Keystone Centre’s main arena to be known as Westoba Place as part of eight-year deal

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This article was published 03/02/2018 (3030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Keystone Centre celebrated “community, camaraderie and commitment” on Friday morning as officials announced a new eight-year naming rights agreement with Westoba Credit Union.

The facility’s main arena, and home to the Brandon Wheat Kings, will now be known as Westoba Place.

“Mere months ago when we began the process of seeking out a new naming rights partner to our main arena, we could not have known how close we were to finding the company with which we’d soon partner,” said Keystone Centre general manager Jeff Schumacher. “So close, in fact, that we already posted their name on the exterior of our facility.”

As part of the deal, Westoba renewed its long-term sponsorship of Westoba Agricultural Centre of Excellence, which has been in place for 10 years. The new contract covers both facilities at a value of approximately $2 million over the eight-year term.

“A naming rights sponsorship is so much more than a contract, a dollar amount or a few ads,” Schumacher said. “It truly is a relationship, a partnership between two businesses. And when the synergies align, those relationships have the opportunity to grow into something beautiful for both parties, and the communities that surround them.”

Westoba Credit Union CEO Jim Rediger was thrilled to be able to make the official announcement after months of behind-the-scenes discussions.

“We’re really happy that we’re here today, and we’re really looking forward to this partnership over the next number of years.”

Westoba Credit Union has 16 branches located across Manitoba, and serves more than 37,000 members. Westoba employs more than 200 people, and has a mission of “Enriching lives and communities by helping financial dreams come true.”

Rediger told the crowd at the press conference that as a credit union, they are accountable to their membership.

“They have told us they want our community investment dollars to focus on community infrastructure,” he said. “We can’t think of a larger or more diverse facility that’s more central to our region and the communities we support than the Keystone Centre.”

The sponsorship will also support programs and events that run in the facility, such as helping to subsidize rink rental rates to keep it more feasible for youth groups. Members of Westoba Credit Union will also enjoy some “unique perks” through the agreement.

“Members will have access to advance ticket promotions, and a Westoba fast lane for entering events,” Rediger said.

The new name will be made official on Feb. 19, and to celebrate the special day, Westoba is hosting a free family fun day at the Keystone Centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which includes disco public skating until noon, and Big Toys Explore Zone, Westoba Mini-Car Pit Stop and a petting zoo. New signage will be installed over the next few weeks.

Coun. Shawn Berry (Linden Lanes), former Keystone board chair, took a moment to reflect on the former sponsor.

“We were grateful for the 10 years that (Westman Communications Group) was the title sponsor … and certainly a good community business and a good community sponsor,” Berry said, adding the new deal with Westoba is “phenomenal” for the facility.

Keystone board chair Tim Hore said he’s excited about the partnership that makes sense for both organizations.

“As we talk about public good, and what Westoba’s trying to do with respect to family days and rates for the youth in the community … it really goes with the Keystone’s motto and logo with respect to ‘Community at Heart.’”

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