The Federal Government is set to unveil its anticipated 2024 Budget on April 16. 


Join us on Wednesday, April 17 at 10:00 AM via Zoom for an analysis by MNP Tax leaders Tracy Leishman and Heather Hilhorst who will provide insights into potential implications for you and your business. 


There is no cost to participate, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.


For more information, contact our office by email info@gpchamber.com or phone 780-532-5340.

REGISTER HERE

Discover the powerful interplay between business and philanthropy in nurturing community development, as Laura LaValley, the Chief Executive Officer of the newly rebranded Northwestern Alberta Foundation (NAF), shares her expertise.


This MindBite promises to be an insightful and engaging conversation bridging the worlds of business and philanthropy.

REGISTER HERE

Ribbon Cutting- Grande Prairie KOA Journey


The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting set for Wednesday April 24th, 2024 hosted by Grande Prairie KOA Journey formerly Camp Tamarack RV Park.


The location is 704063 Range Road 62 in the County of Grande Prairie.


The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for 2:00 PM. The full event runs from 1:00-3:00 PM. Come celebrate with the Grande Prairie KOA Journey team and enjoy some cake!


No registration is required.

Ribbon Cutting - BILD Grande Prairie


The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for a Ribbon Cutting for BILD Grande Prairie on Thursday, April 25 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grande Prairie Airport (11700 99 Avenue). The Ribbon Cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 AM. The entire event is set to run from 9:30-11:30 AM.


The Canadian Home Builders Association changed their name in Grande Prairie in 2020 and never had a chance to do any public engagement about it. BILD Grande Prairie will also be opening their membership back up to trades and general members at this event as they are currently builder members only.


BILD Grande Prairie is the voice of the home building, land development and renovation industries in the Grande Prairie area. Learn more by visiting their website https://www.bildgp.ca/.


There is no cost to attend but please register to confirm catering numbers.

REGISTER HERE

SPRING BUSINESS SHOWCASE


Join us on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Jackpot Grill & Events Centre for our Spring Business Showcase, an evening of exploring a variety of member booths, networking with fellow business owners, and enjoying complimentary snacks, door prizes and more.

 

Our Business Showcase highlights the unique services and products of our diverse Chamber Member businesses. And the best part? There's no cost to attend, but you do need to register for catering numbers. 


BOOTHS ARE NOW SOLD OUT!. Please contact our office info@gpchamber.com for more information.

REGISTER HERE FOR ATTENDEES

FIVE WEEKS AWAY!!!

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce and our partner, the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association, are busy preparing for the 2024 Peace Region Energy Show, set for May 15-16 at Evergreen Park in the County of Grande Prairie!


VISITOR Registration is open! Visitors Register Here


EXHIBITOR Registration is filling up quickly! Exhibitors Register Here


ALL exhibiting companies' contact information will be listed and included in our printed and online Exhibitor Show Guide! Businesses may also purchase additional advertisement.  


For more information, or contact our office by email info@gpchamber.com or phone 780-532-5340.


Information can also be found on our website www.prenergy.ca.

Promote your company by becoming a PRES sponsor! See the options by clicking on the Sponsorship Guide image above or contact our office by phone 780-532-5340 or email info@gpchamber.com.


Advertise in our PRES Show Guide! Contact Max Kozlov, Marketing & Promotions, by phone 780-532-5340 or email max@gpchamber.com.


Stay In the Loop! Click the link below to sign up for Exclusive Updates on the Peace Region Energy Show!



Sign Up

Skills & Labour Market Research



We've heard from you that Alberta is experiencing a skills shortage - and we want to learn more about the challenges that you face hiring the skills you need.


The survey will take 5 minutes to complete and is open until 5:00 P.M. on April 12.


Share your perspective!

Increasing access to physicians


To address rural physician shortages, Alberta is establishing new Rural Medical Education Program Training Centres in Lethbridge and Grande Prairie. These centers, a collaboration between several universities and Northwestern Polytechnic, aim to produce over 100 physicians annually. This initiative seeks to improve access to healthcare in rural areas and strengthen the primary healthcare system.


