ChamberAwards ofDistinction
FROMLOCALSTRENGTHTOGLOBALIMPACT
The Awards of Distinction honour the remarkable achievements of our local business community. This premier evening features the presentation of awards across multiple categories, celebrating the vision, creativity, and dedication that drive Northwest Alberta forward.
Alongside the awards presentations, hear from a panel of local industry experts representing the Agricultural industry — as they share perspectives on resilience, opportunity and growth in our region.
Join us for an evening of celebration, conversation, and inspiration as we spotlight the accomplishments of our nominees and award recipients.
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING
WED, SEPT 18 | 10:00AM
OK TIRE AUTO SERVICE NORTH
Ribbon Cutting - OK Tire Auto Service North Grande Prairie
JoinusasweofficiallycuttheribbonforOK TireAutoServiceNorthGrandePrairie,the newestadditiontotheOKTireAuto Servicefamilyinourcity!Thisexciting eventmarkstheopeningoftheirsecond locationinGrandePrairie,continuingtheir traditionofdeliveringexperttireand automotiveservices,trustedadvice,and top-qualityproductstoourcommunity.
12501 - 100 Street, Grande Prairie, AB
Our Most Recent Event!
AnotherWorkshop.AnotherFullHouse.
Yesterday’sWorkshopYourBusinesssessionFuture-ProofYourBusiness:BuildingResilienceand GrowthwithHollySorgenfromCommunityFutures GrandePrairie&Regionwasasuccess!
Hollyisatalentedspeakerwhomakescomplex topicseasytounderstand.Fromdiversifyingdifferent aspectsofyourbusinesstofindingtoolintegration thatboostefficiency,attendeeswalkedawaywith practicalstrategiesandfreshideastostrengthen theirbusinessesforthelongterm.
AhugethankyoutoHollyforsharingherexpertise andtoeveryonewhojoinedusforanotherengaging session!
ALBERTA CALLED: A Bold New Push to Attract Skilled Talent to NW Alberta
WORKNWALBERTA–aworkforcedevelopmentinitiativeofTheCityofGrandePrairie,TheCountyofGrande Prairie, Municipal District of Greenview, Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce and Northwestern Polytechnic-hasofficiallylaunchedALBERTACALLED,adynamicnewadcampaignaimedatattractingskilled workerstotheGrandePrairie–Greenviewcorridor.Runningthruthesummerandfall,thisregionaleffortbuilds onthesuccessoftheprovince’saward-winningAlbertaisCallingcampaignandshiftsfromawarenesstoaction —connectingworkerswithhigh-demandopportunitiesinourgrowingindustries.
The campaign spotlights current job openings for truck drivers, mechanics, and plant operators—critical roles that are essential to our energy, transportation, and industrial sectors. As the campaign evolves, ad copy and creativewillberefreshedtoreflectshiftinglabourforcepriorities,withthepotentialtohighlightotherhigh-need vocations such as nurses, teachers, and skilled trades. Through targeted outreach in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia, ALBERTA CALLED showcases not only the career potential in NW Alberta but also the exceptionallifestyletheregionoffers.
To reach the right talent, the campaign is running across Rogers Sports Media platforms (including digital, podcasts, and geotargeted content), along with Meta and LinkedIn. It also drives traffic to worknwalberta.ca, a hubwherejobseekerscanexplorerealopportunitiesandlearnmoreaboutlifeintheregion.
Wanttogetinvolved?It’seasy.
·Follow,like,andshareALBERTACALLEDcontentonyoursocialchannels
·PostyourjobopeningstoIndeed(automaticallyintegratedwithworknwalberta.ca)
·Amplifythemessageinyourownrecruitmentandpromotionefforts
Let’s work together to fill the roles that power our communities. Alberta Called—Grande Prairie- Greenview answers.
Fordetailsormaterials,contact:info@worknwalberta.ca
Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance
CHAMBER MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO CANADA'S LARGEST EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PLAN TARGETED TO SMALL-TO-MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESS.
Operating since the early 1970s, Chambers Plan now provides coverage to over 30,000 firms like yours. Regardless of the size of your organization Chambers Plan can be customized to meet your needs,requestafreequotetodayandletusshowyouhowwecan customizeaplanforyou.
Established
Your firm's rates will remain stable regardless of claims history. Additionally, Chambers Plan Group Health Insurance is noncancelable due to any claims experienced by your firm. Your companywillneverbesingledoutforarateincrease,ever.
Local
Your business is unique, so your business needs unique coverage. That is why a local Chambers Plan advisor administers your employee health benefits plan. A Chambers Plan advisor is a member of your community. Whether you want to add dental coverage,changeorupdate,orsimplyaskaquestion,youradvisor isthereforyou.
