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Local Culture
Growing to serve you better
Epp Law Office hires additional lawyer to meet business needs.
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BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78
For every deal a homebuyer strikes with a seller, a real estate lawyer is put to work to solidify the sale, secure signatures and submit legal documents. Shouldering work that is often time-sensitive, your real estate lawyer plays a critical role in the home buying process.
“Purchasing a home or starting a business can be stressful – and people are often a little nervous to be working with a lawyer,” says Andrea Epp, Epp Law Office. “At our office, we really take the time to make sure clients are comfortable and understand each step in the process. Our goal is for our clients to feel good about their transaction.”
Epp’s kind and patient approach to law and customer service in a market that is demanding, nerve-racking and non-stop is likely why her services are so in demand. Her practice has been open for less than a year and in that short time, she recognized the need for another lawyer in the office. After posting the position and conducting a number of interviews, Epp welcomed lawyer Alex Klippenstein to the team.
“Alex practices civil law, which is an area I needed support in for certain clients,” Epp says. “He has been a fantastic addition to the team. He’s still fresh on what he learned in law school and has a working knowledge of real estate and corporate law. Having him in the office – it’s just been a tremendous support.” With a growing clientele and additional office staff, Epp realized she needed a larger office space. The Epp Law Office moved to a new location back in June. “When I opened this office, it was perfectly set up for what we needed and the people we had,” Epp says. “I signed our lease for one year because everything was so unknown. Making the decision to move to a larger location and hiring more staff has been a really exciting process.” Epp has been practicing law in Brandon for over 11 years. The Epp Law Office mainly focuses on legal matters concerning commercial law and real estate transactions. However, the pandemic has led to an increase in a less common service.
“We’ve been seeing a lot more estate planning than usual – and I don’t think this is because people are thinking morbidly in response to the pandemic,” Epp explains. “I think people are just getting around to the things they’ve been putting off forever. Clients are typically pretty happy to get their will done and feel a sense of accomplishment when they do it.”
As far as what the future holds for Epp and her team, Epp is open to the possibilities.
“I had no expectations when I started. I’ve been very lucky to find and hire people who value creating a positive and comfortable environment for our clients,” Epp says. “I’m just happy to continue doing the work we do and serving our clients the best we can.”
Epp Law Office Unit A, 642 18th Street Brandon, MB 204-717-3775
Is your financial security plan a “Gofundme” campaign?
BY MICHAEL VAN LIEROP, PRESIDENT & CEO, NEW OUTLOOK WEALTH INC.
Sounds familiar? It should. These are the things we hear all the time when something tragic happens – a workplace accident leaves a wife and primary income-earner unable to work and collect a pay cheque; a child is hit by a car and is partially disabled, permanently. We see social media inundated with desperate pleas for help from friends and family. Why? It’s fair to say, most Canadians understand that tragedies like these usually are followed by financial chaos – unexpected costs, an abrupt end to an otherwise steady income, and the need to dip into savings or borrow money. People know bad news is only made worse by the stress of money. And so, if that’s true, why are so many Canadians leaving themselves vulnerable to one day becoming the focal point of a future Gofundme campaign?
There are several reasons for this, but the cost of insuring against such risks is actually not one of them. The issue is most Canadians are unaware of the personal insurance products available to them through licensed insurance advisors. There is a lack of awareness and financial literacy. The traditional way of gaining access to such advice is becoming harder as bricks-and-mortar financial branches (banks, credit unions) continue to vanish in large swaths of the country, and the insurance they do sell is truthfully not in the best interests of most clients. Alternative sources increasingly provide advice only to high net worth clients – leaving average families in the dark and without guidance.
It’s ironic, at a time when information has never been so accessible thanks to the Internet, that some Canadians struggle with the basics of financial preparedness. It’s just not something we do. We’ll search up hockey scores and stats, tutorials on using a Cricut, or download the latest game in the app store. And yet, from product information to pricing to advice, the digital landscape overflows with resources to tap into. And for most Canadians, a referral to a reputable Financial Planner is likely little more than a phone call or email away. So what’s the excuse?
This is another line heard countless times after a family tragedy. It tugs on our emotional heart strings. Truthfully, there is no greater sign of love than to leave your family without the burdens of a financial disaster in your absence. At age 35, a mere $40 a month could have left $1M for your family.
