Few things get people’s tongues wagging more than the announcement of new businesses, or perhaps changes to long-standing local institutions. The year, franchises came to our communities, popular businesses made big upgrades, and the local Chambers of Commerce gave out awards honouring the very best companies our region has to offer. 

1. “Niverville Dollar Store Ready for Grand Opening,” by Brenda Sawatzky. Several new businesses opened in Niverville last year, the first of which was the Great Canadian Dollar Store in March. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/niverville-dollar-store-ready-for-grand-opening)
2. “Niverville Chamber Hands Out Annual Awards,” by Evan Braun. Every year, the Niverville Chamber of Commerce gives out three awards—Outstanding Customer Service, Business of the Year, and the Alex Fast Sr. Memorial Award. This year’s winners were announced at the Chamber’s annual general meeting on March 7. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/niverville-chamber-hands-out-annual-awards)
3. “Dairy Queen Gears Up for Opening Day,” by Brenda Sawatzky. Dairy Queen’s arrival in Niverville was perhaps the buzziest business news of 2019. On opening day, people lined up at the entrance in the early morning hours—a couple of them huddling in pop-up tents—to get a chance at free Blizzards. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/dairy-queen-gears-up-for-opening-day)
4. “Country Snacks and Red River Co-op Begin Transformation,” by Brenda Sawatzky. News came down in the spring that Country Snacks would be closing their gas pumps over the summer in order to carry out a major expansion into the property next door. The substantially improved gas bar, able to serve 12 vehicles at once, opened in mid-September to much fanfare. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/country-snacks-and-red-river-co-op-begin-transformation)
5. “St. Adolphe Drive-In Gets Outstanding Welcome,” by Brenda Sawatzky. There can be no doubt—almost nothing gets people more excited than the announcement of a new restaurant coming to town. This year, tongues were wagging about the locally sourced burgers, fries, and dogs at the brand-new St. Adolphe Drive-In. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/st-adolphe-drive-in-gets-outstanding-community-welcome)
6. “Ritchot Chamber Hands Out Business Awards at Annual Gala,” by Gabrielle Taylor. At their annual November gala, the Ritchot Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of their four awards. The big prize, Business of the Year, went to Cobblestone Homes.  (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/ritchot-chamber-hands-out-business-awards-at-annual-gala)
7. “Wiens Furniture Unveils New Showroom,” by Brenda Sawatzky. Just two years after unveiling their new appliance showroom, the Wiens family was proud to invite guests to the VIP grand opening of Wiens Furniture’s newly renovated furniture showroom on September 24. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/wiens-furniture-unveils-new-furniture-showroom)
8. “New Chicken Chef Owners Introduce New Ideas,” by Brenda Sawatzky. Chicken Chef came under new ownership last fall, and with it came the announcement of new menu items, expanded delivery, and in-store innovations—an infusion of life into a mainstay of Niverville’s restaurant scene for almost 40 years. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/new-chicken-chef-owners-introduce-new-ideas)
9. “Soap-Making Business Making a Splash,” by Sara Beth Dacombe. SOAK Bath Co, from entrepreneur Candace Alarie, received national attention for its handcrafted luxury bath and body products, including homemade, all-natural soap and shampoo bars wrapped in biodegradable seed paper packaging. The zero-waste business concept, along with the quality of the bath products, earned the company a feature in Canada’s House & Home magazine.  (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/niverville-soap-making-business-making-a-splash)
10. “Anytime Fitness Coming to Niverville,” by Brenda Sawatzky. The local franchisees Anytime Fitness will soon be opening a new location of the global franchise in Niverville. Construction is expected to get underway in February and the business intends to be open for business by mid-summer. (https://nivervillecitizen.com/news/local/anytime-fitness-coming-to-niverville)