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.
WATER WORLDS
An Indigenous Lens on Our Planet’s Most Precious Resource
A groundbreaking new documentary series is making waves across Canada and beyond — and it has deep ties to our own region. Water Worlds invites audiences to experience the breathtakingunderwaterworldsofouroceans,lakes,andwetlands while exploring the fragile ecosystems that sustain life on our planet.
NarratedinCreebythelegendaryTantooCardinal,WaterWorlds brings forward the “two-eyed seeing” approach — weaving Indigenous knowledge together with Western science to deepen our understanding of water and its critical role in our world. The resultisa13-partseriesthatisasvisuallystunningasitisthoughtprovoking.
The project is led by writer, director, and executive producer Len Morrisette of C.I.A. Solutions, an Indigenous-owned film and advertising company. Joining him is Ryan Dalgleish, a Grande Prairie-born filmmaker and partner at C.I.A. Solutions, who codirected and filmed the series. Together with producers Kerriann Cardinal and Hilary Pryor, and an award-winning team of underwatercinematographers,theyhavecreatedaseriesthathas alreadygainednationalandinternationalattention
Viewers can watch Water Worlds in both English and Cree on APTN,orstreamitonAPTNLumi.Itsreachisexpandingglobally, having been licensed for broadcast in Australia and adopted by schooldistrictsacrossCanada—includinghereinGrandePrairie — as an educational tool for both environmental awareness and Indigenousknowledge.
For Morrisette and the production team, the impact goes beyond the screen. Collaborating with universities,NGOs,andcommunitypartnersacross the country, the series has already become a catalyst for dialogue about conservation and reconciliation. Morrisette’s work on Water Worlds even led to his induction into the Royal Canadian GeographicalSociety.
From Canada’s wetlands to its coastal waters, the seriesrevealshowweareallconnectedbywater— andwhyprotectingitmattersmorethanever.
Learnmoreabouttheseriesatwww.waterworlds.ca orstreamitonAPTNLumi
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING
WED, OCT 08 | 4:30PM
WORLD FINANCIAL GROUP
#108 8805 Resources Rd Grande Prairie, AB
Ribbon Cutting - World Financial Group - Patrcia MacLean
Celebratetheofficialribbon-cuttingfor WorldFinancialGroupasPatricia MacLeanexpandsherfinancialservices businessinGrandePrairie.Company leadersandrepresentativesfromacross thecountrywillbeattendingtomarkthis specialoccasion.
Our Most Recent Event!
CityofGrandePrairieMunicipalElectionForum
Ahugethankyoutoeveryonewhojoinedus to listen,engage,andsubmitthoughtfulquestions fortheCityCouncilandMayoralcandidates.Your participationhelpsstrengthencivicdialogueand ensuresthatimportantconversationshappenin ourcommunity.
We’dliketoextendoursincerethankstoallthe candidateswhotookthetimetosharetheir platformsandperspectives,andtoNorthwestern Polytechnicforprovidingafantasticvenue-the setuplookedgreatandmadeforanexcellent evening.
Eventslikethisareessentialtobuildingastrong, informed,andconnectedcommunity.Thankyou forbeingpartofit.
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!
Showcasing Alberta’s digital leadership
County Launches New Grant Program to Support Local Business Growth Through Technology Infrastructure
TheCountyofGrandePrairiehas launchedanewBusinessRetention andExpansionGrant–Infrastructure Technology,aimedatsupportingsmallandmedium-sizedCountybusinesses byhelpingthemupgradeinfrastructurerelatedtechnologytodrivegrowthand innovation.
Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish willtraveltoDallas,Texastopromotenewpartnerships andinvestmentsforAlberta’sboomingtechsector.
Minister Glubish will be a featured speaker at the North American Blockchain Summit in Dallas, Texas. He will be participatingindiscussionsfocusedonAlberta’scompetitive advantagesinthedigitalassetssectorandwillmeetwithtop blockchain companies, investors and industry leaders to showcase Alberta’s competitive advantage and attract new investment.
