Westoba Credit Union (WCU) is proud to be recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers in 2023. The Manitoba’s Top Employer annual competition recognizes Manitoba employers that lead their industries in offering an exceptional employee experience and work environment. Westoba President and CEO, Jim Rediger credits the Westoba Board of Directors for creating policies and practices that enable Westoba to be a top employer. “This is an organizational achievement.” Said Rediger. “Our leaders bring the values, and positive culture of Westoba to work each day and empower our staff to constantly bring forward ideas and solutions to make our Credit Union the best it can be.” Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs and evaluated by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers using the same eight criteria as the national competition: Physical Workplace, Work Atmosphere and Social Atmosphere • Health, Financial and Family Benefits • Vacation and Time Off • Employee Communications • Performance Management & Training and Skills Development • Community Involvement VP of IT and Operational Excellence, Elizabeth Modersohn contributes Westoba’s values and culture for workplace satisfaction, “Organizational values and culture make a significant difference in job satisfaction.” Said Modersohn. “Staff have immense pride working for an organization that is community and purpose driven.” WCU offers family and life friendly policies such as hybrid work options, flexible work hours, phased in return to work for new parents, shortened work week with a formal earned days off program. WCU prioritizes staff professional growth and education and has a balanced variable reward system. Career opportunities can be found at westoba.com.

At the corner of 11th and Rosser for over 20 years Chicken Delight was a local favorite for many years. Earlier this week, Chick D shut the doors down on Feb 28th and is going to totally renovate the inside and outside for a new concept that has yet to be announced. Local resident Derek Sobkow was sad to hear the news.  "This was my goto for lunch with the buffets etc I am going to miss that place for sure". Chicken Delight started in Manitoba in 1958 in Portage.  Currently Chicken Delight has 17 Manitoba locations.

Heritage Co-op is pleased to announce the purchase of one Husky retail fuel site. This site, located in Brandon at 102 Rosser Ave, allows us to expand our reach in Brandon. “We are so proud to share this announcement today. As a Co-op, we are focused on investing in our communities and bringing value to our Members,” said Dennis Laing, General Manager, Heritage Co-op, “Adding this site to our fuel network signals our commitment to growing and serving our community for the long term.” This site was purchased from Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) as part of its agreement to acquire 171 Husky retail fuel sites from Cenovus Energy Inc., which was announced in November 2021. Heritage Co-op will officially take ownership of this site when the deal is expected to close on March 31. This fuel site will continue to operate under the Husky brand until it is re-branded as Co-op. Fast facts: My Husky Rewards members can still earn and redeem points on all applicable transactions at Husky-branded sites Husky Gift Cards can still be redeemed at any Husky-branded site as a form of payment, but can no longer be purchased Co-op Members will not be able to use their Co-op numbers at this new location until it is branded as Co-op. The first step in this process is to transfer ownership of this Husky site to our Co-op. The Husky retail site will continue to operate as Husky in the short term and Guests can expect the same products and services when they visit this site. Over time, this site will be converted to Co-op. We will update our Members and Guests in advance of that change taking place. Co-op Members also benefit from this acquisition. All local Co-op associations are owned by their Members. Over the last five years our Co-op returned more than $31.7 Million in patronage allocations to Members who shop at our locations. This is money that goes back into our communities. That is, and will continue to be, a strength of the Co-operative Retailing System. The acquisition will further support our Members and our communities. (Heritage Co-Op News Release)

Give back to your community and be one of the 100 Women Who Care! This year 100 Women Who Care is excited to be hosting The Golden Girls Wine & Cheese Mixer. Join us on Thursday, March 23rd from 5:00-7:00pm, at the Backyard on Aberdeen for a feel-good evening of giving! The goal for this event is to raise $10,000. All the money raised will be donated to the Women’s Resource Centre! The Women’s Resource Centre is a non-profit organization that provides a range of programs and services for women and their families in Southwestern Manitoba. While the organization is located in Brandon, Manitoba, they serve the entire Westman region. “This is an event created in partnership with the Brandon Area Community Foundation that not only brings the women of the community together for an evening of fellowship, but it also supports a great cause that is in dire need of assistance.  The Women’s Resource Centre has many programs that assist women affected by all manner of hardships and in recent years their resources have been stretched to the limit.  As such, we chose WRC as a worthy recipient of this reintroduction to the 100 Women Who Care initiative.  We anticipate that this event will be the first of many events to take place whether annually or more frequently and will be seeking feedback from the attendees regarding their preferences in that regard,” says Andrea Epp, Board Member of the Brandon Area Community Foundation. We ask that each woman who attends the event bring a donation of $50 - $100 (cash) to support the Women’s Resource Centre. We recognize that times have been challenging for some so please consider donating what is comfortable for you. Tickets are $10.00 (cash) and include entry to the event, a glass of wine, and a ballot for an amazing door prize. Tickets can be purchased (with cash) at; Brandon Area Community Foundation, Anytime Fitness, Epp Law Office, Aida’s Catering, and Natural Elements.

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 first round of application submissions March 1 - 31, 2023 for projects up to $30,000.00. "Thanks to our staff, members and communities, Westoba Credit Union is celebrating 60 successfulyears of business.” Said Jim Rediger, Westoba’s President, and CEO. “Giving back $60,000.00 through the Inspire program is a great opportunity to say thank you and for our communities to complete projects that will make a lasting impact in their areas; This support helps build strong and independent communities, which is at the heart of the credit union difference. 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 March 1st – 31st at www.westoba.com