Thank you for supporting the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce! This WEEKLY email highlights information and updates from our Chamber, the Alberta and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, and our municipal, provincial, and federal government partners.
Be sure to watch for our weekly Chamber Member Connections newsletter on Thursdays featuring sales, promotions, accomplishments, events, and general awareness of our membership. Email tom@gpchamber.com for info.
|
|
CHAMBER AGM AND AWARDS presented by CANWEST
The 2020 Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and Awards presented by Canwest is scheduled for Thursday, December 3. The meeting will include a review of our activities in 2020 and election of our 2021 Board of Directors.
There is no cost to attend the event but a reminder that each Member business is limited to one vote. The agenda will include election of directors to the Board; 2020 Membership, Advocacy, Chair, and CEO reports; and our Chamber Awards. All attendees will receive a Zoom link to access the meeting. You must be on the video call to be able to vote on motions and the election of directors. TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE.
Candidates for the five open spots on the 2021 Board of Directors (to join returning Members Jon Anderson, Lisa Hall, Pamela Nordin and Karci Wallan) are as follows:
|
|
GetintheLoop is the fastest growing Franchise in Canada and has the largest network of local merchant offers in the Country; a professional platform serving hundreds of thousands of members, all while empowering small business owners with simple and affordable tools to make their local marketing efforts easier and more effective.
Our Chamber was awarded an Economic Recovery Grant from the City of Grande Prairie, and thanks to the City's generosity we are offering the remainder of 2020 FREE for all businesses in our area to become partners and test drive the platform as a part of your recovery efforts and experience firsthand how it can work for you. Chamber Members will receive preferred pricing on the monthly subscription rate beginning in January 2021. Join as a partner and start creating your offers now! https://www.grandeprairiechamber.com/getintheloop/
We encourage everyone to download the free app to start accessing our offers on GetintheLoop and we look forward to working with our Member businesses who will benefit from this platform. TODAY marks the launch of our 30 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS with daily draws for $100 Gift Cards from our GetintheLoop partners as well as weekly draws of $250 and a grand prize draw of $1,000! Download the app and enter daily!
|
|
The Chamber Member Quick Connect follows our goal of Connecting Business and Creating Opportunity. Quick Connect is based on the speed networking model allowing members to meet other members in a structured but relaxed environment.
This event is scheduled for THIS Thursday, November 26 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM via Zoom. CLICK HERE to register.
Members will meet each other in virtual rooms sharing information about themselves including who they are, what they do, and anything else they can squeeze into the time allotted. After the allotted time period, the members will move to a different room for their next connections. Each member will have a chance to exchange information with all other members during the event.
There is no cost to participate but you must be a Chamber Member. For more information, contact our office by phone at 780-532-5340 or email cindy@gpchamber.com.
|
|
The Chamber CHRISTMAS Virtual Business Showcase is set for Thursday, December 10 from 5:00-7:00 PM on Zoom.
Each presenter will have up to 3 minutes to showcase their business or product to our attendees and other exhibitors. You can share your screen with a power point, or .pdfs, or "go live" and give us a tour of your business products and services! This is your chance to shine as we head into the holiday season. Show everyone why they should take advantage of your amazing offers! You must be a Chamber member to be an exhibitor. We ask that exhibitors provide a minimum $25 gift card or coupon for their business to share in prize draws. CLICK HERE to register.
All attendees and exhibitors are also welcome to have beverages and snacks on hand as we virtually visit with businesses for presentations and information.
Please register as an exhibitor or attendee as soon as possible! For more information, please contact our office at 780-532-5340 or email cindy@gpchamber.com.
|
|
Delivery, take out, or curbside pick up –
Support local businesses by shopping local, safely!
Share your favorite local businesses by using #ShopLocalGP
|
|
County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network Presents the Blue Pin Program
We are still seeking input from the business community on which courses would make the best certification program for your business for our Blue Pin Program.
We are working to bring a certified customer service program to the businesses to ensure that your employees are offering your customers the care and attention to capture repeat business. Not only will this teach your staff how to treat customers, but it will teach them how to handle internal customers and help encourage a positive work culture and employee loyalty.
Please take the 5 question survey so we can tailor the program to suit the needs and wants of the business community.
Survey will be closed on December 18, 2020.
In line with the Blue Pin Program we are coordinating with the Disney Institute so that they can offer their Business Institute program to us virtually. Watch for additional details soon.
|
|
Statistics Canada is currently recruiting positions for the upcoming census in May 2021. The following job opportunities are available in our region:
Field Operations Supervisor
Recruitment Clerk
The closing date for both positions is November 30th.
|
|
Albertans support stronger COVID-19 enforcement
Albertans largely support stronger enforcement of COVID-19 safety measures, a recent Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) survey reveals.
