One of Assiniboine Community College’s newest learning spaces, the Centre for Creative Media (CCM), is announcing a $150,000 donation from Westman Communications Group that helped make the new facility possible. This generous contribution by the local media cooperative includes $50,000 in student financial awards and $100,000 toward the facility. Today, the college revealed a space named on behalf of the donor—the Westman Communications Group Shared Edit and Screening Lounge. "Westman Communications Group is committed to the betterment of our communities. Assiniboine, one of our long-time partners, has done an excellent job providing top-notch education in Manitoba," said WCG's Chief Customer Officer, John Quail. "We are delighted that we have an opportunity to contribute to Assiniboine’s initiative of upgrading its Brandon facilities, which will benefit its students and our communities for years to come." The WCG Shared Edit and Screening Lounge is a multi-functional learning space that provides a classroom space for students working on post-production alongside a dedicated screening area with a high-end projector and sound system. This lounge gives students an appropriate space to view content they’ve created; view, discuss and critique other content; invite guest speakers and host screening events. “Developing this dedicated creative space will enhance the college’s ability to deliver students the experience they want and need to go confidently into working in industry,” said Jana Sproule, Chair of Media and Office Technology at Assiniboine. “This facility is an essential accompaniment to the concentrated program options it will house. Like these programs, the Centre for Creative Media was developed with industry needs and standards at its core.” In fall 2021, the college launched three new two-year diploma programs—Media & Communications, Digital Art & Design and Web & Interactive Development. These programs will be the primary users of the new Centre. Construction on the 10,050 sq. ft. Centre for Creative Media started in early 2021 and was completed later that year. “Westman Communications Group has been an integral partner to us here at Assiniboine, particularly in our digital and media-related programs,” said Bobbie Robertson, Dean, School of Business. “Their support of this new leading-edge learning space was important in bringing it to life, and is going to benefit hundreds of students who we know will go on to contribute big things to the industry.” (ACC News)

Sunrise Credit Union congratulates Jordan McGregor of Waskada and Raegan Ricard of Baldur on being named Valeyo Learning Grant recipients.   McGregor is graduating from Waskada School next month and has maintained Honour Roll marks during his time in high school. Jordan was active in extracurricular activities, including being captain of the high school hockey team and participating in badminton, track & field, and downhill skiing. In addition, he serves on the student advisory committee, volunteers at community events, helps maintain the yards of older people, and assists with the Lions Club Community Field. McGregor also coached at Waskada’s Breakfast Club for minor hockey players and is known for having a backyard dirt biking track that enthusiasts have enjoyed throughout the area. McGregor plans to enroll in pre-employment heavy equipment technician and attend Olds College this fall. Ricard will graduate from Prairie Mountain High School next month. Raegan is the Student Council President, is head of the Grad Committee, and has played many sports in high school. She even started a track & field club during the pandemic and volunteered at the Mariapolis rink and fitness center. Ricard has gained valuable experience working various jobs recently, including a dietary, laundry, and health care aid at the Rock Lake Personal Care Home and Prairie View Lodge. She has also held down positions as a server at a local restaurant, housekeeping in private homes, and working at a seasonal greenhouse. Ricard intends to attend Brandon University this fall and take classes in the pre-professional dentistry program.   Valeyo provides a variety of integrated business solutions to the Credit Union community and sponsors the Learning Grant on annual basis. The Valeyo Learning Grant are $1,200 scholarships for students who are members of a participating credit union in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Applicants submit an essay of 500 words or less OR a video of two minutes or less describing their academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. (Article Submitted)

Laughing Crow Tattoo, owned and operated by TJ VanStone, is targeting a June 14, 2022 opening. VanStone has been tattooing for a little over 7 years. Adam’s Body Art took him on as an apprentice and he worked there for the following 2 years. After that, he moved to Blood and Iron Tattoo and that’s where he has been for the past 5.5 years. "That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say illustrative black and grey", VanStone told bdnmb.ca when asked if he specialized in anything specific. Laughing Crow Tattoo will be located at D-435 Rosser Ave..  They can be reached at laughingcrowtattoo@gmail.com or (204) 441-2873.  Anyone wanting to see VanStone's work can look him up on Instagram @tjv204. Facebook link.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) is steadfast in its commitment to leave a positive impact in the communities it serves. On Wednesday, May 25, WCG further demonstrated its commitment by donating $1,500 to the Expanding Community Cancer Care (ECCC) to support the development of the chemotherapy unit at the Russell Health Centre (RHC). The expansion project requires the construction of an additional 2,300 square feet of building space for the chemotherapy treatment area of the RHC to move into, making it four times larger than the current unit. This new chemotherapy unit will improve access and enhance the quality of care for patients and their families. This initiative will benefit 14 communities in the Russell area, including 7 of which WCG serves - Binscarth, Birtle, Inglis, Roblin, Rossburn, Russell, and St. Lazare. “Supporting the communities we serve is an important part of who we are,” said WCG Marketing Manager Courtney Baxter. “We are honoured to be able to donate to such a great expansion project that will make a major difference in the region.” The ECCC began their campaign to have the new chemotherapy building attached to the RHC in 2014. The ECCC has patiently sought approval from the Provincial Government and Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) over the past seven years. In January 2022, they received approval to construct the Cancer Care Building. The ECCC agreed to raise all the necessary funds for the expansion and has held multiple fundraising initiatives to support the project during this period to raise the $2.5 million required to take care of all construction and equipment costs. ECCC has raised $1.8 million to date, “We’ll continue to push forward to raise more money so that we can finally see this project through,” said ECCC President Gloria Tibbatts. “Our group started out on adream to expand the existing unit to provide better care and a more positive environment for clients and staff. We started with $50 from the hospital’s drink fund in 2014, and it is great to see how far we have come, although we have a little more work to do yet and a lot more pies to make!” The Honourable Premier Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba, through an announcement made by the Honourable Cliff Cullen, Deputy Minister of Manitoba, has committed to funding the rest of the $2.5 million investment. This will allow the project to take the next steps in turning this vision into reality.

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2022 Business Achievement Awards (139th annual) at their Annual Awards Gala Wednesday evening. Business Person of the Year: Bernie Whetter (The Green Spot) Business Excellence (Large):  Kim’s Asian Restaurant Business Excellence (Small): GEM Services Outstanding New Business: Resurrection Auto Detailing Community Impact: Westman Communications Group Lifetime Business Builder: Paul Crane (Crane Steel Structures) Young Entrepreneur Award: Matt Berg (Livingstone Landscaping & Outdoor Garden Centre Young Entrepreneur Award: Marcel Kringe (Bushel Plus) Westman’s Top 4 Under 40: Ty Worthington of Pinnacle Event Rentals, Cassandra Jamieson of McPhail Travel Brandon, Amber White of Anytime Fitness, Nirmal Thakar of Shreem Systems & Solutions. The “awards recognize, celebrate and profile the accomplishments of member businesses and individuals” each year.