Westman Communications Group
 | |
| Consumer cooperative | |
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Brandon, Manitoba, Canada |
Area served | Southwestern Manitoba |
Key people |
|
| Products | Digital & Cable Television, High Speed Internet, Telephone service provider, and local radio broadcaster |
| + $20 million | |
Number of employees | 150 |
| Subsidiaries | Riding Mountain Broadcasting |
| Website | westmancom.com |
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
Digital Television, Home Phone, and High Speed Internet services to the following communities: Brandon, Dauphin, Carberry, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Shilo, Rivers, Souris, Boissevain, Killarney, Virden, Ste. Rose, Swan River, Minitonas, Erickson.
Digital Television (and analog): Benito, Binscarth, Birch River, Birtle, Bowsman, Deloraine, Elkhorn, Gilbert Plains, Gladstone, Glenboro, Grandview, Hamiota, McCreary, Melita, Roblin, Rossburn, Russell, Sandy Lake, Shoal Lake, St. Lazare, Strathclair.
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. Westman's Board of Directors for 2016: Dave Mahoney (Chair), Rick Borotsik (1st Vice Chair), Doug Smallwood (2nd Vice Chair), Gail Janz (Secretary), Susan Brechmann (Treasurer), Deb Brown, Leo Boivin, Brian McVicar, Barrie Brooking, Barry Delmage, and Jim Ferguson.
Other Company Growth
- 2016
Selected as one of Canada's Top 100 Small and Medium employers.
Launched WCGtv North -Regional Channel- on December 1, 2016.
Fibre-connected the community of Erickson on October 4, 2016, they now receive our full product and service offerings.
Fibre-connected the community of Minitonas on July 12, 2016, they now receive our full product and service offerings.
Launched WCGtv South -Regional Channel- on June 15, 2016.
- 2015
In 2015, WCG launched Enhanced dual band WiFi service.
Fibre-connected the community of Erickson on July 7, 2017, they now receive our full product and service offerings.
- 2003
In 2003, WCG purchased Riding Mountain Broadcasting Ltd. With the purchase, WCG now owns and operates two Brandon-based radio stations, CKLF 94.7 ("94.7 Star FM"), and CKLQ 880 ("Q-Country").
- 2007
May 1, 2007, WCG purchased the naming rights to the Keystone Centre's main arena (Westman Place) and the associated viewing lounge(s) (880 CKLQ Hall & 94.7 Star FM 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.
- 2008
March 15, 2008, WCG was listed by Industry Canada as a participant in the upcoming auction for spectrum licenses for advanced wireless services.[1] December 15, 2008, WCG was certified as a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) and began providing landline home phone service in competition with MTS.
- 2011
Commenced offering Hosted PBX voice services for small and medium businesses.
- 2012
First in Canada to provide a full home (phone, Internet, video) solution off of a single device.
- 2013
Launched highest residential Internet speeds in Manitoba.
- 2014
Selected as one the Top 25 Employers in Manitoba. Introduced PRI voice services for medium and large businesses.
References
- ↑ Industry Canada (March 14, 2008), http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/smt-gst.nsf/en/sf08900e.html