GRANDE PRAIRIE WELL-REPRESENTATED AT 86th ALBERTA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AGM & POLICY PLENARY SESSION

Delegates from local chambers across Alberta adopted 22 policy resolutions to advocate with the provincial and federal governments during the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) annual general meeting in Red Deer.

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce sponsored the successful policy "A Tailored and Local P3 Approach to Affordable Housing" and co-sponsored the approved resolution "Strengthening Alberta's Electricity Transmission Intertie Infrastructure". Details can be found on our website https://www.grandeprairiechamber.com/our-advocacy/

In addition, our Chamber's Past Chair Cindy Park, Vice President, External Relations for Northwestern Polytechnic, was welcomed to the ACC Executive Committee as Treasurer for 2024 - 2025.

Two more of our Chamber's Past Chairs, Shawna Miller and Tab Pollock participated in an ACC Past Chairs panel, sharing their experience and insight with the delegates in attendance.

FRIDAY!

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting set for Friday, May 31st hosted by AccData Computer Systems & Training. The location is 9909 102 Street, Suite 140 .

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 AM. The full event runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

AccData offers a synergistic combination of student training aimed at enhancing student employability, as well as additional value-added professional services to fulfill market demand.

Training in Microsoft, QuickBooks Desktop and Online, SAGE, Bookkeeping, Web Design, Payroll practitioner, management skills. We also offer Professional services are comprised of bookkeeping, strategic planning, credit management, website design, safety training/record maintenance, administrative support.

Come celebrate with AccData Computer Systems & Training in their new location while enjoying snacks and a chance to win prizes!

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce invites you to a Ribbon Cutting hosted by the United Way Alberta Northwest on Tuesday, June 11 at Centre 2000 (11330 106 Street, Grande Prairie).

Join the United Way Alberta Northwest in commemorating their 50th anniversary! This significant occasion will feature a nostalgic journey through the past, and a special appearance by United Way Canada Board Chair, Jason Hatcher.

The Ribbon Cutting ceremony will take place at 6:00 PM. The entire event runs from 5:00-7:00 PM. No cost to attend.

Explore the critical intersection of cybersecurity and business resilience in this condensed yet impactful MindBite presentation with Rachelle Himer. Gain invaluable insights into real-world cyber incidents and discover proactive strategies to fortify your company against evolving threats.

Decoding Cyber Incidents: Rachelle will delve into recent cyber incidents, dissecting their methodologies and unraveling the tangible impact on businesses. As she demystifies the complexity of cyber threats with real-world case studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the stakes involved.
Quantifying Business Impact: Examine the quantifiable repercussions of cyber incidents, including financial implications, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. Understand the multifaceted nature of these impacts and how you can take effective cybersecurity strategies for your organization
Proactive Strategies and Best Practices: Equip yourself with actionable insights to safeguard your company. From robust defense mechanisms to employee awareness programs.
Embracing Innovation: Stay ahead of the cybersecurity curve by exploring emerging technologies and trends.

This condensed yet enlightening journey, will help you understand & gain the tools to safeguard your business and thrive in an era where digital resilience is paramount.

Where: Centre 2000 - 11330 106 Street (Al Robertson Room)

When: June 12, 2024

Lunch & Check-in Time: 11:30 - 11:55 AM

Chamber Member - $25.00 + GST

Future Member - $30.00 + GST

*A lunch will be provided, please advise of any food allergies in advance *

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPIONS FOR SUPPORTING THE MINDBITE LEARNING SESSIONS!

Craving a confidence boost for your professional mingling skills?

Unleash your inner networking ninja in our intimate group of 20 or less. It's not just networking – it's networking with a fun twist!

Quick Tips, Big Impact: Unlock the secrets of effective networking with bite-sized lessons.
Speed Dating Style: Practice your newfound skills in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment.

Get ready to network like a boss and say goodbye to cringe, and welcome Business Quickies with open arms!

Where: Centre 2000 - 11330 106 Street (Al Robertson Room)

When: June 25, 2024

Check-in Time: 9:00 - 9:25 AM

Chamber Members Only - $20.00 + GST (log into your Chamber account to register or call the Chamber office)

Light breakfast and refreshments.