Learn more

Alberta’s government is investing $1.13 million to support the development of regional airports across the province


The grant funding will support 10 regional airports in developing business cases and feasibility studies for improved airport infrastructure and air transportation. The projects will allow the airports to identify, explore and prioritize improvements and opportunities to increase their economic competitiveness. The list includes:


  • Grande Prairie Airport: Canadian Border Services Agency Facilities Study – $140,000
  • Peace River Regional Airport: Peace River Airport Master Plan – $57,552
  • High Level Airport: High Level Airport Master Plan – $56,000
  • Whitecourt Airport: Commercial Development Feasibility Study – $78,684


This investment will facilitate the growth of the province’s regional airport network, enabling the seamless movement of people and goods, and creating more opportunities for municipalities and local industry to thrive.


Learn more

Open Letter: Calls on Government to Withdraw the Oil and Gas Emissions Cap


ACC joined organizations across Canada in signing the Calgary Chamber of Commerce's open letter urging reconsideration of the Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap, citing its potential negative impact on Canada's economic prosperity.


Read the full letter

Learn more

Eye of Business


Alberta Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Shauna Feth dives in and discusses the impact LNG Exports, Emission Caps, and Temporary Foreign Workers has on Alberta Business


Watch the full clip

2024 Annual General Meeting & Policy Plenary Session in Red Deer


Registration for our ACC AGM & Plenary Session is open!


From educational sessions and a panel featuring past chairs to a policy session and the Red Deer Chamber's 130th Anniversary Gala, you don't want to miss it!


Register now!

Agenda

Diversity Awareness Webinar


Join the upcoming webinar hosted by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce in partnership with CNIB's team. Gain insights into how resourceful and competitive individuals with sight loss can be.


Join us on April 10th at 12 pm MST 



Learn more

Making investing in Alberta easier


Alberta has launched a Site Selector Tool aimed at boosting the province as a prime business and investment destination. The tool offers comprehensive data to assist businesses and investors in making informed decisions regarding establishment or expansion in various communities across Alberta.


Learn more

Alberta regional dashboard & site selector

Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF)


To commemorate its 10-year anniversary since launch, ABIF is receiving an increase in funding by $2.5 million. The ABIF program provides capital grants of up to $750,000 to Indigenous-owned businesses to help them develop and grow, leading to job creation and economic contributions within their communities.


Learn more

Temporary Foreign Worker Program Temporary Measures


Government of Canada to adjust temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road Map. Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program, limiting allowable amount of workers through the program from 30% to 20%


Alberta has approximately 20,000 TFWs working in the province. Approximately 17,000 are working in the Agriculture & Agrifood sector.


Learn more

Food, Fuel, & Fertilizer Global Summit


We are excited to be a part of the second annual Food, Fuel, Fertilizer Global Summit hosted by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce in Regina, May 6-7, 2024.

Don't miss out—grab your tickets and join us in amplifying the impact of our province on the global stage!


Learn more

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY


Upcoming live webinars on employment standards


Employment standards set out the rights and obligations of employers and employees in Alberta. These include the minimum standards that employers must provide to their employees.


Upcoming webinars (including live Q&A) are scheduled for the following topics:


  • Employment Standards in Alberta – Wages and Overtime: Wednesday, April 10 (10:30 a.m.)
  • Employment Standards in Alberta – Construction Overview: Tuesday, April 16 (1:30 p.m.)
  • Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office – TFW & Employer Rights and Responsibilities: Wednesday, April 24 (1:30 p.m.) 


For more information, or to register for one of the sessions, please visit alberta.ca/employment-standards-webinars.aspx. To book a presentation for your company or organization, please email EOP.Presentations@gov.ab.ca.

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES

Refocusing Alberta’s healthcare system

 

In November 2023, Alberta’s government announced it would be refocusing health care with the creation of four new organizations that will be responsible for the oversight and delivery of health care services in the province. The four new organizations include acute care, continuing care, primary care and mental health and addiction. The mental health and addiction organization will be the first of these to be established when it becomes an entity later this year.


On April 2, the Government of Alberta announced that the new mental health and addiction organization will be named Recovery Alberta. In addition, Alberta’s government announced the establishment of the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE) to support Alberta’s government in building recovery-oriented systems of care by researching best practices for recovery from around the world, analyzing data and making evidence-based recommendations.


Learn more about the new mental health and addiction organization at alberta.ca.


Albertans are invited to participate in an in-person engagement session to help shape the future of healthcare in Alberta. These sessions are an opportunity to engage directly with elected and senior leaders from the Government of Alberta. Sessions have been scheduled through April 12. Register to participate or share your feedback by survey at alberta.ca/shape-the-way.

