Assiniboine Community College’s Centre for Creative Media (CCM), one of the college’s newest learning spaces, has received a $100,000 donation from the Leech Group and family, commemorating their upcoming 100th year in business. This generous contribution made by the local print and digital media company and the Leech family includes $75,000 toward the Centre for Creative Media space and $25,000 to support financial awards for students in Digital Art and Design, and Web and Interactive Development―two of the programs delivered within the Centre. “We're very excited to invest in the Assiniboine Community College’s Centre for Creative Media,” said Meredyth Leech, Sales & Marketing Director at Leech Group. “Our hope is that this contribution further enhances an already impressive program as it continues to grow and evolve. Our company has benefited greatly from the talent coming out of ACC for decades and we look forward to continuing our partnership into the future.” Tuesday afternoon, the college revealed a space named on behalf of the donor—the Leech Group Collaboration Classroom. Construction on the 10,050 sq. ft. Centre for Creative Media started in early 2021 and was completed later that year. The college held a grand opening for the space for community and industry partners, staff, students and alumni in early 2023. “The Centre for Creative Media is an incredible new space for students to learn the skills they’ll need to enter the workforce, some of which are current employees at Leech Group,” said Gillian Leech, General Manager at Leech Group. “We really want to play a role in the success of these students, so we are proud to be contributing to this innovative new learning space.” The Centre for Creative Media is a one-of-a-kind space for Western Canada, and was developed with industry needs and standards at its core,” said Jana Sproule, Chair of Media and Office Technology at Assiniboine. “The training we are able to provide our students will prepare them to confidently enter the industry. The support we have received from industry partners, like Leech Group, solidifies the work we are doing.” “This contribution from Leech Group further enhances the college’s longstanding relationship with this local business leader,” said Terry Burgess, Dean, School of Business. “As a local employer to many graduates of our creative media programs, we are greatly appreciative of Leech Group’s support and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.” Leech Group, founded in 1927 as The Leech Letter Co by Michael Leech’s grandfather, has transitioned into its fourth generation of family ownership.

Brandon’s Brent Campbell has a vision for bringing to the people of Brandon and Western Manitoba a life like F1 driving experience. Introducing The Focus located on 10th Street. People are always looking for something different to do and Campbell’s business www.focus.ca offers adults and parents looking for new birthday party ideas. Sitting in the F1 simulator is as close as it gets to driving a car on a F1 track. Advanced Sim Racing features virtual reality that is endorsed by F1A. This will be as close as you will come to being in an actual F1 car. The system is set up for the beginners to the advanced drivers. Campbell is working on getting a second car for head to head racing. To book a time for you and your friends check out. http://thefocus.ca/ Or see them at 126th – 10th Street

Westoba Credit Union (WCU) is excited to announce $3,000.00 in funding from the Westoba Inspire program to support the Elton Community Centre. The Elton Community Centre (ECC) is located just five minutes north of Brandon, MB in the hamlet of Forrest. ECC Treasure, Emma Kohinski recognizes the importance of this facility to not only Forrest but the surrounding area. “The ECC is an integral part of our community and provides recreation and sport opportunities for children at a much lower cost than programs that run in larger cities,” said Kohinski. " In the past we have had approximately 50% of our registrations from RM of Elton residents, the other 50% coming from Brandon & other communities such as Douglas, Justice, Chater, etc.” Known locally as the Forrest Rink, the facility operates a natural ice rink for the months of December through March (weather permitting) offering a variety of activities and events. “We offer Learn to Skate lessons and have a full hockey program for kids ages 3 and up, as well as an adult men’s rec hockey night and an annual Men’s 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament fundraiser,” said Kohinski. Kohinski reported the facility was recently approved for an Efficiency Manitoba grant to upgrade the arena lighting having a direct impact on the revenue generating abilities of the facility. Funds from Westoba Inspire will be used to purchase a new upgraded score clock for the arena as the current clock needs replacement. “Having a clean, bright and professional rink will draw more spectators out to games and tournaments which will increase our 50/50 and canteen sales, providing more profits for our community center,” said Kohinski. The funding from Westoba Inspire is part of Westoba’s 60th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2023 Westoba has been showing their appreciation with a $60,000.00 giveaway through Westoba Inspire and other community involvement. President and CEO, Jim Rediger said the 60th celebrations this year and the launch of the new Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Values statements have been a highlight for him. “Our employees at all levels have put an incredible amount of work and dedication into celebrating this historic milestone with our communities,” said Rediger. “Investing in community initiatives like this is important to us as it supports our cooperative principles and our purpose of empowering people and communities to thrive.”

