CelebratingOurNew MunicipalLeaders
We look forward to collaborating with these newly elected officials and councils as we work together in the best interests of the business community—championing growth, innovation, and opportunity across GrandePrairieandoursurroundingareas.
Formoreinfoabouteachnewcouncilandtheirpriorities,visit: CityofGrandePrairie: https://cityofgp.com/ CountyofGrandePrairieNo.1:https://www.countygp.ab.ca/ MunicipalDistrictofGreenviewNo.16:https://mdgreenview.ab.ca/ (Nopublicimagesavailableatthistime)
Thank you to everyone for taking part in a process that strengthens our democratic foundations—and by extension, our region’s business environment.Together,we’llcontinuetobuildaresilient,vibranteconomy supportedbygovernmentandindustryworkinghand-in-hand.
Chamber Awards of Distinction
“From Local Strength to Global Impact”
2025SmallBusinessWeekAwardsofDistinction
TheGrandePrairie&DistrictChamberofCommerce wasproudtohostthethirdeventofSmallBusiness Week,presentedbytheCountyofGrandePrairie,on October23atthestunningKMSCLawPerformingArts Centre.
Thisyear’sAwardsofDistinctioneveningnotonly celebratedlocalbusinessexcellencebutalsofeatureda powerfulpaneldiscussiononthefutureofagriculture— acornerstoneindustryinthePeaceRegion.
PanelistsJordanOlsen(FarmCreditCanada),Travis Toews(CanadianCattleAssociation),AndréHarpe (CanadianCanolaGrowersAssociation),andDonovan Kitt(TheHomestead)deliveredathought-provoking conversationexploringinnovation,marketaccess,and sustainabilityinCanadianagriculture.
Theydiscussedhowglobalcompetitiveness,regenerative practices,andtechnologyadoptionarereshapingthe sector—andhowsupportingthenextgenerationof producersiskeytoensuringlong-termprosperity.
AspanelistJordanOlsennoted,“Canadianagricultureis undergoingamonumentalshift.There’smoreopportunity thanever,butwe’restillleavingpotentialonthetable.”
Eventslikethisunderscorehowbusiness,community,and industrycollaborationcreateopportunitiesforgrowth, resilience,andastrongerregionaleconomy.
Aheartfeltthank-youtoallourspeakers,sponsors,and attendeesformakingtheeveninganinspiringcelebration oflocalsuccessandsharedvisionforthefuture.
Women in Business Luncheon
WomeninBusinessLuncheon–WhatanIncredibleAfternoon!
This year’s sold-out Women in Business Luncheon on October 21 was nothing short of inspiring. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the resilience, strength, and determination of women in businessacrossourregion.
A heartfelt thank-you to our guest speaker, Claire Hafner, for sharing her powerful message about perseverance-thehardshipsoftrying,thelessonsin failure,andthecouragetonevergiveup.Herhonesty and insight left a lasting impact on everyone in the room.
OUR AMAZING GUEST SPEAKER: CLAIRE HAFNER
Moments like this remind us that the strength of our business community comes from showing up, supporting one another, and continuing to push forwardevenwhenit’shard.
We’dalsoliketoextendourgratitudetooursponsors MNP, Pursuit Collection, Invest Grande Prairie, StringamLaw,TheHeadroomforhelpingmakethis importanteventpossible.
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING
MON, NOV 17 | 12:00PM
CLIP ‘N CLIMB
#2 16101 - 101 Street Grande Prairie, AB
Ribbon Cutting: Clip 'n Climb Grand Opening Celebration!
JointheGrandePrairie&District ChamberofCommerceaswecelebrate thegrandopeningofClip’nClimbGrande Prairie—anexcitingnewindoor adventurefacilityofferingunique climbingchallengesforallagesand abilities.
NW Alberta makes up 57% of the Forestry Industry Fooprint
This Industry brings in $1.5B in GDP
LUNCH WITH ROTARY
OUR VITAL FORESTRY INDUSTRY
Thank you to everyone who joined us on October22forthisyear’sLunchwithRotary, hosted in partnership with the Swan City RotaryClub.Itwaswonderfultoseesomany familiar faces come together in support of ourbusinesscommunity.
A special thank-you to International Paper for sharing insights into the region’s vital forestryindustryandthefutureoftheGrande Prairie mill — a 52-year cornerstone of our localeconomy.
$659MM in labour income that employees 6,209 individuals
International PaperForestry in NW Alberta Region
We heard from Jason Howrish, Chamber Vice-Chair and Business Unit Manager, and Wade Doris, former Chamber Chair and Mill Controller/Vice President of Finance, who spokeaboutthesaleofIP’sGlobalCellulose Fibres business to American Industrial Partners. The acquisition positions the facilityforcontinuedgrowth,backedbyAIP’s global expertise and confidence in the mill’s innovation, quality, and strong regional workforce.
Connecting Talent and Opportunity: Work NW Alberta Job Fair 2025
Yesterday’sWorkNWAlbertaJobFairatthe TARACentre,EvergreenParkwasastrong success—connectingjobseekersand employersfromacrosstheregion.
