Located at 1-758-10th Street, Mr. Ride Taxi Service is now taking calls for service. They currently have a fleet of four vehicles, including two 6-passenger vans. The owner of Mr. Ride Taxi Service had previously driven cabs in Brandon for over 5-years before venturing out on his own. Using experienced drivers, the company will offer taxi services in the City of Brandon, and to and from the towns and cities in the prairie region. One unique aspect they are offering is a $10 flat rate fee, from point A to point B with no stops, anywhere in the City of Brandon. Corporate rates are also available and the plan is to add additional vehicles in the near future. Open 24-hours. To book a ride please call 204-571-1111.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) has been conferred the 2022 Cooperative Achievement Award by the Manitoba Cooperative Association (MCA). The award recognizes organizations in Manitoba that have implemented projects and ventures embodying cooperative values and principles that benefit their members and communities. The awardee’s achievement must be apparent within the last 10 years and have already demonstrated recognizable benefits to the members and community. “The Manitoba Cooperative Association honours co-ops and co-operators annually through our Awards Program. In 2022, we are presenting Westman Communications Group with our Cooperative Achievement Award. This award recognizes cooperatives that embody the seven international cooperative principles,” said Vera Goussaert, Executive Director of the Manitoba Cooperative Association. “WCG plays a vital role linking their members to essential services in large and small communities of Western Manitoba. WCG members benefit from their cooperative playing an active role in their communities and supporting local initiatives. MCA is pleased to be able to recognize the achievements of Westman Communications Group and all that they contribute to Manitobans.” WCG has grown from a small cooperative serving Brandon with their cable TV services in 1977 into a bona fide telecommunications company serving 57 communities with High-Speed Internet, Digital HD TV and Phone services. Over the years, WCG has expanded their footprint into unserved and underserved areas of Manitoba, connecting them through their essential digital services. The company has demonstrated their commitment to giving back and playing a big part in community-building by institutionalizing programs to help raise funds for local charities and initiatives through the #ConnectingWestman Funding Program, the #ConnectingWestman Tour, Westman Award of Excellence Scholarship, and providing monetary and non-monetary support to community pillars such as learning institutions, including Assiniboine Community College and Brandon University. “The seven cooperative principles are extremely important to us [at WCG]. It makes us different from other providers in the market,” explains Bud Keys, Interim President and CEO of Westman Communications Group. “Our focus is on our members and providing exceptional service to them while at the same time being leading-edge in terms of the technology we provide. The people we’d like to thank certainly are our members; without [them], we would not [have been able to expand] our services to new communities and continue to improve the [services we offer].” For more information on how Westman Communications Group engages with and impacts the communities they serve, follow WCG on social media or head to westmancom.com/personal/community-engagement.

Brandon's newest retail option, a Dollarama dollar store outlet, recently opened in the city. The store, located at A1-3409 Victoria Ave, is the city's fourth Dollorama location. The Montreal-based company founded in 1992 is Canada’s largest dollar store chain, with over 1,400 stores across the country.  Dollarama offers a broad assortment of everyday consumer products, general merchandise and seasonal items.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) is pleased to announce that its #ConnectingWestman Funding Program is now open to accept applications. The company established the Program in May 2021 and has provided several sponsorship grants to local charities, organizations and initiatives to support meaningful initiatives in their communities. This year, WCG is inviting elementary and secondary schools from any of the 57 communities the company currently serves that have initiatives to improve their students’ learning experiences, existing programs or facilities to apply for funding support through the #ConnectingWestman Funding Program. All applications should be submitted through the online form on the company website no later than November 30, 2022. “It is WCG’s social responsibility to give back to our communities. We are proud and honoured to have the opportunity to support and fund impactful initiatives important to their development,” explains Courtney Baxter, Westman Communications Group Marketing Manager. “This year, we wanted to focus on our youth and to improve their learning experience by funding some of their schools’ key programs.” For more information on how to apply for sponsorship grants and to keep up to date on the #ConnectingWestman Funding Program, follow WCG on social media or head to westmancom.com/connectingwestman-funding.

Fusion Credit Union launched Community Infusion in 2021, an initiative designed to promote economic development and entrepreneurship in their communities. Fusion’s Business Development Manager Mike Csversko explains, “Community Infusion stems from the belief that economic development is the foundation behind thriving communities. With community impact being a strategic priority for Fusion, the idea of a business competition to help grow local commerce was a natural fit.” Through the annual Community Infusion competition, current and aspiring business owners can apply to share in up to $30,000 towards a new business idea, an expanding business idea, or the purchase or improvement of an existing business. This year, Fusion received 17 submissions from entrepreneurs across their 18 communities, and the four finalists participated in the live event in Russell MB on October 4, 2022. The 2nd Annual 2022 Community Infusion finalists included Fierce Female Hockey Camp, Moonlit Canopy, Dauphin Lake Rentals, and Modern Mini and Me online store. With over 85 audience members in attendance, the four businesses pitched their idea to the Fusion panel of judges, and the $30,000 was awarded! Fusion is pleased to announce that Fierce Female Hockey Camp won first place and was awarded $20,000. Moonlit Canopy came in second place and won $5,000, and Dauphin Lake Rentals and Modern Mini and Me each won $2,500. Darwin Johns, CEO of Fusion Credit Union, was on hand to award the prizes and said, “The joy on our winners faces tonight is an excellent reminder of how important it is to offer these opportunities. The Community Infusion event is another great example of just how much incredible entrepreneurial spirit lives in rural Manitoba”. Melissa Rushton, Fusion’s Director of Credit Risk who acted as a judge at the event, commented, “It was not an easy decision to make, as we had so many fantastic entrepreneurs share their journey and aspirations with us. Community Infusion provides a platform for great ideas to come to life, and we have no doubt Amy Doerksen and the Fierce Female Hockey group will do amazing things with this prize money”. Congratulations to all winners and participants! Fusion is proud to partner with entrepreneurs to help enrich and grow communities across Manitoba.