Customizable
Coverage can be tailored to suit your needs. Customize your plan selecting from a wide range of coverage – life, health, dental, disability, critical illness and much more! As well, Chambers Plan membershaveaccesstomy-benefits®anonlinemanagementtool. Thistoolallowsyoutoadministeryourplananywhere,anytime.
Local Agent - Cam Neil
Neil & Associates 10715-102 Street Grande Prairie Website: https://neilandassociates. ca
AtNeil&Associates,webelieve you deserve the best when it comes to group insurance— personalized service from a team of advisors and support staff who live and work right hereinyourcommunity.Asyour local provider of the Chamber Plan, we offer affordable, flexible, and stable benefits designed specifically for small andmedium-sizedbusinesses.
Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage for your team or just starting to explore your options, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way. Get the best deal on insurance and peaceofmindforyourbusiness —contact Neil & Associates today!
BUSINESS SET-UP
Getting the job done for Albertans: Economic resilience
Premier Danielle Smith has issued a new set of mandate letters focused on growing Alberta’s economy, improving tradeandcreatingjobs.
Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
Joseph Schow, Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen, Minister of Tourism and Sport Andrew Boitchenko and Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir have been tasked with promoting Alberta’s industries, driving investment, creating jobsandincreasingprosperityforpeoplewholiveinAlberta
The new mandate letters are focused on delivering the programs andsupportsthatmattertoAlbertans,Albertacompanies,workers and the economy, while maintaining Alberta as the best place to live,workandraiseafamily.
Through the commitments outlined in each mandate letter, Alberta’sministerswilldeliverresults,strengthencommunitiesand build a future rooted in prosperity, opportunity and responsible governance.
ReadFullArticle
Alberta first to add citizenship to licenses
Albertaisthefirstprovincetoadda Canadiancitizenshipmarkertodriver’s licencesandIDcards,givingresidentsa single,securecardtoaccessprogramsand services.
Thisfall,legislationwillbeintroducedto implementtheadditionofCanadian citizenshipstatustoAlbertans’drivers licencesorIDcards.Thischangeispartofa broaderinitiativetogiveAlbertansasingle, securedocumentthatconfirmsboth identityandCanadiancitizenship.By combiningidentityandcitizenshiponone document,Albertanswillnolongerneedto carrymultiplepiecesofIDtoaccess services
ReadFullArticle
Transforming employment services in Alberta
WorkFirstAlbertawillhelpjobseekersfind meaningfulworkandsupportemployersin buildingaskilledworkforce.
ThroughBudget2025,Alberta’s governmentismakingrecordinvestments incareerandemploymentservices, committing$185milliontomakeiteasierfor Albertanstofindajob,earnapaycheque andbuildabetterfutureforthemselvesand theirfamilies.
ReadFullArticle
Celebrate Small Business Week 2025 with Business Link
Celebrate Small Business Week 2025 with Business Link, October 20–24. Join us for in-person events in Edmonton and Calgary, plus free online webinars all week long. Hear inspiring entrepreneur stories, grow your network, and gain practical businessinsights.
RegisterToday
Curious How ChatGPT Can Transform Your Marketing?
JoinusonSeptember18at11a.m.forafreewebinaranddiscoverhowAI canhelpyousavetime,sparkideas,andstrengthenyourbrand.Learn practicalwaystouseChatGPTforcontentcreation,brainstorming,and more—guidedbytheexpertsatNine10.
RegisterToday
Turn Challenges into Opportunities with Design Thinking
JoinusonSeptember25at11a.m.forafreewebinarwithMusap Abdelhag. Discover how design thinking can help small businesses spark creativity, solve challenges, and drive sustainablegrowthwithtoolsyoucanstartusingrightaway.
ReadHere
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
Chamber Member Spotlight!
Advantage Bookkeeping & Business Consulting
Celebrating 16 Years of Empowering Local Businesses
This summer, Advantage Bookkeeping & Business Consulting celebrated 16 years of supporting small and medium-sized businesses in our region. What began as a bookkeeping service has grown into a trustedpartnerforentrepreneurs,providingnotonly full-service bookkeeping but also Certified Business and Executive Coaching tailored to the unique challengesofSMEs.
Over the years, Advantage has become known for helping business owners gain clarity and confidence in their financial and leadership decisions. Most recently, the firm launched CFO Advisory Services powered by proprietary software. This new offering provides business leaders with access to strategic financial leadership—without the commitment of hiring a full-time CFO. The results speak for themselves: improved decision-making, stronger cash flow, greater profitability, and a clear roadmap forsustainablegrowth.
At the heart of Advantage’s mission is a simple but powerful purpose: to empower SME leaders to build sustainable, scalable businesses. Through expert bookkeeping, business coaching, and executive mentoring, they help entrepreneurs cut through the overwhelm, take control of their numbers, and lead with clarity. Whether it’s navigating spreadsheets or overcoming decision fatigue, Advantage is there as a strategic partner to help businesses grow stronger.