PresentedbytheCountyofGrandePrairie No.1BusinessSupportNetwork,withsupport fromtheGrandePrairie&DistrictChamberof CommerceandAlbertaChambersof Commerce,theeventshowcasedthepower ofcollaborationinworkforcedevelopment.
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!
Public Meeting on the Heritage Fund
The Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund invites Albertans to participate in a conversation about Alberta’s main long-term savings fund on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from6to8p.m.
“This public meeting is an opportunity for Albertans to participateinanin-depthconversationwithMembersofthe Legislative Assembly and those who oversee the fund’s managementandinvestment,”saidTanyYao,MLAforFort McMurray-Wood Buffalo and Chair of the Committee. “We lookforwardtoengagingwithAlbertanstohelpmorepeople understandtheimportanceofthefund.”
The meeting will be held on the 2nd floor of the Queen Elizabeth II Building at 9820 – 107 Street, Edmonton. Members of the public are invited to attend in person or watch live on Alberta Assembly TV, at assembly.ab.ca and ontheLegislativeAssembly’ssocialmediachannels.
Thank
you to everyone who participated in the Municipal Red Tape Survey.
Here'sWhatYouToldUs
Businessexpansionandgrowthis trendingupward,yetmoreneeds tobedonetoeasethecostof doingbusinessinmunicipalities. Forthe2025Albertamunicipal elections,businessattractionand retention(43%)werethetop priorityforcandidatesfollowedby businesstaxes(32%)andcostof utilities(31%).
Amajority(68%)ofAlberta businessesreportbeingaffected bysometypeofcrimeinthepast 12months.
Businessesthatfindmunicipal budgetsandfinancialstatements understandablearemorelikelyto beaPromoterandrecommend settingupabusinessand investingintheirmunicipality.
Onlyone-in-fivebusinessesreport theyhadbeencontactedby electedofficialsregardinggrowing orsustainingtheirbusiness.
Viewthefullreporthere.
Looking for Creative Ways to Grow Your Business? Learn the Basics of Bartering in This Free Webinar
Discover how barter can help you save cash, boost visibility, and strengthen community connections. Join Exmerce on October30at11a.m.forourfreewebinar,TheGrowthStrategy HidinginPlainSight:BarterforBusiness.
RegisterToday
Want to Win More Contracts?
Learnhowtowriteastrong,professionalproposalthathelpsyour businessstandoutincompetitiveRFPs.Ourlatestblogbreaks downeverythingyouneedtoknowtosubmitwithconfidence.
ReadToday
Ready to Strengthen Your Financial Foundation? Join Our Free Webinar!
KickoffFinancialLiteracyMonthwithpracticalstrategiesto managerisk,buildstability,andgrowyourbusinesswisely. Join licensed financial professional Ramon Gahob Jr. on November6at11a.m.forPart1:BuildingaStrongFinancial Foundation.
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 Shout-out
“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”
CBJ Transfers & Apparel
Joined:October15,2025
We’re excited to welcome July Madera and CBJ Transfers & Apparel to our Chamber network! Looking forward to seeing this creative local business continue to grow and makeanimpactinourcommunity.
Rite-Way Fencing
Joined:October06,2025
We’reexcitedtowelcomeSean SkidmoreandRite-WayFencingtoour Chambernetwork!Welookforwardto seeingthistrustedindustryleader continuetostrengthenconnectionsand contributetoourregionalbusiness community.
TheJobBoard
Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades, marketinghelp,orbusinesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightproviders fromournetwork!
EmployerLiaison(full-time,hybrid)
Thesuccessfulcandidatewillplayapivotalrolein buildingandmaintainingstrongrelationshipswith employersacrossGrandePrairieandsurrounding communities.Thispositionwillberesponsiblefor employerengagement,jobpromotion,providing training,programandfundingapplicationsupport,and supportingsuccessfulpartnershipswithcommunity stakeholders.TheELalsogathersandshareslabour marketinformation,supportsjobretentionefforts,and contributestomarketingandoutreachinitiatives.
Formoreinformation: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:09d14 abf-5823-48bf-84a1-4cf08164825a
CommunityServiceCoordinator(fulltime,hybrid)
Thesuccessfulcandidatewillplayavitalrolein connectingindividualswithdisabilitiesandbarriersto awiderangeofcommunityresources.Actingasa bridgebetweenclients,serviceproviders,andour internalteam,theCSCensureswraparoundsupport thatpromotesstability,reducesbarriers,andhelps clientsachievemeaningfulemploymentgoals.For moreinformation:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:09a2 a151-8859-44cc-9ec4-4b509443a700
SkillDevelopmentCoordinator(full-time, hybrid)
Thesuccessfulcandidatewillplayakeyroleinequipping individualswithdisabilitiesandbarrierstoemployment withthetoolstheyneedtoachievesustainablesuccess. Bydesigningandfacilitatinginnovativeskill-building workshops,theCoordinatorempowersclientsto increasetheiremployability,strengthenlifeanddigital skills,andovercomebarrierswithconfidence.Through collaborationwithstaff,employers,andcommunity partners,theSkillsDevelopmentCoordinatorensures trainingalignswithlabourmarketneedsandcontributes tobuildinganinclusiveworkforce.
