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.

Once Upon a Child in Brandon officially opens on Thursday, November 12 at 10am. The store, located at 1240-18th Street, offers a great selection of gently used kid’s clothes, shoes, toys, furniture and baby gear. Due to the Province's recent Covid-19 shopping restrictions placed on non-essential retail shops, the store will initially be offering customers the opportunity to shop remotely using a personal shopper. Clients can sign up for a 1/2 hour block with a Once Upon A Child Sales Associate to shop via FaceTime and/or zoom. The sales associate will go through the store with you on video and help select your items. Delivery is available in Brandon free for orders over $50.00. For more information, or to to book an available time slot, please send them a message on their Facebook page. You can also contact (204-717-5900) the store tomorrow starting at 10am. For the past several months owner Brianne Roblin has been in a “buying” mode, in order to build up an inventory for the store's launch. Brianne told bdnmb.ca that they have nearly 50,000 items in stock to select from including clothing, winter boots, winter coats, Christmas dress wear, shoes, toys, bassinets, cribs, sleds, highchairs, & more.

Shoppers lined the sidewalks outside of numerous Brandon grocery stores on Tuesday after the province's announcement that all health regions will be moving to critical level "Code Red" on Thursday. The move comes amid soaring COVID-19 cases across the province, particularly in the Winnipeg and Southern health regions. The province announced 5 COVID-19 related deaths and 384 new cases on Tuesday morning.