Important Update: Directory Listings Reset and New Categories Launched
We are excited to announce the launch of our updated directory categories! To improve the organization and usability of our directory, we have streamlined the categories which has reset everyone’s category information.
Action Required:
Please log in to your InfoHub account to update your business category. Follow the detailed instructions below to complete this process. If you encounter any issues, feel free to contact our office for assistance
New Categories:
- Business Support
- Community Centres & Organizations
- Family Services
- Financial Services
- Food & Beverage
- Government & Public Services
- Health & Wellness
- Home & Commercial Services
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Manufacturing & Fabrication
- Marketing, Advertising & Media
- Retail & Wholesale
- Transportation
Emphasis on Keywords: Filling out your descriptions with relevant keywords is crucial. Keywords are the best way for potential clients to find you. Instead of relying on sub-categories, make sure your descriptions are thorough and keyword-rich to enhance your visibility and ensure you appear in relevant searches.
Steps to Update Your Category:
- Log in to your InfoHub account.
- Navigate to the "My Directory Listing" tab.
- Update your business description and other details.
- Near the bottom you will see a "Categories" section
- Select the new category that best applies to your business.
- Click the "Done" button
| |
|
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes our members and invited guests to our 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.
| |
|
NOMINATIONS for our 2024 Grande Prairie Chamber Business Awards of Distinction are now open!
Click on the boxes below to either nominate a business OR SELF-nominate YOUR business for up to THREE of our award categories.
Here are the criteria for 2024.
For more information, please contact Tom Pura, Communications and Public Relations by email tom@gpchamber.com.
Watch our Events Calendar, our web page https://www.grandeprairiechamber.com/sbw/ and this newsletter for updates on Small Business Week 2024 presented by the County of Grande Prairie.
Events will include:
- Women in Business Lunch - October 22
- Lunch with Rotary - October 23
- Grande Prairie Chamber Awards of Distinction - October 24
- Business Showcase - October 30
Planning is now taking place and sponsorship opportunities are available for our events and our awards. Please contact our office by phone at 780-532-5340 or email info@gpchamber.com.
| |
|
2024 Chamber Member Golf Scramble presented by Pomeroy Lodging
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
WE ARE CURRENTLY AT 43% REGISTRATIONS SOLD
| |
|
Sponsor Opportunities Remaining:
Contact our office for more information by email info@gpchamber.com or phone 780-532-5340
If you would like to donate prizes to our event, please click on the box below and fill out the form to donate either a team prize or an individual prize and arrange for delivery or pickup.
Prizes can be in the form of gift cards, gift baskets, promotional items, etc. If they are for team prizes, preferably in groups of four. If they are for hole prizes or proxy game prizes, then individual items.
Please have donations arranged by Friday, August 9.
All donations will be recognized in our golf rules sheet and acknowledged during our post-round after-dinner presentations.
| |
|
Join us for an insightful presentation to discuss the compliance requirements of Bill S-211 (An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act) and the evolving landscape of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in Canada. This event is designed for those who are looking to deepen their understanding of regulatory obligations, enhance their sustainability practices, and stay ahead in the rapidly changing ESG environment.
Hear from Edward Olson, partner and National Leader of MNP’s Environmental, Social & Governance professional services, a leading expert in ESG compliance and sustainability.
This session will also include an interactive Q&A session. Engage directly with our presenter and get your most pressing questions answered. Take advantage of this opportunity to clarify doubts and gain practical advice from an industry leader.
When: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Where: Centre 2000 - 11330 106 Street (Al Robertson Room on Main Floor)
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 *
| |
|
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Municipal District of Greenview and Northwestern Polytechnic on the Work NW Alberta Partnership.
A website has been launched to help local employers attract talent to Northwest Alberta’s Grande Prairie-Greenview corridor and promote the region’s strong diverse economy.
Learn more and visit the new site!
https://worknwalberta.ca/
| |
|
Why complete the City of Grande Prairie municipal census?
A strong census response creates opportunity for funding. This funding endows infrastructure, workforce development, and education—all vital factors for business.
