Chamberexecutivesfromacross AlbertagatheredinLacombeforthe annualChamberofCommerce ExecutivesofAlberta(CCEA) Summit.TheACCteamjoinedthis importanteventfocusedon professionaldevelopmentandpeer knowledgesharingtostrengthen chamberleadershipandsupport economicgrowththroughoutthe province.
Tuesday, Sept 16 1:30-3:30 PM Centre 2000
Resilientbusinessesaren’tbuiltbychance—they’rebuiltthroughstrategy,structure,andadaptability. Inthissession,HollySorgen,ExecutiveDirectorofCommunityFuturesGrandePrairie&Region,will walkparticipantsthroughsixkeystrategiesthathelpentrepreneurscreateastrongerfoundation, supportgrowth,andmitigaterisk.Whetheryou’relaunchinganewventureorrefininganexistingone, thisworkshopispackedwithtoolsandtakeawaystostrengthenyourbusinessforthelongterm.
Throughreal-worldexamplesandactionableinsights,you’llexplorethemindsetandtacticsneededto stayagileandthrive—evenduringuncertainty.
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome our members and invited guests to an upcomingBusinessAfter5MixerhostedbytheTownofSexsmith.
Thisafter-hoursnetworkingeventistheperfectopportunitytoconnectwithfellowbusinessprofessionalsinarelaxed and welcoming environment. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, refreshments, and a chance to win some great door prizes—allwhileexperiencingtheuniquesettingofthehistoricgrainelevatorindowntownSexsmith.
Whetheryou'relookingtogrowyournetwork,exploreacharminglocalvenue,orsimplyenjoyaneveningofcasual conversation,thisMixerisagreatwaytoengagewiththeregionalbusinesscommunity.
Don’tmissout—markyourcalendarforThursday,July31,bringyourbusinesscards,andgetreadyforaneveningof connectionandconversationfrom5:00-7:00PM!
Forquestionsormoreinformation,pleasecontactourofficeat(780)532-5340oremailinfo@gpchamber.com.Thereis nocosttoattend,butregistrationisrequiredforcateringandcapacitypurposes.
THUR., JULY 29 | 3:00PM Ribbon Cutting – Ridge Kids Playcare
We’rethrilledtocelebratethegrand openingofRidgeKidsPlaycarewithan afternoonribboncutting!
Cometakeatouroftheirnewspace,meet theteam,andhelpuswelcomethisfamilyfriendlybusinesstoourlocalnetwork.
15101 102 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7C9
Grande Prairie, Alberta
Things you may have missed this week!
TheCanadianAssociationofPetroleumProducers(CAPP)welcomesthesigning oftoday’sMemorandumsofUnderstandingbetweenAlbertaandOntario.Wethank PremiersSmithandFordfortheirleadershipandcontinueddriveforCanadato playamuchlargerroleinhelpingtomeettheworld’sgrowingdemandforenergy.
Thisagreementmarksapositiveandtangiblesteptowardadvancingmajorenergy projects.TotrulyrealizeCanada’spotentialasglobalenergysupplier,weneedto continuetoact—includingabroaderpolicyresettoattractinvestmentandnew projectdevelopment.Welookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithgovernments acrossCanadatoensureallthepiecesareinplacetodriveinvestments,create high-payingjobs,encourageinnovation,andensureCanadareachesitsfull potentialasanenergysuperpower.
-LisaBaiton,CAPPPresidentandCEO
BusinessAfter5–HostedbyFourPointsby SheratonGrandePrairie
Whatafantasticeveningatlastnight’sBusinessAfter 5Mixer!AbigthankyoutoFourPointsbySheraton GrandePrairieforhostingandwelcomingusintotheir beautifulspace.
Thefoodwasexcellent,thecandytablewasahit,and itwasgreattoseesomanyfamiliarfacesalongside newconnectionsinthecrowd.Theroomwasfullof conversation,energy,andmeaningfulnetworkingeverythingthesemixersareallabout.
