From the Editors
Welcome to the Chamber Connection—your weekly pulse on the people, businesses, and initiatives that shape our region.
This issue blends the best of both worlds: Chamber updates, community highlights, and the latest offerings from our member businesses—all in one convenient (and flip-through friendly!) spot. Whether you're here to catch up on upcoming events, discover new local services, or just browse what your fellow members are up to, there's something in here for everyone.
We’re proud to celebrate the strength, creativity, and resilience of our business community—and we hope this publication keeps you informed, inspired, and connected.
Thanks for reading, and as always, we’d love to hear from you.
Communications & Advocacy
Marketing & Promotions
Tuesday, Sept 16 1:30-3:30 PM Centre 2000
WorkShop Your Business
Future-Proof Your Business: Building Resilience and Growth
What’s in Store?
Resilient businesses aren’t built by chance—they’re built through strategy, structure, and adaptability. In this session, Holly Sorgen, Executive Director of Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region, will walk participants through six key strategies that help entrepreneurs create a stronger foundation, support growth, and mitigate risk. Whether you’re launching a new venture or refining an existing one, this workshop is packed with tools and takeaways to strengthen your business for the long term.
Through real-world examples and actionable insights, you’ll explore the mindset and tactics needed to stay agile and thrive— even during uncertainty.
What You’ll Learn:
Six essential steps to business resilience
Practical tools for growth and risk management
How to build adaptability into your business model
Ways to strengthen your foundation before turbulence hits
How
THUR., JULY 10 | 1:30PM
24SEVEN / MOBIL DOWNTOWN
Ribbon Cutting – 24Seven / Mobil Downtown
We’reexcitedtocelebratethegrand openingof24Seven/MobilDowntownwith anofficialribboncutting!
Stopbyforasliceofcakeandtake advantageofaspecialpromotion—fuelfor just99¢/litre,availableonlyduringthe event!
ENERGY INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Things you may have missed this week!
ALBERTA AND ONTARIO ROUNDTABLE WITH CAPP
TheCanadianAssociationofPetroleumProducers(CAPP)welcomesthesigning oftoday’sMemorandumsofUnderstandingbetweenAlbertaandOntario.Wethank PremiersSmithandFordfortheirleadershipandcontinueddriveforCanadato playamuchlargerroleinhelpingtomeettheworld’sgrowingdemandforenergy.
Thisagreementmarksapositiveandtangiblesteptowardadvancingmajorenergy projects.TotrulyrealizeCanada’spotentialasglobalenergysupplier,weneedto continuetoact—includingabroaderpolicyresettoattractinvestmentandnew projectdevelopment.Welookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithgovernments acrossCanadatoensureallthepiecesareinplacetodriveinvestments,create high-payingjobs,encourageinnovation,andensureCanadareachesitsfull potentialasanenergysuperpower.
-LisaBaiton,CAPPPresidentandCEO
Local Art. Big Exposure. Get Featured!
Our Most Recent Event!
BusinessAfter5–HostedbyFourPointsby SheratonGrandePrairie
Whatafantasticeveningatlastnight’sBusinessAfter 5Mixer!AbigthankyoutoFourPointsbySheraton GrandePrairieforhostingandwelcomingusintotheir beautifulspace.
Thefoodwasexcellent,thecandytablewasahit,and itwasgreattoseesomanyfamiliarfacesalongside newconnectionsinthecrowd.Theroomwasfullof conversation,energy,andmeaningfulnetworkingeverythingthesemixersareallabout.
Eventslikethisareareminderofthestrengthand spiritofourregionalbusinesscommunity.When businessescometogether,greatthingshappen.
Connecting Alberta's Workforce with Opportunity
WorkNWAlbertaisapowerfulplatformdesignedtobridgethe gap between employers and job seekers across the province. By offering tailored solutions for both businesses and individuals, Work NW Alberta is committed to fostering economic growth and making workforce connections easier. Whether you're an employer looking to hire or an individual seeking your next opportunity, this platform streamlines the processandhelpsyoufindtheperfectmatch.