Census data also shapes funding for essential services like public safety resource allocation, parks & recreation, and senior services.
This information is based on population count and only takes one minute to complete. Each household that completes the census is personally bringing in crucial money used for planning for community services.
By participating, you are positively impacting your neighbors, local businesses, and local organizations, who depend on these vital programs.
If you have lost your PIN or prefer to complete the census over the phone, please dial 311.
The census requires a 90% response rate.
For any questions, reach out to us at census@cityofgp.com. Complete your census today and help shape the future of Grande Prairie! Visit cityofgp.com/census for more information.
| |
|
Is your business prepared for the unexpected?
Explore a wealth of resources designed to enhance your business's resiliency. From crisis management to strategic recovery plans, we've got you covered. Start building a stronger future today!
Learn more
| |
|
ACC Submits Letter on Emissions and Financial Disclosure Rules
ACC has submitted a letter to inform consultations on the proposed Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standard (CSDS) 1, which requires scope 1 through 3 emissions and financial disclosures for Publicly Accountable Agencies. The Alberta government supports aligning these new rules with those implemented by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Read the full letter
| |
|
Community Organization Property Tax Exemption Regulation (COPTER)
Municipal Affairs is reviewing the COPTER to ensure it meets its intent.
Changes made in 2022 to improve administrative functions of the regulation and reduce red tape without affecting eligibility. The review seeks feedback on definitions, criteria for restricted access, eligibility of residential properties, and other exemption conditions.
Stakeholders have until July 31, 2024 to submit feedback.
COPTER
COPTER Discussion Guide
| |
|
File taxes before July 15: Carbon tax rebate (SME)
The proposed Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses, part of the Budget 2024 plan, aims to give back a portion of fuel charge proceeds to a province. This rebate would be in the form of a refundable tax credit directly for eligible small businesses, determined by the number of employees they have in the province. Eligibility criteria include being a Canadian-controlled private corporation with fewer than 499 employees throughout Canada in the relevant calendar year.
File your business tax by July 15th to be eligible!
Learn more
| |
|
Capital Gains Tax update
As of June 25, 2024, the capital gains inclusion rate—the amount of capital gains that are taxable—will increase from one-half to two-thirds on capital gains realized annually above $250,000 by individuals and on all capital gains realized by corporations and most types of trusts.
The government is maintaining existing capital gains exemptions and creating new exemptions, including:
- Maintaining the Principal Residence Exemption
- A new $250,000 Annual Threshold for Canadians
- Increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $1.25 million
-
A new Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive
Learn more
Notice of Ways and Means Motion
Read ACC's letter to the Federal Finance Minister
| |
|
Consultation on Legislated Procurement Targets in Canada
The Government of Canada is seeking input on how federal purchasing power can be better leveraged to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and innovators.
Feedback from these consultations will inform potential legislative changes to be outlined in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement.
Consultations are now open until July 26, 2024.
Learn more
| |
|
Expanding early pension eligibility for frontline workers
The Government of Canada will introduce legislative changes in fall 2024 to allow early retirement for certain frontline workers. Firefighters, paramedics, correctional service employees, border services officers, parliamentary protection officers, and search and rescue technicians can retire after 25 years of service without a pension reduction.
Learn more
| |
|
Small Community Opportunity Program applications open this fall
The program provides grants to tackle challenges and tap into opportunities in rural areas. Indigenous and small communities, as well as non-profit groups they work with, may receive between $20,000 and $100,000 for local projects.
If you are looking to put together a project in anticipation of the Fall opening, please never hesitate to reach out to our funding Associate Klay Dyer for support at k.dyer@albertacounsel.com or 780-652-2309.
Learn more
| |
|
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
| |
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY | |
|
Upcoming live webinars on employment standards
Employment standards legislation sets 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:
- Overview of Employment Standards in Alberta: Tuesday, July 16 (1:30 p.m.)
- Employment Standards in Alberta - Construction Overview: Thursday, August 22 (1:30 p.m.)
