Chammber Connection Vol 34 (Jan 07)

Chamber CONNECTION

Your Weekly Connection to The Chamber

GET YOUR PHOTO FEATURED - PAGE 20

FEATURED PHOTO: GRANDE PRAIRIE NEW YEARS FIREWORKS - WILLIAM VAVREK

JANUARY 2026 ISSUE NO.34 GRANDEPRAIRECHAMBER.COM

01.28.2026

COMING N SOO

Exciting new publication coming soon—stay tuned!

NEW PREMIUM AD SPOTS PAGE 3 & 4

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Upcoming Events!

Upcoming Events!

Happy New Years Everyone!

01.21

Ribbon Cutting - Rotary Club of Grande Prairie

01.22

Ribbon Cutting - The Paddle Club

01.29

Business After 5 Mixer - Great Northern Casino

01.30

Ribbon Cutting - Northwestern Alberta Foundation

business.grandeprairiechamber.com/event-calendar

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UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING WED, JAN 21 | 5:30PM

ROTARY CLUB OF GRANDE PRAIRIE Centre 2000 11330 - 106 St Grande Prairie, AB GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

Ribbon Cutting - Rotary Club of Grande Prairie We’re honored to mark a major milestone the 75th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie with a commemorative ribbon‑cutting event!

Join fellow Chamber members, community leaders, long‑time supporters, and friends of Rotary to celebrate this remarkable legacy.

It’s an opportunity to reflect on decades of service, reconnect with longtime members, meet new faces, and honour the commitment the Club has had to our community’s growth and well‑being.

Chamber Connection

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Local Photographer?

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 comprehensive coverage

for 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!

Chamber Connection

Central hub for a northwest coast oil pipeline

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Powering up energy partnerships in Montana Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf will travel to Montana to further strengthen cross-border energy ties.

Alberta’s government launches a webpage dedicated to a proposed pipeline to the northwest coast.

This pipeline has the potential to transform Canada into a global energy superpower. However, the road to shovels in the ground is a long one and this new website will act as a central hub for project information and updates, ensuring transparency and open dialogue. The new website includes information for all people in Alberta and across Canada on the economic benefits of a pipeline, the engagement underway with Indigenous communities, and the expedited process that is underway to seek approval from the federal Major Projects Office.

Read Full Article

To ensure Alberta’s power grid remains affordable, reliable and sustainable, Minister Neudorf will travel to Helena, Montana from Jan. 6 to 7 to attend the Montana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Days at the Capitol. While at the event, Minister Neudorf will deliver a keynote address and meet with elected officials, business leaders and policy experts to discuss ways to work with neighbouring jurisdictions to enhance power grid reliability.

From interties and ways to address shared power infrastructure challenges to energy innovation and grid modernization, relationships with neighbouring jurisdictions, including Montana, are vital to the reliability and affordability of power in Alberta.

Read Full Article

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Simple Ways to Get Your Business to Appear in AI Search Results Unsure how to appear in AI search tools? Nervous about getting found online as a small business in 2026? This webinar will teach you simple, effective ways to have your business appear in AI search results, without a bunch of coding and tech talk.

Learn from a website and copywriting specialist and set up your business to succeed in the modern marketing world!

Register Today

Fraud Prevention 101 for Entrepreneurs !Scammers target small businesses with fake invoices, phishing, payroll and vendor payment redirects, and AIpowered impersonation. In this webinar, you’ll see how modern scams actually run using real case patterns, the red flags you can spot fast, and a practical checklist to harden email, payments, and staff habits before money leaves your account, without buying a pile of new tools.

Register Today

Solve the Right Problem: How Customers Decide to Hire You Customers don’t buy products — they “hire” solutions. A car fixed, a new toy, a great meal, a dog walked, a problem solved. Understanding why customers choose you is far more important than most founders realize.

In this practical webinar, you’ll learn how to define the real reason customers “hire” your business and how to clearly position your offer, so it stands out in a crowded market.

Register Today

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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

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Chamber Member Shout-out Month: January Our New Members!

IBG Academy

Our Milestone Members!