Formoreinformation: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:cb0775a 4-610b-42de-a3fc-1264621ab453
■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
Chamber Connection
Fall 2025 Speech from the Throne
On October 23, 2025, Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani delivered the Speech from the Throne, outlining priorities for the second session of Alberta’s 31st Legislature. Key themes include supporting economic growth and diversification, strengthening health care and education, investing in infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and advancing provincial prioritieswithinaunitedCanada.
Learnmore
Mandate letters highlight focus on Alberta's priorities
Premier Smith’s new mandate letters set priorities that closely align with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce’s advocacy efforts. Key focus areas include improving efficiency and transparency in government grants and financial tools, advancing a nuclear energy roadmap to attract investment, and supporting innovation and technology commercializationtodrivejobcreationandeconomic growth. These initiatives reinforce priorities of Alberta’sbusinesscommunity.
Learnmore
Build Canada Homes launched
The federal government has launched Build Canada Homes to increase housing supply and accelerate construction, including 91 new affordable rental homes in Edmonton. The initiative combines infrastructureinvestments,modernbuildingmethods, and streamlined approvals to support housing developmentacrossCanada.
Learnmore
Streamlined water approvals
RecentimprovementstoAlberta’sWaterActlicence approval process have reduced wait times by 52% over the past year and 79% since 2021. With new service standards, a digital application system, and streamlined procedures, these changes aim to help landowners, municipalities, and businesses access thewaterresourcestheyneedtosupportsustainable growthacrosstheprovince.
Learnmore
For businesses seeking more insights and tools:
Arts and Culture Sector Contributes $131 Billion to Canada’s Economy
Canada’s arts and culture sector contributed $65 billion in direct GDP to the Canadian economy in 2024, growing faster and supporting more jobs per dollar than other key sectors like oil and gas,manufacturingoragriculture.
ReadFullArticle
Immigrant Entrepreneurs: The Path to Unlocking Canada’s Export Potential
Immigrant entrepreneurs are a growing force behind Canada’s next wave of economic growth, with untapped potential to expand trade andstrengthendomesticprosperity.Theseinsightsarerevealedina new report from our Business Data Lab (BDL), titled From Roots to Routes: Immigrant Entrepreneurs and How They Are Shaping Canada’sTradeFuture.
AsCanadamarksSmallBusinessWeek,thisreportshinesaspotlight on the outsized economic contribution of immigrant-owned businesses.
ReadtheFullReport
Bridging Canada’s Growing Skills Gap Should Be an Economic Priority
Canada has a skills gap problem — a big one. There’s a major mismatch between the skills that we need for the economy and the skillsthatarecurrentlyavailableinthelabourmarket.
To function at its peak and provide a better life for all Canadians, our economyneedstofilltensofthousandsofcriticalpositions.
ReadthePolicyMatters
EVEN MORE RESOURCES
Cybersecurity: The New Business Essential for Small Enterprises
As small businesses across Canada embrace digital tools to reach customers and manage day-to-day operations, cybersecurityhasbecomeavitalpartofrunningamodernbusiness.NearlyhalfofCanadianSMEshaveexperienceda cyberincidentinrecentyearsthatcancostthousandsanddamagecustomertrust.
While cybersecurity can seem daunting, especially for businesses with limited resources, many of the most effective protectionsaresimple,affordable,andeasytoimplement.That’swhy,incollaborationwithMastercardandtheToronto Assosciation of Business Improvement Areas, we are helping small businesses take practical steps toward digital resilience.Throughfreeresourcesandtraining,thesetoolsempowersentrepeneurstoprotecttheiroperations,data, andreputationfromonlinethreats.
ReadMore
Understanding AI’s possibilities (and pitfalls) for your ecommerce business
Ecommercerequirescontinuousinnovationtothrive.So,itshouldn’tcomeasasurprisethatbusinessesareturningto artificialintelligence(AI)asapowerfulwaytotransformtheiroperationsandelevatecustomerexperiences.
HowdoesAIbecomeabiggerpartofyourbusiness?Inthisarticle,CanadaPostexploresthepossibilitiestoconsider andthepitfallstoavoidwhenincorporatingthisrapidlyevolvingtechnology.
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
Unofficial 2025 Municipal Election results for Mayor
TheCityofGrandePrairiehasreleasedthe unofficialresultsofthe2025Municipal Electionfollowingthecloseofpollsandthe countingofallballotsfromvotingstations acrossthecity.
InaccordancewiththeLocalAuthorities ElectionAct,resultsareconsideredunofficial untilthefourthdayfollowingtheelectionto allowforballotreviewsandvalidationofall votingstationreturns.
JackieClaytonhasbeenre-electedtoserve asMayoroftheCityofGrandePrairie.
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. Together with producers Kerriann Cardinal and Hilary Pryor, and an awardwinningteamofunderwatercinematographers,theyhavecreated a series that has already gained national and international attention.
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
Grande Prairie, Alberta