For more information, or to register for one of the sessions, please visit alberta.ca/employment-standards-webinars.aspx. To request a presentation for your company or organization, please email EOP.Presentations@gov.ab.ca.
| |
|
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
Workforce Recruitment and Retention
North Zone Medical Affairs recruits 11 physicians to Grande Prairie by June
AHS North Zone Medical Affairs has recruited 11 new physicians to Grande Prairie so far this year, marking a strong start to the Zone’s recruitment efforts. The addition of these new physicians will bring an increase to access in various specialties, enhancing patient care for local and area residents.
“We are excited to welcome these new physicians to Grande Prairie,” says Dr. Kirstie McLelland, Interim Zone Medical Director with the AHS North Zone. “Their diverse areas of expertise with help provide increased care to not only patients in Grande Prairie, but across the North Zone.”
The specialities of the newly recruited Grande Prairie physicians include:
- Anesthesiologist
- Radiologist
- Emergency Medicine Specialist
- Three Family Medicine physicians
- Family Medicine physician with Low-Risk Obstetrics
- General Surgery physician
- Psychiatrist
| |
|
County of Grande Prairie No. 1 has a massive impact on healthcare in the North Zone
The County of Grande Prairie has donated funds to purchase nearly 300 televisions for patient rooms, common areas, and the cancer treatment chairs in the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital.
The donation was part of a larger gift made to the hospital, and Grande Prairie County Reeve Bob Marshall says everyone will benefit from televisions at the hospital.
“Everyone in our region will be using Grande Prairie Regional Hospital for whatever their medical needs are,” he says. “From a mental health perspective, it’s a benefit for every patient and family member staying here.”
The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation says patient comfort is a necessary part of medical treatment, and the move marks an “important step” in providing high-quality healthcare for the region. To learn more, click here.
| |
DON’T MISS THIS SPECIAL EVENT:
SCALEUP WEEK:
ARE YOU READY TO GROW?
Join Alberta’s Regional Innovation Networks at their event for entrepreneurs & innovators who are getting ready to scale up & grow!
Are you a startup looking for resources to take you to the next level, a business owner striving for change, or an entrepreneur looking for a growth strategy?
THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU!
Alberta’s Regional Innovation Networks are teaming up to provide an event for scaling and growing companies to network, learn about key strategies for growth,
and prepare for the future. This event will include a keynote speaker, workshop segments, and discussion on what it means to be a scaling and growing company in Alberta.
Topics throughout the event include:
- Goal Setting – where would you like to be in 5 years?
- Investment Readiness – what are investors looking for?
- Operational Excellence – Human Resources, IT/ CRM Systems, Financials
- Customer Relations – Customer Discovery, Sales
Through our keynote speaker, Brooke Harley, CEO & Founder, ClassRebel.com
we’ll hear a great presentation on how to get started and what kinds of things companies need to know when setting out to fundraise and consider their growth and capital plans.
We will also have discovery workshop sessions where we discuss priorities for companies and projects like yours in Alberta and how the ecosystem surrounding you can continue to support in the best ways possible.
We look forward to highlighting what types of support the Regional Innovation Networks can provide for those companies looking for growth strategies.
Date: Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 2pm until 4pm MT
Location: Virtual, on the Remo platform
REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE
You can also join in for ScaleUp Week’s Ecosystem Day Kick-off which includes an introduction and Keynote on Creating ScaleUp Ecosystems for Local Growth with Daniel Isenberg. In his talk, he'll be covering global findings
and best practices on building a scaleup ecosystem.
Get your free tickets:
CHECK OUT MORE SCALEUP WEEK ACTIVITIES HERE
FIND YOUR REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK AND CONNECT TODAY!
CONNECT TO MY REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK (RIN) HERE
MORE ABOUT ALBERTA’S REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORKS!
| |
|
Confidently Build Your Business
This month marks the start of our Business Launch Program that helps early-stage entrepreneurs evaluate and develop their business ideas through three personalized 45-minute sessions with a member of the team.
The sessions cover idea validation, financial feasibility, business modeling and provides you with the foundation to start your small business. Take the first steps in your entrepreneur journey today.