The survey—carried out through the ACC's Alberta Perspectives research program—shows a majority of Albertans support stronger enforcement of both social gathering limits and personal health measures, like masking and distancing.
At the same time, ACC President and CEO Ken Kobly warns that another business shutdown would carry severe consequences for Alberta's business community. More than 30 survey respondents (12 per cent) indicated they would be forced to permanently close their business if government were to mandate a two-week shutdown.
|
|
Enhanced public health measures
New mandatory public health measures are in place in communities across Alberta to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19.
|
|
Supports for Alberta’s small businesses
The Government of Alberta is ensuring affected small and medium-sized businesses receive additional support through the opportunity to apply for a second payment from the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant.
This second payment will be available to businesses operating in areas on the provincial watch list where new health restrictions have been implemented.
Additionally, job creators that have experienced a 40 per cent revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic will qualify for the grant, lowering the threshold from the existing 50 per cent revenue loss requirement. This 40 per cent threshold will be available to impacted businesses retroactive to March.
|
|
Fiscal update shows improvement despite challenges
The global health crisis, economic recession and low oil prices continue to significantly affect the province’s finances. The provincial government is projecting a $21.3-billion deficit for 2020-21, $2.8 billion less than last quarter largely due to improving revenue and government efforts to hold the line on spending.
|
|
Bill 48: Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2020
(No. 2)
Bill 48, the Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2020 (No. 2) proposes 12 changes across eight ministries that will speed up approvals and reduce wait times.
$476 million saved by cutting red tape
Alberta’s government tabled the first annual red tape reduction report which highlights progress made towards the goal of cutting red tape by one-third. Between May 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020, Alberta’s government cut more than six per cent of red tape.
|
|
Employers Guide to Bill 32 Changes
Bill 32, the Restoring Balance in Alberta’s Workplaces Act, reduces red tape for employers and helps keep more Albertans employed. It also makes significant changes to Alberta’s Employment Standards Code and Labour Relations Code. Employers must know what these changes are to stay compliant and avoid costly fines.
For help understanding and applying the changes brought on by Bill 32, call Peninsula today. Get HR and H&S advice from our experts at 1 (833) 247-3652.
|
|
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Small businesses can apply for the Government of Canada's new Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS). Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
|
|
Government of Canada introduces bill to legislate net-zero emissions by 2050
The Government of Canada tabled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act in the House of Commons.
The Act will do the following:
- Legally bind the government to a process to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Set rolling five-year emissions-reduction targets and require plans to reach each one and report on progress.
- Establish the Net-Zero Advisory Body to provide independent advice to the Government on the best pathway to reach its targets.
|
|
Government of Canada Extends Funding to Increase Indigenous Participation in Oil and Gas Infrastructure Development
The Government of Canada announced up to $12 million in funding over two years for the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) program for Indigenous communities and organizations in British Columbia and Alberta to further increase their participation in economic opportunities related to oil and gas infrastructure development.
|
|
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: The Business of Business with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)
In their latest Business of Business, CCC President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, sits down with CAPP President and CEO Tim McMillan, to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it has had on Canada’s energy sector, how the energy sector can drive a business-led recovery and what he sees as the path forward.
|
|
CCC webinar: Hospitality and Alcohol Industry Survival and Competitiveness through COVID-19 (November 30)
Canadian restaurants, pubs and bars have been devastated by the impacts of COVID-19, with more of these businesses closing their doors permanently every day. The effects of lockdowns and closures extend far beyond these businesses as Canada’s beverage alcohol industry has seen a collapse in bar and restaurant sales of their products. While restaurants and bars fight for their survival, they must also contend with Canada’s rising alcohol taxes, which are some of the highest in the world. This tax burden is scheduled to increase again next year due to the alcohol escalator tax, which raises alcohol taxes on April 1 every year. This panel discussion will focus on what the industry is doing to survive the pandemic and what Canada can do mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on restaurants and bars while improving the competitiveness of breweries, wineries, distilleries and all of the agricultural and other supply chain members that contribute to this industry.
|
|
CCC webinar: Successfully Managing Your Workplace During a Global Pandemic (December 1)
Canadian businesses are facing unique challenges in managing through COVID-19. Including issues related to:
- Health and safety
- Increased absenteeism
- Work refusals
- Accommodating human rights
- Implications of a vaccine
- Workplace restructuring
This session will provide employers with practical tips and tools to address these issues when they arise and to minimize related legal liability as they move into 2021.
|
|
CCC webinar: The Role of Foreign Investment in Canada’s Economic Recovery (December 7)
Foreign investment plays a critical role in the Canadian economy by supporting domestic jobs and the creation of physical and knowledge capital across a range of industries. Join this discussion to find out how Canada can compete in a world shaped by COVID-19 in order to remain attractive for foreign investment.
|
|
Email info@gpchamber.com|Phone 780-532-5340 | Fax 780-532-2926
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