Reduce and Manage the Stress in your Life 


During this this free three-part virtual workshop series (using Zoom), participants will identify the stressors in their lives, learn about the connection between stress and health, practice strategies to manage stress and build stress resilience, and create a plan for stress management success.


Thursdays, May 2, 9, and 16 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.


Wednesdays, June 12, 19, and 26 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.


For more information or to register call 825-404-7460 and press 3.

Mental Health Foundation Lunch & Learn Series - Understanding anxiety


Hosted by AHS Health Promotion Facilitators, this lunch and learn series will teach participants the difference between everyday worries and anxiety that is no longer helpful or productive. Participants will learn how to identify common signs of anxiety, how the body reacts to stress triggers/responses, strategies for regulation and strategies to approach stress in manageable steps with effective coping skills.



  • Date: Friday, April 19, 2024
  • Time: 12 – 1 p.m.


To learn more and to register, click here. For more information about upcoming workshops, email HPDIP.MH.EarlyID@ahs.ca or click here.

Workshop to share tips on preparing for emergency


Albertans are invited to participate in Emergency Preparedness, or E-Prep, an online workshop that shares ways to be emotionally, socially, and practically prepared for a disaster or an emergency.


The workshop uses a step-by-step approach to help people make emergency plans that are unique to their lives. It encourages individuals to discuss, explore, discover, and develop their own personal emergency preparedness plan. Through this interactive and educational webinar, participants are guided through a step-by-step approach to create a personalized emergency preparedness kit while focusing on mental health and emotional wellness. The program is for adults interested in learning skills to cope with disasters and emergencies, and to deal with stress.


Register for one of the following dates:



Participants can take part through their smartphone, tablet or computer. If you have questions about the E-Prep workshop or need support to register, contact AHSWellnessExchange@ahs.ca or visit Addiction and Mental Health Workshop Eprep. For additional resources, click here.

CONFERENCE BOARD OF CANADA


Economic Impacts From Cap and Trade on Oil and Gas


The federal government's proposed cap and trade system would cut emissions within six years, but reducing oil and gas production would come at a significant cost. We explore the potential costs and economic shifts needed for Canada to achieve its goal of a net-zero economy by 2050.


Access research

Where to? Mapping Immigrants’ and Non-Permanent Residents’ Settlement in Canada


Communities across Canada are experiencing changes in their immigrant and temporary resident populations. Our interactive map can help governments, settlement service providers, and other service providers prepare for changes in population trends.


Access the map

Waiting Game: Provincial Five-Year Outlook—March 2024


Look at how long restrictive interest rates will likely compel consumers and businesses to keep a tight hold on their wallets this year in provinces across Canada.


Read now

Postings Slide Further in February—Canadian Hiring Index: February 2024


View the outlook for the Canadian job market, including for new graduates and job seekers in professional, scientific, and technical services.


Read now

Boost Your Marketing With ChatGPT


Explore the unlimited potential of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence tools to promote your business. Join this free webinar on Thursday, April 18 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM and learn how to build time-saving tactics for your business.


Discover strategies to optimize your marketing efforts and workflow efficiency. Learn to craft effective prompts in your brand voice and delve into the capabilities of ChatGPT.


Register Now

Book Your FREE 30-Minute Strategy Session with the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Digital Service Squad!


  • Craft a tailored strategy to make your brand shine.
  • Unleash the power of captivating content that speaks to your audience.
  • Get hands-on tips and tricks for seamless campaign implementation.


Here's How:

  1. Reserve Your Spot using the link below to book your FREE 30 minute Strategy Session
  2. Discuss your goals, challenges, and vision with our seasoned experts.
  3. Craft Your Campaign!


Limited spots available, so secure your session now! 

BOOK NOW

2024 Google retail guide: Connect with customers throughout their increasingly complex journeys


The deliberate consumer behaviour we’ve seen over the past year has proved to be anything but a short-term trend. While shoppers’ continued mindfulness and careful decision-making can be partly attributed to inflation, it also stems from the sheer amount of choice and information available to people. Here, Google breaks down the ways shoppers continue to be hyperconscious of what and where they buy, and how the progressively complex shopping environment gives marketers a rich opportunity to build consumer confidence and drive profits.