Learn more about how Work NW Alberta can help your businessorcareertoday!Clickheretoexplore.
Fueling Innovation & Business Growth in the Peace Region
TheGrandePrairieRegional InnovationNetwork(GPRIN)is dedicatedtoempowering entrepreneurs,startups,and businessesbyprovidingthe resources,mentorship,and connectionsneededtodrive innovationandsuccess. Whetheryou'redevelopinga newproduct,scalingyour business,orlookingforexpert guidance,GPRINsupports localinnovatorsthrough fundingopportunities, networking,andbusiness developmentservices.
DiscoverhowGPRINcanhelp takeyourideastothenext level!Learnmorehere.
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 AFER 5 MIXER
Town of Sexsmith
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome our members and invited guests to an upcomingBusinessAfter5MixerhostedbytheTownofSexsmith.
Thisafter-hoursnetworkingeventistheperfectopportunitytoconnectwithfellowbusinessprofessionalsinarelaxed and welcoming environment. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, refreshments, and a chance to win some great door prizes—allwhileexperiencingtheuniquesettingofthehistoricgrainelevatorindowntownSexsmith.
Whetheryou'relookingtogrowyournetwork,exploreacharminglocalvenue,orsimplyenjoyaneveningofcasual conversation,thisMixerisagreatwaytoengagewiththeregionalbusinesscommunity.
Don’tmissout—markyourcalendarforThursday,July31,bringyourbusinesscards,andgetreadyforaneveningof connectionandconversationfrom5:00-7:00PM!
Forquestionsormoreinformation,pleasecontactourofficeat(780)532-5340oremailinfo@gpchamber.com.Thereis nocosttoattend,butregistrationisrequiredforcateringandcapacitypurposes.
Click on the box below to nominate a business for one of our awardcategories.
Categoriesandcriteria.
NOMINATEABUSINESS
Formoreinformation,pleasecontactTomPura,Communicationsand PublicRelations,byemailtom@gpchamber.com
Eventswillinclude:
WomeninBusinessLunch-October21
LunchwithRotary-October22
GrandePrairieChamberAwardsofDistinction-October23
FallBusinessShowcase-October30
Planning is now taking place and sponsorship opportunities are available for our events and awards. Please contact our office by phoneat780-532-5340oremailinfo@gpchamber.com
Passenger rail engagement
The provincial government has been talking with Albertans to gain their perspectives on the development of Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan.
The Passenger Rail Master Plan will look decades ahead and identify concrete actions to build the optimal passenger rail system for the province.
Getinvolved
TheprovinceishostingavirtualsessiononThursday,June26from7:008:30 PM to share an update on the development of the Passenger Rail MasterPlan.
Registerfortheonlinesessionbyclickinghere: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e81f2fb4-b392-455a-ade47f5f9518d67d@3667e201-cbdc-48b3-9b42-5d2d3f16e2a9
Getinformed
The Passenger Rail Master Plan will assess the feasibility of passenger railintheprovince,includingregional,commuterandhigh-speedservices.
Thegovernmentisexploringavarietyofdeliveryoptionsincludingpublic, privateoracombinationofbothinordertodeveloptheoptimalpassenger railsystemforAlberta.
Health and safety committees and representatives
UnderAlberta’sOHSlegislation,anemployer with20ormoreregularlyemployedworkers needstoestablishahealthandsafety committee;anemployerwithfiveto19regularly employedworkersmustdesignateahealthand safetyrepresentative.Healthandsafety committeesandrepresentativesworkto addresshealthandsafetyconcernswiththe employer.
Ifyourorganizationisbigenoughtoneeda healthandsafetycommitteeorrepresentative, it’simportanttoknowthelegalrequirements thatapply.Fordetails,seetheOHSResource Portal’sbulletinoreLearningresourceonhealth andsafetycommitteesandrepresentatives.