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPIONS FOR SUPPORTING THE BUSINESS QUICKIE SESSIONS!

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes our members and invited guests to a Business After 5 Mixer hosted by The Grande Prairie Pride Society on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 at the Grande Prairie Public Library, 101 - 9839 103 Avenue.

Join us for an evening of networking, appetizers, refreshments and door prizes as well as finding out more about the host.

If you are not currently a Chamber member but would like to attend one of our Business Mixers, please contact the office at (780) 532-5340 or email info@gpchamber.com.

There is no cost to attend but registration is requested for catering and capacity purposes.

2024 Chamber Member Golf Scramble

Book your spot NOW for this year's Chamber Golf Scramble!

Exclusive event - Chamber Members and invited guests only.

Your registration Includes:

18 Holes of Golf
Texas Scramble - a format for ANY skill level!
Shared Golf Cart
Lunch & Dinner
Prizes, Fun and Laughs

Cost: $185 + GST per Player

Date: August 15, 2024

Location: Dunes Golf and Winter Club

Registration starts at 9:00 AM, shot gun start at 10:00 AM

Looking to Sponsor?

Contact our office for more information by email info@gpchamber.com or phone 780-532-5340

Also accepting Prize Donations for more promotional options!

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be part of the Work NW Alberta Partnership which has launched a new website to help local employers attract talent to Northwest Alberta’s Grande Prairie-Greenview corridor and promote the region’s strong diverse economy.

READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE

Learn more and visit the new site!

https://worknwalberta.ca/

Grande Prairie is the only non-European city to be included in the top ten most liveable small cities in the world, according to a report by Compare the Market AU.

The report assessed seven factors: the number of restaurants, entertainment options, unemployment rate, number of rainy days, health index score, safety score and overall cost of goods.

The City of Grande Prairie is holding a public hearing on proposed changes to secondary suites on June 3, 2024. In preparation for the public hearing, residents are invited to attend informational open houses to learn more about the proposed secondary suite changes and ask City Administration questions.

The open houses take place:

May 28, 2024 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Teresa Sargent Hall (9839 103 Ave)
May 29, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Teresa Sargent Hall (9839 103 Ave)

The open houses are free to attend and drop-in format.

Visit engage.cityofgp.com/secondarysuites for more information regarding the proposed secondary suite changes.

The City’s Resident Satisfaction Survey has kicked-off and residents may receive a phone call up until May 31 to participate in a 15-minute telephone survey.

We encourage everyone who receives a call to participate as it will give us strong feedback to better support City decision-making.

You can also complete the survey online here .

Visit engage.cityofgp.com/satisfactionsurvey for more information.

County of Grande Prairie hosting 12^th Annual Open Houses

The County of Grande Prairie will host its 12^th annual open house events on June 17, 19 and 20.

Residents of all ages are welcome to attend the events which include a complimentary barbecue meal (while supplies last) and a wealth of information from County departments. This year’s open houses will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Monday, June 17 – Valhalla Community School

Location: 9702 - 100 Avenue, Valhalla Centre

Wednesday, June 19 – Lyons Events Centre

Location: 33061A Highway 674, Teepee Creek

Thursday, June 20 – Five Mile Hall

Location: 714003 - Range Road 53, Clairmont

Residents can view the exact location of each venue and get specific directions from their location by visiting www.countygp.ab.ca/publicwebmap.

For more information visit www.countygp.ab.ca/OpenHouse or call 780-532-9722.

Would you rather reduce the provincial debt, or increase funding to services?

Are supply chain issues impacting your business?

What up and coming industry could be Alberta’s next “boom?”

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce network is launching the latest survey in our Alberta Perspectives market research program — this one focused on priorities for the province.

So, tell us: What are your economic and fiscal priorities for the Alberta government?

The survey will take ~8 minutes to complete and is open until 5:00 PM on June 7th.

Share your perspective today!

Thank you in advance for your participation. Your opinions and feedback mean a lot to us.

Your responses will remain anonymous and help us advocate on your behalf to the provincial government.

Join us to celebrate excellence in Alberta business together on June 20th, 2024, at 4236 36 St. E, Edmonton International Airport.

