Chamberexecutivesfromacross AlbertagatheredinLacombeforthe annualChamberofCommerce ExecutivesofAlberta(CCEA) Summit.TheACCteamjoinedthis importanteventfocusedon professionaldevelopmentandpeer knowledgesharingtostrengthen chamberleadershipandsupport economicgrowththroughoutthe province.
Tuesday, Sept 16 1:30-3:30 PM Centre 2000
Resilientbusinessesaren’tbuiltbychance—they’rebuiltthroughstrategy,structure,andadaptability. Inthissession,HollySorgen,ExecutiveDirectorofCommunityFuturesGrandePrairie&Region,will walkparticipantsthroughsixkeystrategiesthathelpentrepreneurscreateastrongerfoundation, supportgrowth,andmitigaterisk.Whetheryou’relaunchinganewventureorrefininganexistingone, thisworkshopispackedwithtoolsandtakeawaystostrengthenyourbusinessforthelongterm.
Throughreal-worldexamplesandactionableinsights,you’llexplorethemindsetandtacticsneededto stayagileandthrive—evenduringuncertainty.
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.
THUR., JULY 29 | 3:00PM Ribbon Cutting – Ridge Kids Playcare
We’rethrilledtocelebratethegrand openingofRidgeKidsPlaycarewithan afternoonribboncutting!
Cometakeatouroftheirnewspace,meet theteam,andhelpuswelcomethisfamilyfriendlybusinesstoourlocalnetwork.
15101 102 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7C9
Things you may have missed this week!
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
BusinessAfter5–HostedbyFourPointsby SheratonGrandePrairie
Whatafantasticeveningatlastnight’sBusinessAfter 5Mixer!AbigthankyoutoFourPointsbySheraton GrandePrairieforhostingandwelcomingusintotheir beautifulspace.
Thefoodwasexcellent,thecandytablewasahit,and itwasgreattoseesomanyfamiliarfacesalongside newconnectionsinthecrowd.Theroomwasfullof conversation,energy,andmeaningfulnetworkingeverythingthesemixersareallabout.
Eventslikethisareareminderofthestrengthand spiritofourregionalbusinesscommunity.When businessescometogether,greatthingshappen.
WORK NW Alberta—a partnership between the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, MD of Greenview, and Northwestern Polytechnic—has launched a boldnewregionaltalentattractioncampaign:ALBERTACALLED.
Building on the momentum of the Government of Alberta’s award-winning Alberta is Calling initiative, this campaign speaks directly to job seekers in Alberta, BC, and Ontario, encouraging them to consider a move whereopportunitymeetsqualityoflifeinnorthwesternAlberta.
“Wehaveheardfromemployersandlabourforcedatasupportstheneedformechanics,drivers,shopworkers, andplantoperatorstosupportthegrowthofourlogistics,warehousingandenergysector,”saysWendyBoschThomas,CEOoftheGrandePrairie&DistrictChamberofCommerce.“Asaninitialstart,thiscampaigndraws attentiontothisimmediateneedandprofilesourhighqualityoflife.”
TheGrandePrairie–Greenviewregionoffersmorethanjustjobs.Itoffersstability,community,affordability,and access to outdoor adventure, cultural events, and modern services—making it an ideal place to build a career andalife.
Allroadsleadtoworknwalberta.ca,wherejobseekerscanfindcurrentopenings—thankstoIndeedintegration— andlearnmoreaboutlivingandworkingintheregion
Albertacalled.Let’sstepup.Tolearnmoreorgetinvolved,contactinfo@worknwalberta.ca.
Click on the box below to nominate a business for one of our awardcategories.
Categoriesandcriteria.
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
Alberta’s government is launching two new and improved private land conservationprogramstobettermeettheneedsoflandowners,conserve morelandandprioritizetheneedsofAlbertans.With$10millioninfunding nowavailable,theenhancedPrivateLandConservationProgramandthe new Ecosystem Services Grant Program will better protect natural areas across the province while still enabling landowners to use their land for farming,ranchingandotherwork.
Private landowners across Alberta strongly support conservation, with morethan142,000acresconservedsince2019.However,decisionsmade today may not make sense 50 years from now, and many Alberta landowners have asked for more flexible conservation programs to help themprotectthelandwhilemakingaliving. READ
UnderAlberta’sOHSlegislation,anemployer with20ormoreregularlyemployedworkers needstoestablishahealthandsafety committee;anemployerwithfiveto19regularly employedworkersmustdesignateahealthand safetyrepresentative.Healthandsafety committeesandrepresentativesworkto addresshealthandsafetyconcernswiththe employer.
Ifyourorganizationisbigenoughtoneeda healthandsafetycommitteeorrepresentative, it’simportanttoknowthelegalrequirements thatapply.Fordetails,seetheOHSResource Portal’sbulletinoreLearningresourceonhealth andsafetycommitteesandrepresentatives.
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
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
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
Gettingturneddownforabusinessloancanbefrustrating, evendisheartening,especiallywhenyou’rereadytogrow or needsupportduringachallengingtime. Butarejection doesn’tmeantheendoftheroad.Infact,it’softenthestart ofamoreinformed,strategicapproachtofinancing.
Here’swhattodonextifthebanksaysno.
READHERE
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
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!
