We want to spread the important message that a strong workforce is an inclusive one, including people with disabilities. DEAM is an excellent opportunity for Employment Service Providers and Canadian Employers to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to Canadians with disabilities and to help promote employment inclusion in our country. Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) https://www.supportedemployment.ca/deam is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of Disability Employment Awareness Month is to promote employment inclusion for people who experience disability and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of workers with disabilities. The employers in the Westman area are well recognized for their inclusive hiring practices but we need to continue to create further awareness through campaigns like DEAM. At Career Connections www.cciwestman.ca the question “How will my barrier affect my employment possibilities?” is a frequent topic of discussion in their support process. We often utilize the analogy of asking them to imagine they are a pie. We ask them, if you cut a piece of that pie and took it away, do we want to focus on that one piece or do we focus on the rest of that pie? That one piece of pie represents their barrier, but there is still so much left that represents the skills and qualities that could be utilized in an employment opportunity. The staff at Career Connections strive to build employment relationships with their clients and employers in the Westman area based on a foundation of matching skill qualified individuals with employers that have opportunities to match those abilities. “Disability Employment Awareness Month is a great time for employers to evaluate the benefits of working with organizations like CCI to help fill workforce needs. Here at Progressive Westman, we have been partnered with CCI for the past 5 years to help fill holes in our organization. I honestly cannot explain how beneficial it is both for our business and the individual, you just have to give it a try for yourself.” Spencer Day Progressive Westman Brandon Chamber of Commerce President Employers that identify with a need for information and hands on resources and Hire For Talent https://hirefortalent.ca/main/toolkit/inclusive-workplaces/173-the-benefits-of-inclusive-workplaces is one of many resources available to employers that want to create and maintain an inclusive workplace. Here are some benefits to creating an inclusive workplace. “Employers that apply inclusive design principles and take steps to develop more inclusive workplaces will make employment more accessible, leverage the benefits of diversity, create healthier workplace cultures for all employees, boost the value of their human capital and provide opportunities for all employees to learn about inclusiveness and accessibility.” If you are an employer in Westman looking to support the diversification in your employment team, please contact Tracy Williams, Executive Director at Career Connections www.cciwestman.ca 204-728-9594 or twilliams@cciwestman.ca if you would like to learn more. (submitted)

BRANDON, Man. (October 19, 2020)— Assiniboine has received a major donation of $1 million from Sunrise Credit Union, the largest philanthropic donation in the college’s history, to support agricultural training opportunities at the college. “This is a strong partnership because we naturally align with Assiniboine Community College in our values and visions. Our joint commitment to supporting the agricultural community is key to the economic strength of our region,” said Sunrise Credit Union President & CEO Tim Klassen. “Expanding the agricultural educational programming at Assiniboine will not only help keep students in rural Manitoba, it will help meet the demand for highly-skilled workers in this field.” The vision for expanding agriculture at Assiniboine comes in the form of the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. This facility is Assiniboine’s response to labour market demands in agriculture and will enable the agriculture sector to continue to be an economic driver in the Canadian and Manitoban economy. “The college has long focused on providing leadership in agriculture and this donation is a significant step toward this major undertaking in expanding training to meet current and emerging labour demands,” said Mark Frison, president at Assiniboine.  “The Prairie Innovation Centre brings the next generation of ag, environment and technology forward.” The Prairie Innovation Centre will combine indoor and outdoor learning spaces for seamless, hands-on training experiences and aims to expand seats from less than 300 to more than 800 students in agriculture, environment and related technology programs. “Partnerships like this, between industry and post-secondary, are paramount to supporting our economy and labour needs,” said Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Training. “Agriculture is an important industry and an economic driver in our province. With this strong showing of industry support, the agriculture sector is in good hands.” With expanded agricultural offerings, the college will also be able to grow the opportunities and vision related to agriculture careers. “Agricultural careers extend far beyond farming and this will provide a venue to turn students’ heads toward the great possibilities in agriculture and food production,” said Johanne Ross, Executive Director of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, who serves as co-chair of the Prairie Innovation Centre Campaign Cabinet. “This Centre will surely create an increased interest in agriculture and related careers that will support industry demands and bring Western Manitoba to the forefront.” This major donation from Sunrise Credit Union kicks off a large capital campaign to provide a home-grown hub for agriculture innovation and build the academic heart of agricultural and environmental education in Western Manitoba. “In Manitoba, agriculture connects us all, directly or indirectly,” added Glenn Young, Chair of Sunrise Credit Union’s Board of Directors. “A community’s ability to foresee, adapt to, and leverage changing conditions to their advantage is a key to economic resiliency. The Prairie Innovation Centre is the right project at the right time. As our roots are in agriculture, Sunrise Credit Union is excited to support this important project.” (submitted)

