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.

The Wellness Clinic Brandon (The Wellness Clinic), a new clinic focused on providing women’s health resources and family-wide mental health services, will open its doors and welcome new clients on November 1st, 2022. Their Brandon clinic address is Unit 2-1711 Kirkcaldy Drive. The vision for the clinic was conceived by two local, Brandon-based professionals in the healthcare field: Dr. Alise Gaiser-Edwards, MD CCFP, and Jenn Sherb, Registered Therapist and Social Worker. Although they come from different clinical backgrounds, they share a passion for women’s health and mental health. Through their combined 20+ years of experience in health care, they recognize the massive gaps in women's health. From this, the concept of a holistic women's health clinic was born. After months of planning and preparation, they look forward to seeing that vision become a reality next month. “I’ve always had a passion for women’s health,” said Gaiser-Edwards. “As a family physician with a largely female-based practice, my love for medicine, women's wellness, and empowerment came together. I recognize that medicine is only able to treat the physical aspect of wellness, which is why we have handpicked such a wonderful interdisciplinary team. Women face unique health concerns and will benefit from having access to a full team of professionals who understand these issues.” Gaiser-Edwards has been practicing in Brandon for over six years. A few years ago, she opened her gynecology and breastfeeding clinics, as well as a teen clinic at Sioux Valley high school, which until that point, was the only high school in Westman without a clinic on-site that teens could rely on for health support. A lot of people aren’t receiving the support they need around physical and mental health,” adds Sherb. “We both recognize the gaps in our specialties, and while we may not be able to close those gaps entirely, we’re looking forward to bringing a team together that can support both family wellness and several aspects of women’s mental and physical well-being.” Sherb opened a counselling and wellness centre, Jenn Sherb Wellness, in 2019. While Sherb will not be operating Jenn Sherb Wellness in tandem with the clinic, she will continue to offer counselling services for her current and future clients at The Wellness Clinic. With a strong focus on community, their wellness team will work to bring together groups with common health and wellness needs, providing specialty programs and courses in areas that include sexual and reproductive health, health at every size, and mental health. The clinic offers sufficient parking, a spacious front lobby with self-check-in options, and discrete and comfortable rooms where clients can meet with practitioners from various fields based on their health needs. The interdisciplinary team at The Wellness Clinic includes physicians, nursing, counsellors, registered dieticians, physiotherapists, yoga instructors, and meditation and mindfulness teachers. Women can receive specialized care for: ● Prenatal and Postpartum Care ● Primary Care Obstetrical Deliveries ● Infertility ● Miscarriage Care (1 in 4 pregnancies result in miscarriage) ● Sexual Health ● Menstrual Concerns ● Pap Clinics ● Menopause ● Eating Disorders ● Breastfeeding Support Mental Health Services offered at The Wellness Clinic include: ● Couples Counselling/Relationship Counselling ● Family Counselling ● Individual Counselling ● Child and Adolescent Counselling ● Mediation Services ● Parent Coaching and Parent Coordination ● Perinatal Mental Health If you are interested in any of the services above or wish to sign up for the client waitlist, visit www.wellnessclinicbrandon.ca. Those that join the waitlist will receive an email or a call before the opening date to complete their appointment booking. (submitted reelease)

After almost 40 years in business in Brandon Engraving Memories by Lorna enters a new era.  Drew Blight is in the process to take this business to the next level.   He is creating a website and online store to accept orders world wide. Locally Drew said he can push through last minute orders within 48 hours if need be. Some of the most popular items that they will customize for staff events - grads - weddings - birthdays and corporate business are tumblers (glass wear) – Yeti mugs – jewellery – and plaques. Blight said the machine they use is worth over $40,000 dollars and would be one of the best in Manitoba. Contact for Engraving Memories by Lorna. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EngravingMemoriresbyLorna Drew Blight Cell 204 720 8996  

Shoppers Mall is happy to announce that Sephora will be opening a 5,000 square foot retail store at our centre soon. Their new store will be located in front of Bell MTS. Sephora features its own SEPHORA COLLECTION line of products, as well as more than 340 beauty brands, including Tatcha, Olaplex, Briogeo, Rare Beauty, and Maison Margiela. The retailer’s on-site beauty advisors will guide clients through a broad assortment of makeup, skin care, hair care and fragrances at every price point. This is the fourth Sephora location to open in Manitoba, and the first to be located outside of Winnipeg. Keep an eye out on the Shoppers Mal social media for their grand opening date.

Have you ever taken a bite of something so delicious that you thought to yourself, “I have to tell someone about this!”  A recent visit to BIGG SMOAK BBQ in Steinbach (375 N Front Drive) had us saying just that. The starter wings were about as good a buffalo wing one could have, and the quality of the food escalated from there. Tender fall of the bone ribs and a juicy melt in your mouth brisket had the three of us individually placing additional takeout orders for the next day. The sides were equally impressive including a very cheesy mac-n-cheese and some tangy baked beans. The restaurant is one of those "out of the way" places that food lovers from Brandon and the Westman area MUST try. The pitmaster creates BBQ magic with every low-and-slow smoked dish, served piping hot to your table. The extensive menu has a little bit of something for everyone including pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, smoked chicken, and their certified angus beef brisket. Prior to the main course, be sure to try one of their innovative appetizers like the BIGG Dirty Skins (loaded with mac-n-cheese, Texas brisket, onion tanglers and a bold BBQ sauce. Traveling with the family, they have you covered. A number of salads, burgers, entrees and pizza is also available.