Learn More
| |
|
Find the Right Work Balance
Becoming an entrepreneur often starts as a side hustle alongside a full-time job. Learn how to effectively manage both through outsourcing, careful planning, selective project choices, and downtime for self-care. Trust the process, accept imperfections, and stay motivated by your passion and goals.
Register Now
| |
|
Proven Strategies to Skyrocket Website Traffic in 2024
From SEO secrets to viral content tips, discover more ways to drive more traffic to your website. In this article from Shopify, you’ll find 21 proven strategies to drive relevant traffic to your website and turn visitors into customers. Each method is designed for 2024’s savvy internet audiences, helping you build a modern online presence.
Learn More
| |
|
10 trends that could define e-commerce in 2024
Canada Post has gathered 10 notable ecommerce trends for 2024, delving into topics such as omnichannel customer acquisition, sustainability, fraud protection and much more. Explore these trends along with some tips to inspire your thinking, fuel your planning and keep your business one step ahead of the consumer – and your competition.
Find Out More
| |
|
New Google AI tools to help merchants market brands and products
At a time when shoppers are flooded with options, Google is introducing new ways to deepen the connections between shoppers and merchants through rich and compelling content, including a new profile for e-commerce brands, generative AI features for more effective product imagery and new immersive ad formats.
Learn More
| |
|
From Click to Cart: Building Effective E-Commerce Sales Funnels- By Drew Teeuwissen and Kathryn Keenan
Learn how to attract, engage, and convert customers like a pro as we explore the customer journey. Our blog covers every stage of the sales funnel, from awareness to action, helping you turn your potential leads into loyal customers. By understanding each stage of the funnel and crafting strategies to guide your customers through it, you’ll be well on your way to sales success.
Keep Reading
| |
|
Web Presence 101 - Ensuring Your Foundation is Set
Tuesday June 25th, 8 AM Online
Your customers are on the web. Having a strategy for your online presence allows you to market your small business online so customers can easily find you. In this virtual workshop, we’ll discuss the importance of getting your business online and where to start with developing your online presence.
What you will learn:
- What is web presence and what platforms you can use to set up your website
- How to create a professionally-designed, responsive website for your business
- How to optimize website content to improve your search engine ranking (SEO)
- Setting up your Google My Business listing and other online directories
- Getting started with social media
- How email marketing can grow your business and encourage repeat customers
- Developing a cohesive brand voice online
- Engaging with customers virtually and building relationships on the web
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:
-
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!
| |
|
AI Regulation Survey | Abacus Data
We are working with Abacus Data to gather your feedback on the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Canada from a business perspective.
This important research will help us advocate effectively on your behalf regarding the important impact of AI on business and society in Canada.
We are keen to collect responses from business members across the Chamber Network.
The deadline to submit your input is June 26.
Thank you for your participation.
Access the AI Regulation Survey
| |
|
Government Tables Capital Gains Legislation
Last week, the government tabled its proposed changes to capital gains taxes. This increase is the latest in a series of new taxes and red tape that create uncertainty, stifle investment and signal to the world to do business elsewhere.
We need a simple, fair and principled tax system that works in the best interests of Canadians. That is why we are urging all political parties to commit to a comprehensive, independent review of Canada’s tax system.
Read Our Statement
Read Recent Piece from National Newswatch
| |
Our Letter to Minister Anand on Canada’s Unilateral Digital Services Tax Proposal
The Digital Services Tax (DST) proposal will strain Canada-U.S. trade relations and impose higher costs on Canadians, adding to an already precarious economic climate.
That’s why we recently sent a letter to Minister Anand expressing our continued concern and calling for the withdrawal of the Digital Services Tax Act proposal.
Read the Letter
| |
|
The Need for Dark Web Monitoring in 2024 Goes Beyond Regulatory Cybersecurity Compliance
According to recent studies, Canadian organizations are seeing a 7.7% increase in Dark Web-related cyberattacks. In dollar terms, this results in the average cyberattack costing Canadian companies over 7 million per breach. Learn more in this week's featured partner blog post.
Continue Reading
| | | | |