Learn More

The Future of Restaurants Report: 2024 Edition


Many restaurant owners are experimenting with new goods and services, such as subscriptions, merchandise, and classes, and are using new technology and tools to get there. Square surveyed restaurant owners across the U.S.,Canada, the UK, and Australia to uncover what’s propelling restaurants across the globe and what restaurant owners still need to help them accomplish their goals in 2024.


Learn More

Digital transformation: How to make it work


As the world becomes increasingly data driven, it’s clear that digital transformation is essential for businesses to move with the times, whether you run an SME or a global corporation. What’s not so clear is what digital transformation actually means. Does it mean diving headfirst into virtual or mixed reality or is it just a fancy way of saying you’re moving to the cloud? Does it involve reskilling? And how do you measure its success?


In this post, Meta aims to answer those questions (and more) to help give you clarity and the confidence to reshape your business model.


Learn More

Canada Posts Tales of Triumph small business contest is back!


Share your small business’ story in Canada Post’s Tales of Triumph small business contest for the chance to win $150,000 worth of prizing from national media exposure, professionally produced video that brings your story to life, cash, credits, and mentorship. 

 

Looking for inspiration? Discover the stories of last years winners - this could be you!


Enter Today!

Building Your Brand: Unveiling the Power of Brand Stories, Mission Statements, and Buyer Personas - By Drew Teeuwissen and Kathryn Keenan


In the ever-evolving small business landscape, establishing a strong and memorable brand is essential for success. Beyond logos and colour schemes, the heart of a brand lies in its narrative—the story it tells, the mission it upholds, and the deep understanding it has of its target audience.


In this blog post, we'll delve into the crucial components of effective branding: the importance of business brand stories, creating a mission and value statement, understanding buyer personas and demographics, and overall branding best practices.


Keep Reading

Steppingstones of E-Commerce: Part 1 – Expanding into E-Commerce


Thursday, April 11th, 9:30 AM Online

 

In an evolving digital world, e-commerce dependency is prominent and driving growth for small businesses. The series, Steppingstones of E-Commerce breaks down the state of the industry and explores how to maximize your online presence by leveraging an e-commerce solution.


What will you gain insight into? 

  • Keeping up with e-commerce and maintaining an online presence
  • The value and evolution modern e-commerce 
  • The importance of having a digital presence 
  • How small businesses can and should maximize their digital presence 
  • How to establish your digital hub 
  • How to get e-commerce ready 
  • How Digital Main Street programs can support  


Register Now

Budget 2024: What Business and Canadians Need  


The government must prioritize key policy measures essential for economic growth and stability. This includes accelerating regulatory modernization, addressing interprovincial trade barriers, avoiding new taxes and providing strategic support for struggling small- and medium-sized enterprises to foster a robust economic recovery. 


Find out more of what we are hoping to see when the federal budget is announced on April 16 from our Senior Director, Fiscal and Financial Services Policy, Jessica Brandon-Jepp. 


Watch the Video

Read the Policy Matters Blog


Our Statements Ahead of Budget 2024

On Defence Policy

On Federal Government’s AI Spending Plan

New Business Data Lab Tool Reveals Businesses Are Proceeding With Caution 


According to our Business Data Lab’s new tool, the Business Expectations Index (BEI), Canadian businesses are stuck in a cautious near-term holding pattern. 


The BEI is a timely, forward-looking measure of business sentiment that allows business owners, economists, market watchers and policymakers to gain insights across a wide variety of business contexts. 


Explore It Now

Read the Report

New Report Provides 13 Recommendations for Making Canada’s Critical Minerals Industry More Attractive to International Investment 


The need for critical minerals is huge. Global investment in the next decade will be measured in hundreds of billions of dollars. 


Our new report, Investment Incentives for Critical Minerals in Canada, compares Canada’s investment incentives to three other jurisdictions to identify gaps in Canada’s current policy suite and provide recommendations on how Canada can better compete for international investments in this important and rapidly growing sector. 


Read the Report Highlights

Save the Date! 

Canada 360° Economic Summit

June 6, Virtual

Key Takeaways From 2023

Elevon’s $200 Statement Credit Offer for New Chamber Members 


From March 1 to April 30, 2024, our partner, Elevon, is offering a $200 statement credit when you open a new payment processing account.  


How members can participate: 

  1. Submit a web inquiry here.  
  2. An Elevon sales representative will promptly reach out for a consultation within 24- 48 hours. 
  3. Complete the sign-up process by April 30, 2024, and members will be qualified to receive $200 statement credit. *Please read the flyer for more details. 


Learn More

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