Chamber Connection Vol 59 (July 29)

Chamber CONNECTION

Your Weekly Connection to The Chamber

GET YOUR PHOTO FEATURED - PAGE 20

FEATURED PHOTO: TRUMPETER SWAN - ANGIE PATTERSON

JULY 2026 ISSUE NO.59 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

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Read Our Members’ Stories

CONNECTION | MILESTONE EDITION

Celebrating Businesses That Shape Our Community

Fulcrum Group

Best Western Hotel & Suites

Signco

T. Sedore Photography

30Years - HelpingBusinesses Build Strong Financial Foundations

20Years - Helping Businesses Be Seen

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25Years - MoreThanHeadsinBeds

20Years - ThroughtheLensof Community

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Catchup onpreviouseditions featuring more long-standing Chamber members

Chamber CONNECTION | MILESTONE EDITION GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

Upcoming Events!

Upcoming Events!

Business After 5 Mixer : 07.30 Delta Hotels by Marriott

08.04

Ribbon Cutting - White Lotus Massage Therapy

08.20 2026 Chamber Golf Scramble

business.grandeprairiechamber.com/event-calendar

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING TUES, AUG 04 | 12:30PM

WHITE LOTUS MASSAGE THERAPY #115 8805 Resources Rd Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3A6 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

Ribbon Cutting - White Lotus Massage Therapy The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce invites members and the community to celebrate the grand opening of White Lotus Massage Therapy's beautiful new location.

Guests are invited to tour the new clinic, meet the White Lotus Massage Therapy team, connect with fellow Chamber members, local professionals and community leaders, and help officially celebrate this exciting new chapter with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Chamber Connection

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AU Delegation visits GP The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomed an international delegation from Australia during their discovery tour of the Montney oil and gas region.

Through Vantage North Group, visiting oil and gas executives connected with industry leaders from our region to learn from more than 20 years of development experience in the Montney. With Australia’s Beetaloo gas field still in the early stages of development, the similarities between the two regions created an immediate connection and some incredibly valuable conversations.

Facilitating connections like these is exactly what the Chamber is here to do—bringing the right people together, creating opportunities for local businesses, and helping build relationships that reach well beyond our region.

We’re excited to see where these conversations may lead and look forward to welcoming more international delegations to Grande Prairie in the future.

More photos @

Chamber Connection

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Got an Interesting Photo?

Get Featured!

Submit your best shot to max@gpchamber.com for a chance to be featured on the cover!

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

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, request a free quote today and let us show you how we can customize a plan for you.

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 company will never be singled out for a rate increase, 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, change or update, or simply ask a question, your advisor is there for you.

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 members have access to my-benefits® an online management tool.

This tool allows you to administer your plan anywhere, anytime.

Local Agent - Cam Neil Neil & Associates 10715-102 Street Grande Prairie Website: https://neilandassociates. ca

At Neil & Associates, we believe 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 here in your community. As your local provider of the Chamber Plan,

we

offer

affordable,

flexible, and stable benefits designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.

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 peace of mind for your business —contact Neil & Associates today!

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Chamber Connection

Alberta Energy Rebate portal now open

Applications are now open for the Alberta Energy Rebate, putting tax dollars back in the hands of Albertans.

Albertans can now apply for the one-time Alberta Energy Rebate, delivering more savings with more flexibility to families across the province. With direct payments of $100 to each eligible Albertan, the rebate will offer real, immediate relief on the cost of fuel, groceries, utilities and other household needs.

From July 1 to Sept. 30, eligible Albertans can access the secure online portal to submit their application by visiting alberta.ca/alberta-energy-rebate.

Read more

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One card – that’s it!

Albertans now get a redesigned, more secure driver’s licence or ID card that includes a Canadian citizenship identifier and their personal health number. .

The new cards have enhanced security features and a modern design that celebrates Alberta’s landscape and identity. The integration of personal health numbers on the cards will improve convenience for Albertans by eliminating the need to carry a separate paper health card.

Read more

Summer savings at Alberta museums and sites Alberta is making it more affordable for families and young people to learn our history at provincial museums and historic sites.

