Westman Communications Group (WCG), a local, member-owned cooperative providing premium telecommunication services to communities across the province of Manitoba, is poised to launch a new era of Internet for its customers. Starting in January 2025, the cooperative will refresh its Internet name from “XSTREAM” to “Connect” Internet, upgrading the speed of every Internet plan, with select communities having multi-gig service available at launch. WCG is also introducing an expanded selection of features in its newly rebranded WCG Connect Wi-Fi app. Over the past year, WCG has made tremendous investments in infrastructure upgrades and is excited to usher in a new era of Internet that will bring faster speeds and more reliable Internet services to its customers. Members can expect upgraded Internet speeds up to four times faster than they currently have, multi-gig options, revamped Internet packages, expansive new features for the app, including safe search, content restrictions, parental alerts, security, and security alarm features for an overall improved connected experience. Connect Internet embodies the core of what WCG stands for: connecting individuals, families, loved ones, and communities across Manitoba. No matter how members choose to use their Internet—for streaming, gaming, working, or staying in touch—WCG is dedicated to providing faster speeds and multi-gig options. With more devices in Manitoba households every year, WCG understands the need for higher download speeds. As a local choice for fast, affordable Internet services, WCG is proud to offer customers connectivity that keeps up with the demands of today’s technology. WCG customers can expect faster Internet in January, with multi-gig availability coming soon. For more information about Westman Communications Group and its services, visit https://westmancom.com.

We are proud to announce that nearly $37,000 will be disbursed through this fall’s Building Communities Grant Program, a testament to Sunrise Credit Union's commitment to supporting impactful projects in communities. For this fall's program, we meticulously reviewed close to 50 applications, ensuring that four deserving projects, each representing a diverse aspect of our community, were selected for funding based on the criteria outlined in the guidelines. "The Building Communities Grant Program continues to be a resounding success, supporting a varied range of community organizations and initiatives in the areas Sunrise Credit Union serves," said CEO/President Tim Klassen, "We're especially pleased with the diversity of this fall's recipients, supporting mental health and wellness for youth and seniors, assisting with new construction of a new community amenity and honouring our historic past." The Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association will receive a $16,000 grant to help develop school mental health resource libraries in seven Sunrise Credit Union communities: Boissevain, Deloraine, Hartney, Melita, Reston, Virden, and Waskada. The resource library will have age-appropriate and professionally reviewed, sourced, and supported literature via paper and online books, wellness activities, and mental health content, including directories for available support through local, provincial, and national services and programs. The Deloraine Agricultural Society 'Share the Shed' project will receive a $12,500 grant. The project will see the construction of an open-sided shed at the fairgrounds. It will be used to host many events such as poker, bands, cornhole, and other entertainment. The structure would benefit the Deloraine Ag Society and other organizations within Deloraine. A grant of $5,318 will allow the Pipestone Memorial Park Committee to complete its fundraising goal and finish its project. The project, which has revitalized a vacant lot into an attractive, inclusive green space, is a testament to the program's contribution to community development. The park's centrepiece, the cenotaph, symbolizes the community's commitment to preserving history. The Cypress River Senior Centre is currently undergoing updates, and a $3,000 grant will assist with these renovations. Specifically, the grant will cover the cost of replacing the Centre's baseboard heaters and the related electrical work, demonstrating the program's support for community facilities. Since its launch in the fall of 2024, the Building Communities Grant Program has contributed $131,318 to 11 projects and initiatives, each significantly impacting and enriching our community. The next intake period for the program will be in the spring of 2025, offering more opportunities to inspire and shape our community's future.

Photo: McDonald's Canada McDonald's Canada is excited to announce two mouthwatering additions to our expanded McValue® Menu: the new Cheeseburger Deluxe and the Sweet Chili Junior Chicken Sandwich.  The McValue Menu includes a wide variety of menu items that are offered for under $4 (plus taxes), every single day.  It also makes it easier for our guests to find affordable options on our menu.  After all, McDonald's has always been where people find great-tasting, affordable food. What’s new? The Sweet Chili Junior Chicken sandwich, which was first introduced on the McDonald’s Canada menu earlier this year and has since become a fan favourite, is officially joining the McValue Menu. The sandwich is a sweet take on our iconic Junior Chicken sandwich. Also joining the line-up on our McValue Menu is the Cheeseburger Deluxe. Made with 100% Canadian beef and served with fresh shredded lettuce, tomato, and a mayo style sauce, this newest addition to our menu takes our traditional cheeseburger to the next level. Formerly known as McPicks®, we also offer the McValue Meal Small Combo at just $5.79 plus tax. This includes a small soft Fountain Drink, small Fries, and a choice of a Junior Chicken sandwich, McDouble® or, our newest addition, a Chicken Snack Wrap®. What about breakfast? Of course, no McValue Menu could be complete without breakfast. Favourites such as the beloved Sausage McMuffin® and Breakfast Burrito, are guaranteed to be under $4 each plus tax whether you dine in or hit the Drive-Thru. And, coffee lovers can order a small McCafé Premium Roast Coffee to start every morning off right, for just $1 (plus tax).

Pictured L to R: Frank McGwire (Media Relations Director, WTCD), Vicki Davis (Westoba Credit Union), Jamie Antonation (Compass Credit Union), Heather Merckx (Sunrise Credit Union), Kyle Enns (Fusion Credit Union.) As preparations for the 39th annual Westman and Area Traditional Christmas Dinner continue, the organizing committee has some wonderful news to share. One of the main ingredients of the meal to be served is turkey. Over the years, the number of meals served at the dinner has increased to 3000! That requires well over 100 turkeys to be cooked and carved. This year’s turkey budget will now be covered thanks to sponsorship by the Credit Unions in Brandon. "Sunrise Credit Union is thrilled to partner up with our fellow Brandon-based credit unions to once again make the Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner a resounding success in 2024," said Heather Merckx, Marketing Manager for Sunrise Credit Union. To make their sponsorship official, representatives from each Brandon Credit Union met at the venue where the dinner will be served. “This Dinner is a cornerstone of the community, creating a festive ambiance, a familial bond, and a delightful Christmas meal setting. We want everyone to feel the love and importance of this Christmas," said Merckx. Since 1985 The Traditional Christmas Dinner has been offering fellowship and a meal on Christmas Day to those who may otherwise go without. “It’s that one day of the year that means so much to so many. The effort our group puts forth exemplifies the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. For some that may mean opening presents. To us it means opening our hearts as we prepare for yet another Christmas Dinner,” said WTCD Board Chair Gladden Smith. A major part of preparations for the dinner includes finding sponsors and garnering support. “Without this kind of support from the Brandon Credit Unions we may not be able to continue this tradition, we are grateful for their support,” Smith said. Serving times for the 2024 edition of the WTCD will be from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the MNP Hall at the Keystone Centre. Meal deliveries will also run from noon until 4 p.m. however, all meal deliveries must be ordered by December 23rd at 6 p.m. To order your meal call the WTCD office at 204-728-7987. Only one meal per person please. For more information visit our website www.traditionalchristmasdinner.ca or visit our Facebook page here.

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.