Eventslikethisareareminderofthestrengthand spiritofourregionalbusinesscommunity.When businessescometogether,greatthingshappen.
WORK NW Alberta—a partnership between the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, MD of Greenview, and Northwestern Polytechnic—has launched a boldnewregionaltalentattractioncampaign:ALBERTACALLED.
Building on the momentum of the Government of Alberta’s award-winning Alberta is Calling initiative, this campaign speaks directly to job seekers in Alberta, BC, and Ontario, encouraging them to consider a move whereopportunitymeetsqualityoflifeinnorthwesternAlberta.
“Wehaveheardfromemployersandlabourforcedatasupportstheneedformechanics,drivers,shopworkers, andplantoperatorstosupportthegrowthofourlogistics,warehousingandenergysector,”saysWendyBoschThomas,CEOoftheGrandePrairie&DistrictChamberofCommerce.“Asaninitialstart,thiscampaigndraws attentiontothisimmediateneedandprofilesourhighqualityoflife.”
TheGrandePrairie–Greenviewregionoffersmorethanjustjobs.Itoffersstability,community,affordability,and access to outdoor adventure, cultural events, and modern services—making it an ideal place to build a career andalife.
Allroadsleadtoworknwalberta.ca,wherejobseekerscanfindcurrentopenings—thankstoIndeedintegration— andlearnmoreaboutlivingandworkingintheregion
Albertacalled.Let’sstepup.Tolearnmoreorgetinvolved,contactinfo@worknwalberta.ca.
Click on the box below to nominate a business for one of our awardcategories.
Categoriesandcriteria.
Formoreinformation,pleasecontactTomPura,Communicationsand PublicRelations,byemailtom@gpchamber.com
Eventswillinclude:
WomeninBusinessLunch-October21
LunchwithRotary-October22
GrandePrairieChamberAwardsofDistinction-October23
FallBusinessShowcase-October30
Planning is now taking place and sponsorship opportunities are available for our events and awards. Please contact our office by phoneat780-532-5340oremailinfo@gpchamber.com
AlbertaandtheYukonhavecommittedto removingbarrierssogoods,services, workersandopportunitycanflowfreely acrossborders.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will see the three provincesworkcollectivelytobuildnewpipelinesalongaroutethat will connect western Canadian oil and gas to new and existing refineries in southern Ontario, as well as a new deep-sea port in JamesBay.TheMOUalsocallsfornewraillinestoconnectcritical mineraldepositslocatedinOntario’sRingofFireregiontoportsin WesternCanada.
Theagreementreinforcesjointeffortstopushbackagainstfederal policies that block nation-building projects in order to collectively advancepipelines,rail,transmissioninfrastructureandothermajor projects across Canada’s energy, mining and manufacturing sectors.
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TheagreementwillhelpAlberta businessessellmoregoodsandservices intotheYukon,whilegivingYukon companiesnewopportunitiestoaccess Alberta’sgrowingmarketsandinvestinthe province.Bothjurisdictionswillidentify waystoaligncertification,licensingand registrationforregulatedoccupationswhile increasingopportunitiesforour apprenticesandskilledworkerstogrow theircareersacrossjurisdictions.
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Newfundingwillreduceandreusewaste andtransformAlberta’sresourcesintonew products,maintainingAlberta’sglobal leadershipinmanufacturing.
Tobuildontheprovince’sleadership, Alberta’sgovernmentisinvestingupto$49 millionfromtheindustry-funded TechnologyInnovationandEmissions Reduction(TIER)programtosupport18 newprojects.Theseprojectswillcreate closeto1,600jobsandinject$233million intoAlberta’seconomy.
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Think competition law doesn’t apply to your small business? Think again! Whether you’re selling handmade candles or managingagrowingonlinebrand,understandingtherulesoffair competitioncanhelpyoubuildastronger,moretrustedbusiness.
Join experts from the Competition Bureau for an engaging and informativesession.
