Westman Communications Business Solutions (Westman Business) announced the launch of SmartBiz, a powerful all-in-one Internet and managed Wi-Fi solution for small businesses. SmartBiz drives productivity, secures the network, delights the customers with branded guest Wi-Fi, and helps business owners manage it all with the CommandWorx app. “Westman Business has our local small business owners in mind by offering SmartBiz. They deserve a robust solution that makes managing their business networks simple enough to free up their time to focus on growing their business instead of managing their Information Technnolgy or networks,” says Jody Sass, Westman Business Sales Manager. “SmartBiz modernizes any network while saving managers’ and business owners’ valuable time and money. Not only will this product manage and secure their network, but it also will provide owners another avenue to market and grow their business.” Westman Business offers its core services of High-Speed Internet, HD TV, Voice and Data solutions. SmartBiz is its newest service geared towards addressing the important and often overlooked need of local small businesses to safeguard and manage their data networks. Features and benefits of Westman Business SmartBiz include: • Seamless wired and wireless internet coverage throughout the business, • Business-grade network security for point-of-sale, staff and business operations networks, • Safe, secure, and engaging Customer or Guest Wi-Fi with the business's own branded Customer Portal, • An intuitive app for easy and quick business network management “Local businesses are the lifeblood of our communities’ economy in Manitoba. Small business owners have the need to focus their time on growing their businesses to survive and to thrive in our current economic environment,” says Westman Communications Group President and CEO Eagle (Bud) Keys. “Our goal at Westman Business is to provide solutions that are not just effective, but also time and resource-saving.” Westman Communications Business Solutions SmartBiz is be available starting January 15, 2024. For more information, visit westmancom.com/business or call 204.717.2839, or toll-free 1.877.343.6755.  

Westman Communications Group (WCG) announced the return of its Local Loot Giveaway for 2024. The WCG Local Loot Giveaway is a way to give back to members while also supporting local businesses in the Westman region. This year, WCG is giving five loyal members  a chance to win fantastic Manitoban prizes. All WCG members of five years or more will have a chance to win wonderful prize packages,  including the grand prize of an all-inclusive, luxurious trip to Elkhorn Resort, valued at $3,500.  The second prize will award the recipient with $2,000 in cash, and they will choose a charity to  receive the same amount. The third prize entails an Asessippi Sleep & Ski Package with the  Russell Inn, which includes a three-day ski package for two and accommodations for two nights,  valued at $1,000. All WCG members of two years or more will also have a chance to win prizes. The fourth-prize winner will receive a $1,000 Co-op gift card, while the fifth-prize winner will receive a $500 gift card to SKIN Clinics Brandon. “As a cooperative, we understand the importance of supporting local,” said WCG Marketing Manager, Brandi Crowe. “We want our members, residential and commercial, to know that their  contributions to the success of the cooperative do not go unnoticed. With the Local Loot  Giveaway, we can show our appreciation while providing opportunities to experience great Manitoban prizes. WCG members of two or more years are automatically entered in the Local Loot Giveaway. Winners will be randomly selected and will be announced on official WCG social media channels  on February 23, 2024.

As an introduction to their new Building Communities Grant program and in honour of their 15th Anniversary, Sunrise Credit Union announced on November 8 that they would be giving away $15,000 in grant funding to a non-profit organization. After an overwhelming response with 58 applicants from across Southwestern Manitoba, Sunrise decided to increase the funding to three grants at $15,000 each to allow more than one project to benefit from the grant. Sunrise Credit Union wanted to help as many community organizations as they could. Thus, they announced that not one but three winners were selected to receive $15,000 each: The Elkhorn Ice Plant Project, the Shoal Lake Aeration Project, and the Holland Outdoor Arena. The ice plant in the Elkhorn & District Community Centre needs to be phased out due to environmental laws. As a result, if they experience a breakdown, they will not be able to repair the plant, and their regular operations will end. A new ice plant has been ordered, fundraising efforts are in full swing to ensure hockey can remain affordable in Elkhorn, and the Community Centre can continue to be a community pillar. The Shoal Lake Aeration Project has been organized by For the Love of Shoal Lake, a local organization. Under normal circumstances, Shoal Lake is a popular angling destination that draws in thousands of fishermen a year. Due to excessive algae growth in recent years, the number of visitors to the lake has diminished. The addition of an aeration system will revitalize the lake, and its ecosystems will be protected, attracting visitors from near and far. The Holland Agricultural Society is constructing an outdoor event arena, allowing them to host more activities on the Agricultural grounds and continue using their historical grandstands and barns. The Agricultural Society has been in Holland for over 100 years, and they are committed to enhancing, promoting, and sustaining agricultural and rural living for years to come. “We are incredibly fortunate to be able to support local organizations that do so much for our communities,” said Sunrise Credit Union president and CEO Tim Klassen, “Because of the volume of worthwhile applicants and our desire to support our communities, we are elated to offer not just one, but three $15,000 grants.” The Building Communities Grant Program, which will officially launch in 2024, has generated widespread buzz thanks to Sunrise’s introductory grant. Sunrise receives hundreds of donation and sponsorship requests each year, and the newly formed Building Communities Grant Program will bring additional structure to the process. Each year, there will be two application intake periods where non-profits and community organizations can submit their project for consideration. With community betterment at the forefront of the project, the new grant program will ensure every project is given the same opportunity and platform to request funding. The first official intake period for Sunrise Credit Union’s Building Communities Grant Program will launch in Spring of 2024. Stay tuned for further details and announcements!

The aroma of crispy fried chicken and the promise of deliciousness have descended upon Brandon as a brand new Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant recently opened its doors to eager patrons. The buzz around town is palpable as locals anticipate sinking their teeth into the iconic, secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that has made KFC a household name worldwide. This new KFC establishment boasts a modern design that merges the classic elements of the beloved fast-food joint with a contemporary flair. As you approach the entrance, the sight of the iconic red and white stripes instantly evokes a sense of nostalgia while signaling the dawn of a new era for the fried chicken aficionados in the area. The restaurant's interior reflects a thoughtful blend of comfort and convenience, featuring spacious seating arrangements, vibrant décor, and state-of-the-art digital menu boards that showcase an extensive array of tantalizing options. From the classic Original Recipe chicken to the zesty Zinger sandwiches and the crave-worthy sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and gravy, there's something to satiate every craving. So, if you're in the mood for some finger-lickin' goodness, make sure to swing by the new KFC at 1815 Middleton Ave. In addition to dine in, takeout, and delivery options, this location also features a 24-hour drive thru.

There is a new way to get local restaurant food delivered to your door.  Uber Eats has recently launched in the Wheat City. People can use the app to order meals, desserts and late-night snacks from restaurants and have the items delivered directly to their location. Several local restaurants have already partnered with the app including Wendy's, Chilli Chutney, Romano Pizza, McDonalds and more. To use Uber Eats, download their app or visit ubereats.com.