65 YEARS Royal Bank Financial Group

55 YEARS Weyerhaeuser Rentco’s Tool Shed Rentco Equipment Ltd International Paper

50 YEARS Towne Centre Mall

45 YEARS Big Country 93.1 XX FM Prairie Transmissions Westburne Electric LSM Service Division Ltd ATCO Gas Canadian Tire

40 YEARS Terel Electric Ltd

30 YEARS

5 YEARS

West Fraser BearCom Canada Corp Costco Wholesale Canada Fountain Tire Morris Financial Group

25 YEARS J. Davis Engineering Ltd

20 YEARS Wapiti Road Shell Hartman Electric

15 YEARS Valerio and Associates Town of Wembley

10 YEARS Millennium EMS Solutions Ltd Northwest Wellness Centre Ultimate Productions

Rapid Refrigeration Paramount Psychology and Counselling M3M Marketing GP Smokin Pellets & Rub

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

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

Positive Accounting Solutions Joined: December 12, 2025 We’re excited to welcome Amanda Roessler and Positive Accounting Solutions to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this trusted local business continue to grow and support our business community.

Red Deer Ironworks Inc Joined: December 05, 2025 We’re excited to welcome Cody Strickland and Red Deer Ironworks Inc. to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this skilled industry business continue to grow and contribute to our regional business community.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

The Job Board Looking for a trusted local business to get a job done? Whether you need professional services, skilled trades, marketing help, or business support, our Chamber Member Classifieds help connect you with the right providers from our network!

» Membership Services Manager (full-time) Services Manager is responsible for Membership Sales, Member Retention, Advertising Sales, Event Sponsorship and Digital Sign Sales for the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce.

The successful candidate will have excellent customer service skills, be comfortable with technology (to ensure capable use of Microsoft Office, our web-based membership management software will be taught), have confidence to make cold calls, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

For more information: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob? jk=c4127f7c833a3b81&from=shareddesktop_copy

» General Manager (full-time) The Agency is assisting Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park in the recruitment of a General Manager.

This exciting leadership role oversees the strategic direction, operations, financial performance, team culture, and community engagement of one of the regions popular recreation destinations.

The General Manager will lead an energetic team, drive sustainable growth, and ensure unforgettable experiences for guests from winter ski and snowboard season to year-round outdoor adventures, events, and community programs.

For more information: https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/4RRRVY8V

» Workforce Development & Attraction – Work NW Alberta Location

The Work NW Alberta Partnership is a collaborative regional workforce development initiative led by the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie No. 1, and Municipal District of Greenview No. 16, in partnership with the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce and Northwestern Polytechnic.

The Partnership’s mandate is to attract, retain, and grow a skilled and diverse workforce by promoting regional employment opportunities, supporting local employers, advancing work-integrated learning (WIL), and showcasing the region’s quality-of-life advantages to strengthen recruitment efforts.

The Project Manager will be instrumental in advancing the Partnership’s multi-year strategy, providing coordination across partners, overseeing deliverables and budgets, and tracking performance outcomes to ensure project success.

For more information: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob? jk=10ef439fe825a5b9&from=shareddesktop_copy

Chamber Connection

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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Rotary Club of Grande Prairie 75 Years of Service Above Self In January 2026, the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie will celebrate 75 years of service, marking an extraordinary legacy of leadership, volunteerism, and community impact.

Chartered on January 22, 1951 by the Rotary Club of Edmonton, the club was founded by just nine members and has grown to more than 55 Rotarians today. As one of the earliest Rotary clubs in northern Alberta, Rotary Grande Prairie has played a foundational role in shaping service and leadership across the region.

A Legacy of Leadership Over the decades, the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie has helped strengthen the Rotary network by chartering and sponsoring: Grande Prairie Sunrise Rotary Club Swan City Rotary Club (Grande Prairie) Grande Cache Rotary Club As a founding club, Rotary Grande Prairie continues to support leadership development and collaboration, reinforcing Rotary’s belief that the greatest impact comes through partnership.

Community Impact at a Glance Since its founding, the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie has contributed more than $12 million back into the community.

These investments have supported a wide range of initiatives, including:

Celebrate with us!

´ January 22, 2026 ¼ Holiday Inn & Suites Grande Prairie Conference Centre Tickets available: HERE Learn more about the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie: https://www.rotarycity.ca/clubs/rotary-club-of-grandeprairie/

Health care and hospital foundations Housing and homelessness programs Youth leadership and development Food security and emergency relief Arts, culture, recreation, and community infrastructure Through both financial support and hands-on volunteerism, Rotary members have helped create lasting, meaningful change throughout the region.

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Addressing Hunger and Housing Food security has been a long-standing focus of Rotary’s work. Through Rise Against Hunger, Rotary members and volunteers have helped package over 282,000 meals for families in need, while continuing to support local food banks and emergency food programs.

Rotary has also played a significant role in local housing initiatives through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity, helping build four duplexes (eight homes) in the Northridge neighborhood, followed by sponsorship of an additional home.

