Valleyview Consumers Co-op Ltd. is proud to announce the purchase of the property known as "Virden Autobody" on Frontage Road. This property will become the future home for a new Valleyview Co-op Gas Bar and Convenience store. The existing site in Virden, Manitoba, was built over 20 years ago and has been a great location to serve Co-op members. Valleyview Co-op identified that they had outgrown their current location at 114 7th Ave S. The parcel of land purchased on Frontage Road will have enough room for a new modern facility and additional services. Valleyview Co-op Petroleum Division Manager James Rolfe "The land location captures the best of both worlds. We will provide the same great service to our local guests while being accessible to highway traffic. The property also allows for future expansion and growth, which would not be possible if we were to rebuild at the current site. Outgrowing a location is one of the best problems any retailer can have. Without the tremendous support of our Co-op members and customers, this would not be possible." Valleyview Co-op General Manager Greg Gill "As we begin an exciting development phase at Valleyview Co-op, we also recognize the changes for the team at Virden Autobody. For 61 years, they have served their community, and we are grateful for their contribution." Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in 2023. The downtown Virden location will remain open through construction and into the short term after construction is complete to eliminate any possible disruptions in service. (Valley Co-Op Release)

The Board of Directors of Westoba Credit Union (Westoba) are declaring a Preferred Share member dividend payout of three per cent on outstanding Westoba Credit Union Ltd. Preferred Shares for 2021. Jim Rediger, President and CEO of Westoba, says the organization is proud to have offered a long-term and purposeful investment this past year. “Westoba is pleased to announce a 3% per cent dividend to our members holding preferred shares,” said Rediger. “Preferred Shares are an exclusive investment with a historically above-average rate of return and can be used towards a Tax-Free Savings Account or a Registered Retirement Savings Plan.” Rhonda Oakden, QAFP ™, CHS, RIS, Director of Westoba Financial Solutions Ltd., explains that Preferred Shares are designed for investors that want to diversify their portfolio while supporting their credit union. “When you invest in Preferred Shares, of course, you want to grow your investment; that means weathering the market,” said Oakden. “The long-term time horizon for preferred shares is a key feature for many of our members overall investment planning strategy.” The Preferred Shares dividend payout for 2021 totals over $416,000. Dividends will be paid to Members by the end of February 2022. Currently, no preferred shares are available. For more information on Preferred Shares or to book an appointment, call 1-877-WESTOBA or email infowcul@westoba.com.

At first the name didn’t really roll off my tongue but over the last few weeks Luna Muna has grown on me. Now you ask what is Luna Muna and it a new Yoga Studio in the south end of Brandon that is owned and operated by Chelsea McCrimmon. One thing I am personally critical of in Brandon is how people really don’t seem to spend any money, time, or effort on their website...Chelsea has done a great job and capturing her vision and thoughts in addition to providing yoga newbies what is involved and classes and costs etc. Here is one excerpt what the Luna Muna website that does capture what the name is all about. The words have a mystical quality that is one of the things I love about yoga; it’s ability, through practice, to transport you into that space that lies somewhere beyond the body and mind. Luna, means moon, and is sometimes the name used to describe Artemis, the goddess of the moon, the hunt, and all things wild. Muna, translates to wish, or desire. One of the first questions will be is costs and time commitment and you can find those answers on this link https://www.lunamuna.ca/prices/. Luna Muna is now open for business and you can book your classes online or by calling Chelsea and Danna. 204 740 0246 hello@lunamuna.ca https://www.lunamuna.ca/    

Bobbies’ Bistro is now serving up coffee, pastries, and hot, fresh food for students, faculty, and staff on the go. The new bistro brings together student-run management through the Brandon University Students’ Union with fresh and house-made convenience meals from BU Food Services. “We’ve taken the popular BU Fresh items, which are perfect for grab-and-go, and added hot quick-service options as well. Everything is delicious and nutritious, and now it’s even more convenient,” said Nicholas Namespetra, Director of BU Food Services. “It can be a little bit faster than the full-service meal options we offer in Harvest Hall and the Down Under, and the new location is so bright and airy.”Along with pastries, the bistro serves the popular BU Fresh line of sandwiches and wraps, and also offers made-to-order paninis and flatbread. Vegetarian options are also available, which can be made vegan on request. All pandemic precautions remain in place in the new Bobbies’ Bistro, which requires masks at all times unless actively eating or drinking, and which is open only to fully-vaccinated patrons for any dine-in service. “It’s an incredibly convenient space to quickly get a coffee, a drink, or a great meal on the go,” said Olufunke Adeleye, BUSU President. “It’s also a fantastic study space.” Bobbies’ is located off the Mingling Area of the Knowles-Douglas Student Centre, taking over the space vacated by a coffeeshop and that had previously housed SUDS, the student pub. The name is a playful and affectionate twist on ‘Bobcats’ that throws back to a one-time nickname for BU women’s sports teams. To start, hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, until April. Opening hours and menu items may be adjusted to meet demand. (Source: Brandon University News)

Westman Communications Group (Westman) is excited to introduce their all-new It's Time to Smarten Up Loyalty Giveaway. After stepping away from their annual Loyalty Trip Giveaway due to health restrictions, Westman put together a dream prize package with a chance to win Leon's smart home appliances. Westman is giving their loyal members of five years or more the chance to win a smart home, including a Smart Samsung Freestanding Electric Range and an 82" Samsung Smart TV! To spread the love a little bit further, Westman is giving two more chances to win additional smart home prizes! The second prize is a Wi-Fi Smart Doorbell, and the third prize winner will take home an Amazon Echo Show 8. "Our members are an essential part of who we are, especially as a local cooperative, said Westman Marketing Manager Courtney Baxter. It means a lot that they continue to pick us as their communication service provider and showing them our appreciation throughout the year is important to us. This is just one of our many ways of saying thank you to all of our loyal members." Westman's loyal members of five years or more are automatically entered for a chance to win. The randomly selected winner will be announced on their social media channels on February 17, 2022. Westman is always looking for ways to show their appreciation to their loyal members! For more information on Westman, head to westmancom.com.