Sunrise Credit Union is pleased to announce they are in discussions to merge operations with Strathclair Credit Union, effective January 1st, 2019. The primary objective of the merger is to improve member service through an expanded geographic area, increase and improve product offerings, enhance career opportunities for employees, and drive greater operational efficiencies and cost savings through economies of scale. Both Strathclair and Sunrise Credit Unions are member-owned and community focused.  It is these foundational and co-operative philosophies that bring these two like-minded organizations together. Because merging with Strathclair accounts for less than a 10% increase in assets for Sunrise, the merger can be approved by the Sunrise Board of Directors without a full membership vote.  Strathclair Credit Union members, however, will have a chance to vote at an upcoming meeting, date to be announced. Strathclair Credit Union has 2,800 members and $94.7 million assets, bringing the amalgamated organization to 27,000 members strong with over $1.1 billion assets.  Following the merger, members of the combined organization will have access to personalized service from 20 communities in Southwestern Manitoba and staff will benefit from an expanded range of development opportunities.

Exactly ten years to the day of having purchased the Days Inn and Suites Brandon, owner-operators Melody and Dave Brooks, will hand the reigns over to new owners on May 1. The transaction also includes their second business in the Wheat City, Motel 6 Brandon.   “We weren’t actively seeking buyers, but we were approached by a local group of investors that own hotels in Dauphin, Virden and Headingley and we really liked them. They are local and really committed to being in the community, it felt like a good fit for us. You don’t get an offer like this every day so we decided it was the right time for us,” said Melody Brooks.   Brooks said that the new owners met with the companies 45 employees recently and assured them that it would be business as usual.   “We had a really positive meeting with the staff at both locations and the news was well received. The new owners are experienced in the industry and have confirmed that everything will remain the same including staffing and wages,” said Brooks.   “We came here 10 years ago and we love Brandon, we just absolutely have so loved being in this town and doing business in this town. We have a lot of mixed feelings, but sometimes a new broom sweeps clean. It’s time for somebody new, for different ideas and some new energy coming in.”   The Brooks moved to Brandon from British Columbia a decade ago to purchase the Days Inn from then owners Phil Hall and Claire Chudley. They built an addition to the hotel, taking it from 61 to 76 rooms. In addition, the local entrepreneurs also purchased Motel 6 Brandon almost three years ago.   The couple intends to stay in the hotel industry, however they weren’t quite ready to publicly share their future plans. bdnmb.ca wishes them well in their future endeavours.

Kim’s Asian Restaurant will be opening a second location in Brandon.  The new restaurant will be located at 2330 Victoria Ave (Old Kam Lung Chinese Restaurant location).  The inside of the building has been undertaking a new transformation, including a new kitchen, over the past few months.   Management tells bdnmb.ca that they are hoping to complete renovations and have the restaurant open in the next 2-3 weeks.  They say that the menu will be the same menu currently being offered at the McTavish Ave location.  The popular buffet will also be available for those with a hungrier appetite.  Restaurant hours, when open, will be from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.  Kim's Asian Restaurant serves a variety of Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese options.  Click here for their menu.

Brandon, Manitoba (April 10, 2018) – Shur-Gro Farm Services Ltd. of Brandon is pleased to announce a celebration of 50 years in business with a special recognition event planned for April 12 in Brandon.  Ron Helwer, President of Shur-Gro Farm Services Ltd. founded the company in Brandon in 1968 as a fuel and fertilizer business.  Shur-Gro acquired Munro Farm Supplies Ltd. in 1990 and a controlling interest in South East Seeds Inc. of Niverville and Dugald in 2017.  The Shur-Gro group of companies operate thirteen locations in Manitoba.  Remarkably, 2018 is also a milestone year for Munro Farm Supplies and South East Seeds, as Munro marks 60 years in business and South East Seeds is in their 10th year. “Servicing your growing needs” has been a time-honoured philosophy at Shur-Gro, who provide a wide array of crop input products and services to their customers.  Ron Helwer, who was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2014, states “We are excited about our future and the future of agriculture.  We are in the enduring business of helping to feed people.  We will continue to take on this challenge by committing ourselves and the way we do business to the success of our customers and the products they produce for the world.”

Many faithful customers of The Little Shoppe will be thrilled to see the canopy up and construction progressing on the new store.    The Little Shoppe closed at the beginning of February after 12 years at the former location (across the parking lot from Kullberg’s) after the building had been sold.     Owner Rhonda Kullberg had planned to close the trendy shop permanently, but after overwhelming support from loyal customers decided to reopen in a new location. The new store will be located within the Kullberg’s building, on the north side. They are targeting for an early May opening with new and exciting products.    In the meantime, they have an Off-Site Clearance location at 1733 Pacific Avenue, which will remain open  Tuesday-Friday from 10 am - 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm, possibly until fall.