Rotary’s support included funding, volunteer involvement, and community leadership.

Environmental Stewardship and Youth Development Environmental leadership has been part of Rotary Grande Prairie’s story since the early 1970s. The original Clean-a-Thon, launched in 1973, removed more than 236,000 pounds of garbage in a single community-wide effort. This initiative later evolved into the Green-a-Thon, engaging youth and promoting safer, organized cleanups until around 2018.

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Youth development remains a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. The club has supported the 577 Air Cadets continuously since 1953, one of Rotary’s longest-running youth partnerships.

Rotary Grande Prairie has also supported the Rotary Youth Exchange program since the mid1970s, helping local students study abroad and welcoming international students to the region.

A Community Legacy: The Rotary Campground Since 1973, the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie has operated the Rotary Campground, welcoming thousands of visitors each season. All net proceeds from the campground are reinvested directly into community initiatives, creating a sustainable model of service that continues to benefit the region year after year.

Celebrating 75 Years!

Chamber Connection New rural policing partnership Alberta will update its police funding model starting in 2026–27, gradually increasing municipal contributions for communities under 5,000 from 19 % to 30 % over five years. The changes aim to better reflect current policing costs and demand, improve transparency, and maintain provincial support for local services.

This update aligns with ACC’s policy priorities on addressing increases in urban and rural crime and allocating additional resources for policing and crime reduction. ACC has long advocated for sustainable resource allocation and stronger rural policing capacity to help protect communities and support economic viability.

Learn more

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Accelerating expansion in the agri-food sector The Government of Alberta has launched a new three-year program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), allocating $10 million to support the construction of new greenhouses or the expansion of existing ones, including vertical farms, producing food at a commercial scale.

Learn more Growing Greenhouses

Buy Canadian Policy The Government of Canada has launched its new Buy Canadian Policy, effective December 16, 2025, to prioritize Canadian suppliers and products. The policy initially applies to large federal contracts over $25 million, expanding to contracts over $5 million by spring 2026. It also requires Canadian-made steel, aluminum, and wood for major construction and defence projects.

Learn more

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

Inflation Holds Steady, but Food Prices Continue to Rise November CPI came in at 2.2%, matching October, with rising grocery prices pushing up costs even as shelter, travel, and gasoline helped keep overall inflation in check.

Encouragingly, core inflation eased meaningfully, a welcome sign that broader price pressures are easing. For the Bank of Canada, this reinforces a wait-and-see approach, while keeping a close eye on food inflation and the breadth of price pressures as the economy gradually improves.

Read the Commentary

Alberta and Manitoba Chambers Advancing Interprovincial Trade Opportunities The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) is facilitating business opportunities by leading an interprovincial trade mission of Alberta delegates to Winnipeg.

Hosted by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC), the Alberta delegation will tour advanced manufacturing and logistics facilities and meet with federal ministers to highlight opportunities for trade, investment, and made-in-Canada procurement. The delegation includes senior representatives from Alberta tariff-impacted businesses, municipalities, and regional economic development organizations.

Read Full Release

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

EVEN MORE RESOURCES

How to Turn the Post-Holiday Slowdown Into a Strong Start for 2026 January always feels a bit strange for small business owners. After weeks of hustle, late-night orders, events, and holiday shoppers, the sudden quiet can feel like someone hit the brakes a little too hard. Foot traffic dips. Online sales slow down. Even your inbox gets unusually calm.

But here’s the thing—this lull isn’t a problem. It’s a gift. It gives you space to breathe, reset, and build the foundation for a stronger 2026.

Let’s walk through a few ways you can make the most of this quieter season without feeling overwhelmed.

Read the Blog

Payworks for Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Payworks is a leading expert in the field of total workforcemanagementsolutions, providing innovative cloud-based solutions for Payroll, Human Resources, Employee Time and Absence Management to businesses across the country.

As a proudly Canadian company serving businesses from coast to coast for more than 25 years, we understand what it takes to be an employer in Canada. We’re deeply committed not only to your success, but also to the communities we call home.

98% of clients who choose Payworks choose to stay. Here’s why…

•

We simplify year-endprocessing, electronically submitting tax form information to CRA/RQ on your behalf when authorized by the processing deadline.

•

Our ROE Manager tool makes processing a breeze, and ROEs are submitted directly to Service Canada on your behalf.

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You can automate vacation pay entitlements and benefits enrolment after the employee probationary period.

