After the positive merger vote in June, we are excited to announce board, executive and senior leaders for Assiniboine Credit Union / Caisse Assiniboine. Not surprisingly, it reflects the unique attributes that we each bring to the merger. We have always maintained the employees of the new entity would fairly and accurately reflect the talent and deep experience of Assiniboine Credit Union, Caisse Financial Group and Westoba Credit Union. “We have spent the last few months making sure we will have the right leadership team in place that includes all of the senior leaders from the three organizations,” said President & CEO Kevin Sitka. “If we’re going to build the most uniquely Manitoban credit union, we’ll need all the talent, experience and passion that got us this far”. Last month, Assiniboine Credit Union / Caisse Assiniboine announced our board of directors will be chaired by Garnet McBurney, the former chair of Westoba Credit Union – a clear recognition of how important the rural and agriculture sector will be to the new entity. As well, the commitment to ensure that a minimum two of the 12-person board will be Francophone has been exceeded. In fact, 42 percent – or five out of 12 board members – will be Francophone when the merger is official on January 1, 2025. Current President & CEO of Westoba Jim Rediger, and Caisse CEO Joël Rondeau have joined the executive team reporting to Kevin Sitka. They will directly guide what will be a complex merger considering the size, geography and diversity of the three organizations. Additionally, the leadership teams from Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba have accepted positions at the senior leadership level in the new Assiniboine Credit Union / Caisse Assiniboine. “I don’t think we could have imagined a better team to lead us. I am very proud that the entire Caisse leadership that I’ve been working with all these years will be there with me as we create the new Assiniboine Credit Union / Caisse Assiniboine together,” said Rondeau, Chief Strategic Project Officer of the new organization. “I’m inspired by the fact that at least 26 per cent of all the individuals who are on the board, executive and senior leadership teams are Francophone”. The agriculture, rural and urban portfolios just got stronger with the combined leadership of Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba, who have practical experience working in rural Manitoba, with farmers and small, medium and large agricultural and commercial businesses. “When we look at the board, executive and senior leadership team, over 50 per cent of those individuals have lived in a rural community or has career experience in agriculture. This further confirms that this merger is the right thing for our members. Our combined leadership team has deep experience in this area that’s going to benefit our membership and make a difference in our rural and urban communities,” said Rediger, Chief Strategic Project Officer of the new organization. The new entity will have 216,000 members, $9.6 billion in assets and the widest geographic reach of any credit union in Manitoba. The merged organization will continue its dedication to work with partners for mutual benefit and the common good, dedicated to the International Co-operative Principles and the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence. We believe a merged credit union will have even greater capacity to create value for our members, and communities we serve. “It is no surprise that the leadership team is well balanced. The leadership accurately reflects what each organization brought to the table in members, financial assets and experienced employees. We are all excited that they have accepted the challenge to build the most unique credit union in Manitoba,” said Sitka. We look forward to January 1st when the three organizations officially merge. Together, we are working to build a uniquely Manitoban financial institution that will continue to help bring dreams to life and build stronger communities for generations to come. More information regarding what this looks like for members will be shared, for now it is business as usual.

For the past 2 weeks, the people of Brandon have been enjoying a taste of Germany. Ollie’s European Market opened on November 1st and since then customers have been feasting on classic European food like Schnitzel, Rouladen and Bratwurst. Steffen Spiess, one of the owners of Ollie’s says they are overwhelmed and unbelievably thankful for the support they have received thus far. Ollie’s is located at 363 1st St, in the same building where an old Brandon favorite, Hansel & Gretel Schnitzel House used to operate. Ollie’s offers the same great Schnitzel that was served at Hansel & Gretel, and you can get platters of it for 2-8 people available dine in or takeout. The restaurant is currently open 11-6, but they are hoping to extend the hours very shortly. They offer a special lunch menu from 11-3 with lunch favourites like ghoulash soup and Bratwurst on a bun. In addition to the hot menu items that are available for lunch & dinner, you can get mouthwatering homemade desserts like Apple Strudel and Frankfurter Kranz. The restaurant isn’t the only thing you will find there, because they also have a market where you can purchase their 9 different brats and other European foods and spices including German chocolate.  