Through its participation in the Canada Strong Pass, Alberta’s government is once again helping families, youth and visitors enjoy summer experiences at a reasonable price with free and discounted admission to all provincial museums and historic sites.

Learn more

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Small Business Loans: What to Know Before Applying Getting a business loan can feel overwhelming, but the right preparation can make the process easier. Learn about common financing options in Alberta, what lenders typically look for, and how to organize your numbers, documents, and funding requests before applying. Read more and connect with our team for free one-on-one support today.

Continue Reading

When It’s Time to Step Away: Why Succession Planning Matters You’ve worked hard to build your business, and planning for the future can help protect what you’ve created. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, exploring a new opportunity or facing the unexpected, succession planning can make transitions easier for you, your team and your customers. This resource outlines the options available and how preparing early can help reduce uncertainty.

Keep Reading

Turn Routine Tasks Into Extra Time Saving just 30 minutes each workday can add up to more than 120 hours over a year. This blog shares practical ways to reclaim that time by simplifying repetitive tasks, improving everyday systems and choosing technology that solves real business challenges.

Learn how small changes can reduce administrative work, support better decisions and create more time for customers, growth or simply ending the workday a little earlier.

Keep Reading

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Member Exclusive Deals Service Plus Grande Prairie Both hotels are conveniently located off the Highway 43 Bypass on the Alaska Highway. Great location for shopping, dining and entertainment.

For business or pleasure, we are the place to stay.

Use code: GPChamber24 for a discounted rate when booking Book today 1.888.875.4667

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 travellers alike.

Use code: CHAMBER for 15% off all Grande Prairie Chamber Members

Kit Office Plus 10% off office furniture assembled or unassembled in our Grande Prairie Showroom or Peace River Store 10% off unassembled furniture off our website, delivered to our Showroom in GP 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 schools as well.

Please email gpsales@kitofficeplus.com or use in store/showroom custom plan must be an email to oksanam@kitofficeplus.com

Have a deal to share? Email max@gpchamber.com to get your exclusive offer featured!

Chamber Connection

CHAMBER MEMBER SHOUTOUT

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Also found on Page 04

Please Welcome Our New Chamber Members Month : July

The Captains Boil Peace Country Marketing Duncan Craig LLP The Black Market Food Co Calide Consulting Ltd La Pradera Restaurante

Check out our new Chamber Milestone Magazine for an in-depth look at the months milestone members and their stories!

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

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

GSL Construction Joined: May 25, 2026 We’re pleased to welcome Sang and GSL Construction to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this business continue to grow and serve our community..

APPLE Schools Joined: May 05, 2026 We’re excited to welcome Cari Foster andAPPLE Schools to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this organization continue to grow and contribute to our regional business community.

Member

JOB BOARD Keep it maximum 200 charcters Provide email or resume submission link Provide end date for job posting

CONTACT US max@gpchamber.com

Email us with any questions

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

MEMBER CAREERS FIND YOUR NEXT JOB | UPDATED JULY 2026

FEATURED EMPLOYERS

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Project Manager - Engineer Aquatera is recruiting a project manager – capital projects, to lead the planning, design, and delivery of municipal infrastructure projects from concept through completion in Grande Prairie, AB. Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.

Engineering Manager Aquatera is recruiting an engineering manager in Grande Prairie, AB. This role is responsible for managing engineering studies, maintaining design standards, supporting capital planning and ensuring technical excellence across water, wastewater and distribution infrastructure projects.

Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.

CMMS Coordinator Aquatera is recruiting a CMMS Coordinator to administer and optimize Aquatera’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) as a core component of our asset management program.

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Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.

Maintenance Supervisor Aquatera is recruiting a maintenance supervisor to lead and support the maintenance team in delivering preventive, corrective, routine, and on‑demand maintenance services for treatment plant facilities, in Grande Prairie.

Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.

Reliability Engineer Aquatera is recruiting a project manager reliability engineer to develop and implement strategies that maximize equipment uptime, support asset lifecycle management and drive continuous improvement across our operations.

Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.