Registration deadline: May 30, 2024.

Do not miss out the great opportunity to network and celebrate business excellence in Alberta. We look forward to sharing this special evening with all of you and eagerly anticipate the announcement of the winner of the Alberta's Best of Business Award of Distinction.

2024 ABAD Finalists

GET TICKETS

Benefits With Local Chamber Membership

By becoming a member of your local chamber you have exclusive access to value added perks, which saves you money on key business expenses!

CLICK HERE FOR VALUE-ADDED BENEFIT PROGRAMS

Improve Your Business Finances

Utilize the opportunity to grow your business through proper financial management. Join us on Wednesday, June 5, from 11 AM to 12 PM and learn how to evaluate your business and make informed decisions. This free webinar covers budget creation and monitoring, cash management, planning, forecasting, and trend analysis.

Understand Lenders and Investors

Secure financing for your business by understanding the factors that banks and investors look for. Join us on Wednesday, June 19, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM to explore various financing sources, their pros and cons, and the key differences between lenders and investors.

Attend this webinar to create compelling business plans, understand leverage ratios, and tailor your presentations for lenders and investors.

New Videos Each Month

Subscribe to Business Link's YouTube channel to access free small business webinars covering topics such as business registration, financing, business planning, digital marketing, and many more. Stay tuned for new monthly content, including recorded webinars and client success stories.

Subscribe Now

Get One-to-One Advice

Book your free in-person or virtual consultation today. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or an established small business owner, our Business Strategists are here to provide valuable resources and address any questions you may have about your business.

Book Now

Pitch to Win - Online

Wed, June 5 - Pow Wow Pitch

This is a chance for Indigenous entrepreneurs from pow wow vendors, artists, business builders and innovators, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level. Pitch your business online for a chance to win cash prizes.

Submit Your Pitch

Grants 101 - Webinar

Thu, June 6 from 11:00am to 12:00pm - ATB Events

This session covers how to navigate the grant landscape for funding opportunities. Gain insights, explore success stories, and access recommendations to kickstart your journey.

Season of Digital Growth: Insight into Graphic Design for Small Business - Webinar

Thu, June 6 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm - Community Futures Chinook

Explore the significance of graphic design in brand identity and effective communication in this free session. Discover its role in business growth and how it conveys messages effectively.

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:

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

Limited spots available, so secure your session now!

BOOK NOW

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES

Join the healthcare conversation! Participate in the Peace Health Advisory Council (PHAC) Meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, on Zoom at 6 PM.

Click here to register and you will be sent the Zoom link.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

6 PM via Zoom

This is your opportunity to:

Learn about some homecare services offered in the Peace region.
Share your views and advice on healthcare.
Meet local council members.
Hear updates from AHS leadership.

E-mail: peace@ahs.ca

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

New and updated OHS resources

Visit the OHS Resource Portal for bulletins, infographics, eLearning resources and recorded webinars supporting workplace health and safety in Alberta.

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:

Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office – TFW & Employer Rights and Responsibilities: Wednesday, May 29 (1:30 p.m.)
Employment Standards in Alberta – Wages and Overtime: Tuesday, June 11 (1:30 p.m.)
Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office – TFW & Employer Rights and Responsibilities: Tuesday, June 18 (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.

Asclepius

Medical Camp For Youth

The Asclepius Medical Camp for Youth is a “mini medical school” summer program offered at no cost to high school students from low socioeconomic backgrounds wanting to pursue a professional program such as medicine. The objective of our camps is to show these students how to overcome the hurdles they face in accessing further education and give these students some practical experience in the medical field. More information about Asclepius can be found at the following URL: https://sites.google.com/view/asclepiusmcfy/home.

This year, the team at Asclepius is piloting a new 3-day camp in Grande Prairie (Asclepius GP) to increase the accessibility of our camps to rural students, as well as to place a greater focus on rural general practice. Asclepius GP will be held from July 24, 2024 - July 26, 2024.

We are looking for a business or businesses willing to sponsor the Asclepius Medical Camp this year by providing free lunch to our campers and medical student volunteers for the camp. There will be about 50 individuals attending the camp each day. As a sponsor, your logo will be on all promotional materials and resources for the camp (i.e. digital and paper posters, printouts for campers, and PowerPoint presentations).

