Chamber Connection Vol 12 (Aug 06)

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The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite you to: Alberta Next: Energy & Environment.

Joinindustryleadersintheenergyandenvironmentalsectorsaswediscusshow Alberta’sstoriedlegacyasaglobalenergypioneercontinuestoevolve,solidifyingits roleasaleaderintheongoingenergytransition.

DiscountsforanyChamberMember

MemberratesareavailabletomembersofanyChamberofCommerceinAlberta. EarlybirdticketsareavailableuntilAugust8.Usethespeciallinkbelowtoregister today!Energy&EnvironmentChamberMemberPricing

Tuesday, Sept 16 1:30-3:30 PM Centre 2000

WorkShop

What’sinStore?

Resilientbusinessesaren’tbuiltbychance—they’rebuiltthroughstrategy,structure,andadaptability. Inthissession,HollySorgen,ExecutiveDirectorofCommunityFuturesGrandePrairie&Region,will walkparticipantsthroughsixkeystrategiesthathelpentrepreneurscreateastrongerfoundation, supportgrowth,andmitigaterisk.Whetheryou’relaunchinganewventureorrefininganexistingone, thisworkshopispackedwithtoolsandtakeawaystostrengthenyourbusinessforthelongterm.

Throughreal-worldexamplesandactionableinsights,you’llexplorethemindsetandtacticsneededto stayagileandthrive—evenduringuncertainty.

THURS., AUG 28 | 10:00AM

GRAINS BREAD BAKERY CAFE

#101 11702 - 104 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6K3

Ribbon Cutting – Grains Bread Bakery Cafe

We’reexcitedtomarkadelicious milestonewithaRibbonCuttingatGrains BreadBakeryCafewestsidelocationin GrandePrairie.Takesometimeinyour morningroutinetostopbyGrains'second locationandbepartofthecelebration!

Grande Prairie, Alberta

ENERGY INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Things you may have missed this week!

ALBERTA AND ONTARIO ROUNDTABLE WITH CAPP

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.

Our Most Recent Event!

BusinessAfter5–TownofSexsmith

WhatanincredibleeveningintheheartofSexsmith! OurBusinessAfter5Mixerwashostedinthetown’s iconicgrainelevatorandjudgingbytheturnout,we weren’ttheonlyonescurioustoseeinsidethislocal landmark.Wealsocelebratedthere-brandofthe TownofSexsmith,onethatexemplifiesthehistoryand importanceofagriculture.Showcasingthisiconicgrain elevatorinalloftheircommunications.

Bigthankstoeveryonewhocameout,andspecial shoutouttoCrumbsforthetastytreatsandDirtRoad Tavernrollinginwiththebarcart-cheerstomaking networkingextrasweet&refreshing!

Ifyoumissedit,weencourageyoutotakeatripdown MainStreet,checkouttheelevator,andshowsome lovetoouramazingneighbors.

Alberta Called: A New Campaign to Attract Skilled Talent to NW Alberta

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.

NOMINATIONS

Click on the box below to nominate a business for one of our awardcategories.

Categoriesandcriteria.

NOMINATEABUSINESS

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

Response to U.S. tariffs: Premier Danielle Smith

“Thatsaid,it’salsodisappointingtoseetariffsonotherCanadian goods increase to 35 per cent. These tariffs hurt both Canadian and American businesses and workers, and they weaken one of themostimportanttradeandsecurityalliancesintheworld.

CONTINUEREADING

Company fined for serious workplace injury

Anoilandgaswellequipment manufacturerhasbeenfined$125,000 relatedtoaseriousworkplaceinjury incident.

SteelhausTechnologiesInc.,asan employer,pleadedguiltyonJuly30inthe CalgaryCourtofJusticetoonecountunder theOccupationalHealthandSafety(OHS) Codeforfailingtoprovidesafeguardsifa workercouldcomeintocontactwith movingpartsofequipmentormachinery. Thecompanywasfined$125,000including the20percentvictimfinesurcharge.The Crownwithdreweightothercounts.

READMORE

Turning underground resources into jobs

Newindustrydollarswilltapinto Alberta’svastundergroundresources tocreatenewgood-payingjobsand keepgrowingtheeconomy

Alberta’smassivenaturalresourcesand uniquegeologyhaveturnedtheprovince intoaneconomicpowerhouseandglobal energyleader.Now,industryisexploring morewaystomaximizethepotentialof Alberta’sundergroundcavesand geologicalformations.

READMORE

Better Safe than Sorry, Eh: Competition Law 101

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

The Canadian Small Business’s Guide to Getting Found on Google

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

Government Contracts 101: What Small Businesses Need to Know

Did you know that the Government of Canada buys billions of dollarsworthofgoodsandserviceseachyear?Thinktheyonlybuy frombigcompanies?Youmightbesurprisedtolearnthatmanyof thesecontractsareawardedtosmallbusinessesacrossCanada.

This webinar will help you explore whether selling to the GovernmentofCanadaistherightopportunityforyourbusiness.

RegisterHere

Member ExclusiveDeals

Service Plus Grande Prairie

BothhotelsareconvenientlylocatedofftheHighway43Bypassonthe AlaskaHighway.Greatlocationforshopping,diningandentertainment.

Forbusinessorpleasure,wearetheplacetostay.

