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When Heather Klassen and her partner Jim first dreamed up their business, they were bobbing in the Pacific on a tour boat, surrounded by whales. That unforgettable moment in Maui became the namesake for their uniquely branded company, Mugging Whales Specialty Coffee Roasters. 

"We got 'mugged' by whales," Klassen explains with a laugh. "We were stuck out there, completely surrounded. It was amazing." 

The annual Canada Day celebration in Vita is shaping up to be one for the books, with organizers promising a dynamic blend of long-standing favourites and exciting new attractions. Ang Boychuk, one of the lead organizers, says the two-day festival offers something for everyone.

"We have a lot of recurring things happening that we've had in past years like our strong man competition, baseball tournament, some rodeo ring activities, and lots of kids activities," Boychuk says.

With golf clubs at the ready and a cause close to home, Stride Credit Union is once again rallying the community for its annual STARS golf tournament, set for July 10 in Portage la Prairie.

Now in its third year, the fundraiser brings together golfers, local businesses, and community members to support STARS air ambulance, a service that plays a critical role in rural and remote areas across Manitoba.

Fuel House Chestermere isn't your typical gym. For owner Sara Berdusco, it's a place where connections are just as important as kettlebells. “Fuel House is really special. It's like a family,” says Berdusco. “We have youth as young as 12 and adults as young as 72. We have high-level athletes, and everyone trains together, cheers for each other, and brings out the best in each other.”

Located above the popular Dockside restaurant at 109 E Chestermere Drive, Fuel House is a community-centered fitness facility that prides itself on inclusivity and mutual encouragement.

Pioneer Co-op in Swift Current has built a reputation as a trusted source for top-tier agricultural equipment, proudly featuring a comprehensive selection of AGI products. From augers and conveyors to bins and aeration equipment, the Co-op's lineup is designed to meet the diverse needs of local producers.

Commercial wind developments – including Enbridge’s proposed Seven Stars Energy Project – are subject to environmental, regulatory, and permitting reviews involving three levels of government before they can proceed to the construction stage.

Whether it's a day-trip or for a longer stay, Buffalo Point Resort will leave their guests both speechless while also having them unable to stop talking about all the amazing amenities found in this one, majestic location.

Whether it's a day-trip or for a longer stay, Buffalo Point Resort will leave its guests both speechless while also having them unable to stop talking about all the amazing amenities found in this one, majestic location.

What started in a basement in Eckville in 2007 has since become a coast-to-coast sensation. Chris Robak, CFO of Silver Cove, recalls the early days of the now-thriving gemstone and mineral company. "Believe it or not, we started in our basement," he says. "We opened our first store in Lacombe, then expanded to Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer."

From those modest roots, Silver Cove has evolved into a multifaceted business that includes retail locations, a mining division, a wholesale warehouse, and an extensive schedule of gem and mineral shows across Canada.

Starting fresh and finding purpose

Lori McInnis never expected her career path would lead her to mortgage brokering, but six years ago, a move from Swift Current to Saskatoon, when her husband Brent was transferred with his employer, sparked a new beginning. Originally working in Wealth Management, Lori reconnected with an old friend who encouraged her to try something new.

"She said, 'You should come work with us,'" Lori recalls. "So I took the mortgage brokering course, got mentored, and here I am today."