Westman Communications Group
Westman Communications Group (WCG) is the operating name of Westman Media Co-operative. Formerly referred to as Westman Cable, it is the main cable television company for the city of Brandon, Manitoba and the surrounding towns and villages of southwestern Manitoba. WCG was established in 1977 and originally provided cable television to the city of Brandon. In 1978, WCG expanded its coverage to include Carberry. Today, WCG provides analog and digital cable, and internet service to the following communities: Benito, Binscarth, Birch River, Birtle, Boissevain, Bowsman, Brandon, Carberry, Dauphin, Deloraine, Elkhorn, Erickson, Gilbert Plains, Gladstone, Glenboro, Grandview, Hamiota, Killarney, McCreary, Melita, Minitonas, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Rivers, Roblin, Rossburn, Russell, Sandy Lake, Shilo, Shoal Lake, Souris, St. Lazare, Ste Rose, Strathclair, Swan River, Virden.
As a consumer co-operative, WCG is one of the few cable companies where the customer earns equity (by being a Co-op), which can be cashed in if they move out of the service area. WCG is a member of the Manitoba Cooperative Association.
Governance
WCG, as cooperative, is a business owned and controlled by its members. Membership in WCG is open to anyone wishing to purchase services. Members, through a board of directors, determine how the co-operative will be run and allocation of any profits. The elected Board of Directors carries the ultimate responsibility for the policies for Westman and for giving direction to management. The current board of directors are: Don Bernhardt (Chair), Scott Gervin (First Vice-Chair), Miriam McLeod (Second Vice-Chair), Gail Janz (Secretary), Doug Smallwood (Treasurer), Leo Boivin, Rick Borotsik, Barry Delmage, Chris Heywood, Theresa van Hoof, and Bill Zaporzan.
Recent activities
2007
As of May 1 2007 WCG purchased the naming rights to the Keystone Centre's main arena and the associaed viewing lounge. It is a ten-year deal with an option to renew. As part of the deal, WCG will install HD televisions in the concourse and two electronic reader boards.
2003
In 2003, WCG purchased Riding Mountain Broadcasting Ltd. With the purchase, WCG now operates two Brandon-based radio stations, CKLQ 880 ("Q-Country") and CKLF 94.7 ("Star 94.7").