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CT MANAGER - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/RY7W7RWX

CT TECHNOLOGIST - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/Y6RWX9W5

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ASSISTANT SALES & EVENTS COORDINATOR EVERGREEN PARK

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Apply Link: Account Manager

https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/3W63VR78

ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST - PEACE DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/Y6RWX9W5

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HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC - BARR NONE MECHANICAL https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/63X6WWWR

You will build a strong team, drive performance, and deliver an exceptional customer experience, supported

by EBH’s proven model and technical expertise.

Apply Link: Branch Manager

MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/5WR47783

Branch Manager

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Account Manager Build strong customer relationships in the Grande Prairie region by identifying opportunities, supporting customer needs, and providing accurate, up-to-date product information.

Material Handler responsible for shipping, receiving, and moving products safely and efficiently while maintaining an organized and tidy warehouse and stock environment.

Apply Link: Material Handler

Customer Service Manager The Customer Service Manager plays a critical role in driving customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and team performance at the branch level.

Apply Link: Customer Service Manager

Customer Service, Counter Sales - Electrical Primarily responsible for supporting customers at the counter, ensuring a positive in-person experience through accurate order entry, product support, and responsive service.

Apply Link: Customer Service - Counter Sales

Customer Service, Inside Sales - Electrical responsible for building positive relationships with customers and suppliers through generating accurate quotations, sales orders, and returns that align with organizational sales targets.

Apply Link: Customer Service - Inside Sales

Assessment Administrator The University of Alberta’s Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) is expanding its team in Grande Prairie. This full-time position offers excellent benefits and is located at the Northwestern Polytechnic Health Education Centre. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone seeking their next career chapter. For more details, please refer to the Assessment Administrator Posting

Chamber Connection Meta announces major technology investment in Alberta Meta has announced plans to invest more than $13 billion in a new data centre in Sturgeon County, north of Edmonton. The project includes a $60 million investment in local road and water infrastructure and would be powered by new electricity generation fuelled

by Alberta natural gas. If approved, the development is expected to support more than 3,000 construction jobs at peak activity and 300 permanent positions.

Learn more

Expanding opportunities through internal trade ACC recently joined chambers from across Canada in releasing Chambers of the Federation: An Agenda for a More Competitive Canada, a policy framework that outlines practical actions to strengthen internal trade, labour mobility, infrastructure, and investment competitiveness. The recommendations reflect priorities identified by businesses across the country and provide a roadmap for reducing barriers to growth and improving Canada's economic resilience.

Explore the full framework Read the media release

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Export Alberta supports international market growth The Government of Alberta continues to promote export-focused missions and events designed to help Alberta businesses diversify internationally. Through Export Alberta, companies can connect with trade officers, participate in trade missions, identify new buyers, and access programs such as the Alberta Export Expansion Program. As global trade conditions evolve, these supports can help Alberta firms develop new markets and reduce reliance on a single export destination.

Learn more

Stronger enforcement of Temporary Foreign Worker Program Employers using the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program should be aware of recent changes that have increased compliance and enforcement activities across the program. Governments are placing greater emphasis on program integrity, with enhanced oversight, inspections, and penalties for employers that fail to meet program requirements.

Learn more about recent TFW Program updates and employer obligations

For businesses seeking more insights and tools: EMC workforce programs for manufacturers: EMC’s Learning Centre offers fully funded or subsidized upskilling and hiring supports.

Buy Local Alberta Toolkit - download the free made-in Alberta toolkit Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker – Track trade trends and disruptions.

EMC Trade Relations Tracker – Collaborate on trade solutions for manufacturers.

Understanding CUSMA compliance - New resources from Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Canada and U.S. Intensify Trade Talks Ahead of New Tariff Measures The United States took significant trade actions last week. On July 20, 2026, the U.S. imposed 50 per cent tariffs under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 on nearly US$20 billion in Canadian goods, effective August 19, 2026. The three proclamations — covering motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages and dairy, respond to Canada's automotive content and quota rules, provincial alcohol restrictions and supply management of the dairy industry but extend well beyond these sectors to goods like furniture and textiles. Notably, CUSMA-compliant products are not exempt. Canadian officials, including PM Carney, say negotiations are intensifying, with all response options under consideration and a comprehensive agreement the immediate priority.