ReadFullArticle
Thegrantprovidesatotalof$26,000in annualfunding.Eligiblebusinessescan applyformatchingfundingstarting October11,2025,ofupto$2,000per yeartoassistwithtechnology-related infrastructureimprovements.Projects mayincludeenhancementssuchas broadbandupgrades,point-of-sale systems,industrialautomation,and othercriticaldigitaltools.Applications willbereviewedonafirst-come,firstservedbasisuntiltheannualfundingis fullyallocated.
Businessesinterestedcanvisit www.middleofeverywhere.ca/business grantorcontacttheEconomic Developmentdepartmentformore informationoneligibilityandapplication requirementsatecdev@countygp.ab.ca
Meet Business Link: Free Support for Alberta Entrepreneurs (+ Live Q&A)
Join us October 20 to discover how Business Link can supportyouateverystageofyourbusinessjourney.Learn about free services, access practical tools, and get your questions answered during a live Q&A with a Business Strategist.
RegisterToday
From Idea to Launch: Small Business Startup Basics
JoinusOctober22toexplorepracticaltoolsandstrategiesthat helpAlbertaentrepreneurssolvechallengesandgrowtheir businesses.Learnhowdesignthinkingcansparkcreativity, identifyopportunities,anddrivesustainablegrowthinyour business.
RegisterToday
Unleash Your Side Hustle Potential
Join us October 24, in partnership with Futurpreneur, to explore how to start a side hustle with confidence. Learn how to identify opportunities, validate ideas, pitch with clarity, and access mentorship and financing to turn your skillsorpassionsintoextraincome.
RegisterToday
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 trusted partner for entrepreneurs, providing not only full-service bookkeeping but also Certified Business and Executive Coaching tailored to the unique challengesofSMEs.
Overtheyears,Advantagehasbecomeknownfor 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 for sustainablegrowth.
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.
Please consider supporting our group by using FundScrip, a fundraising program that helps us raise money simply by purchasing gift cards for everyday shopping (i.e. groceries, gas, gifts and household items). For instance, when you purchase a $100 grocery gift card, you receive the $100 card, but in addition, a percentage is donated to our Special Olympics Grande Prairie fundraising campaign.
“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”
PureLife Cleaning & Maintenance
Joined:September19,2025
We’re excited to welcome Rana Al-Slaa and PureLife Cleaning and Maintenance to our Chamber network! Looking forward to seeing this dedicated local business continue to shineandmakeanimpactinourcommunity.
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
■Breaking Through Scarcity, Fear & Patterns to Prosperity
Empowering Your Money Voice for Aligned Success
Facilitator: Janet Kendrick—ProsperousWomanCoach | Speaker | AuthorofHealYour Money, Heal Your Life ■ www.janetkendrick.com | ■ prosperous4women@gmail.com
Overview
An interactive Lunch & Learn for sales and business professionals to identify hidden money fears and energy leaks that limit confidence, communication, and profits. Learn to realign your mindset and energy with purpose, authenticity, and prosperity.
Key Takeaways
Recognize energy leaks that cause stress or burnout.
Discover your Money Personality and strengths. Communicate your value with clarity and confidence.
Shift from fear to empowered, aligned action.
Lunch & Learn (60–75 min) Half-Day Workshop(3 hrs)
Why It Works
Engaging professional development over lunch. Deeperreflection, tools, and group integration.
All sessions include materials and can be tailored to your team’s goals.
This session bridges emotional intelligence, money mindset, and business strategy so your team performs from clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Workshop Options Book Janet for your next team event or Chamber PD session!
Email: prosperous4women@gmail.com | Website: www.janetkendrick.com
Alberta leads as proponent for West Coast pipeline
Alberta with support of major pipeline companies, is advancing plans for a new oil pipeline to B.C.’s northwest coast, to expand access to global markets and strengthen Canada’s energy competitiveness. The province has committed $14M for early planning and is partnering with Indigenous communities from Day 1 — an approach supporting both economic growthandreconciliation.Aformalprojectapplication isexpectedinspring2026.