Upcoming live webinars on employment standards
Employmentstandardslegislationsetsoutthe rightsandobligationsofemployersand employeesinAlberta.Theseincludethe minimumstandardsthatemployersmust providetheiremployees.
EmploymentStandardswebinars(includinglive Q&A)arescheduledforthefollowingtopics:
OverviewofEmploymentStandardsin Alberta:July17at1:30p.m.
OverviewofEmploymentStandardsin Alberta:August12at1:30p.m.
Formoreinformation,ortoregisterforoneof thesessions,visitalberta.ca/employmentstandards-webinars.Torequestapresentation foryourcompanyororganization,pleaseemail EOP.Presentations@gov.ab.ca
Quick Website Fixes to Stop Losing Sales
fyourwebsiteisn’tbringinginsalesaroundtheclock,it’snot doingitsjob.Inthiswebinar,you’lllearn4practicalwaysto turnyourwebsiteintoyourhardest-workingsalesperson,so it’s making you money whether you’re hard at work or on vacationwithoutcellservice.
If you’re a business owner looking to turn more website clicksintocustomers,thissessionisyournextsmartmove.
RegisterToday
Unlock the Potential of AI in Your Marketing
Join us on July 17 at 10 a.m. for a free webinar with Ryan BlaisandMeghanJobsonfromNine10Marketingasthey break down how AI is reshaping marketing for small businesses.You’llgainasolidunderstandingofwhatAIis, how it works, and where it can make the biggest impact. Whether you're just getting started or refining your strategy,thissessionwillhelpyouuseAIwithconfidence.
RegisterHere
Read This Before You Burn Out— You Deserve to Thrive
As part of our Indigenous History Month features, this powerful piece by Robyn Soulier-Ritchot shares the lived experience of burnout through an Indigenous lens. It’s a must-read for entrepreneurs seeking a more balanced, grounded, and intentional way to build their business— startwithyourwellbeing.
ReadHere
2025 Chamber Golf Scramble presented by Pomeroy Lodging
REGISTRATIONSNEARLYFULL!
Thursday,August21,2025 GrandePrairieGolf&CountryClub
Joinusforour2025ChamberGolfScramblepresentedbyPomeroyLodging!
ExclusiveMemberevent-ChamberMembersandinvitedguestsonly.
YourregistrationIncludes: 18HolesofGolfwithCart TexasScramble-aformatforANYskilllevel! Breakfast,Lunch&Dinner Prizes,FunandLaughs
Cost:$185+GSTperPlayer
Date:August21,2025
Location:GrandePrairieGolf&CountryClub
Registrationstartsat8:00AM,shotgunstartat10:00AM Registerasanindividual,asapair,orasateamoffour!
SupportOurPrizeTable!
We’reinvitingourmemberstocontributetoourChamberGolfScrambleprizetable!Giftcardsmakeforeasy,flexibleteamprizes(ideal:4perteam, valuedat$25–$50each),butwealsowelcomepromotionalitems,swag,oranythingfunyou'dliketocontribute.
Todonate,filloutourquickformhere:PRIZEFORM Drop-offorpickupdetailswillbearrangedaftersubmission.
Wanttoshowcaseyourbusinessonthecourse?
SponsorshipopportunitiesareNOWSOLDOUT!Tolearnmore,reachouttoLeahattheChamberofficebyphoneat780-532-5340 oremailleah@gpchamber.com
We’llseeyouonthecourse!
WE
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.
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
Have a deal you want to promote?
Chambermemberscansubmitspecialoffersonlyavailabletofellow members,fosteringlocalbusinesssupportandcollaboration.
Have a deal to share? Email max@gpchamber.com to get your exclusiveofferfeatured!
July 2025
Chamber Member Shout-out
MILESTONEMEMBERS!
