– Westman Communications Group (WCG) recently announced that its annual Connecting Westman Tour is visiting five communities this year. The Tour made a successful comeback last year after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 health restrictions. WCG staff will hit the highway this summer, making five community stops. The Tour will kick off in Swan River on May 25 before heading to Onanole on June 22, Melita on July 20, Carberry on July 27, and wrapping up in St. Claude on August 24. “The Connecting Westman Tour is an initiative that raises funds together with the community to benefit a local cause and is something that we knew we wanted to make an annual event,” said Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “The warm welcome that we received and the success of our comeback Tour last year proved that this was something our communities really enjoyed and that we could carry on for years to come.” “We are proud to support local and make an impact in the communities we serve,” explained Crowe. “Being able to go to different communities each year with the Connecting Westman Tour makes us feel more connected to our members and the local fundraising causes that matter to them.” Last year’s Connecting Westman Tour took WCG to Minnedosa, Dauphin, Neepawa and Roblin. With these communities’ support, over $13,000 was raised for local charities, including the Minnedosa and Area Food Bank, Under One Roof, Cats TNR & Rescue, and the Roblin Playgrounds Revitalization Project. To keep up to date on the 2023 Connecting Westman Tour, follow WCG on social media or head to westmancom.com/connectingwestman-tour.

The Mobile Tech Lab has opened in the Corral Centre. Featuring everything from iPhones - iPads - Android products. In addition, repairs and service to most mobile phones plus gaming units and the sales of accessories. Hours of operation are from 10 am - 6 pm. Check them out at https://shop.mobiletechlab.ca/

Today, Sephora Canada announced the highly-anticipated opening of a brand new Sephora retail location at Shoppers Mall Shopping Centre on April 6th, 2023, the retailer’s very first store in Brandon.  This opening marks the retailer’s 5th store location in Manitoba, extending Sephora’s total store count to 102 stores across Canada. Ranging 4928 square feet of prime retail space, Sephora Shoppers Mall is a true beauty wonderland. Looking for something in particular, or just keen to explore? Sephora's expert beauty advisors are available to help with all your beauty needs and questions as you explore the retailer's impressive assortment of makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrances and more! With exclusive brands, Beauty Insider rewards, a number of in-store services, and so much more to discover, there is truly something for everyone at Sephora Shoppers Mall.

HAMIOTA - At Fusion Credit Union, we help our members live their best lives. We commit to ensuring our members and communities remain at the center of every policy, decision, and action we undertake. In alignment with our purpose and mission, we are pleased to announce our investment in the Government of Canada’s new Venture Capital Fund, the Manitoba First Fund. This Venture Capital Fund was originally announced in 2022 by the Government of Manitoba, with the aim of ensuring Manitoba businesses have the access to capital they need, without having to leave the province. The government initially invested $50 Million last fall, with an additional $50 Million announced this week. The Venture Capital Fund has attracted additional support from private sectors, including Fusion and four additional Manitoba Credit Unions, to help grow the capital available to Manitoba businesses. “We are proud to partner with Access Credit Union, Sunrise Credit Union, and Stride Credit Union on this initiative. Manitoba business owners are our members, their success is the success of our communities and ultimately, our provincial economy,” says Darwin Johns, CEO of Fusion Credit Union. “At Fusion, we look forward to the opportunities the Manitoba First Fund will bring to Manitobans, as well as future generations of entrepreneurs. We are invested in our local economy and we support innovation across the province. We look forward to working with our credit unions partners on this new venture,” says Johns. For more information on the Manitoba First Fund please visit: Province of Manitoba | News Releases | Budget 2023 Provides $50 Million in New Capital for Manitoba First Fund (gov.mb.ca)

Growers n’ Smokers (1150A 19th St.) posted a message on their Facebook page that they would be closing their doors. Owner Rick Macl indicated that what he will miss most about operating the store is the people and the conversations of the past 6-years. The entire Facebook post can be viewed here.