As part of their ongoing commitment to the business community, Advantage also offers free seminars, paid workshops, and a complimentary one-hour coaching session designed to help business owners address their most pressing challenges.
To learn more about Advantage Bookkeeping & Business Consult and their services, visit www.bigbizgrowth.com
Grande
Alberta
“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”
Custom Safety Services Ltd
Joined:August14,2025
We’re excited to welcome Jillian Armstrong and Custom Safety Services Ltd to our Chamber network! Looking forward to seeing this great local business make an impact on ourcommunity.
Prairie Pals Play Cafe
Joined:September02,2025
We’re excited to welcome Stephanie KingandPrairiePalsPlayCafetoour Chambernetwork!Welookforwardto seeing this creative space grow and provide a fun, engaging place for familiesinourcommunity.
TheJobBoard
Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades, marketinghelp,orbusinesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightproviders fromournetwork!
IndigenousCommunityEngagementand RecruitmentCoordinator
Thisroleisresponsibleforleadinginitiativesthat increasethenumberofFirstNations,Inuit,andMetis medicalstudentsintheNorthernAlbertaMedical Program(NAMP)inGrandePrairie.Thisisaregionally focusedrolewherethesuccessfulcandidatewillbe instrumentalinbuildingandsustainingmeaningful relationshipswithIndigenouscommunities.
Learnmore: https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/2736
CurriculumAdministrator(Electives)GrandePrairie
Theprimaryresponsibilityofthispositionisthe comprehensiveadministrationandsupportofthe electivesportfolioandotherkeycurricularcomponents
Learnmore: https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/2724
StandardizedPatientProgram.
TheNorthernAlbertaMedicalProgram(NAMP)in GrandePrairieiscurrentlyrecruitingindividualsto participateinourStandardizedPatientProgram.This opportunityallowsyoutohelpmedicalstudentsdevelop essentialcommunicationandclinicalskillsbyrole-playing aspatientsinsimulatedscenarios.
LearnmoreabouttheNAMPStandardizedPatient Programandsignuphere
TheNorthernAlbertaMedicalProgramis hiringayr2Administrator
TheNorthernAlbertaMedicalProgramisseekinga CurriculumAdministratorforyr2tojointheteam.
ThepositionisbasedoutoftheNWPHealthEducation CentreattheGrandePrairieRegionalHospital.
Fulldetailsandpostinghere: https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/2674
TheCountyofGrandePrairieBusinessSupportNetworkPresentstheWORKNOWJobFair
JointheCountyofGrandePrairieBusinessSupportNetworkfortheupcomingWORKNOWJobFair —anexcitingopportunitytoconnectemployerswithlocaltalentandregionalbusinesssupports
Thiscost-effectiveeventisagreatwaytomeetpotentialemployees,collaboratewithother businesses,andlearnfrommembersoftheBSNSteeringCommitteeandWorkNorthwestteams..
Don’tmissoutonthiscosteffectiveopportunitytosecureyourworkforce
➡ Clickheretoregister
Chamber Connection
Alberta Youth Incentive
Starting October 2025, employers can access the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, receiving $4,000–$7,500 in funding to help hire young workers. Managed by CAREERS, the program offsets $10/hour in wages and supports employers in creating youth employment opportunities.
Learnmore
AlbertaJobsStrategy
Economic growth through skills development
Four Alberta organizations will receive over $5 million through the Alberta Industry Skills Grant to deliver industry-led training in high-demand sectors such as aviation, aerospace, construction, and technology. This initiativealignswithACC’spolicyonCreatinganEffective Workforce for the Changing Economy, which calls for employer-driventrainingsolutionsthatequipworkerswith transferable, industry-recognized skills to meet Alberta’s evolvinglabourmarketneeds.
Learnmore
Labour Market Information portal
Alberta’s government has launched the new Labour Market Information portal. The platform provides insights on indemand jobs, industry trends, and essential skills. It aims to support Albertan's to better understand what jobs are in demand, how industries are changing and what skills are neededintoday’sworkforce.
Learnmore
Bursary program to support northern Alberta’s workforce
For Employers & Organizations – Bursary Partnership Program Businesses, chambers, and community organizations can sponsor students and have the GovernmentofAlbertamatchupto$3,500perstudentper year.Applicationwindow:May1–November30,2025
Learnmore&apply
For businesses seeking more insights and tools:
Carney Launches Industrial Strategy as U.S. Tariff Fight Escalates
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a multibillion-dollar strategy on FridayaimedathelpingCanadianbusinesseswithstandongoingU.S.tariff pressures. The plan includes a $5-billion Strategic Response Fund to support product development and market diversification, expanded tariff reliefforSMEs,extendedemploymentinsurancefordisplacedworkers,and a new “Buy Canadian” procurement policy requiring federal departments and Crown corporations to prioritize domestic suppliers. The government also paused the 2026 zero-emission vehicle mandate in response to auto sector concerns, while highlighting targeted support for agriculture, seafood,andresourceindustrieshitbyforeigntariffs.
