Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, very few malls and photo studios across the country will offer in-person visits with Santa Claus this holiday season. A local photographer (Mitchell Stevens Photography) is hoping to fill the void, and keep the holiday tradition alive, by offering virtual visits with Santa. In conversation with bdnmb.ca earlier today, Mitchell said he shifted his photography business to offer a live virtual video call with Santa, after having to postpone his upcoming indoor photo sessions. The concept is an ideal way for families looking for holiday-related activities at home. While the kiddos may not be sitting on Santa's lap, this option is certain to place a smile on every youngsters face while ensuring everyone stays safe amid the pandemic. Booking a video call with the big man himself started today and goes until December 23nd! Customers can select from a number of available times by clicking on this link. Payment ($20, per session) is also handled online.

Rogers Communications today announced that it has turned on its 5G service on Canada’s most trusted and reliable network¹ in Winnipeg and Brandon, Manitoba. Customers in these locations on Rogers Infinite and Rogers for Business Shared Unlimited Data plans with compatible 5G devices will now have access to this next generation wireless technology. More than 2.2 million Canadians are on 5G-ready Rogers Infinite unlimited data plans. Including these communities, Rogers 5G network powered by Ericsson, now reaches a total of 134 cities and towns across the country offering 10x more coverage than any other carrier. See full 5G coverage map here. “The arrival of 5G in Manitoba will change the way we live, work and do business here,” said Larry Goerzen, President of Prairies and Alberta, Rogers Communications. “5G represents a massive technological transformation that will connect everything in our world from people and machines, to homes and cities. Beyond that, strong digital infrastructure and this next generation technology are critical to fuel productivity and innovation in the future as we reset the competitive landscape in Manitoba and for Canada, globally.” 5G will introduce new capabilities that are significantly more advanced than previous generations of wireless technology. Over the next several years, 5G will transform businesses and industries with increased speed and capacity, more efficient use of spectrum and lower latency. 5G will also support a massive increase in the number of connected devices that require near instantaneous access for applications like augmented and virtual reality, smart cities, robotics and driverless vehicles. “On behalf of the Manitoba government, we welcome the expansion of Rogers 5G network into Winnipeg and Brandon, along with the benefits it will bring to our economy and communities,” said Hon. Ralph Eichler, Manitoba Minister of Economic Development and Training. “This expansion will bring new technology to our businesses and contribute to Manitoba’s long-term competitiveness.” In addition to providing Canadians with the latest technology, wireless industry investments in 5G networks are expected to contribute an estimated $40 billion annually to the country’s economy and 250,000 permanent new jobs by 2026.³ “We are extremely pleased to see business investment in our Province towards more robust technology for individuals and businesses alike and we’re specifically thrilled to see Brandon included in Rogers map of 5G communities,” said Mayor of Brandon, Rick Chrest. Rogers has invested over $30 billion over the past 35 years to build Canada’s most trusted and reliable wireless network. 1 In 2020, the company was awarded the best wireless network in Canada for the second year in a row by umlaut, the global leader in mobile network testing and benchmarking. Rogers is also ranked number one in the West, including Manitoba, and Ontario in the J.D. Power 2020 Canada Wireless Network Quality Study. A recent 2020 Ookla Speedtest report found Rogers wireless network delivers the most consistent speeds of any national wireless network in Canada. (Rogers News Release)

Current professional estimate for COVID – 19 losses globally will far surpass 16 Trillion dollars. As of October, the loss is estimated to be 8.5 Trillion dollars. On a local level small businesses such as Party Professionals, who have been in business for well over 10 years, have made a formal decision to close operations and sell assets to another local company (Pinnacle Event Rentals). The loss of Party Professionals is only one of many event based businesses in Brandon, and the Westman region, deeply affected by the virus. Based on a heartfelt message posted on their Facebook page, Sean and Katrina obviously had tireless nights debating how and if they could keep the business open. This business was without a doubt something very close and personal to both of them and the Westman region suffers another loss due to COVID – 19. Customers of Party Professionals in the past, Jordan and Alex Trotter loved what they did for them at their wedding.  “This is incredibly sad news for our community" said Trotter. The transition to Ty Worthington, and Pinnacle Event Rentals, has been in the works for a short time. Worthington told BDNMB.CA it was mutual agreement and he knew what he was buying was of extremely good quality. Ty also said that his business has diversified over the last while by acquiring VIP rentals (portable bathroom business) and that he has been able to keep his staff busy, adding a few full time members during Covid.

Pilot Mound & District Museum Inc. is thrilled to receive $1500.00 from the Westoba Credit Union Inspire Program to purchase a much-needed computer system. “We are excited and grateful for the grant from Westoba’s Inspire program and thank Westoba for supporting the museum,” said Heather Brewster, Museum Chairperson. “This computer will enable us to create a top-notch cataloguing system for our collection and enable us to create posters and display information within the museum saving us both time and money.”  The staff at the local Pilot Mound Westoba branch are excited to see one of their member projects rewarded.   “Community is about doing something together that makes belonging matter, “ said Theresa Cronin, Pilot Mound Branch Manager. “Westoba is proud to belong to The Pilot Mound & District community and to be able to contribute to this important piece of retaining this area’s history.” The Pilot Mound Museum is in its final phase of setting up the displays in their new location at the Millennium Complex in Pilot Mound.  Visit their Facebook page for updates. https://www.facebook.com/pilotmoundmuseum/ (Summitted)

Jordan Ludwig (Brandon Business Interiors) was sitting around on November 11th thinking about how some of some his friend’s businesses would be closing as a result of the recently announced Code Red restrictions. His business will close their showroom to the public, however he will still get to operate. Ludwig told BDNMB "You know I kind of felt a bit guilty that we can be open to an extent and others are forced to close. So my brother and myself decided to come up with an idea to give away $1,000.00 in gift cards from local Westman area business." They quickly created a Facebook promotion where you can comment and tag your favourite Brandon/Westman business that you’d like to see win the $1,000 prize. On Monday, November 16, they will then pick a winner out of a hat and will drop off $1000 in gift cards to the lucky recipient. According to Ludwig, the idea has kind of blown up, as evidenced by the over 550 comments on their Facebook post. "We feel it is important if we can support local and to do so when we can" added Ludwig.