Last evening, Fusion CEO Darwin Johns declared Countryside Studio & Gym as the 2024 Community Infusion Final Five winner in front of a packed house in the Aspen Lodge at Credit Union Place. Based in Hamiota, MB, Countryside Studio & Gym is receiving $20,000 in grant monies to expand their operations. Community Infusion, an initiative designed to promote economic development and entrepreneurship in local communities, is sponsored by Fusion Credit Union. “The dedication and commitment that all finalists have for their business ideas was demonstrated on stage last night,” states Johns. “They all have a passion for what they do, which is truly inspiring. Community Infusion was created to support economic development initiatives in our communities and we’re happy to have provided a platform to showcase all the amazing ideas. We are proud to have participated in this part of their journey and we wish them all continued success.” Friendly’s Grocery Co-op from Inglis was declared the second-place finalist and received $4,000 in grant money. Other finalists included MultiCook from Brandon, Parkland Radon from Inglis and Systems Beauty College from Brandon. These three finalists all received $2,000 each to grow their business ideas. Community Infusion is an initiative where community engagement meets entrepreneurial passion. Each spring, current and aspiring business owners can apply to share in up to $30,000 towards a new business idea, or an expanding business. This year, Fusion received 18 submissions. Based on scoring criteria, eleven businesses moved onto the next round, which involves the submission of a business plan. Five finalists then pitched their business idea to a panel of judges at Credit Union Place in Dauphin. As a locally based financial institution in the Parkland and southwestern Manitoba, Fusion considers community impact and contribution to be a top priority. “The Community Infusion program is a way in which Fusion can play a role in supporting job creation, entrepreneurial support, and business development,” says Mike Csversko, Brand and Business Development Manager at Fusion. “Our goal for Community Infusion aligns with the priorities of Countryside Studio & Gym, and their plans to grow in the community of Hamiota. We are encouraged by their drive to grow commerce in the region, while committing to employment creation,” adds Csversko. “We look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

The Keystone Centre is excited to announce a new partnership with Farmery Estate Brewing Company. This new partnership will see Farmery Estate Brewing Company supply ready-to-drink caesars, hard iced teas and a limited selection of their local craft beer. “We’re excited to welcome Farmery Estate Brewing to the Keystone Centre,” says Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre CEO & General Manager. “Their dedication to local craftsmanship will bring a new dimension to our events, and enhance the experience of our guests.” Farmery, known for its locally crafted beers and commitment to sustainability, will complement the beverage offerings available at the Centre, providing patrons with an authentic taste of Manitoba’s brewing landscape. “Farmery Estate Brewery is incredibly excited to have our locally made products available at the Keystone Centre, says Chris Warwaruk, co-founder and co-owner of Farmery Estate Brewing. “It’s a great way to showcase the best of what Manitoba has to offer, right in the heart of Westman! Keystone Centre Extends Partnership with Molson Coors The Keystone Centre is excited to announce the extension of its pouring rights contract with Molson Coors, which will now run through 2027. Under this renewed agreement, Molson Coors will serve as the Official Beer Sponsor of the Keystone Centre, supplying a diverse range of beverages for all events held at the venue—including beer, malt beverages, ciders, and ready-to-drink cocktails. “Molson Coors is thrilled to extend our partnership with the Keystone Centre,” says Jesse Adamyk, Molson Coors district sales manager. “We believe Molson Coors is a natural fit with the Keystone Centre, and that our services, and exciting portfolio of brands will enhance the event experience.” This partnership is not only a commitment to quality beverages but also a dedication to enhancing the overall experience for our patrons. "We are proud to extend our partnership with Molson Coors, a brand synonymous with great taste and quality,” said Connie Lawrence, CEO & general manager of the Keystone Centre. “Their support plays a crucial role in our ability to host memorable events in our community." The Keystone Centre is dedicated to delivering outstanding experiences for its visitors, and with the continued support of Molson Coor, attendees can anticipate a fantastic variety of beverage options at all future events.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) has been awarded $8 million from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) Broadband Fund. This funding can potentially be used to bring fibre-based Internet to 16 rural communities in Manitoba, positively impacting nearly 1,500 households. “We are taking action to help ensure that all Canadians have access to high-speed Internet,” said Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC. “The projects announced will bring fibre Internet to 16 rural communities in Manitoba. This will improve access to health care and other government services, support small businesses, and create new economic opportunities.” The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched the Broadband Fund in 2019 to help connect rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada. Funding from the CRTC Broadband Fund is contributed to by large Canadian telecommunications service providers and is not derived from taxpayers. This additional funding will aid WCG in building over 300 kilometres of transport fibre infrastructure, further expanding the availability of reliable and high-quality Internet service. “The ability to bring fibre-based technology to more communities can allow for improvements to communication capabilities. It enables businesses to grow and participate in the global economy and helps to improve essential services such as health care,” said Eagle J. (Bud) Keys, President and CEO of WCG. “High-speed Internet is essential to community growth and sustainability. As a local Manitoba Cooperative, we are dedicated to connecting the Manitoba area and would like to thank the Federal Government for their shared commitment to our goal." WCG services over 80 communities and will continue to ensure that under-served areas receive the connection typically reserved for major urban areas. To learn more about WCG and the services they offer, visit www.westmancom.com.