RegisterHere
Let’sbehonest—beingonlinedoesn’tmeanmuchifnobodycan findyou.That’swhereSEO,orSearchEngineOptimization,steps in.Thinkofitasyourwebsite’swayofraisingitshandandsaying, “Pickme!”everytimesomeonetypesasearchintoGoogle.
ButSEOisn’tabouttrickingthesystem.It’sabouthelpingsearch engines understand what your business is about—and making sure you’re the one showing up when your ideal customer is looking
ReadMore
Gettingturneddownforabusinessloancanbefrustrating, evendisheartening,especiallywhenyou’rereadytogrow or needsupportduringachallengingtime. Butarejection doesn’tmeantheendoftheroad.Infact,it’softenthestart ofamoreinformed,strategicapproachtofinancing.
Here’swhattodonextifthebanksaysno.
READHERE
BothhotelsareconvenientlylocatedofftheHighway43Bypassonthe AlaskaHighway.Greatlocationforshopping,diningandentertainment.
Forbusinessorpleasure,wearetheplacetostay.
Usecode:GPChamber24 foradiscountedratewhenbooking
Booktoday1.888.875.4667
Conveniently located off Highway 2, our West Western Plus West Edmonton hotel is just 3min from West Edmonton Mall and just minutes from local attraction. With comfortable and convenient amenities, our hotel is the perfect choice for business and leisure travellersalike.
Usecode:CHAMBER for15%offallGrandePrairieChamberMembers
10% off office furniture assembled or unassembled in our Grande PrairieShowroomorPeaceRiverStore
10% off unassembled furniture off our website, delivered to our ShowroominGP
Custom plans for stationary, office supply and janitorial. They can look at our website for options. For up to 20 of their most used SKU’s, we setup an account for them and offer the best price possible on those 20 items then full price after that. Great for schoolsaswell.
Please email gpsales@kitofficeplus.com or use in store/showroomcustomplanmustbeanemailtooksanam@kitofficeplus.com
Artistic-IshPaintandProjects
BeyondtheLensPhotography
AwokeWild
WilliamVavrekPhotography
TJProlineEnterprisesLtd
SahdevRealityGroupwithRemax
GrandePrairie
GrandePrairieFilipinoBasketballLeague
HiddenJemDaySpa
CoreBalance&LaserInc
OKTire-NorthGrandePrairie
SSSSImmigrationServicesLtd
GrainsBreadBakeryCafe
TheMarketplace
CrumbsCafeandPizzeria
PriyaNathanMortgages
“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”
Joined:June11,2025
We're excited to welcome Bryanna MacKinnon and EZ BRYz to our Chamber network! Looking forward to seeing this business grow in our community
William Vavrek Photography
Joined:May11,2025
SayhellotoWilliamVavrekPhotography capturingthemomentsthatmatterinour region!We’reexcitedtowelcomeyouto theChambercommunity.
Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades, marketinghelp,orbusinesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightproviders fromournetwork!
CommunityandStudentEngagement Coordinator
Thispositionwillberesponsibleforestablishing andmaintainingrelationshipswithcommunity partnersinnorthernAlbertaandestablishingor sourcingoutopportunitiesforstudentsto engagewithcommunities.
Posting: https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/2352
RegionalRelationshipDevelopment
9-monthcontractpositiontosupportregional relationshipdevelopment,community engagement,earlyassessmentof entrepreneursandinnovators,foran organizationthatfocusesonbringing innovativetechnologiesandknowledge-based ideastomarket.
Posting: my.sharepoint.com/regionaldevelopment
SocialMediaManagement&Website ManagementServices
Weareseekingaqualifiedcontractororagency tomanageoursocialmediaplatformsand website.
Posting: my.sharepoint.com/socialmediamanagement
ToassisttheOwnerintheplanning, implementationandmanagementofprograms. Toprovideasafeenvironmentandqualitycare forchildrenandfamilies.
