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.

Prairie Coach Freight recently announced via their Facebook page that the company would be starting pick ups twice weekly at Border Services. Pickup days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting May 18/21. Niel Henry told bdnmb.ca that when customers have items shipped to border services they can now contact his company to arrange pickup. Prior to pickup, paperwork needs to submitted to a broker so he will send you a form to fill out. You will also be required to send a long a copy of the receipt as well. Once cleared and confirmed, Prairie Coach Freight will arrange for the pickup of your parcels. The client would be responsible for any broker fees, taxes, or duty on the items. Prairie Coach Freight has a freight charge they charge to cover the cost of the service and clients would still be responsible for the handling fees at Border Services. For additional information the service, or to contact Prairie Coach Freight, please visit their Facebook page. You can also call 204-727-2442 or 1-844-641-0021 to book your pickup.

A trio of diverse businesses recently opened a storefront to the public. Operating as Marvelous Designs & Gifts, shoppers will find a variety of items from three unique businesses including Iron Age Welding, Marvelous Bath and Beauty Items, and Glenn's Custom Fishing Tackle. Photo: Marvelous Designs & Gifts Marvelous Designs & Gifts is located just outside of Brandon. Directions: from the Petro Can on the north hill: go 1 mile east on No 1, turn north at the very first corner (if you see the white bull statue you drove too far), down a bit, house no 60088. Store is located to the north of the house. A roughly 2,000 square foot shed on the property was transformed into the retail storefront. The new retail space will also serve as a great place to meet with customers to discuss their custom orders. Current hours of operation: Tuesday & Thursday's - 9:30 am to 2:30 pm and then again from 5pm to 9pm in May/June. Additional days/times can be made by appointment. Follow then on Facebook for updates on hours and products. Iron Age Welding custom fabricates a number of indoor and outdoor household items including coffee tables, end tables, signs, fire pits, yard décor, rain gauges, and more. Rain gauge. Photo: Marvelous Designs & Gifts Photo: Marvelous Designs & Gifts Photo: Marvelous Designs & Gifts Marvelous Bath and Beauty Items items available for sale include a selection of bath bombs, lip balm, body scrubs, soaps, shower steamers, exfoliation shower bars and more. Photo: Marvelous Designs & Gifts Shower steamers Bath bomb with drizzle, donuts with drizzle, waffles with bubble frosting Lastly, a full selection of weights, hooks, spinners and pickerel rigs from Glenn's Custom Fishing Tackle is available. Photo: Marvelous Designs & Gifts Photo: Marvelous Designs & Gifts