The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Olivia Boyce as the new General Manager, effective September 23, 2024. Olivia is transitioning from her successful role in our Membership department, where she developed strong relationships and gained valuable insights into our members’ needs. This experience provides her with a head start in understanding the chamber landscape and the community we serve. As we prepare for this leadership change, there will be a transition period with our current General Manager, Connor Ketchen, which allows us to fill the Membership role and support Olivia as she adapts to her new responsibilities. This collective approach will ensure a smooth transition and continued support for our members. With a recently completed MBA in Community Economic Development, Olivia is well-equipped to lead our organization into its next chapter. Her leadership will be pivotal in driving initiatives that support local businesses and foster economic growth in the region. Olivia is excited to engage with our members and the community, working collaboratively to create a vibrant economic landscape.

Since forming in 2008, Sunrise Credit Union has prioritized supporting community groups, organizations, sports teams, and events. This commitment is a collective effort, with each of Sunrise Credit Union's 19 branches hosting at least one fundraising event annually. The money raised from these events is a testament to the unity and involvement of our community. It is donated to a worthwhile group, organization, or cause in their community. In the spring and summer of 2024, Sunrise Credit Union branches held 26 events. With the generous support of our community, $27,893.89 was raised. These funds were donated to community groups and organizations, a testament to the value we place on our community's support. "We are incredibly fortunate to be able to support local organizations that do so much for our communities," said Sunrise Credit Union president and CEO Tim Klassen, "We applaud the time and effort by our staff in our communities to hold these fundraising events and to the members of their various communities for supporting these initiatives." Sunrise Credit Union contributes more than $325,000 annually toward community donations, sponsorships and scholarships and looks forward to helping more community organizations through additional branch fundraising throughout the year. This collection of efforts shows what being part of our communities is all about. Below is a breakdown of funds raised and the organizations that benefited from our commitment to our communities. Organization Benefitting Branch Amount Minnedosa Museum & Heritage Village Minnedosa $252.00 Ste. Rose Fitness Center Ste. Rose $1,100.00 Parkland Humane Society Grandview $1,390.00 Canada Day Committee Minnedosa $300.00 Holland Elementary School Breakfast Program Holland $1,850.35 Baldur Care Home (BBQ & Raffle) Baldur $3,290.24 Cypress River Memorial Hall Renovations Cypress River $1,832.50 Deloraine Minor Ball Association Deloraine $1,800.00 Waskada Community Foods (BBQ) Waskada $1,200.00 Waskada Lions Club (Raffle) Waskada $1,730.00 Hartney Fair Grounds Hartney $2,000.00 Erickson & Area Food Bank Sandy Lake $393.80 Sandy Lake Swim Program Sandy Lake $465.00 Fun Fest Committee Minnedosa $283.00 Boissevain School Playground Project Boissevain* $914.00 Virden Costume Closet Virden $2,000.00 Treherne Aquatic Centre (Swim Day) Treherne $684.00 Strathclair Fire Department Strathclair $1,004.00 Melita Fire Department Melita $2,000.00 Oakburn Community Hall Shoal Lake $1,005.00 Minnedosa Youth Drop-In Centre Minnedosa $512.00 Pipestone Memorial Park (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60 Pipestone Fun Days (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60 Seniors Helping Hands (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60 Reston Willowview Palliative Care (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60 2025 Pipestone Homecoming (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60

The Trans Canada Brewing Company has announced plans to open a new location in Brandon, Manitoba, in the spring of 2026.  The announcement was made via their official Facebook page, where they shared excitement about bringing their wide range of craft beers to a new audience. The new Brandon location will feature a taproom where customers can enjoy freshly brewed beers, along with their famous pizza and a welcoming atmosphere that mirrors the vibe of their flagship location in Winnipeg. The company aims to create a community space where beer lovers can gather, explore new flavors, and enjoy special events. The Brandon location (105 Middleton Ave, old Barneys Motel) will further solidifying Trans Canada Brewing Company’s status as a leader in the regional craft brewing industry.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trans Canada Brewing Company (@transcanadabeer)

Brandon residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy a fresh sushi experience, as Sushi Sama, a popular sushi chain, is set to open a new location inside the Shoppers Mall in the fall of 2024. Known for its high-quality ingredients, delicious flavors, and affordable prices, Sushi Sama has built a reputation for offering a wide range of sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes that appeal to both sushi enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Sushi Sama offers an extensive menu, including classics such as California rolls, salmon nigiri, tempura shrimp, and more creative options like specialty rolls and vegetarian choices. Alongside sushi, customers can expect to find Japanese staples such as miso soup, gyoza, and seaweed salad. With Brandon’s growing demand for diverse dining options, Sushi Sama’s arrival is highly anticipated, providing an exciting addition to the food scene in the Shoppers Mall. The new restaurant is expected to attract a wide range of customers, including families, students, and professionals looking for a convenient and healthy meal. No official word on an opening date yet, please check/follow the Shoppers Mall Facebook page for future updates.

Westoba Inspire, Westoba Credit Union’s Community Investment Program is accepting applications during September 2024 for major community infrastructure projects up to $10,000.00. The Inspire program offers funding opportunities for a variety of projects that meet a wide range of ages and demographics. “Westoba Inspire provides an opportunity for our communities to bring their project ideas to reality.” said Westoba President and CEO, Jim Rediger. “The bi-annual application process gives us an opportunity to see what projects our communities are working on, and how Westoba can help support those efforts”. Applications are reviewed by Westoba’s Community Investment Committee which includes employees, members, and Board representation. Successful applications are chosen based on their ability to align with Westoba’s goal to support community infrastructure. HOW TO APPLY to Westoba Inspire Applications will be accepted through an online application form available September 1 - 30th at www.westoba.com. ABOUT WESTOBA INSPIRE Westoba Inspire has supported 40 community projects since it was launched in 2017. To be eligible for funding, projects must support community infrastructure initiatives that are started locally or have a clear local impact; are inclusive and bring people together; are long-term or multi-functional; and promote staying, taking part and engaging in an enriched community.