Toensurethattheprogrammeetsthe children’sphysical,emotional,social,and intellectualneeds.
ToEnsurethatallprogramsremainin compliancewithLicensing,Health andFireregulations
Pleasesendyourresumeandcoverletterto info@tinystars.caorfeelfreetocallusat +16395971072moreinformation.
TeacherSupportAdministrative Assistant
Thispositionwillassistwithfaculty recruitmentandsupportandwillprovide supporttoboththeTeacherSupportLead andResearchLeadwithNAMPaswellasthe relevantcounterpartsinEdmontonattheMD Programoffice.
Posting: https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/235 3
CampTamarackis embarking on a robust fundraising campaign that will guarantee the continued operation andsafety of our facility and secure a sustainable financial foundation for on-going camp operations. Thank you to the following supportive companies and individuals that have made donations recently. Donations received before Aug 31, 2025 will be matched up to 50% by Rogers Birdies for Kids by Altalink.
Canadian Natural Visa Rentals & Leasing County of Grande Prairie #1
Rogers Birdies for Kids
Weyerhaeuser
MD of Greenview
RE/Max Grande Prairie Assoc.
Freedom Machine Corp.
Mason White Northern Doors (Western) Ltd. Gord & Margaret Taylor Lynnell Ible Tirecraft Inc. DNI Cleaning
Supply Fletcher Mudryk LLP
Fifty Plus Hockey Club Peter & Susanna Teichrob
Hope, Love,Peace Inc.
Nilfish Canada Company
Weaver Auctions
Donation Options:
WestlandInsurance Group
Nicole Wallace
Stahl Peterbilt Corp.
G P Wheaton Chevrolet
Ken Belke
John Lieverse
Rentco Equipment Ltd.
Daniel Cram Reality
KMSC Law LLP
Rick & Sharon LaGrange
Gail Haakstad
Jumpstart Capistrano Holdings
Margaret Bowes
New Horizon Coop
Dennis Fedeyko
Wapiti Gravel Suppliers
Pro-West Refrigeration
Turk & Marjorie Taylor
Eunice Friesen
David & Shelley Lorenz
Spencer Johnstone/SunLife
Westland Insurance
Fulcrum Group
Your Name Here
Joan Nellis
Trevor LaGrange
Dennis Sandboe Memorial Donation
Your Name Here
Donate on line: Donate - Camp Tamarack
Enclosed is a check payable to: Camp Tamarack Association, Box 1333, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8V 4Z1
E-transfer info@camptamarack.ca with 5-200-500
Contact: Camp Tamarack Association, info @camp tamarack or mail Box 1333, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 4Z1 Charity number 11882 7823 RR001
Alberta’s government is investing over $203 Million— alongside federal partners—to build more than 2,300 new affordable housing units through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program. This investment will help meet the needs of Alberta’s growing population by increasing accesstosafe,stable,andaffordablehousing,particularly inruralandunderservedcommunities.
This aligns with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce’s policy, A Pathway to Fixing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Alberta, which calls for innovative and collaborative housing solutions that support workforce retention and communitysustainability.
Learnmore
AlbertaledthecountryinjobcreationinJune,addingover 51,000 full-time positions and bringing the province’s unemploymentratebelowthenationalaverage.
RecentresearchfromtheAlbertaChambersofCommerce reveals67%ofbusinessesreportedthatstaffingshortages are directly impacting their ability to meet demand— highlightingtheurgentneedforworkforcesolutions.
Learnmore
CanadahasintroducedanewInterimPolicyonReciprocal Procurement to ensure Canadian businesses have fair access to global government contracts. Effective July 14, 2025, the policy enables Canada to restrict suppliers from countries that block Canadian firms from bidding on their publiccontracts.
The federal government has extended temporary Employment Insurance (EI) adjustments to support workers impacted by U.S. trade tariffs—particularly in affected sectors and regions—until October 11, 2025. This extensionreducestherequiredqualifyinghours(max630 hours)andaddsuptofourextraweeksofbenefits.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian lumber, steel and copper are making American homesmoreexpensive.OurlatestBusinessDataLabanalysisfindsthese tariffs have added $6,000 to the cost of building a home — and could add $14,000moreby2027.