Two local couples have purchased Memories Chapel on 18th Street. Scott & Michelle Major and as well Raquelle & Brian Baker all from Brandon have made a significant investment to take over Memories Chapel. Business founder Brent Buchanan opened Memories in 1998 and roughly 25 years later have agreed to terms with the Major and Baker families. We had a chance to talk to Scott and Michelle about their plans. BDNMB - Tell us your background and why you are in this business. "I have always been someone who has a very big, caring heart.  Being in the Funeral Service industry is a passion,  I am very passionate about the families we serve and their loved ones." Michelle Major said she started out working in a personal care home for 13 years prior to becoming a Funeral Director.  "I have always enjoyed caring for individuals, creating strong relationships with them and their families." BDNMB - How did you become interested or involved in the funeral business? I decided after having two children that it was time to follow my dreams and enroll in the Funeral Director course.  During my apprenticeship I worked at a Funeral Home who helped guide me and made me realize how passionate I was about helping families, their loved ones and our community.  Owning a Funeral Home is something I have dreamt of doing and Scott and I could not have done it without our partners Brian and Raquelle Baker. BDNMB - Any changes on the horizon or staffing changes? As the new owners of Memories Chapel Funeral Home we plan to keep the excellent service that Memories Chapel is known for. Our vision at Memories Chapel is to help create a positive experience for every family that comes through our doors, we want to ensure that everyone is treated with the utmost respect and dignity that they deserve. Our team at Memories Chapel holds ourselves to the highest standard, integrity, compassion and professionalism. Most of the existing team at Memories Chapel will remain with the change in ownership. We plan to continue to provide the best possible services to the families that we serve. We will continue to remain on top of education, and create a personalized send off for the families loved ones. We recognize that the old ownership created a strong compassionate company for the community of Brandon over the past 24 years. Our goal is to carry on with the company that they built, and to evolve as the times are changing while keeping compassion and care is our number one priority.

Westoba Credit Union is excited to announce $10,000.00 in funding from the Westoba Inspire program in support of a new kitchen for the Douglas Community Hall. The Douglas Community Recreation Association (DCRA) Treasurer and Grants Committee Chair, Marilyn Whaley said they were inspired by various Douglas ladies' groups to build this new community kitchen in their honor. “For over 75 years this group of volunteers provided our community fall suppers, funeral luncheons, catered to weddings, curling banquets etc. in small little kitchen in the basement of the hall,” said Whaley. “We want to continue to carry on their legacy by building a new community kitchen on the main floor of the hall.” The DCRA consists of an Executive committee, Board Members and volunteers that manage the operation of the Douglas Community Hall, the Curling Rink, and the outdoor skating/hockey rink. Moving the kitchen to the main floor of the hall provides better accessibility for the variety of events and activities this space provides for. “We offer our annual mixed curling bonspiel, club curling, Relic Derby, bingo, socials, kids movie nights and in 2023 our 1st annual Car Show & BBQ,” said Whaley. “The hall is also used by Westman Jams, a local music group to host community jam sessions and meeting space for other clubs to hold their regular meetings.” The funding from Westoba Inspire is part of Westoba’s 60th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2023 Westoba has been showing their appreciation with a $60,000.00 giveaway through Westoba Inspire and other community involvement. Westoba President and CEO, Jim Rediger contributes Westoba’s success to its members and commitment to Westoba’s values. “These guiding principles reflect Westoba's dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of its members and communities,” said Rediger. Construction on the new kitchen is expected to start this winter with completion in early 2024.