Usecode:GPChamber24 foradiscountedratewhenbooking

Booktoday1.888.875.4667

Best Western Plus West Edmonton

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

Kit Office Plus

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

“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”

Crumbs Cafe and Pizzeria

Joined:July18,2025

We'reexcitedtowelcomeTaylorSakundiakand Crumbs Cafe and Pizzeria to our Chamber network!Lookingforwardtoseeingthisbusiness growinourneighboringcommunityofSexsmith

The

Marketplace

Joined:July18,2025

Say hello to Evan Anderson at The Marketplace in Sexsmith teaching the localshowtocookupsomeofthebest Italian food! We’re excited to welcome youtotheChambercommunity.

BUSINESS SET-UP

TheJobBoard

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

Level3EarlyChildhoodEducator

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

ACC Media Release: 07/31/2025

Trade, investment, and federal policy shape Alberta businessoutlook.

Insights from 600 Alberta business leaders signal demand foraccessingnewmarketsandattractinginvestment.

TheAlbertaChambersofCommerce(ACC)todayreleased its annual Alberta Perspectives “Public and Business Attitudes to Key Policy Issues” findings, collected between May22 and June15, 2025. Insights from 602 self identified business leaders across the province highlight a focused agenda: unlock opportunities for trade diversification and investment.

Boosting health care access in rural Alberta

Through two new initiatives, 74 family medicine residents will receive bursaries to practise in rural and remote communities, while 29 clinics will receive grants to hire nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals. This investment supports better access to care across rural Alberta and aligns with ACC's Access to Physicians and Licensed Health Care Professionals Supports Rural EconomicDevelopmentpolicy.

Learnmore RuralandRemotePhysicianBursary

Red tape consultations

TheGovernmentofCanadahaslaunchedagovernmentwide Red Tape Review to streamline federal regulations, reduce duplication with provinces, and improve service delivery. Ministers have 60 days to identify outdated or inefficient rules within their portfolios. Alberta businesses are encouraged to share specific regulatory barriers you face.

SubmityourfeedbackbyAugust15,2025

Our Response to the 35% U.S. Tariffs on Canada

The White House fact sheet should be called a fact-less sheet when it comestobasingtradedecisionsaboutCanadaonthefentanylemergency. Morefact-lesstariffturbulencedoesnotadvanceNorthAmericaneconomic security.Businesses—inCanadaandtheU.S.—urgentlyneedcertainty.

The Carney government is right to prioritize a strong, future-focused deal overarushedone.Alittlemoretimenowcandeliverlastingbenefitsforan integratedNorthAmericaneconomy—andthat’swellworththewait.

Inthemeantime,wehaveCUSMA,which,atpresent,isstillbeinghonoured, leaving much of our cross-border trade tariff-free. However, not all Canadian businesses have this advantage and the jump to 35% tariffs on non-CUSMAcompliantproductsplacesanadditionalloadonthem.

Re-igniting Canada’s productivity engine with AI

ThisblogpostwasprovidedbyBillSyrros,Partner,NationalAILeaderand HayaElaraby,AI,Data,andAutomationLeaderatBDOCanada.

Canada stands at a crossroads. Despite being renowned for its abundant natural resources, highly skilled workforce, and strong institutions, the nation faces a persistent productivity gap. Even with these advantages, Canada lags its peers in productivity growth and innovation-based economicperformance.In2022,

Canada’sbusinessinnovationratestoodat36%,trailingbehindtheU.S.at 50%, and the OECD average of 45%. Adding further complexity to these challenges are the recent tariff disputes between Canada and the U.S., underscoringtheurgencyforaction.

EVEN MORE RESOURCES

Tips & Tricks to Surviving Construction Season

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

5 tips that can help your business succeed this summer and year-round

As summer hearts up⛱, it's a great time to boost your business's online presence. This month, we're diving into essential updates and practical strategies to help you shine, from joining our live, hands-on workshoptomasterkeyGoogleBusinessProfilefeatures,tounderstandinghowhigh-qualityvisualstell your unique story. You'll also learn to secure your profile from hijacking, explore how to stand out with LocalServiceAds,anddiscovertheimpactofLocalGuidesonyouronlinereputation.

Prefertolistentothecontent?YoucanfindtheAIgeneratedaudioversionhere

Jointhevirtualworkshop:OptimizeyourGoogleBusinessProfile!

Business health assessment for entrepreneurs

Do you know if your business is ready to face external shocks?

BDC offers a free, 10-minute online assessment that will help you:

▪ Understand your level of vulnerability to market fluctuations

▪ Quickly find improvements you can make to improve resilience

▪ Discover your strengths and move your business to the next level

Get started

2nd annual Chariot Festival and parade in Grande Prairie!

Thisvibranttraditionbeganover 5,000yearsagointheIndiancityof JagannathaPuriandisnow celebratedworldwideeachsummer tohonorLordJagannatha.

ThepullingofTheChariot symbolizesthepullingoftheLord intoone'sheart.

Feedback to help plan the 2026 municipal budget

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.

FireSmart Vegetation Management work begins August 8

TheCityofGrandePrairieisconducting FireSmartvegetationmanagementonCityownedpubliclandtoreducewildfirerisk andimprovecommunityresilience. FiresSmartvegetationmanagementhelps tocreatedefensiblespaces,slowwildfire spreadandsupportsaferconditionsfor firefightersprotectinghomesand properties.

TheworkbeginsAugust8,2025,andis expectedtotakeapproximately10daysto complete,weatherpermitting,withcrews workingdailyfrom7a.m.to7p.m.

LEARNMORE

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