Thiswillpriceoutmillionsofpotentialbuyersandworsenthehousingcrisis. While targeting Canadian exports, these tariffs end up hitting U.S. builders andhomeownershardest.
ReadtheAnalysis
Yesterday,abi-partisandelegationoffourU.S.senatorsvisitedOttawafor meetingswithtopfederalofficialsonthefutureofthebilateralrelationship. Led by Senator Ron Wyden. The members of the visiting delegation are partofthepowerfulSenateCommitteeonFinance,whichhasjurisdictionin theSenateovertariffs,tradenegotiationsandothereconomicmatters.
The delegation met with Prime Minister Mark Carney as well as Dominic LeBlanc,theMinisterresponsibleforCanada–U.S.trade.Theirdiscussions are reported to have been constructive and oriented towards improving Canada–U.S. ties. Topics included tariffs, the successful renegotiation of theCanada-U.S.-MexicoAgreement(CUSMA),softwoodlumber,andother ongoingtradeirritants.
RemembertoshareyourinputontheCUSMAreviewwithGaphelKongtsa, Director of International Policy (gkongtsa@chamber.ca), by Wednesday, July23.
ConstructionSeasonGotYourFootTrafficDown?
Summer construction is a familiar headache for small businesses—blocked sidewalks, loud machinery, and disrupted signage can all take a serious toll on in-store traffic. But just because the road is closed doesn’t mean your business has to be. With a few smart digital strategies, you can keep customers engagedandsalesmoving.
From hyper-local ads to creative promos and easy online tools, this blog breaks down simple, effective ways to stay visible, drive sales, and make construction season work in your favour. No neon vest required.
LearnMore
Tuesday,July29th,2025(10:00am-11:30am) Online-ZOOM
Advertising in the digital space can be complicated, especially with different ad formats, multiple platforms,budgeting,andrunningyourownbusiness!Ifyouarenotsurewheretobegin,orareconfused onwhatkindofadtorun,thissessionisforyou!
Inthiswebinar,wewillsharekeyinsightsintoGoogleAds,FacebookAds,andInstagramAds.
RegisterNow
BREATHE,STRETCH,&CONNECT IN NATURE &TAKEHOMEALOCALLYGROWNBOUQUET.
Join Kylie and Chelseafora60-minute Hathastyle yoga class overlookingthe flower patch at Farm 2 Table on 51.$56perclass (includes bouquet) + gst. All levelswelcome.
Sunday, July27th10:30am Sunday, August10th10:30am
Havesomebignewstoshare?Whetheryou're rebranding,rollingoutinnovativetech,reachinga majormilestone,ormakingwavesinthebusiness community—wewanttohearaboutit! Youraccomplishmentsdeservethespotlight,and we'reheretohelpyoucelebrateandinspireothers.
Sendyourupdatestomax@gpchamber.comand getfeaturedinanupcomingeditionofThe ChamberConnection!
The City of Grande Prairie is now gathering feedback to help plan the 2026 municipal budget—and we want to hear from you!
Share your ideas and priorities to help guide decisions on projectslike:
Asphaltcracksealing
Fixedtransitroutes
Large-scaleevents
Newplayground
On-demandtransit
Snowclearing Treeplanting
Participatenow:bit.ly/3SvTTUF
Checkoutengage.cityofgp.com/budget2026formoreinformation abouthowyoucansharefeedback.
Stepintoaworldofcultureandcommunity attheCityofGrandePrairie’slively HeritageDayeventhappeningSaturday, August2fromnoonto5p.m.attheGrande PrairieMuseum’sHeritageVillage.
TheHeritageDayeventhighlightslocal historyanddiverseculturesinGrande Prairie,featuringfun,family-friendly activities