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No more data re-entry: our workforce management solutions for time tracking, scheduling, absenteeism, and HR functions are fully integrated.

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User-defined fieldsandautomation empower you to shape the application to your specific requirements.

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Payworks' Self Service App provides easy access for your employees to receive pay statements, tax forms, and more from their mobile device.

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You call, we answer: all clients are assigned a dedicated, National Payroll Institute-trained service representative for unlimited, one-toone service.

•

Federal and provincial tax remittances are done for you.

Special pricing for Grande Prairie & District Chamber Members: PER RUN FEES*:

YourPrice

ONE TIME:

YourPrice

Base Run Fee

$18.40

Payroll Setup

Per Payment per employee

$1.96

YEAR-END FEES¹:

Per ROE

Included

Run Fee

$18.40

Self Service App

Included

Per Tax Form

$1.96

$240.00^

*All prices aresubjectto change without notice asperthe terms of your service agreement. ^$12 per employee with a minimum implementation (setup) fee of $240. ¹ Price does not include Year-End archive fee of $34.95, charged once per year if Year-End is processed.

Pricing in effect until April 30, 2026

Contact Madi Stevens

Phone: 780.902.8074 Email: madi.stevens@payworks.ca

CONTACT US NOW!

9920 113 Ave Grande Prairie, Alberta 780 832 8142

Custom Jewelry & Repair Everything is completed in-store in Grande Prairie. Backed by over 70 years of experience, our goldsmiths take on a wide range of services, with some repairs done the same day.

Unique Jewelry and Watches Discover customizable silver and gold pieces. Plus, check out new watches by Glock and Lee Cooper.

Give a gift they’ll love.

Silver Ring Workshop Make your own Silver ring with us— learn to solder, hammer, and file, then wear your creation home. Find upcoming dates on our Facebook page.

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!

WHERE INNOVATION CREATES OPPORTUNITY Join us at the Peace Region Energy Show 2026: Discover: Latest trends, technologies, and insights in the energy sector.

Connect: Network with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.

Grow: Elevate your business with unparalleled access to new markets and ideas.

MAY 13-14, 2026 Grande Prairie, Alberta

Register Now at:

PRENERGY.CA

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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Grande Prairie introduces microgrant to support youth The City of Grande Prairie is launching a new Youth Economic Empowerment Microgrant to help youth and young adults access opportunities that support their employment or skill development goals.

The Microgrant provides meaningful support to residents aged 15 to 30 who are taking steps toward their future. It offers up to $750 per individual to help cover costs such as safety training, professional certification courses, workwear and the tools or equipment needed for employment. Many young people face financial hurdles that can slow their progress, and this support helps make essential training and equipment more accessible.

The online application is available at cityofgp.com/YouthEconomicEmpowerment Read Full Announcement

Extending the nomination period for the 2025 Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award The City of Grande Prairie is extending the nomination period for the 2025 Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award.

Nominations are open until December 31, 2025.

The award recognizes organizations or foundations in Grande Prairie that have significantly contributed to the wellbeing of residents through volunteer-driven programs, fundraising, community development and ongoing support for local needs.

Apply here: Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award | City of Grande Prairie.

December Economic Development Newsletter

Although thephilosophy and will is there to provide a service that is person centered, we struggle to have the resources to actualize this vision…

Centerpoint Facilitation presents training in

Person Centered Approaches If people who use services are to have positive control over their lives, if they are to have self-directed lives within their own communities, then those who are around the person, especially those who do the day-to-day work, need to have value-based person-centered thinking skills. We all require some support in our life, this workshop applies to all populations and any life situation which requires external supports: Developmental Disabilities Homeless Dementia Acquired Brain Injuries Mental health issues Short or long term health issues

End of Life Children &Families Domestic violence Addictions Staffing Teams Personal Situations

What will people be able to do as a result of attending this course?

The course covers a number of different Person-Centered Thinking approaches with opportunities to practice them and think how to apply them in your work.

When&where is this course?

January27and 28,2026 9am –4pmboth days Location:The Community Village, Building A 10113103avenue, Grande Prairie Registrationdeadline : January 16, 2026 How much? $285/person:includes resource package/course workbook (GSTincluded) Paymentbycheque or e-transfer Certificate of completion given To Register: Contact Tammy Ouellette at touellette@mycenterpoint.ca or 780-296-0223 Cancellation policy: No refunds willbe issued. Alternates welcome.

A minimum number of registrationsneeded for workshop to go ahead

Chamber Connection JANUARY 2026 ISSUE NO.34

EMAIL US : MAX@GPCHAMBER.COM