October, 2020 — Co-op members and customers recently pumped up the community. Thanks to your support, Co-op has donated $12,300.00 to local food banks as part of Fuel Good Day on Sept. 15th. During the day, Co-op committed to donating 10 cents from every litre of fuel sold and $1 from every Co-operative Coffee or Big Cool purchased at all Heritage Co-op Gas Bars. This year’s donation was split between the following food banks, Minnedosa Food Bank, Samaritan House, Helping Hands Food Kitchen, Wawanesa Food Bank, Shoal Lake Food Bank, Riverdale Harvest Food Bank and the Southquill Health Area Food Bank. “As a locally owned and operated business, we’re proud to give back and get behind local initiatives that are working to address the needs of our community,” said Lorne Zacharias, General Manager of Heritage Co-op. “Thank you to our members and customers for the support you’ve shown during Fuel Good Day. In these unprecedented times, it’s amazing to see what we can accomplish when we all work together.” Fuel Good Day was celebrated at more than 400 Co-op Gas Bars throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, with each local co-op supporting a community organization or initiative. This year, Co-op locations across Western Canada donated over $565,000 from Fuel Good Day, with nearly $2.5 million donated to more than 400 local charities and non-profit organizations since 2017. For more information please visit www.fuel.crs (submitted news release)

Ukrainian Cuisine (800 Rosser Avenue, inside the Town Centre) changed hands in January of 2019. One of the fist things the new owners did was to expand the menu selection by adding some tasty Latin inspired dishes. It was during this time the restaurant transitioned to the Ukrainian and Latin Cuisine name. Th menu is full of the most popular Ukrainian items like perogies, Banderiki, cabbage rolls, Teftelya, and more. Chicken Flautas, Tacos Fritos, Carne Molida con Tajadas, & Carne Asada are among the most popular Latin inspired dishes. They also offer a number of vegetarian options, sides, desserts, and imported drinks. The full menu can be viewed here. Ownership shared with bdnmb.ca earlier today that renovations are currently underway to offer more traditional restaurant seating. In addition to having your meal at the Town Centre, you can also place a order by contacting them at (204) 727-1783, or online with Skip the Dishes. Look for them on Door Dash very soon. Catering is also available. Facebook link. Hours Mon - Sat: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM    

Carved wooden vases, elegantly handcrafted jewelry and local paintings have found a home on the highway in Miniota. In an era when small businesses have been shuttered in favour of big box retailers and on-line shopping, Jennifer Copet took a risk and bet on her own creativity and extensive retail background to open Studio 83 Gallery and Gifts.  This hidden gem is located in a converted church building, right on the highway, at the north east side of the road, as it passes through the town of Miniota. (Manitoba Highway #83, north of Virden.) You will be awestruck by the quality of merchandise and the big-city look the moment you walk through the door.  Studio 83 offers a curated collection of trendy styles and unique hand-made items. Jennifer says that she was inspired to open the store because she truly believes in supporting her local community. “When stores close and rural people have to go further and further to buy the products they need and want, the local economy suffers. Keeping stores and services alive and vibrant, keeps the towns alive and vibrant.” Studio 83 Gallery and Gifts is celebrating one year in business this weekend.  Jennifer says that she turned to Facebook and Instagram to keep sales strong during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She started showcasing products online and offering contactless pick up and delivery. She’s shipped products as far as British Columbia and loves helping people find that perfect gift. Textile artists like Hayleigh Maximchuk (Smalltown Stitches by Hayleigh) have found success at Studio 83 with products like crochet apple bags, newborn toques and hanging planters. Copet says that there is a consistent demand for Hayleigh’s gorgeous work and new stock arrives regularly. Copet knows that the secret to success in the retail business is building relationships and really looking after people. That’s why she goes the extra mile to work with artists and to special order in products for her regular clients.  She also is happy to work with businesses and homeowners looking for the perfect painting for their office, or something to give their space an updated look. She often suggests paintings by Kayla Monique (Scatter Mind Design of Minnedosa).  Paintings like “Owl Tribe” can change the look of a room and give new depth to the interior design. When asked about the hot trends of this fall and holiday season, Jennifer talked about the texture of woven baskets, and hand-beaded bracelets along with gorgeous fall scented candles. “Candles and oversized pottery coffee mugs are always in high demand when the weather cools off” says Copet. “And we have a really great selection of both, made locally.” Studio 83 Gallery and Gifts is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but you can always shop online at their Facebook page “Studio 83.”