NorthStar Insurance & Real Estate is pleased to announce the opening of a new insurance office in Brandon, Manitoba. The new location is now open for business, offering personal, leisure, business/commercial and agriculture insurance to Brandon and surrounding communities. We re excited to expand our operations to this vibrant, growing city, states Marlene Heise, Director of Wealth and Insurance Services at Fusion Credit Union. The welcoming culture, combined with the opportunities for growth and expansion is what attracted us to the community. We knew this progressive city would be the perfect fit for our growing organization. Operating by the tag line Steady and True, NorthStar currently offers insurance services in the communities of Roblin, Rossburn, Birtle and Erickson. Building on the reputation gained in these communities, the insurance company is well positioned to deliver exceptional service and advice in the Brandon market. The opening of our Brandon office will support our goal of helping our communities thrive and grow, says Brian Currie, Manager of Insurance Services at NorthStar. Even though NorthStar has been operating in several communities throughout Westman and Parkland, Brandon will now have local staff dedicated to local needs. Our clients now have the convenience of making payments and having their questions answered, right at our Brandon office. The office is conveniently located beside their partner agency, Fusion Credit Union, at Unit E-1212 18th Street in Brandon. The office is open and Insurance Broker, Marley Enns, is available to offer assistance with insurance needs for personal, business and farm purposes. The public is invited to stop by and take a tour of the new office.

Canada’s largest specialty coffee retailer, Second Cup Coffee Co.TM will be opening a location (2106 Currie Blvd) in Brandon in the not to distant feature. The company started in 1975 and now has more than 300 cafe's across the country, including four in Winnipeg. They carry a full line of hot and cold beverages as well as a variety of baked goods and breakfast options. In conversation with bdnmb.ca earlier today, ownership said the construction is ongoing and they were hoping for a mid-late October opening. In addition to the Second Cup Coffee Co.TM location, we also learned that a second business (Chocolato) would be opening a franchise at the same address. Chocolato is best identified as "a chocolate factory paired with an ice cream parlor". The menu includes a selection of soft ice cream, gelato, Royal Sundaes, dessert pizza's, waffles, fondues and hot drinks. They have been in operation in Canada since 2015. Chocolato is set to open at the same time Second Cup Coffee opens and the two businesses are expected to employ 16-20 full and part time employees.

Torrid, which specializes in apparel and intimates for women sizes 10 to 30, will be opening a location in the Shoppers Mall this fall. The announcement was made recently on the Shoppers Mall Facebook page. Tops, bottoms, dresses, intimates, activewear, footwear, jackets, and accessories are among the many items carried by the retailer. Torrid opened their first Canadian store in Toronto in September of 2015.

Westoba is celebrating 60 years of success in business. To show appreciation to their members and their communities, they are giving away $60,000.00 through Westoba Inspire in 2023. Westoba Inspire, Westoba Credit Unions' community investment program will open its second round of application submissions, September 1 – 30, 2023 for projects up to $30,000.00. "We are having an exciting year showing our appreciation to our members and our communities for 60 successful years of business,” said Jim Rediger, Westoba’s President, and CEO. “On top of the 700 hours of volunteer time our staff has given already this year, we are giving back $60,000.00. The Inspire program is a great opportunity for our communities to complete projects that will make a lasting impact in their areas, and I encourage organizations to apply.” “This support helps build strong and independent communities, which is at the heart of the credit union difference.” Said Rediger. Applicants must be a non-profit, charitable, or community organization or have a charitable fiscal agent to act on their behalf. Applications are reviewed by Westoba’s Community Investment Committee which includes staff, member, and Board representation. Successful applications are chosen based on their ability to align with Westoba’s goal to support community infrastructure. HOW TO APPLY to Westoba Inspire Applications will be accepted through an online application form available September 1 – 30 at www.westoba.com.

Our never-ending quest to introduce our readers to the very best rural dining options this time takes us to Neepawa. Rotor's Bakery in Neepawa (337 Mountain Ave) has been open for around four years serving not only pizza but also an array of Filipino Bakery items and treats like Pande Pao, Pande Cocoa, Creamy Leche Plan, Milky Loaf Bread, BITSO Bitso and more. The ultra-filling pizza is made fresh to order and at a really good price point. A large Canadian Choice pizza (pepperoni, mushroom, bacon) only set us back $19.95. As for the pizza itself, they are not shy with the toppings and sauce on the pizza and the dough is soft, relatively light in the middle with a nice crunchy crust.  The family-run business takes pride in their products and the results speak for themselves. Rotor’s Bakery & Pizzeria Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Rtor.25/ Please note there is no on-site dining, so you must purchase the pizza to go. Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday CLOSED