A long-running family business in Winkler is handing down the reigns to the next generation.

After 30 years local H&R block owner Dave Penner is watching his son Ryan step into the role.

"I'm glad it happened, it gives me an opportunity to work with him," Penner says. "He started helping us out a few years ago, and so now I'm the employee and Ryan is in charge. He is doing a fine job."

Ryan says the ownership transition has gone very smoothly after starting at the Winkler branch five years ago, and taking ownership three years ago.

"Naturally he's wanting to decrease his workload and I've been becoming more involved in the decision making," Ryan says. "He's worked a lot of long nights, he deserves a break."

After starting as a second job to complement his farming, Penner has seen the business expand along with the growing community. Before stepping down Penner oversaw five employees at their Winkler branch and another two in Morden.

The Winkler office celebrated a grand opening after moving into a larger location at 272 1st Street.

Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen congratulated the Penners, adding communities can't take for granted the family-owned business that create the foundation of our economy.