Today BDNMB.CA traveled to 1625 – 1st Street to the home of a new local business; Weddings & Events by Crafty Abby.  We had the opportunity to speak with the owner Abby Wenger to get a better understanding of her business. She made a huge leap and turned her passion into a dream job. BDNMB.CA - How long have you been in business and in the location you are in now? Abby - We started the business last year, operating at home. as a part time business, as I just enjoy making arrangements. But we grew faster than expected and rented a small space on 18th street as a front showroom, but we outgrew the space in 2 months, and we are now in a bigger and better location 1625 1st street, more space for showroom, parking for clients and trailers for storage. We moved in our new location in Mid August. BDNMB.CA - What is your background ? Abby - I have the Personal Financial Planner designation, worked for a bank for 14 yrs, as Sr. Financial Advisor for Business. But I've always loved making pretty things, doing decorations, making flower arrangements, and planning an event. I was the President of the Filipino Community for 2 terms. Then I was planning on opening a flower shop when I retire from the bank. But fate had brought me to where I am, I'm so happy that I took the leap and made my passion into a real job, my dream job. BDNMB.CA - Do you have lots of local competition if so how is your business different than your competitors? Abby - I'd say there are few in town that have some decors, but majority of them are complimentary to what we have, and we worked well together. What separates us apart from others were that we are the very first that introduced several decors and arrangements like Flower Towers, Boho Towers, Head Table arrangements and Backdrop Florals, we are also known for our Boho Centrepieces, and bouquets.  Aside from decor rentals, we also make customizable bouquets and all kinds of flower decors using real pampas grass, and high quality silk flowers. Brides can rent floral bouquets for their bridesmaids if budget is tight. We've also introduced the Diamond Arch and flower wall which are very popular. Everything is customizable, basically we make the bride's vision come to life. We also offer decorations by request, if we don't have them we will make them or order them. We offer different kinds and colours of flowers, centrepieces, we also personalized Sign boards. Our prices are very reasonable, we get orders from other provinces as well. BDNMB.CA - Have you embraced technology to make your business more accessible to new and old customers. Abby - We have a website where clients can reach us, we use IG and FB for all of our marketing exposures, and majority of our clients came from word of mouth. Happy clients that have referred us to their friends. BDNMB.CA - What does it usually cost for your services ( on average ) Abby - Depending on the request and needs. Bridesmaids bouquets starts at $35 to $45, boutonnières are $15, however we always works with clients budget and can adjust the floral requirements and style according to what they would like. We have every decors for every bride, from a tight budget to a glam wedding! We basically have everything except table cloths and napkins. We also offer set up  and take down services, we've recently travelled outside MB to do a 3-day wedding. We also offer shipping, and have done several events in surrounding areas of Brandon. You can see her photos and services by clicking on: https://www.facebook.com/weddingsbycraftyabby https://weddingsbycraftyabby.com/

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.