A recent post on our Facebook page asked our followers to identify the best pizza they ever tasted. One reader responded "best pie I’ve had is at the Cromer C-Store". Several others seconded this motion which lead to us immediately completing a Google search for "Cromer Valley Store". Directions to Cromer, MB from Brandon.  (102.2 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/MB-1 W and MB-255 W.After a quick trip Saturday morning to verify our reader's claim, we can confirm that the Cromer Valley Store (256 Main St, Cromer, MB) is a hidden gem for more than just the pizza they serve. A pizza order was placed for an 11:45am pickup and the first thing you notice upon arrival is the comforting smell of freshly baked goods that greats you as you pass through their doors. Upon entry, a quick glance around the 8,000 sq ft store makes you quickly realize that an article on the Cromer Valley Store will be about more than amazing pizza and a bakery. Pepperoni, Ham Mushroom, Onion, & Green Pepper BBQ Chicken Pizza Pizza Menu Kent Duncalfe and his wife are the current owners of the business, a business which has been in the same family for three generations. Kent tells bdnmb.ca they started selling pizza many years ago when they were an outlet for Vern's Pizza in Brandon. When Vern's closed, the family decided the demand was high enough so they extended their bakery operations to include their own pizza recipe. Their top selling pizza includes the meat lovers and BBQ chicken. Pizza is available by the slice or by the whole pie (15") for takeout. Made with tasty dough, plenty of toppings and smothered in cheese, the pizzas both large and filling. It is recommended you place your order ahead of time for pickup. Other popular items from their in-store bakery include cinnamon buns and sausage rolls. Sausage Rolls Cromer Valley Store also supplies quality goods and services to the surrounding farming community, industrial and oilfield sectors. They carry work boots, gloves and work wear from major manufactures like Red Wing, Helly Hansen, and Carhartt Clothing. While the majority of the daily clientele is from the neighboring oil patch employees, the store is also the local post office and general store for the approximately 40 residents of Cromer. The Cromer Valley Store is one of those throwback small-town general stores that carries everything from power tools to pepperoni and BBQ's to bubble gum. Image: Google

Despite the challenges of 2020 the Brandon Area Community Foundation granted a record breaking $1,052,065 throughout the year. The foundation supports all aspects of life in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba making grants to a wide variety of worthy causes. Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director BACF said “The annual grants provided by our funds and donors, have hopefully given our local charities room to breathe a little easier during this challenging time.  2020 was also the foundation’s 55th anniversary and although the year didn’t go as planned, BACF was able to provide more than $1 million in grants. This is a huge milestone for the foundation.” The Brandon Area Community Foundation has given support to a number of projects across Southwestern Manitoba. These grants covered areas of arts & culture, environment, education, health & wellness and community activities throughout the Westman region. "The BACF has always been there to help build and strengthen communities.  This year they helped the YMCA open Brandon's newest childcare center, Y Maryland Park.  The funding provided children's furnishings, cribs and cots to enable 114 children to be able to experience quality programming in a supportive and safe environment. Together BACF and the YMCA are making Brandon a better place for families. Thank you BACF!" said Lon Cullen, CEO YMCA of Brandon. In addition to the generous donations received, BACF took part in the provincial MB Build 150 and the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund granting initiatives that provided an extra $259,000 to community projects in our area. Brian Martineau with Friends of Lake Minnedosa said “The grant through the Brandon Area Community Foundation will allow us to have a local manufacturer build a trailer to haul the weed harvester to and from the lake. The $89,000 harvester is on order and is expected to be in use on the lake this summer.” BACF was also very pleased to be able to build relationships with other funders and strengthen our partnerships with other community organizations. The grants provided by BACF are possible thanks to generous gifts from local donors from all walks of life. Community foundations pool and endow (permanently invest) all gifts and the income earned supports a variety of projects within the foundation’s catchment area. The original contributions are never spent, ensuring a lasting legacy for donors and a permanent source of support for the community.For a full listing of all grants distributed, please visit our website at bacf.ca.

