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.

Get ready to pamper your four-legged companions like never before, as a new pet clothing store is setting up shop in the Shoppers Mall. Mila's Closet (Pet Fashions) will offer a wide range of fashionable and functional clothing and accessories, ensuring that your furry friends are not just cozy but also incredibly chic. "It's a temporary store...but if we do good we can extend depending on the reaction from the people" Carlos Munoz told bdnmb.ca. "It’s something I’m starting as we have 3 Yorkies and we love them and we spend lot of money on clothes for them" added Munoz. Mila's Closet will inventory an extensive collection of pet clothing for all seasons and occasions. Whether you're looking for a cozy sweater for chilly winter walks, a dapper bowtie for a special event, or a functional raincoat for those rainy days, you'll find it all here. The store also offers a variety of sizes (xs to 3xl) to ensure every pet, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, can dress to impress. While "Mila's Closet" will specialize in dog apparel, they haven't forgotten about our feline friends. You'll also find a selection of stylish outfits, harnesses, and accessories for cats as well. The store is planning on opening on the 25th of this month.

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.