15Years
ApexSecurityInc
5Years
UltimateEnergyControlsInc
Dr.PhoneFix
NEWMEMBERS
Artistic-IshPainand Projects
BeyondtheLens
Photography
AwokeWild
WilliamVavrek
Photography
TJProline EnterprisesLtd
“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”
EZ BRYz Bookeeping & Tax Servies
Joined:June11,2025
We're excited to welcome Bryanna MacKinnon and EZ BRYz to our Chamber network! Looking forward to seeing this business grow in our community
Trojan Safety
Joined:May11,2025
Say hello to Trojan Safety, led by their mission of safety in our region! We'reexcitedtowelcomeyoutothe Chambercommunity.
TheJobBoard
Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades,marketinghelp,or businesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightprovidersfromournetwork!
CommunityandStudentEngagement Coordinator
Thispositionwillberesponsibleforestablishing andmaintainingrelationshipswithcommunity partnersinnorthernAlbertaandestablishingor sourcingoutopportunitiesforstudentsto engagewithcommunities.
Posting: https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/2352
RegionalRelationshipDevelopment
9-monthcontractpositiontosupportregional relationshipdevelopment,community engagement,earlyassessmentof entrepreneursandinnovators,foran organizationthatfocusesonbringing innovativetechnologiesandknowledge-based ideastomarket.
Posting: my.sharepoint.com/regionaldevelopment
SocialMediaManagement&Website ManagementServices
Weareseekingaqualifiedcontractororagency tomanageoursocialmediaplatformsand website.
Posting: my.sharepoint.com/socialmediamanagement
Level3EarlyChildhoodEducator
ToassisttheOwnerintheplanning, implementationandmanagementofprograms. Toprovideasafeenvironmentandqualitycare forchildrenandfamilies.
Toensurethattheprogrammeetsthe children’sphysical,emotional,social,and intellectualneeds.
ToEnsurethatallprogramsremainin compliancewithLicensing,Health andFireregulations
Pleasesendyourresumeandcoverletterto info@tinystars.caorfeelfreetocallusat +16395971072moreinformation.
TeacherSupportAdministrative Assistant
Thispositionwillassistwithfaculty recruitmentandsupportandwillprovide supporttoboththeTeacherSupportLead andResearchLeadwithNAMPaswellasthe relevantcounterpartsinEdmontonattheMD Programoffice.
Posting: https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/235
3
Big things are breaking ground!
WejoinedtheteambehindMaskwaMedical Centerastheyofficiallybrokegroundonwhatwill soonbeanexcitingadditiontoourregion’s healthcarelandscape.
Thisnewfacilitymarksamajorstepforwardin accessiblecareandspecializedservicesforour community—andwecan’twaittoseeitopenits doors.
Congratulationstoeveryoneinvolvedinmaking thisvisionareality.Staytunedformoreupdates asconstructionprogresses!
Hiring Intentions Research
Whatcriticalskillsdoesyourbusinessneedtogrow?
We heard from businesses – hiring skilled talent is a challenge!
The Alberta Chambers network has partnered with industrypartnersandtheGovernmentofAlbertatobetter understand what talent and skills your business needs to growandsucceed.
We want to learn more about your experience hiring peoplewiththeskillsthatyourbusinessneedstosucceed.
This quick research activity will take ~4 minutes to completeandisopenuntil5:00P.M.onJuly25th,2025.
CLICKHERE
Wildfire updates
Alberta wildfires have burned over 682,000 hectares this year.AsofJuly3,thereare68activewildfiresintheForest Protection Area, including 18 that are out of control, 12 being held, and 38 under control. More than 1,600 firefighters are responding, with support from across Canada,theUnitedStates,andinternationally.
JointheReadyRatingProgramFREE
BusinessResiliencyResources
WildfiresStatusDashboard
Grant supports Alberta manufacturers with tech and equipment upgrades
Alberta’s government is investing over $4 million, in partnership with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, to launch the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant. The program will support approximately 130 small- and medium-sized manufacturers with up to $30,000 in matchingfundsfortechnologyandequipmentupgradesto improve efficiency and competitiveness. Manufacturing remains a major driver of Alberta’s economy, employing more than 144,000 people and contributing $25 billion to GDPin2024.