Artistic-IshPaintandProjects
BeyondtheLensPhotography
AwokeWild
WilliamVavrekPhotography
TJProlineEnterprisesLtd
SahdevRealityGroupwithRemaxGrandePrairie
GrandePrairieFilipinoBasketballLeague
HiddenJemDaySpa
“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”
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
William Vavrek Photography
Joined:May11,2025
SayhellotoWilliamVavrekPhotography capturingthemomentsthatmatterinour region!We’reexcitedtowelcomeyouto theChambercommunity.
Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades, marketinghelp,orbusinesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightproviders fromournetwork!
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
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
We heard from businesses – hiring skilled talent is a challenge!
We want to learn more about your experience hiring peoplewiththeskillsthatyourbusinessneedstosucceed.
Thisactivityisopenuntil5:00P.M.onJuly25th,2025.
Telluswhatcriticalskillsyourbusinessneedstosucceed —yourperspectivematters!
Alberta wildfires have burned over 655,000 hectares this year.AsofJuly9,thereare42activewildfiresintheForest ProtectionArea,including10thatareoutofcontrol,8being held,and24undercontrol.Morethan1,500firefightersare responding.
JointheReadyRatingProgramFREE BusinessResiliencyResources WildfiresStatusDashboard
Federal, provincial, and territorial leaders met to advance priorities under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), focusing on removing barriers to interprovincial trade,labourmobility,andtransportationefficiency.
Simultaneously, Alberta and Ontario have signed two MOUs to expand trade and develop critical infrastructure connecting Alberta’s energy and minerals to global markets.
These efforts reflect the ACC’s ongoing advocacy for reducing trade barriers and strengthening economic integration.
Learnmore
Canada’sagricultureandagri-foodsectorsupplied1in9 jobs in Canada and exported nearly $100 billion worth of goods in 2023. Without a doubt, this sector is a cornerstone of Canada’s economy and enormously importanttoCanadianprosperity—andithasevenmore tooffer.
So,howcantheprivateandpublicsectorsworktogether to ensure this economic superpower not only makes it through the current geopolitical shakeup but grows strongerthanever?
ReadPolicyMatters
Our position on the ongoing trade war with the United States has been consistent: Trade war threats are a lose-losegameforbothCanadiansandAmericans.
“The imposition of a blanket-rate tariff on Canadian goodswillhitourmanufacturers,exportersandworkers, further elevating the uncertainty that is damaging the most productive trade relationship our two countries have ever had,” said our President and CEO, Candace Laing,inastatementonFriday.
ReadOurStatement
Ourmember,TransAlta,shareshowitsjourneyfromcoal to renewables is helping shape Canada’s next energy chapter. As demand for clean, reliable and affordable power grows, bold leadership and smart investment are morecriticalthanever.
Readmoreinthisweek’sfeaturedblogpost.
ReadMore
TikTok Canada has released its first-ever economic impactreport,highlightinghowtheplatformisdrivingreal resultsforCanadianbusinesses.
In 2024 alone, TikTok and SMB activity contributed $2.3 billion to GDP, supported nearly 20,000 jobs, and helped over 613,000 Canadian SMBs grow — 84% of which say theplatformisessentialtotheirsurvival.
ReadMore
New research shows video’s vital role in the shopping journey. Here’s how to keep up
Gettingcustomerstonoticeyourbrandisalothardertodaythanitusedtobe.Consumersareinundated with options as they scroll through endless feeds. Breaking through that noise is hard enough. For brands,theultimatechallengeisn’tjustbeingseen.It’sbeingchosen.Movingshoppersfromawareness to action requires trust, depth, and genuine connection — especially when the potential purchase is planned.
This is how YouTube sets itself apart. It’s where shoppers turn to learn, compare, and take action at incrediblescaleandacrosssurfaces.Inthelastyear,peoplewatchedover35billionhoursofshoppingrelatedvideocontentonYouTube,andYouTubeadsviewedonconnectedTVscreensalonedroveover 1billionconversions.
ThisactiveengagementmakesYouTubeapowerfuldiscoveryanddecision-makingenginethatcreates opportunities for brands. Its effectiveness comes from the two unique ways in which it serves modern shoppers: by providing the crucial information they need to research and validate purchases, and by providingahometotrustedcreatorswhoacceleratedecision-making.
Thispieceexplorestheseelementsandhowtheycreateopportunitiesforbrandstomorequicklymove shoppersfromdiscoverytopurchase.Butfirst,it’shelpfultogettoknowtoday’sonlineshoppers.
LearnMore
Havesomebignewstoshare?Whetheryou're rebranding,rollingoutinnovativetech,reachinga majormilestone,ormakingwavesinthebusiness community—wewanttohearaboutit! Youraccomplishmentsdeservethespotlight,and we'reheretohelpyoucelebrateandinspireothers.
Sendyourupdatestomax@gpchamber.comand getfeaturedinanupcomingeditionofThe ChamberConnection!
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.
TheBearCreekDampublicengagement sessionhasbeenrescheduledfor Thursday,July24from4:00to7:00PMat thereservoir.
ThiswillbeanopportunitytoviewtheBear CreekDaminperson,askquestionsand learnmoreaboutthefiveproposedoptions.
Weappreciateyourinterestandlook forwardtoconnectingwithresidents.
Formoreinformation: engage.cityofgp.com/bearcreekdam
