Westoba Credit Union (Westoba) announces it is finalizing renovations to its 220 - 10th Street building in Brandon, MB, as it goes on the market this week. Since the pandemic, Westoba has evolved to leverage digital banking technologies and find efficiencies through virtual platforms to meet their members’ banking needs. Garnet McBurney, Westoba Board of Directors Chair, said, “For 60 years, we have been fiscally responsible to our entire membership. We make decisions that are in the best interest of our members and with the sale of this building the focus will be to reinvest back into the organization through personnel development, technology, and innovation that benefits members. Westoba remains invested in the city of Brandon. The 220 – 10th Street office space is the corporate headquarters for Westoba and does not serve members directly. Employees will continue to work out of the main floor at the 220 - 10th Street building. There will be no impact on the services provided to members through Virtual Services and at branches, including the three conveniently located in Brandon. Westoba offers a hybrid workforce policy and 46 per cent of their employees are currently using the hybrid model and primarily working remotely. This hybrid model coupled with the digitization of daily work has significantly lowered employee foot traffic to the 10th Street building. “In both 2021 and 2022, Westoba had a strong financial performance,” said President and CEO, Jim Rediger, “Part of our success is the satisfaction of our employees; including listening to our staff who voiced their preference for a hybrid work environment.” Westoba’s former 1020 Princess branch and 220 - 10th Street building are being listed as a package by Brian Baker of Royal LePage of Brandon.

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Los Brothers Street Food, soon to be the city's newest restaurant hotspot, is set to redefine the dining experience for local food enthusiasts. From the first bite, you'll find yourself transported to the bustling markets of Mexico City. The menu at Los Brothers Street Food (also a local food truck), is a tribute to the diversity of Mexican cuisine. Whether you're a meat lover, a vegetarian, or a vegan, there's something on the menu for everyone. Carnivores can savor mouthwatering options like chipotle chicken and spicy chorizo, while those with a taste for something different can explore unique creations like the Tortilla Soup or the Avocado Tomato Salad. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be among the first to experience a fiesta of flavors that you won't soon forget. Los Brothers Street Food opened today (October 24, 2023). Location: 260-10th Street Hours: 11am-9pm

Say goodbye to Jiffy Food & Video in Brandon and say hello to Crave Corner.  The long-time convenience store, located at 1250 Richmond Ave, recently changed ownership and has now been rebranded as Crave Corner. For 36-years Jiffy Food and Video, under the guidance of Owners Dave and Sandy Lindenberg, had been a tiny haven of magazines, popcorn, movie rentals, beverages, ice cream, and everyday essentials. In a statement issued on their Facebook page, the new ownership stated that there will be "no changes to the products and services we offer, and we will surely continue the legacy of Jiffy Food and Video."

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, Sunrise Credit Union held a champagne reception in celebration of its 15th anniversary. The evening featured tours of the corporate office and Brandon branch at 2305 Victoria Avenue and a noteworthy giveaway that saw a lucky member walk away with $15,000. “As I reflect on the past 15 years, I am humbled by the trust our members placed in our leadership at that time, embracing a vision to bring five smaller credit unions together as one” said President and CEO, Tim Klassen in his welcoming remarks. Sunrise Credit Union has seen exceptional growth since its creation in 2008 and Klassen contributes this success to their “team of great employee’s past and present and members past and present” stating that “without [their] support Sunrise Credit Union could not have achieved all that it did.” Every member of Sunrise Credit Union was automatically entered into their 15th-anniversary giveaway, and one member from each of Sunrise’s 19 branches were drawn as a finalist for the contest. Those 19 members were invited to the champagne reception, and each was given a key to try their luck at unlocking a safe containing $5,000 cash, a $5,000 TFSA contribution, and a $5,000 RRSP contribution. Anticipation was building throughout the room as members began to take turns trying their luck unlocking the safe; after a handful of failed attempts, a key finally worked! Cameron Schettler, a 19-year-old from Grandview, Manitoba, would be the one to unlock the safe! She was ecstatic when she realized her key worked and was at a loss for words. The audience erupted in cheers and applause as Cameron opened the safe and pulled out $5,000 cash and two certificates for the TFSA and RRSP contributions. Schettler became a member of Sunrise Credit Union only six months ago and grateful for the opportunity. “I’m very fortunate and thankful and I am really at a loss for words, it means a lot to me” said Schettler. When asked what she plans to use the money for she said, “I think just saving it for now, I am in nursing school right now so maybe use a little toward that.” The next giveaway for Sunrise Credit Union is a new Building Communities Grant Program. Sunrise will give $15,000 to a deserving non-profit organization or project in one of its communities. Details will be announced on the Sunrise social media channels and website later this month.

Brandon’s 34th annual “Big One” Arts & Crafts Sale featuring all handmade arts, crafts and food items is taking place this weekend and next. The event has grown substantially over the years and is now spread out over two weekends (October 11 & 15, October 21 & 22).  A different lineup of vendors is featured each weekend. Admission is only $5 (12 & under free) with part proceeds from the door admission going to Cancer Care locally in Brandon and Westman. Additional information on this year’s event can be found on their web site here. Location: Manitoba Room & UCT Room, Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba Dates: OCTOBER 14/15, OCTOBER 21/2 Time: Saturday and Sunday 10am -5pm daily.