Our team would be extremely grateful if you would be able to sponsor the Asclepius Medical Camp for Youth this year. Please feel free to contact us at asclepius.mcfy@gmail.com if you have any questions or are able to sponsor our event. I look forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes,

Kira Eberts

MD student and Asclepius Medical Camp Coordinator

University of Alberta

Registration Is Open for Our Annual Economic Summit!

Tune in and engage in open dialogue on the national economic agenda with Canada's top business and thought leaders. Explore the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian businesses in this critical phase of the economic cycle.

Session recordings will be sent to all registrants once the event concludes.

NEW REPORT FROM BUSINESS DATA LAB EXPLORES THE ROLE OF GEN AI IN ADDRESSING CANADA'S PRODUCTIVITY PROBLEM

Gen AI represents a generational opportunity to prompt productivity by helping Canadian businesses, and their workers, accelerate the production and quality of goods and services. So why are 73% of businesses yet to consider integrating this transformative technology into their operations?

We’ve been keeping a close eye on Gen AI adoption by Canadian businesses for a while, and now, our Business Data Lab is ready to present the findings in the new report, Prompting Productivity: Generative AI Adoption by Canadian Business.

Read the Report

Potential Labour Disruption in Class I Railways

We have addressed a joint letter to the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, concerning the alarming potential for labour disruptions in Class I railways.

This letter, co-signed by numerous industry associations and chambers of commerce across Canada, highlights the severe economic risks posed by such disruptions, which could impede the flow of over $1 billion worth of goods daily.

Read the Full Letter

Announcing the Launch of Our New Supply Chains Council

In an era where stable supply chains and reliable trading partners are crucial, Canada has a unique opportunity to lead. Today, we are excited to launch our new Supply Chains Council, dedicated to helping Canada seize this moment.

Our Council will spearhead targeted advocacy and cultivate strong relationships with senior government officials. By fostering trust and creating an open dialogue, we will provide important insights on strengthening Canada's supply chains. Our mission is to ensure smooth product movement, stabilize prices, and enhance Canada's reputation as a dependable business hub.

Learn More

Our Submission for the Study of Bill C-64, an Act Respecting Pharmacare

On May 17, we provided feedback to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health regarding Bill C-64, an Act Respecting Pharmacare.

Our submission emphasizes the need for equitable access to prescription drug coverage for all Canadians, while highlighting the potential drawbacks of a single-payer system. We recommended a targeted approach that ensures the small minority of Canadians without coverage receive the necessary support without disrupting the current system that benefits the majority.

Read Our Submission

Capital Gains Tax Hikes Are Terrible Optics for Canada

Recent increases in Canada's capital gains taxes are jeopardizing the country's global competitiveness.

In a recent op-ed for the Financial Post, Jessica Brandon-Jepp, our Senior Director of Fiscal and Financial Services Policy, argues that these tax hikes are not only detrimental to Canada's image, but also have negative implications for its economic standing.

Read the Op-Ed

Everyone’s Business: Accessibility in Canada

Employers can play a significant role in accelerating disability inclusion across the country. It's time to take action and prioritize progress over perfection.

We were delighted to have Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s first ever Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO), join our Inclusive Growth Committee's meeting today and share the findings from her 2023 report, Everyone’s Business: Accessibility in Canada.

Read the Report

Please Participate in National Survey on Exploring Disability Inclusion and Mentoring Practices

You’re invited to participate in an important survey that explores how organizations are addressing the inclusion of persons experiencing disability. The survey should take 15 minutes.

The results will inform a broader research project conducted by The Conference Board of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE).

The goal of this larger initiative is to understand:

Key challenges in making workplaces more inclusive for persons experiencing disability.
Factors that influence disability disclosure.
Mentoring strategies and types of mentorship programs used by companies.

Your participation is pivotal to advancing the understanding of disability inclusion in Canada and to reducing barriers for the employment and career advancement of persons experiencing disability.

Results will be reported in aggregate, ensuring that individual organizational responses remain confidential. The final report will be made available to the public; details will be announced later this year on The Conference Board of Canada website.

Take the Survey Now

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