Learnmore
ApplyfortheAlbertaManufacturingProductivityGrant
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)
Canada Carbon Rebates for small businesses to be tax-free under draft legislation
The federal government has introduced draft legislation to make Canada Carbon Rebates for Small Businesses tax-free, retroactive to fuel charge years from 2019–20 through 2024–25. Once passed, the CRA will allow amendedreturnsforbusinessesthatpreviouslyreported rebatesastaxableincome.Thegovernmentalsoclarified thatearlierproposalstobroadenrebateeligibilitywillnot moveforward.
Learnmore
Connecting Canada’s Chambers to the World
As Canadian businesses look to grow globally, we are strengtheningourtieswiththeInternationalChamberof Commerce (ICC), the world’s largest business organization.
We’re proud to share that our Vice President of Chamber Network Engagement, Daniel Caramori, has been elected to the ICC World Chambers Federation GeneralCouncilforthe2025–2028term.
Readthefullannouncement
Strengthening the Canadian Free Trade Agreement
The Government of Canada has removed all 53 of its remaining exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement(CFTA),improvinginternaltradeandopening up more procurement opportunities for businesses. Provinces and territories are reviewing their own exceptions, with updates expected by July 8. This move builds on the passage of Bill C-5 to further support internaltradeandlabourmobilityacrossCanada.
Learnmore
Our Statement on Savvy Digital Service Tax (DST) Decision
WecommendtheGovernmentofCanadaforeliminating the Digital Services Tax — a smart, strategic move that helps secure the end of Section 899 and clears the path formoreconstructivetradetalks.
Aswe’velongsaid,theDSTwouldhaveraisedcostsfor Canadian consumers and businesses at a time when affordabilityandcompetitivenessaretopofmind.
ReadOurStatement
EVEN MORE RESOURCES
Social Media for Your Business
Tuesday,July15th,2025(10:00am-11:30am) Online-ZOOM
Social media is an invaluable tool for today’s business, whether you are just starting out or have been establishedforyears.
Not understanding how to use social media effectively can leave you overwhelmed and ultimately hurt your bottom line as your potential customers can easily find your competitors. This workshop will leave you with a better understanding of how to leverage the power of social media to grow your online community,drivesalesandreducemarketingcosts. RegisterNow
Havesomebignewstoshare?Whetheryou're rebranding,rollingoutinnovativetech,reachinga majormilestone,ormakingwavesinthebusiness community—wewanttohearaboutit!
Youraccomplishmentsdeservethespotlight,and we'reheretohelpyoucelebrateandinspireothers.
Sendyourupdatestomax@gpchamber.comand getfeaturedinanupcomingeditionofThe ChamberConnection!
Feedback to help plan the 2026 municipal budget
The City of Grande Prairie is now gathering feedback to help plan the 2026 municipal budget—and we want to hear from you!
Share your ideas and priorities to help guide decisions on projectslike:
Asphaltcracksealing
Fixedtransitroutes
Large-scaleevents
Newplayground
On-demandtransit
Snowclearing
Treeplanting
Participatenow:bit.ly/3SvTTUF
Checkoutengage.cityofgp.com/budget2026formoreinformation abouthowyoucansharefeedback.
Bear Creek Dam Public Engagement
TheBearCreekDampublicengagement sessionhasbeenrescheduledfor Thursday,July24from4:00to7:00PMat thereservoir.
ThiswillbeanopportunitytoviewtheBear CreekDaminperson,askquestionsand learnmoreaboutthefiveproposedoptions.
Weappreciateyourinterestandlook forwardtoconnectingwithresidents.
Formoreinformation: engage.cityofgp.com/bearcreekdam