Separately, On July 23, 2026, USTR finalized Section 301 tariffs of 10 to 12.5 per cent on 60 economies over forced labour enforcement, effective July 24 (in-transit goods exempt if entered by July 28).

Canadian goods are facing an additional 10 per cent tariff, a measure closely aligned with the action proposed by USTR in June. The decision confirmed the CUSMA carve-out for both Canada and Mexico, despite prior speculation. These new duties replaced the Section 122 global tariff, which expired July 24.

Our Reaction to Canada’s Inclusion on the U.S. Section 301 Tariff List Canada should not be targeted under the proposed U.S. Section 301 tariffs.

"If the intent is truly to address forced labour, the focus should be a coordinated approach through a multilateral mechanism," said our EVP and Chief of Public Policy, Matthew Holmes in a new statement. "The timing of this is somewhat suspect as previous rounds of tariffs sunset."

Canada is already a leader on this with formal prohibitions on the importation of goods produced with forced labour, more legislation coming to strengthen this regime, and businesses investing significantly in compliance, due diligence and supply chain transparency.

Read Our Statement

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

EVEN MORE RESOURCES Search Engine Optimization: Understanding SEO Basics

Tuesday, August 11th, 2026 (10:00 am - 11:30 am) ç Online - ZOOM

Often you will hear about needing to optimize search engines or SEO. Now, with AI, the nature of SEO has changed, and your strategy towards optimizing for search engines needs to change too. In this webinar, the Digital Service Squad will explain search engine optimization and the best tactics you as a business can use towards increasing your searchability.

What you will learn: What is SEO? Importance of keywords Utilizing AI for SEO On-page tactics Off-page tactics Technical SEO Join us to learn why you should consider AI with SEO for your business and how you can easily get started.

Register Now!

New Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program BDC has been mandated to implement a $1 billion financing program to support companies in the steel and aluminium industries impacted by tariffs. The program provides liquidity to help businesses maintain operations while navigating tariff-driven disruptions.

Eligible companies can access $1 million to $50 million in financing for temporary liquidity needs—supporting job retention, operational continuity, and adaptation.

Support is targeted to Canadian businesses in the steel, aluminium or copper value chain that have been materially impacted by U.S. tariffs and that were viable prior to the tariff measures. Technical eligibility parameters include: Canadian-based and headquartered commercial entities; Material exposure to steel, aluminium or copper tariffs; Minimum revenue thresholds of $5M annually.

The loans are intended to fund operational cash-flow needs (working capital), including regularly scheduled monthly debt or lease payments.

Learn more on our website.

Chamber Connection

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Celebrating a Business Milestone?

YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS DESERVE THE SPOTLIGHT, AND WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE! SEND YOUR UPDATES TO MAX@GPCHAMBER.COM AND GET FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING EDITION OF THE CHAMBER CONNECTION!

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill A growing coalition of residents, businesses, organizations, and municipalities across Alberta, the Fair Electricity Distribution Alliance (FEDA), is raising awareness about the unfair electricity distribution rates experienced by many Albertans.

Right now, residents, businesses, and municipalities in northern, east-central and southern Alberta pay significantly higher electricity distribution costs than the rest of the province. Households pay an average of $118 a month, compared to about $34 in non-impacted service areas. For many businesses, distribution fees can be nearly three times as high as in other service areas.

Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill. This is an issue of fairness; the disparity in electricity costs is putting impacted communities at a disadvantage.

Read Full Article

A new way to experience Crystal Lake Park is taking root this summer Construction on the Crystal Lake Arboretum began this week, bringing new tree groves, walking trails and interpretive features to Crystal Lake Park.

Located south of the Bike Skills Park, the Crystal Lake Arboretum will transform an open area of the park into a welcoming space where residents and visitors can explore native tree species, enjoy nature and discover the stories behind the forests that shape northern Alberta.

Learn more

July Economic Development Newsletter

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5 ways to improve efficiency in the age of AI

The rise of AI has created additional routes toward greater digital maturity. There are multiple paths to enhancing productivity, each with their own benefits, risks and prerequisites. Choosing your path depends on your situation, where you are starting from, and where you want to go.

Read article

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EMAIL US : MAX@GPCHAMBER.COM

JULY 2026 ISSUE NO.59