Personal responsibility drives much of what financial planning is all about – it’s taking stock of you and your family’s financial priorities and goals, documenting them with the help of a Financial Planner, and finding creative solutions that help you reach those targets while staying within your means. A big part of this reflects the adage: “plan for the best but be prepared for the worst”. A prime example is retirement planning – you save and curtail some spending during your working life in order to enjoy a post-work life that is comfortable and enduring. But to do so without also being prepared for an event that might severely curtail or interrupt your ability to earn a living (and therefore, save for retirement) is dangerous.
A premature death can lay waste to the financial security of a young family, and in most cases there are inexpensive life insurance solutions for less than a buck-a-day. While more expensive, disability insurance protects your capacity to generate an income for your family should you lose the physical or mental ability to do so. We have no trouble paying $150 a month for cell service, data, or Internet connectivity but have a kneejerk reaction to seeing a $150 per month personal insurance premium that ensures that we can keep paying the bills in the event of a sickness or accident. Similarly, a critical illness insurance plan can provide a tax-free injection of cash for pennies on the dollar. A well-rounded financial security plan for a family, covering most (if not all) of the risks for both income earners will likely cost less than you might expect, and infinitely less than the cost of not doing it at all.
The Pik-A-Dilly Secret Sauce
BY GEOFF KIRBYSON PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78
Sweet, saucy and a little unexpected. That’s the new barbeque sauce now in-store at Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre. Manitoba’s longest serving RV dealership has added a fun new product to the line-up in their retail store. General Manager, Ryan Main, is the man behind the creative offering. “Cooking and camping go hand in hand. It just makes sense that if you’re grilling up a great burger or some ribs, you have a great sauce to go with it. We want to be your one stop shop on the way to the campground. Whether you need a propane hose, a back-up camera for your trailer or bbq sauce, we’ll have it. Quick and easy.” The line-up of barbecue sauces are inspired by the love of the family road trip. There is one recipe for each of the four Western provinces — Peach Grilling Sauce for the peach industry in British Columbia; Sizzlin’ Hot BBQ Sauce in honour of Alberta’s meat market; Carolina Mustard Sauce pays tribute to the mustard fields of Saskatchewan and there’s Chicken & Rib BBQ Sauce for barbecuing afficionados in Manitoba.
The final one is Poncho’s Pik, a honey hickory chipotle barbecue sauce named in honour of Main’s late English Bulldog, Poncho, who accompanied him to the office for years. The four provincial sauces are a limited time offering, while Poncho’s Pik will remain a staple at Pik-A-Dilly. Main hopes that people really enjoy the new flavours and share them widely with family and friends. “People at campgrounds are always mingling. Hopefully, some people will see others with it and ask, ‘where did you get that?’” he says. The chatter might even start in the vehicle as RVers pass by some of Pik-A-Dilly’s highway signs that tout its, “Parts, Service and Barbecue Sauce.” “We want to grab the attention of people. We’re in the business of making memories. Camping is about having fun, connecting with family and enjoying summer. RVs can do that for people. Great food can also do that. Combine great food, good weather and a comfortable RV and you’ve certainly got the winning combination for a memorable summer.” The sauces are being produced exclusively for Pik-ADilly. “We’re proud of them. The recipes are really great. Even my kids will eat them and they’re very finicky.” he says. The 350-ml bottles sell for $8 each or two for $15. If Main has his way, additional condiments will be added in the future. “We’ve talked about rubs, hot sauces and other items on the accessory side of things at the picnic table. There’s a nearly endless number of possibilities. We’re not going to kaybosh any ideas,” he says. Main is also in discussions with a select number other retailers to stock the Pik-A-Dilly sauces. ”Look for our sauces at a campground near you. Feel free to tag us on social media with pictures of your campfire feast and tell us what flavours you’d like to see from us in the future. We love knowing that we are a part of your summer experience. ”
RYAN MAIN, GENERAL MANAGER
Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre 320 Highland Ave Brandon MB Call or text: 204-728-8570
Celebrating its first anniversary
The Spark - Web Radio
The Spark celebrates its first anniversary and we invite you to join the celebration and find out why fans of classic rock radio keep coming back to put some SPARK in their life! THE SPARK – Web Radio That Rocks! is an online radio station broadcasting from Brandon, MB. serving Westman and beyond... The Spark is not just a classic rock station its a whole new classic rock listening experience offering you way more variety. Unlike most radio stations with a 400 song playlist, we bring you a galaxy of 5,000 songs. Old favorites, deep album cuts, and tunes you thought you forgot. Add to the mix local artists as well news from Western Manitoba and you’ll find yourself sticking with us. The Spark offers unique shows and features including Mornings with Frank “Shotgun” McGwire and Afternoons with Tim Black, both veterans of the westman radio scene. Fans of 80s music will love Excellence of the 80s with host Paul Devo which airs Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8pm. Sports fans will also enjoy “Just a Minute Sports” with Manitoba Sports legend Petery Young. Tune it in Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 am, Noon, 3 pm and 6pm. The Spark also takes pride in spotlighing local events and the local businesses that we are pleased to have as sponsors. Have a quick look at our Mission Statement (Link: https://sparkwebradio.com/shows/) to find out what drives us. You can also send us your programming suggestions and your favorite tunes – email us at requests@ sparkwebradio.com or click the KIA instant request button on our homepage at www.sparkwebradio.com And, most importantly, tell your friends about The Spark!
