A unique event called speed mentoring, akin to speed dating, was held in Winkler Tuesday evening, hosted by the Winkler Chamber of Commerce.

Groups of people clustered together at tables and talked about their business ideas with business mentors, local business people working at a variety of companies. The plan was to introduce the up-and-comers to established moguls to share ideas and receive direction for how to to do business in the area, information not readily available.

"If I want to know how business happens in New York, I just have to do a Google search, but if I want to know business practices in this area, no studies have been done." said event organizer, Vassan Aruljothi.

"So I think this [event] will open up conversations."

Aruljothi used to work and live in Winnipeg, but found there wasn't' much room for him to grow as the business market had become "saturated". He moved to the Pembina Valley and has appreciated doing business here.

"I think people coming to Manitoba, should think outside Winnipeg," Aruljothi said. "I find it very exhilarating doing business in this area."