The last 15 months have been difficult for the service industry, especially beauty salons and barbershops. However, navigating the changing rules and regulations hasn’t narrowed the “Big Picture Focus” for the ladies at Artistry Salon in Brandon.  Owner Danielle McCoy has over 22 years of experience in the industry and decided to modernize and update the services her salon offers to Westman residents. Artistry Salon now offers traditional barbering, spray tanning, henna brows, brow lamination, lash lifts, tints, and dermaplaning.  “While we already offered hair, nails, and lash extensions, we felt these additions rounded everything out nicely,” said McCoy. “As stylists and nail technicians grow and evolve, new things start to trend, and we get excited to take courses, learn new things, then turn around and offer it to our clientele.”  The salon, located at 1865 Brandon Avenue, across from the Keystone Centre wasn’t quite large enough to accommodate McCoy’s vision, but the location was ideal, and relocation wasn’t an option.  “We needed to expand as we and our services grew. Luckily, as we love our current location, we were able to achieve that while remaining here,” added McCoy. “We built a whole new room off the back of the building, and changed the look of the salon with a fresh paint job and new lights!” Although there is a mystery surrounding the immediate future and how the pandemic will shape small businesses’ day-to-day operations, the staff at Artistry Salon are eagerly waiting to re-open and share their new vision with the people of Brandon.

Guardian Fencing is growing following the acquisition of Heartland Fence Deck and Rail in Brandon. “We’re excited to move into this new market for Guardian. It feels like a natural next step for the company, and our team,“  said Guardian COO Tanya LaBuick. “We promise Heartland customers will be in good hands and we look forward to working with them to turn their projects into reality.”  Guardian Fencing, a locally owned and operated fencing contractor, has a long-standing relationship with the owners of Heartland Fence Deck and Rail.  “Understanding that good business is built on relationships is something we at Guardian and former Heartland president Chris (Griffith) have in common,” said Guardian partner Bart Curtis. “We’re looking forward to working with Heartland Fence Deck and Rail to ensure a seamless transition while providing our new customers with a high-quality experience and product.”   Prior to the acquisition, Guardian focused mainly on bringing commercial, agricultural and residential fencing services to customers in Manitoba, including repair and maintenance. While fencing options range from chain link, wood, PVC and ornamental, the acquisition opens a new line of products including aluminum and glass railing, Duradek and Wolf PVC decking, porch and facia.  “We’re proud of the work we’ve done throughout Westman and to be able to offer our customers another line of products they been asking about is a double win because it also lets us showcase the experience of our professionalism of our team,” LaBuick said. “It’s not just about building a fence or a deck, but ensuring it’s done right so our clients can enjoy it for a long time.”  Guardian Fencing offers an AIR MILES incentive program. Call today for a free quote within 40-kilometre radius of Brandon: 204-573-7920 or visit www.GuardianFencing.ca

Westman Communications Group (Westman) in partnership with the Municipality of Louise will be launching its services in Pilot Mound, Crystal City and Clearwater this Fall. Residents and businesses will be connected directly to fibre optics and have access to Westman's most advanced communication services, including High Speed Internet with speeds up to 1 Gigabit, Digital HD TV and Phone. "The offer we made to residents and businesses to sign up for our services has been very well-received. Over 300 homes and commercial locations have signed up so far," said Dave Baxter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westman. "This partnership provides more choices for entertainment and savings. With more wireless-enabled devices in homes competing for bandwidth, our high speed, no data cap plans are an excellent choice. Having access to faster download speeds also creates opportunities for businesses, government institutions, and remote learning." Westman takes pride in being a locally owned and operated cooperative committed to delivering competitive and innovative products and services to meet their members' needs. Offering High Speed Internet, Digital HD TV, and Phone, they are focused on providing high-quality services and support that improve life in ways that truly matter. Westman invests each member's equity back into its operations to add new services, expand to new communities, provide local programming and employment, and generously support their members and communities with sponsorships and scholarships. "I am delighted to announce an agreement with Westman to bring fibre and advanced communication service to our residents," said Municipality of Louise Reeve, Murray McIntyre. "This initiative has been in the works for a while. The research began in 2019 with Council, Louise Community Development Corporation, and Prairie Spirits School Division exploring the various companies and options available. Westman provided the Municipality with a great plan, and we look forward to community members and businesses enjoying these new services." Westman will be connecting Pilot Mound, Crystal City and Clearwater to our services in the Fall of 2021. To learn more about Westman and the services coming to these communities, visit https://westmancom.com/new-community. (submitted)

BDNMB.CA recently had an opportunity to speak with former Wheat King Chris Low about the transition to becoming a successful real estate agent in Brandon.Low's teammates with the Wheat Kings included Temple, Elder, Murray, Robson, Smart, Ritchie, Dingman, Redden and Cloutier during the 93 - 94 and 94 - 95 seasons.  After junior hockey Chris grinded it around for 7 years in semi pro hockey before retiring.So Chris we have noticed, not only on a local level but a national level as well, that you are starting to see a lot of former athletes entering the real estate business, why do you think that is?Low - I can’t speak for all but, for myself it was an opportunity I was considering for a long time. A good friend Graham Garden told me he thought I could do well and to be honest I liked the way he carried himself and admired his work ethic. He transitioned into Real Estate from pro hockey and I wanted to prove him right.How often do you stay in touch with old team mates?Low - The hockey world is small and the connections you make along the way not only with teammates but, with people in the community are everlasting. We will reach out to one another for guidance or help with certain situations or assistance if needed for sure.Some local heavyweights in real estate have a large market share, how tough is it to compete and what makes you different?Low - To be honest we all have to work together and essentially need each other to complete deals. As much competition there is between the brokerages I’ve found that everyone seems to get along well. I hear the phrase “carve your own niche” often. The fun part of the job is being the go-to for people entering their next phase of life. I’m not happy until my clients are happy. So to answer the question, it is my hope that they can go to their friends/relatives and say “Chris did all he could and more so if you need an agent, you should call him.”You were still playing competitive hockey with the Boissevain Border Kings, how was that as being one of the “older” guys? Plus team GM Eddy Dyck is one of the most unique people I have met in hockey.Low - Haha Eddy was a treat to play for and definitely made it fun to come to the rink. I enjoyed being a part of the group they made me feel young again and forgot how old I was until the next morning getting out of bed.

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2021 Business Achievement Awards (138th annual) during an online awards event this evening. A link to the awards ceremony can be viewed here. Business Person of the Year: Gus Vasilarakis (Pizza Express) Business Excellence (Large): Joe Beeverz Canadian PubBusiness Excellence (Small): A&L CycleOutstanding New Business: Chez Angela Bakery and CaféCommunity Impact: Rocked Community FitnessLifetime Business Builder: Bob Jenkins New Award Categories for 2021 included: Young Entrepreneur Award: Matt Berg (Livingstone Landscaping & Outdoor Garden CentreWestman’s Top 4 Under 40: Danielle Adriaansen (ACC), Jordan Ludwig (Brandon Business Interiors), Hailey Jefferies (Prairie Fava), Parker Easter (Renu Hygienics) The “awards recognize, celebrate and profile the accomplishments of member businesses and individuals” each year.