TheannouncementcomesasOttawaremovedmostofitscounter-tariffson U.S.goodstore-energizestallednegotiationswithWashington.WhileU.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and copper remain in place, Treasury SecretaryScottBessentexpressedconfidencethattheSupremeCourtwill upholdPresidentTrump’suseofemergencypowerstomaintainthelevies andsignalledtheadministrationcouldturntoothertradetoolsifnecessary. With unions warning that Ottawa’s tariff rollback undermines Canadian leverage and the U.S. pushing ahead with exemptions for selected allies, Canadian businesses face a prolonged period of uncertainty in North Americantradethatwillrequirebothadaptationandresilience.
Our Statement on the First List of NationBuilding Projects
Wewelcomethefederalgovernment’sannouncementofthefirsttrancheof nation-building projects — important building blocks toward strengthening our economy, advancing climate competitiveness and deepening partnershipswithIndigenouspeoples.
But Canada can’t afford a two-track system where some projects move forwardwhileothersareleftwaiting.Regulatorycontradictions,redtapeand investmentuncertaintycontinuetoholdusback.
ReadOurStatement
EVEN MORE RESOURCES
Email Marketing for Small Businesses: Developing A Successful Email Marketing Strategy
Tuesday,September23rd,2025(10:00am-11:30am) Online-ZOOM
In the busy space of the digital world, connecting with your business through the noise is significant to having online success.Despitebeingaroundforsomanyyears,emailmarketingisstillapowerfultooltoengagewithyouraudience.
In the busy space of the digital world, connecting with your business through the noise is significant to having online success.Despitebeingaroundforsomanyyears,emailmarketingisstillapowerfultooltoengagewithyouraudience.
Inthiswebinar,theTorontoDigitalServiceSquadwillteachyouthebasicstoemailmarketing,tohelpyoucreatehigh quality and targeted emails to send to your subscribers. You'll finish this session feeling confident in your email marketingstrategyinthedigitalworld.
RegisterNow
City of Grande Prairie Receives 2025 Minister’s Award
City of Grande Prairie Receives 2025 Minister’s Award for Red Tape Reduction and Service Delivery Enhancement
TheCityofGrandePrairieproudlyacceptedthe2025Minister’s AwardforMunicipalExcellenceattheCityCouncilmeetingheld September8,2025forworkdonetostreamlinethedevelopment permittingprocess.
The City won in the Red Tape Reduction or Service Delivery Enhancement award category for streamlining the permitting process by consolidating three separate applicationsdevelopment permit, building permit, and civil site work - into a single,unifiedapplicationandmovingtoadigitalplatform.
This transformation simplifies the user experience, reduces duplication, and accelerates processing times. By enabling concurrent review of all components, the City has significantly improved efficiency, reduced red tape, and enhanced clarity for applicants - demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation andresponsiveservicedelivery.
ReadFullArticle
Volunteer at TD Tree Days on September 14
TheCityofGrandePrairieinvitesresidentsto rolluptheirsleevesonSunday,September14 fortheTDTreeDaysevent,plantingtreesand shrubstogrowandenhancecommunity greenspace.
Theeventtakesplacefrom9a.m.tonoonat IvyLakeand100Avenueandisagreatwayto supportthecommunity.
Volunteerswillreceiveapairofgardening glovesandaplantingdemonstration,then participatehands-oninplantingtreesand shrubs,mulching,placingtreeguardsand watering.
Residentsinterestedinvolunteeringcan registeronlinethroughtheeventlistingat cityofgp.com/events.
ENERGY INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Things you may have missed this week!
CAPP REACTION TO THE FIRST FEDERAL MAJOR PROJECTS LIST
CAPPandourmembersremainstronglysupportiveoftheTeamCanadaapproach tobuildingmajorprojectsfasterinCanada.Theprocessdevelopedthroughthe implementationofBillC-5,theOneCanadianEconomyAct,willhelpadvancethe nation-buildingprojectsannouncedtoday.CAPPlooksforwardtothislegislation beingusedtopavethewayforadditionalprojectsinthenationalinterest,including thoseintheoilandnaturalgassector.
WearepleasedtoseeLNGCanada’sPhase2isincludedonthelist.Thefirst phaseoftheprojectwasthesinglelargestprivateinvestmentinCanada’shistory. BuildingLNGexportcapacityandotheroilandnaturalgasrelatedprojectsare amongthefastestwaystodiversifyCanada’sglobalcustomerbaseandincrease oureconomicandenergysovereigntyinthefaceofinternationaleconomic uncertainty.
ReadFullStatement
Grande Prairie, Alberta
