage Co-op is holding a Grand Re-Opening of the store to unveil its new look and in-store features. Another reason for the event – thanking Co-op’s customers for their positivity and patience throughout the renovation process. “We know that a renovation of this magnitude does not come without its interruptions and inconveniences,” said Lorne Zacharias, General Manager of Heritage Co-op. “And what we saw throughout the entire renovation was excited, positive, and patient customers.” “Our customers knew that any inconveniences were temporary, and above anything, they were just excited to see the outcome” added Dan Lange, Store Manager at the Brandon Food Store. Customers will get their chance to see the results of this renovation on Friday, August 17 when the store hosts its Grand Re-Opening event. The event will include in-store demos, displays, and highlights of what customers can expect from the ‘new’ store. The renovation added several new features and offerings, including dry-aged beef available from the meat department, an expanded pharmacy area, and an updated an expanded deli department – which will add to its menu a sushi bar and popcorn kitchen. A ribbon cutting and welcoming remarks from Co-op and community representatives at 11 am will be followed by a day of family fun and activities, including bouncy castles, face painting, live music, and a free BBQ all afternoon. The event will feature a major prize draw for a 60-second shopping spree at the store, and throughout the two weeks following the event, customers will be entered into more daily prize draws, including another shopping spree, a barbeque, Winnipeg Jets tickets, and a popcorn machine. “We’re excited to have a celebration to unveil what we know is going to be a fantastic store for this community for years to come,” said Zacharias. “We’re a truly local grocery option for the people of Brandon and area and we look forward to serving this community with service and style.”

Demolition of the Western Hotel on 18th Street is underway. The first ever Holiday Inn Express in Manitoba is expected to open February or March 2020. (photo credit Scott Glennie)  

Renovating, moving, changing product lines, offering more services, offering more specialized services…these are just some of the things that business owners contemplate to ensure they are meeting the needs of their clients while at the same time driving their own passion.   Entrepreneur, Nail Technician and Eyelash Extension Specialist Meg Willey recently decided to make some changes to her business, Vivid Beauty Boutique.   “I had gone through some life changes the last two years and decided it was time for me to downsize the salon and expand in other areas of my career. The lease for 18th Street, our previous location, was coming to an end in June and every time I drove down the 26th Street location I couldn’t help but think that this would be a perfect spot for us,” said Willey.   In the process of reshaping her business, Willey decided to sell part of it to one of her former hair stylists, Danielle McCoy. She assisted her in opening the Artistry Salon, where some of her staff moved to in December. In addition, Ashley Berscheid recently opened her own business (The Brow Loft in downtown Brandon) so Vivid no longer offers microblading, permanent makeup or makeup services.   The move to 1015-26th Street at the end of June reduced the boutique’s floor space to almost half of their previous location but allowed Willey to create a bright, modern, upbeat space that has a positive flow of energy. With five stylists and two nail/lash technicians the salon still offers complete hair services, manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions, waxing, and sugaring.   Willey is also in the process of becoming a distributor for Mosaic Nail Systems, which will allow local nail professionals to obtain quality products right here in Brandon.   Vivid Beauty Boutique has been part of the local business community since 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.vividnaildesign.com or follow them on Facebook.

A high school passion has turned into a very cool and unique business for Dion Peech. Four years ago, Dion started Artistic CNC with a $25,000 dollar machine that cuts exactly what you want.   Artistic CNC provides custom steel cutting for your everyday needs, decorative wall art, railing inserts, custom fire pits, yard signs, BBQ Grills, 3D metal Art.  They can also provide storefront signage as evidenced by their recent sign for Astoria Pizza. According to Peech, nobody locally can do the original creative work that he can.  “Basically the machine provides us with a limitless design, kind of like a tattoo” said Dion. Prices start for house numbers from $75.00. You can see more on their Facebook page.  You can also contact Dion on his cell phone at 204-570-2077.