Westman Communications Group (WCG) announced its latest endeavour in environmental responsibility with a donation of $10,000 to the Assiniboine West Watershed District (AWWD). This donation was a part of WCG’s initiative to offer its annual report in a digital format, reflecting WCG’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact while giving back to the community. “We are proud to continue our efforts in environmental stewardship through initiatives such as our tree-planting partnership with the Assiniboine West Watershed District,” said WCG’s Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “This initiative underscores WCG’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement, reflecting our values as an organization.” In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, WCG unveiled digital annual reports in October 2023. Members switching to digital reports were eligible for a draw, offering a chance to win free WCG services for a year. Furthermore, WCG committed to an eco-conscious pledge: for each member opting for digital reports, the company would finance the planting of a tree. This initiative, capped at a $10,000 donation, was carried out in collaboration with AWWD. hrough this partnership, numerous trees have been planted across the Westman region, enhancing local ecosystems and supporting crucial shelterbelt projects. WCG is proud to contribute to the region's environmental health and sustainability through these efforts. “Our mission at AWWD is to assist and educate watershed stakeholders to identify and implement programs that protect and enhance resources for generations,” said Regional Manager Lance Routledge. “With the grateful support of WCG, our vision to create a health resilient watershed by planting trees, ensures a long-lasting and far-reaching benefit to our communities.”

Westman Communications Group (WCG) and Rionet jointly announced WCG's acquisition of Rionet's wireless and fibre networks. Rionet is a Dauphin-based communications company that was started in 2009 by Jarett Robak.. "We have been proud partners with Jarett Robak at Rionet for over 14 years, working together to provide the best services to his customers," said E.J. (Bud) Keys, WCG's President and CEO." Adding Rionet wireless and fibre networks to our portfolio was a natural progression for WCG, reflecting our shared commitment to quality and reliability." A business born out of necessity, Rionet has been working for 15 years to improve wireless services and connectivity in rural Manitoba; a mindset echoed by WCG. This acquisition will allow WCG to operate the wireless and fibre networks in the Parkland region while completing the planned fibre builds for Dauphin Beach and adjacent communities. "We are excited to maintain this long-standing relationship with Jarett and Rionet," added Keys. "I look forward to collaborating on future construction projects to better serve our customers." Acquiring Rionet wireless and fibre networks reflects the WCG cooperative's focus on providing and future-proofing advanced communication services and enabling a better "digital quality of life" for residents and businesses outside major urban centres. "Our company has strived to offer quality internet to the communities of Grandview, Gilbert Plains, Dauphin and nearby regions," said Rionet Owner Jarett Robak. "We are very excited that WCG, a cooperative with a strong community focus, will continue to advance these services. Our team looks forward to supporting WCG's mission to expand and improve services across the Parkland region. A big thank you to all our customers for their support over the years."

Sunrise Credit Union's 2024 Our Manitoba Photo Contest winner is Corinne Einarsson of Arborg. A panel of Sunrise staff selected Einarsson's photo ‘The Old Train Station’ as one of the 30 finalists from approximately 433 entries for this year's contest. Sunrise held a week-long public vote on the 30 finalists in April through the ourmanitoba.org website, with Einarsson's photo garnering the majority vote and claiming the top spot. Einarsson was exploring the town of Riverton in mid-July, with her camera in hand, and pulled up to the old train station as the rain clouds were rolling in. “It just looked so picture perfect – I had to stop. I’m glad I did it,” said Einarsson. Being crowned the winner of the 2024 edition of the Our Manitoba Photo Contest is a dream come true says Einarsson, “It’s an incredible feeling my photo resonated with the judges and audience. I am so grateful and humbled by this recognition. It means the world to me. I’m ecstatic and proud. Love you all.” Einarsson is proud to have captured the spirit of Manitoba, a province that honours the past, present and future in her winning photo. Photography is an outlet for Einarsson to preserve memories and tell stories. “When I am out and about, I love to capture the beauty around the Interlake area of the old and new. I usually never leave home without my camera,” says Einarsson. All 13 finalists will receive a canvas print of the winning photograph, be featured in the 2025 Sunrise Credit Union calendar, and have appeared on Sunrise Credit Union's branch TVs and social media channels. In addition, Einarsson earned the Grand Prize of a $500 One-Year Term Deposit from Sunrise Credit Union. 2024 marked the 12th edition of the Our Manitoba Photo Contest. Einarsson was revealed as the winner of the grand prize on Sunday May 12, which coincided with Manitoba Day.

A culinary oasis is set to tantalize taste buds and ignite food enthusiasts' passions. Chicken by Kanwal, the latest addition to the city's vibrant dining scene, is poised to redefine the takeout/delivery experience with its opening on Sunday, May 12. From sumptuous appetizers to decadent desserts, their menu is a symphony of flavors designed to cater to every palate. Indulge in the soft succulent taste explosion of their signature Charga Chicken, savor the delicate balance of spices in their Chicken Samosas, or embark on a culinary adventure with their Pizza Paratha. Chicken by Kanwal is located at 934 Rosser Ave in Brandon. For additional information on this restaurant please visit their Facebook page here.

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2024 Business Achievement Awards (141st annual) at their Annual Awards Gala Thursday evening, in an event held at the Keystone Centre. Business Person of the Year: Carla Milne, MNP Business Excellence (Large):  The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre Business Excellence (Small): Resurrection Tint & Auto-Detailing Outstanding New Business: Circle B Fitness Community Impact Individual: Glen Parker Lifetime Business Builder: Ben Hernandez, Benny’s Restaurant and Catering Services Young Entrepreneur Award: Pinnacle Event Rentals and Limitless Events Westman’s Top 4 Under 4: Megan Foster, Mosaic Engagement; Mayur Nankar, West Fit; Katie Peters, Alair Homes Brandon; Kim Magalhaes, Westman Communications Group Community Impact Business: Kuipers Family Bakery “Being nominated for Westman’s Top 4 under 40 award is an incredible honour, one that I share with my colleagues, mentors, family, and friends whose encouragement and support have been integral to my journey,” said Kim Magalhaes. “I am deeply grateful for this recognition and humbled to be considered among such talented individuals. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to continue making a positive impact and am truly thankful forthis acknowledgement.” The “awards recognize, celebrate and profile the accomplishments of member businesses and individuals” each year.