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.
Bulletproof
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 19 | 4:30PM
FLEX PHYSIO & WELLNESS
Ribbon Cutting - Flex Physio & Wellness
TheGrandePrairie&DistrictChamberof Commerceisexcitedtocelebratethe grandopeningofFlexPhysio&Wellness withaRibbonCuttingCeremony.Joinus totourthemodernclinic,meettheteam, andconnectwithlocalbusinessand communityleaders.
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.
Local Artists. Big Exposure.
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!
Protecting the environment and jobs in Upper Smoky
TheUpperSmokySub-RegionalPlanwillprotectthe environmentwhilesupportingjobs,communitiesand economicdevelopment.
Alberta’sgovernmenthasreleasedthenewUpperSmoky Sub-RegionalPlantoguideconservationandeconomic activityacross13,000squarekilometresinwest-central Alberta.Thiscommon-senseplanwillprotectlocaljobsin theenergy,forestryandtourismsectorswhileincreasing wildfireprotectionandresponsiblymanagingthe environment.
Fromrollinghillsandmountainrangestovastforestsand extensivewetlands,theUpperSmokyareaisrichinnatural resources,hometodiversespecies,supportsroughly85,000 jobsandcontributesapproximately$21.2billiontoAlberta’s GDP.
Alberta’s new international office in Abu Dhabi
Albertaisexpandingitsglobalreach withanewofficeinAbuDhabi, connectingourprovincetooneofthe world’smostdynamicregionsfor energyandinvestment.
PremierDanielleSmithannouncedthe newofficetopartnersandinvestorsinthe UnitedArabEmirates(UAE)duringher visittoAbuDhabifortheAbuDhabi InternationalPetroleumExhibitionand Conference(ADIPEC)2025.Premier Smithhighlightedopportunitiesinenergy, agriculture,manufacturingandother sectors.
Alberta’sexportstotheMiddleEast totalled$700.8millionin2024.
TopexportstotheMiddleEast includedmanufacturedproducts (mechanicalmachinery/appliances, $400.1million)andagricultureand agri-food(primarilywheat,$257.9 million)
ReadFullArticle
Protect Your Business: Let’s Talk Intellectual Property
Abusinessstartswithanidea,youridea!Areyoudeveloping yourideaintosomethingtangible,suchasbuildingabrandfor your business or creating a product to sell? If so, understandingintellectualproperty(IP)isessential.
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
OvintivCanadaULC
NativeWomen’sAssociationof Canada
TwistersPizza
ParalleleAlberta
30 YEARS
ParsonsPrinting
25 YEARS
TheBedShoppe
EmcoCorporation
EternityFineJewellery
SeanSargentToyota
StandardAutoGlass
20 YEARS
EdmontonAirports
NapaAutoParts
StreamlineIntegrityInc
KnemcoManufacturing
TurkeyHillSugarbushLtd
15 YEARS
TukAToy 111723633ABLtd
EastSideKitchen
10 YEARS A.GFittingOilfieldServicesLtd GapsinthePeace
“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
Alberta’s Private Vocational Training Act amendments
The Government of Alberta is proposing updates to the Private Vocational Training Act to strengthen oversight and transparency in Alberta’s privatetraining sector. The changes include creating a StudentTuitionProtectionFund,extendingenrolment cooling-off periods, and clarifying refund rules— enhancing confidence in Alberta’s skills training system and improving alignment with workforce needs.
Learnmore
AI for Canadian energy innovation call for proposals
The Government of Canada has launched the ArtificialIntelligenceforCanadianEnergyInnovation call for proposals to support research and demonstration projects that use AI to advance energy innovation and reduce costs. Alberta businesses in clean energy, technology, and industrial sectors are well-positioned to participate. ExpressionsofInterestaredueDecember4,2025.
Learnmore
Federal grain fee freeze for Alberta producers
The Canadian Grain Commission will use its surplus to cover operating costs and delay potential fee increases until 2028. The decision provides cost stability for producers and agri-businesses while maintaining essential services—helping sustain Alberta’s agriculture sector amid broader economic pressures.