Must See Manitoba
We know you are ready for a getaway.
Explore some of the most beautiful scenery. Connect with your inner explorer. Travel the many provincial paths to some not-so-secret gems that can't wait to open their doors to you on your travels this summer.
Your Small Town Boutique
providing home decor and gift ideas.
Candles | Pottery | Home Decor | Jewellery | Wood Crafts | Textiles | Art Health & Wellness Products | Handmade Soap | Repurposed Items
Take a short drive on Highway 83 through the scenic Assiniboine Valley to find yourself at the creative Studio 83 in Miniota MB. Extend your visit with a round of gold or a hike on the beautiful Silverbend Trails. Studio 83 Jennifer Copet 204-567-3586 creativesoul82@hotmail.com
After starting out as a small family business to provide summer jobs for their kids, Float and Paddle has evolved and blossomed into one of Manitoba’s favourite must do summer activities!
People from all over the province flock to Pinawa every summer to visit Float and Paddle and experience the best lazy river float our province has to offer.
The float is a 2-3 hour blissful journey down the Pinawa Channel on the edge of the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
This is a must do activity for all ages!
LUXURY RIVER TUBES
*Starti ng at $16pp There is no bett er way to enjoy the water than on a Pinawa Channel tube fl oat! We have top-quality Pinawa tube rentals designed specifi cally for our locati on. Our service and experti se will ensure you have a positi vely memorable experience!
CANOES & KAYAKS
*Starti ng at $20pp Need a litt le more acti vity and adventure? Try a Pinawa canoe rental or kayak. We supply the safety equipment, quality boats, map, and local experti se. Check-in is located the Pinawa Motel Offi ce and the launch point is located at the downtown Pinawa Marina.
STABLE SUP BOARDS
Starti ng at $30pp Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! Up the channel or down? That is the questi on. Perhaps both! Paddle your stress away with fl oati ng yoga, an upper-body, core workout, then relax with a horizontal fl oat down the Pinawa Channel!
Albert’s Mini Golf
Brandon
Book your party for fun!
Test your skills on the rock climbing wall and batting cages. The 18-hole mini golf is a treat for all ages. Navigate the course obstacles and take on some friendly competition on this fun and challenging course.
albertsbistro.ca 204-727-3911
Aunt Sally’s Farm
Winnipeg A must see during your visit to the Zoo, Aunt Sally’s Farm creates a joyful experience. While not a traditional petting Zoo, get up close and personal with goats, llamas, pot bellied pigs, miniature donkeys and horses through the parallel playgrounds and overhead rainbow bridge.
Located in the Assiniboine Park Zoo | www.assiniboinepark.ca
The Loop
WALKING PATH
Winnipeg
Connecting The Exchange District, Old St. Boniface and Downtown, the Loop is a curated walking guide with over 50 iconic and historic landmarks.
Reston Lake & Campground
A family oasis awaits you only 1 hour SW of
Brandon on #2 HWY. Reston is home to a spray park with a waterslide, lake for swimming, beach, 9-hole golf course and campground! This family friendly area is located on the West side of Reston in the RM of Pipestone. The RM of Pipestone is home to an assortment of services, and hosts thriving programs such as the famous $10 residential lot program.
Crow’s Nest
GENERAL STORE
Brandon
Take the time to explore the many sights!
Cool down at the vintage Ice Cream Parlour, take a tour on the uniquely landscaped grounds, and hike along the Assiniboine River. The guided Assiniboine Food Forrest Trail is a great learning excursion.