Learnmore
Alberta–U.S. Relations Highlighted in The Hub’s Alberta Edge Podcast
U.S.AmbassadorPeteHoekstraandPremierDanielle SmithhighlightedAlberta’sbusiness-firstapproachto U.S.relationsonTheHub’sAlbertaEdgepodcast.Key takeaways from the conversation emphasized job creation, economic growth, and energy and high-tech collaboration.WithCUSMArenegotiationspotentially extending into 2027, Alberta’s trade-friendly stance and initiatives aim to create long-term opportunities forbusinessesonbothsidesoftheborder.
Readthefullanalysis
Canada’s budget warning: Commentary by Dr. Trevor Tombe
In his recent commentary, Dr. Trevor Tombe, Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary, noted that Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer called federal finances "unsustainable", with projected deficits for 2025–2028 nearly doubling earlier estimates and debt expected to outpace economicgrowth.Risinginterestcostsandexpanded program spending underscore the need for a clear, long-term fiscal framework to maintain stability and prepareforfutureeconomicchallenges.
Readthefullcommentary
For businesses seeking more insights and tools:
Our Statement on U.S. Tariffs on ForeignMade Films
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned by PresidentTrump’sannouncementthattheUnitedStateswillimpose tariffs on foreign-made films. Such a move ignores the integrated nature of the North American film industry, where U.S. productions regularlyrelyonCanadiancrews,facilitiesandtalenttodeliversome ofHollywood’sbiggesthits.
ReadFullStatement
Our Statement on the Federal Government’s AI Strategy Consultation and New Advisory Council
The Canadian Chamber congratulates the members of the new AI StrategyTaskForcewhowereannouncedbyMinisterSolomontoday
CanadahasrealstrengthsinAIresearchandtalent.Totranslatethat strength into prosperity for workers and businesses across the country, we need a refreshed and modernized strategy that helps companiesadoptAIresponsibly,growathome,andcompeteabroad.
ReadFullStatement
Our Statement on 100% Pharmaceutical Tariffs
Forthisvital,life-savingindustry,anyrateotherthanzeroistoohigh.
Medicine is not just another commodity. A 100% tariff on foreign pharmaceuticals,ifmanufacturersfailtomovetheirproductiontothe U.S. within 12–18 months, will have profound and potentially dire consequencesonAmericans’health.
ReadFullStatement
EVEN MORE RESOURCES
How Restaurants in Canada Use Tech to Compete in 2025 and Beyond
Thursday,October23rd,2025(1:00pm-2:00pmEST) Online
JoinSquareandDMSonOctober23foranactionablelookatcurrenttechtrendsshapingCanadianrestaurants.
We’llbediscussinghowconfigurable,integratedstacksoutperformone-size-fits-allsystems;whereAIandautomation can help fill labour gaps (and where they can’t), how restaurants are turning data into actionable results; and how to scaledifferentdigitalchannelswithoutaddingchaos.
You’llleavewithpracticalwaystoboostefficiency,improvepayrollandonboarding,acceptmorecustomerordersand protectmargins.
Saveyourspotnow! RSVPHere
Google tips & resources for fall and beyond ✨
Asourroutinesshiftfromtheeaseofsummertotheproductivityoffall,nowistheperfecttimetoprepareyourbusiness forasuccessfulnewseason.Thismonth,we'rebringingyouacollectionofresourcesdesignedtohelpyouprepareand grow,fromensuringyourholidayhoursareaccurateonGoogletoleveragingAIforefficiencyandexploringpowerfulad campaigns.Diveintodiscoverthetoolsyouneedtomakethisyourbestseasonyet.
Learnmore
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
September Economic Development
Eastlink Centre Pool Ready to Welcome Swimmers Back October 6
Afterfiveweeksofannualmaintenance,the poolatEastlinkCentreissettowelcome swimmersbackonMonday,October6.
Duringtheshutdown,crewscarriedoutawide rangeofrepairsandmaintenanceacrossthe aquaticsarea.Thisincludedcleaningand repairingthepoolsandhottubs,updating filtrationandchemicalsystemstoimprove waterquality,refurbishingthesaunaand steamrooms,refreshingchangeroomswith newpaintandtile,andcompletinggeneral lighting,flooringandplumbingrepairs throughoutthefacility. LearnMore
Grande Prairie, Alberta