Learnmore
Alberta Chambers of Commerce and Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium Partner to Strengthen Canada's Supply Chain Competitiveness
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) and the ExcellenceinManufacturingConsortium(EMC)have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen Canada’s supply chains by elevating the visibility of domestic supply chain opportunities in regions acrossthecountry.
Canada Faces New U.S. Tariffs as Trade Tensions Rise
The United States has moved ahead with new tariffs on Canadian truckandbusexports,placinga25%levyonmediumandheavy-duty trucks and 10% on buses. The White House says the measures are meant to protect national security, though Canadian manufacturers warn the move will raise costs and put jobs at risk. The change comes amidst ongoing uncertainty over President Trump’s broader tariff agenda, which continues to affect Canada’s steel, aluminum andautomotivesectors.Despitethetension,Canada’sambassador inWashingtonconfirmedthatinformaldiscussionswithU.S.officials arecontinuingandthatcommunicationchannelsremainopen
PrimeMinisterCarneyreturnedafewdaysagofromtheAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where he defended his decision to remove a majority of counter-tariffs on U.S. goods. Ottawa had collected about $3 billion before the levies were lifted, far below the $20 billion projected in the Liberals’ election platform. The governmentispreparingtotableabudgetthisweekthatisexpected to show a higher deficit, with Prime Minister Carney stating he is prepared to defend the fiscal plan as necessary for the Canada’s economicstability.HealsometwithChinesePresidentXiJinpingat the summit, calling their meeting a turning point in the relationship anddirectingofficialstoaddressoutstandingtradeirritantsbetween thetwocountries.
Last week, the Canadian Chamber led a business delegation on a CUSMA-focused mission to Washington, D.C. We will be actioning many of the insights we gathered in D.C. via our ongoing CanadaU.S. trade and CUSMA advocacy. We submitted our comments yesterday to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) consultationprocessonCUSMA. ReadOurCUSMASubmission
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
City invites proposals for concession and catering services at Design Works Centre
TheCityofGrandePrairieisinvitingqualified andexperiencedvendorstosubmitdetailed proposalsfortheleaseandoperationofa commercialconcessionspace,aswellas eventcateringservices,attheDesignWorks Centre.
ThesubmissiondeadlineisNovember13, 2025at2p.m.Forfulldetailsandsubmission requirements, registeratcityofgp.bidsandtenders.ca.
Grande Prairie, Alberta
We understand that many women may feel unsure about how to start their educational journey or whether higher education is even a possibility for them. This is why the Empowering Women; Transforming Futures Bursary Program exists.
Funded by the generosity of the Backman Family Fund, and in collaboration with Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), the City of Grande Prairie, and Centerpoint Facilitation Inc., we are proud to offer women in Grande Prairie an opportunity to transform their futures. This bursary program is designed to provide both a personalized education plan and financial support to help women overcome barriers and take the next step in their educational journey at Northwestern Polytechnic.
How It Works
Women who wish to apply can submit their application to the Empowering Women, Transforming Futures Committee. The committee reviews applications monthly, considering each applicant’s background, goals, and financial needs.
The committee will recommend successful applicants to receive a Person-Centered Educational Plan. This customized plan uses a collaborative approach to guide applicants through the process of determining their educational and career goals, while also helping to identify the supports needed for academic success. This process will also help to assess if the applicant is eligible for funding. If an applicant is eligible for funding, bursary funds are paid directly to Northwestern Polytechnic, ensuring that tuition and educational expenses are covered efficiently and securely. Please note that once the bursary has been awarded, the committee does not offer follow-up support. It is the recipient's responsibility to manage and make the most of the resources provided. Community-based organizations and other partnering agencies can refer women who they believe would benefit from the bursary and educational support.
Application Process
Submit Your Application: Download and complete the application form with your educational background, goals, challenges, and reasons for seeking the bursary. Email your completed application to dwright@cityofgp.com
Committee Review: Applications are reviewed monthly, and evaluated on merit, financial need, and alignment with the program’s vision.
Recommendation & Notification: Applicants will be chosen and notified via email and phone within 2 weeks of the monthly review.
Eligibility Criteria
Identify as a woman seeking to further your education at Northwestern Polytechnic. 18 years of age or older.
Have a clear educational goal aligned with the Empowering Women, Transforming Futures vision. Demonstrate financial need or barriers to accessing education.
