View From the Legislature

This November, as has been the case ever since 1921, Canadians are wearing poppies as an act of Remembrance. Inspired by the 1915 poem, In Flanders Fields, written by Canadian Lt.- Col. John McCrae, the poppy is one of the most recognizable symbols in the country.

It instantly brings to mind the sacrifice that has been made by decades of Canadians in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the war in Afghanistan and various peacekeeping missions around the world.

Each of us, whether new to Canada or fortunate enough to have always called this our home, have reason to be thankful for the freedoms and opportunity we enjoy. We all have a reason to remember.

Bothwell Cheese Celebrates 75 Years

75 years, whether in the life of an individual or the life of a business is reason to celebrate. And it was a celebration at Bothwell Cheese last week as the company marked both its 75th anniversary and the opening of its new 8,000 square-foot cheese aging and storage facility.

Existing for most of its life as a co-op, Bothwell Cheese saw new ownership in 2002 and under the guidance of president and CEO, Ivan Balenovic, has grown significantly in sales, product variety and distribution over the past decade.

Few businesses are so closely tied to the community in which they are located. Many people who hear of New Bothwell immediately associate it with the Bothwell Cheese company. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.

The reputation of Bothwell Cheese has only grown stronger under the new ownership  arrangement. Most notably, it has received international recognition as the five time winner of the British Empire Cheese Competition for its marble cheddar variety.

But as important as its national and international reputation is, just as notable is the reputation that the company holds locally. Bothwell Cheese remains committed to the community in which it was founded. A good corporate citizen and employer, it is a valued and respected local business. The celebration recognized Bothwell Cheese both as a purchaser of local products, most notably milk, and as a contributor to food banks in Manitoba.

The new storage and aging facility is another indicator of the commitment Bothwell Cheese has to the community of New Bothwell and the region. The $1.8 million facility means that it will be able to keep cheese stored onsite, rather than having it in a facility in Winnipeg.

75 years is a reason to celebrate. It is especially so when it appears that even at that notable age, Bothwell Cheese seems to be entering is prime. Congratulations to Ivan Balenovic and all of the management and staff at Bothwell Cheese.