Flynn Canada Ltd. has banded together to support the Keystone Centre through annual naming rights sponsorship of Flynn Arena. A contract between the two parties has been signed for a 3 year agreement, with an option to renew. “We wanted to be part of something that’s important in the community,” said Tyler Tomlinson, Manitoba provincial manager, Flynn Canada Ltd. “Hockey is a big part of rural life, as we well know. The Keystone is the prevalent rink in South West Manitoba and has been a big part of our business – we’re always proud to support the communityand surrounding area that support us. ” With the agreement finalized, Flynn Canada Ltd. has also become the preferred roofing supplier for the nearly 50 year old Keystone Centre. “The Keystone Centre is always pleased to be working with partners, lik e Flynn Canada Ltd., that support the local community, especially at a time when many companies are reducing their advertising and community support due to the financial impact related to COVID.” said Jeff Schumacher, Keystone Centre CEO & general manager. “We are also very excited about the work that they will be doing to repair our many yards of leaking roof, a project that has been at the top of our capital list for many years. This latest project will cover the worst areas of our hallways in the middle of the Keystone Centre, some of the busiest areas of the venue.” The partnership adds to a growing list of naming rights sponsorship for rooms/arenas within the Keystone Centre facility, including Westoba Place & the Westoba Credit Union Agricultural Centre of Excellence, Enns Brothers Arena, MNP Hall, and the Westman Communications Group Viewing Lounge. “This is an exciting partnership for the Keystone Centre. Flynn Canada Ltd. is a natural fit,” said Krista Kowaluk, director of partnerships. “It’s been a pleasure working on this mutually beneficial deal with Flynn, who couldn’t deny the value of this partnership, even during a pandemic. Their support is but one way we’re striving to sustain the facility during this challenging time.” (Keystone Centre Release)

Get online and selling quickly with a Shopify™ storefront. The retail landscape has changed. We will help you adapt. We will get your small business online and help you navigate the world of e-commerce with expert advice and guidance. Community Futures Westman in partnership with Leech Printing have the solution. Community Futures Westman is giving the opportunity for businesses to apply to receive free Ecommerce package from Leech Printing. Community Futures Westman E-Commerce Support Program is open to businesses who complete the application and submit for review. Click on the link below to get more information and the application. Community Futures Westman E-Commerce Support Program | Community Futures Manitoba (cfmanitoba.ca) Community Futures Westman recognizes the struggle COVID – 19 pandemic has put on our communities and economies. A vital part of our communities is the non-profit organizations who work hard every day delivering valuable services and programs to the communities they serve. The impact has been felt deeply by non-profits during these challenging times. With many funding sources not available to non-profits, Community Futures Westman is now offering a funding opportunity to this group. The COVID Assistance Program (CAP) through Community Futures Westman will be redirecting a limited amount of financial support to provide immediate support to our non-profits or social enterprises most deeplyimpacted. Grants of up to $1,000.00 will be made available to non-profit organizations to assist with efforts needed to meet the COVID-19 challenge.https://cfmanitoba.ca/westman-news/community-futures-westman launches-covid-assistance- program-cap-for-non-profits (submitted)

Darren Darvill and Ryan Jacobson have teamed up at a new location (1518 1st Street North) to house Resurrection Auto Detailing - Tint & Protection and add a second location for Affordable Storage.Resurrection, owned by Darvill, has been in Brandon since 2018. The company offers a number of services for your vehicle including auto, boat & motorcycle detailing and paint correction with Ceramic Pro Certified Installers and Xpel Window Tint & Paint Protection Film Certified installers. The business has seen incredible growth since its inception. Having originally started out in a small shop on 18th Street, they eventually moved to their current location on 17th St N and now the move to their new and final home on the north hill. Darvill tells bdnmb.ca that with the new space he will be adding lots of new things from equipment to product to servicesJacobson, the owner of Affordable Storage, saw a need for additional storage on the north hill so this was a great time for the two entrepreneurs to team up and join forces for the benefit of both businesses.Resurrection and Affordable Storage will be fully operational in this new location as of Feb 20, 2021.