Attendees at the launch event for Assiniboine’s Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment on Tuesday heard from Russ Edwards and Westman Group Inc (WGI) that companies under the WGI umbrella are investing an additional $300,000 in student financial awards. “We are very excited about the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment, as this is the legacy the Edwards family want to leave,” said Paul Cunningham, President and CEO of the Westman Group at Tuesday’s event. “In conjunction with that legacy, we wanted to announce today a series of scholarships for students entering their second year of studies at Assiniboine Community College (ACC) on behalf of the Westman Group of Companies.” The announcement came as a welcome surprise at the event and reinforces the confidence that Edwards and his companies have in the programming offered at ACC, and emphasizes their commitment to overall student success. “We are truly thankful for this remarkable gift and the recognition we have received from Russ and Edna Edwards and WGI,” said Derrick Turner, Vice President of Advancement at Assiniboine. “This gift will have such an impact on the futures of students in both the Edwards School and ACC overall, and will help set them up for success as they embark on in-demand careers in the industry.” WGI intends to distribute a $5,000 annual award on behalf of each of it’s six divisions, for a total distribution of $30,000 per year for a 10 year period to students entering their second year in programs that correspond to the industries in which each of the divisions operate. “Our group of companies are here to help students achieve their education and further be able to enter what we know from experience will continue to be in demand industries in Manitoba for a long time,” said Cunningham. “It is essential for students seeking a future in ag to have the opportunity to get the best agriculture education that is available as we depend on the sector for our food and our future,” said Russ Edwards, Founder of Westman Group Inc (WGI). “The Edwards School will be able to provide the opportunity for these students to advance their education in this crucial industry.” Edwards has been a leader in the business community for nearly 50 years, and a champion at the forefront of the agricultural sector across the Prairies. His business roots stem back to his first business in Winnipeg in 1976, constructing culverts, steel roofing, and siding. In the 45 years following, WGI has carved out a remarkable and uncharted path under Edwards’ leadership. It has grown into one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of steel products. This gift adds to a contribution of $4 million from Edwards and family, announced last year, for the college’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. The college has been fundraising for the Centre, which will advance education, research and industry engagement, has raised more than $17 million to date. The formal branding of the School, in honour of Edwards, represents another step in this journey.

A recent computer upgrade by Westoba’s IT department offered a valuable resource donation for Assiniboine Community College’s (ACC) Network Administration Technology Program (NAT).  The donation was facilitated by Westoba’s IT Analyst and ACC NAT Program Alumnus, Brett Stewart, who connected with NAT Program Instructor, Dean Johnson.   “The old devices no longer meet Westoba compliance requirements but are still usable devices for learning and non-business work,” said Stewart.   The NAT is a 2-year program that prepares learners to build and support modern networks. IT Service & Support Supervisor, Josh Hefferan sees this as an opportunity for Westoba to give back to the program for the value it has given Westoba’s IT department.   “Westoba IT is very excited to see these devices go to the NAT program. Over half of our department is made up of former graduates and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunities the program has given us.” Said Hefferan.   Dean Johnson was grateful for the donation that he says will benefit the program for years to come. “These skills are used in all areas of society from school divisions, government, businesses of all sizes, computer shops and banks like Westoba!” said Johnson. “This hardware will allow students to dive deeper into laptop repair, wireless projects and provide students with working equipment to expand their knowledge base without high costs of equipment that has limited life spans.”   Source: Westoba News Release

Tuesday, September 19 is Fuel Good Day at Heritage Co-op gas bar locations in the area including: Erickson, Strathclair, Minnedosa, Brandon & Wawanesa. Coop is donating $.10 per litre of fuel sold and $1 dollar for any Cooperative coffee or Big Cool sold to the Brandon and rural food banks. Supporting your community is as easy as filling your gas tank.

– Westman Communications Group (WCG) has concluded its 2023 Connecting Westman Tour. After visiting five communities this summer, the Tour raised $23,917.30 for local initiatives and charities through charity barbecue events. This total surpasses the previous amount set during the Tour’s inaugural year in 2019 of $13,700. The Connecting Westman Tour was created as a way for WCG to connect with the communities it serves and raise funds for an initiative chosen by residents in those communities. The Tour was started in 2019 with three stops, followed by four locations in 2022. The 2023 Connecting Westman Tour increased the number of communities visited, expanding to five locations, including Swan River, Onanole, Melita, Carberry, and St. Claude. Initiatives and charities supported this year were the Swan Valley Animal Protection League, the Onanole Elementary School Parent Group, the Melita Central Park Project, the Carberry and Area Community Foundation, and St. Claude’s Mile 60 Park. After matched donations from WCG, the total raised reached $23,917.30. On this year’s Tour, the highest amount was raised in one community, with St. Claude’s event amassing a total donation of $11,230.70. With three years of Connecting Westman Tours in the books, over $50,000 has been donated to initiatives throughout Manitoba. “2023 has been a record year for the Connecting Westman Tour, and we couldn’t be more excited about its continued success,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “The tremendous levels of attendance that we experienced this year were a wonderful reminder of the importance of supporting the communities we serve. We’re excited to continue further initiatives to foster growth within the communities we serve.” To keep up with future fundraising initiatives, please follow WCG on social media or head to westmancom.com/personal/community-engagement/connectingwestman.

Sunrise Credit Union announced today a naming rights partnership. The newly constructed arena in Minnedosa will be named the Sunrise Credit Union Centre. Previously to the merge with Sunrise Credit Union, Minnedosa Credit Union formally agreed to donate $250,000 to the new facility in January 2013. This facility will become the central hub of the Minnedosa recreational grounds and provide various opportunities to the community. The Sunrise Credit Union Centre will act as a long-term facility for Minnedosa minor hockey games, practices and tournaments, including regional and provincial championships. It will see many youths through their minor and recreational hockey careers and into senior hockey. The Minnedosa Bombers senior hockey team and the Minnedosa Skating Club will also call the arena home. The ice surfaces can be retrofitted to host curling events like the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, which will surely put Minnedosa on the map. The Sunrise Credit Union Centre will provide a space for indoor practices for baseball, rugby and soccer teams during the summer months when the ice is out. It will offer wheel-chair accessible bathrooms and air-conditioned canteen services for events held on the grounds. The arena will also support and encourage an active lifestyle among community members of all ages and abilities with a walking track and pickleball courts in the summer months. The brand-new facility will see many community events hosted within its walls, including concerts, fundraising initiatives, and social events and will even offer the use of its meeting rooms. “Sunrise Credit Union is thrilled to support this project, which reinforces our commitment to work for the betterment of our communities in Manitoba. We look forward to the community members being able to enjoy the upcoming season in this amazing facility.” Tim Klassen, President and CEO of Sunrise Credit Union. “It is extremely satisfying to see the years of hard work community and board members put in come to fruition with the opening of Sunrise Credit Union Centre. We are confident this new facility will be enjoyed by the residents of Minnedosa and surrounding communities for generations.” Brad Ross, VP of Member Services and former General Manager at the Minnedosa Credit Union. The new facility is sure to attract various events to the community for years to come and Sunrise Credit Union is proud to support community development and building a brighter future together.