Gone Scrappin In Bloom
Rossburn
Stop in for a cold drink, treat yourself to ice cream and be inspired in this gathering space! Supporting artisans of all backgrounds, you will find so many handmade and small batch crafted items in the shop. Recharge your soul, take a breath and enjoy the slower pace as soon as you walk in the front door of this old 1938 general store.
204-859-3334 www.gonescrappin.ca
flowers, scrapbooking, gifts & café
Riverbank Discovery Centre
Brandon Riverbank is home to the Riverbank Discovery Centre, a facility that includes wildlife displays, an acti vity centre for families, kids programs, souvenirs and much more! It’s also home to the Brandon & Region Tourism Centre, which provides informati on on anything and everything to do in our city and region! The Riverbank grounds include an extensive trail system that runs through wetlands, prairie grasses, nati ve and introduced trees and shrubs, and connects to the Red Willow Pedestrian Bridge overlooking the Assiniboine River, as well as a playgrounds, art installati ons and Fusion Credit Union Stage, an outdoor covered amphitheatre, which hosts everything from small cultural performances to large summer concerts!
RESILIENT NEEPAWA
Welcomes Summer Tourists
BY GEOFF KIRBYSON PHOTOS BY SANDY BLACK
Neepawa hasn’t been immune to the COVID-19 pandemic but you’d be hard-pressed to fi nd a community that has weathered the storm bett er.
Located about a two-hour drive northwest of Winnipeg and about 45 minutes northeast of Brandon, not only did Neepawa not fall into a recession, the town of nearly 6,000 has actually added new businesses since the pandemic hit in March 2020.
“Our businesses are doing so well, I haven’t lost a single one to COVID,” says Marilyn Crewe, the town’s economic development offi cer. “Last year, we had seven businesses open their doors.”
They include a cannabis store, a physiotherapy clinic and a couple of legal offi ces. The Bay Hill Inn hotel and Westway Motel were also sold to new owners, too.
“Where stories take a beautiful turn”
Crewe is confident good times are just around the corner as vaccination numbers continue to rise around the province. That’s why she and her team are putting out the welcome mat to convince other Manitobans to hop in their vehicles and drive to Neepawa.
Along with Travel Manitoba, Crewe has put together a “stay-and-play” package weekend featuring a one-night stay at the Bay Hill Inn hotel, a $40 gift certificate from a local restaurant and a gift from Neepawa Tourism for $140. There’s no shortage of activities in Neepawa, including the Back Forty Trail Park, a five-kilometre cycling course for riders of all abilities; the Great Trail, 10 km of winding terrain for outdoor enthusiasts; and the the Neepawa Golf & Country Club, which offers 18 challenging holes along the winding Whitemud River.
In March 2020, Farmery Estate Brewery decided to pivot their business model to meet global demand for hand sanitizer. They did not expect the demand to be so high. “Within 15 minutes, we had 300 likes (and) shares, and it just kept going higher and higher.” said Co-owner Lawrence Warwaruk. It was a success!
The business shift was good PR for Farmery Estate Brewery to provide hand sanitizer during such a difficult time. Farmery made donations to health care facilities and other public spaces. “Our local businesses saw more people choosing to shop local. This is one of the strengths of rural. We’re naturally distant, it’s how we live,” she says. “Our businesses have been very innovative and showed a lot of strength and resilience. Our individual business owners were constantly figuring it out in the midst of rules that were changing every few weeks.”
Grocery stores, electronics outlets and hardware retailers, meanwhile, saw their sales soar.
The requirements for the manufacturing of hand sanitizer caused them to close their building the public. They had to stop doing tours and could not sell from their brewery. At this time, they pivoted again and found a commercial space offsite to open a retail store in Neepawa. In November, Farmery has opened a procurement centre in Winnipeg. More sales means more production and employment for the Neepawabased brewery. In the difficult year that was 2020, Farmery Estate Brewery is a great example of the resilience and tenacity of rural, small business.
In an unexpected twist, when the Pallister government mandated a province-wide lockdown, retailers in Neepawa benefitted. Residents who might otherwise have driven to Brandon or Winnipeg to do a big shop decided to stay closer to home. However, it hasn’t all been days of wine and roses. Businesses such as hair salons were forced to close while gyms pivoted to providing online instruction and boot camps.
Crewe is optimistic that the entrepreneurs who had to close their doors during any of the three COVID waves in the province will see their dedication rewarded with a non-stop stream of customers.
“Neepawa is open for business,” she says.
Plan your visit at www.neepawatourism.ca
