Thank you for supporting the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce! Read on for information from our Chamber network.
Our Member Marketplace on Thursdays highlights our Chamber businesses. Email tom@gpchamber.com with your ads.
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October 17-23.
Nominations for our Grande Prairie Chamber Awards of Distinction are now open until Friday, September 24, 2021.
You can either nominate YOUR OWN business OR nominate ANOTHER business for one of eight awards.
We will contact the nominated business directly to determine if they accept the nomination (if not SELF-nominated) and to follow up with them for supporting information. Tell us the name of the business, in what category you feel they are deserving, and why. If you’re not sure what category would be the best fit, nominate them anyway for being awesome and we will work with them to find the one that suits them best!
Events being planned include:
October 18 - Small Business Week Kickoff
October 19 - Women in Business Lunch
October 20 - Rotary Lunch
October 21 - Grande Prairie Awards of Distinction
For sponsorship information and registration inquiries, please contact
Cindy Simigan, Events and Community Partnerships, by email cindy@gpchamber.com or phone 780-532-5340.
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The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a City of Grande Prairie Municipal Election All-Candidates Forum on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 online via Zoom.
All candidates for Mayor and Councilor in the October 18 Municipal Election in the City of Grande Prairie are invited to take part.
You can also pre-submit general questions directed at all candidates to news@gpchamber.com.
The evening will include an introduction of candidates for Council, a question period, and closing statements, followed by introduction of candidates for Mayor, another question period, and their closing statements.
The forum will close at 9:00 PM.
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The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is also hosting a County of Grande Prairie Municipal Election Forum on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 online via Zoom.
All candidates for Council in Divisions with MORE THAN ONE CANDIDATE for the October 18 Municipal Election in the County of Grande Prairie are invited to take part.
You can also pre-submit general questions directed at all candidates to news@gpchamber.com.
The evening will include an introduction of candidates for Council, a question period, and closing statements for each eligible Division.
The length of the forum will depend on the number of Divisions taking part.
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Chamber Community Pulse Series
The Grande Prairie area has a robust and diverse economy. The Community Pulse series is designed to provide updates and insights from a variety of the industries, sectors, and organizations that make up the fabric of our unique and incredible community. Join us for this series, helping us to share valuable information about our region and the people who make it special.
Next week's session on Wednesday, September 29 at 10:00 AM will feature the Municipal District of Greenview Economic Development. Then on October 6, we will hear an update from the County of Grande Prairie Economic Development.
Last week's session with Jason Krips, President and CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association can be viewed here. Today's session with Kelly McTaggart from the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers will be available later this week.
There is no cost to participate but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING PARTNERS: City of Grande Prairie Economic Development, County of Grande Prairie Economic Development, Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network and TC Energy; AND OUR SUPPORTING PARTNERS: Chambers Plan represented by local broker HUB International, Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region, GetintheLoop Grande Prairie, and Municipal District of Greenview.
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COVID-19 RAPID TESTING KITS FOR BUSINESSES
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce to provide complimentary COVID-19 rapid testing kits to small and medium-sized businesses. By frequently testing employees, businesses can stop outbreaks before they happen, keeping employees and customers safe.
* A Chamber membership is NOT required.
Register for the Program
Please download the Alberta Rapid Screening Tests Business Application form, carefully read the form as well as the terms and conditions, and should you wish to proceed, complete the form in full and email to info@gpchamber.com with the email subject line: Rapid test program participant application
Once we have received your completed form we will review and return a signed copy for your records, along with instructions on how and when to pick up your testing kits.
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The Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, and GetintheLoop are pleased to announce an exciting new opportunity for tourism-based companies to promote their business. Apply now to receive six months free access to GetintheLoop’s premium Partnership Plan and expanded awareness across the Grande Prairie region.
Through this partnership, Grande Prairie Tourism and GetintheLoop will create a unique Discover GP “Loop”. It will be established to help bring together local businesses and new customers, on one established app. This will make it easier for local residents and visitors to connect with businesses online, by phone, or in-person. Local business offers will also be visible on the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism website and getintheloop.ca.
There are only 20 spots available, so fill out the application form today - it’s quick and easy. This project is also supported by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and the Government of Canada Shop Local Fund.
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Contact our office for more information on the Partnership Plan:
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Our Product ScaleUp Program Pilot 2.0 offers successful Alberta applicants the opportunity to access nondilutive funding to subsidize the hiring of a critical employee.
• Qualified applicants represent high potential, high growth, small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
• The Program financially supports employees with expertise in developing, commercializing, and scaling digital technology.
• Supported SME’s must have technologies with strong product validation, proven product-market fit, and a robust commercialization strategy.
• Qualified SMEs may be eligible for up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding over a maximum one-year term.
• Successful Applicants will receive access to a peer-to-peer networking and community platform, ongoing virtual product management training for the leadership team and Associate, and access to training materials throughout the term of the program.
• Application deadline is October 7, 2021.
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Prioritizing regional capital projects for healthy communities: ACC pulse survey
EDMONTON — Prioritizing regional capital projects tops the list for building healthy communities, a recent Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) survey of job creators shows. The survey asked participants to rank their top three priorities for building a healthy community where they operate. More than 200 individuals responded to the survey in the one week it was open.
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New vaccine requirements and COVID-19 measures in Alberta
Alberta has declared a state of public health emergency.
New card-sized COVID-19 vaccination record
Starting on Sept. 16, Albertans will be able to print a copy of their card-sized COVID-19 proof of vaccination or show it on their phone or tablet.
Vaccination incentive launches
Eligible Albertans can now register to get a $100 debit card for receiving a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
August job numbers: Minister Schweitzer
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued a statement about the August 2021 Labour Force Survey.
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Canada Employment Insurance Commission sets the 2022 Employment Insurance Premium Rate
The Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC) made available the Actuarial Report and its summary for the 2022 Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate. The rate is set at $1.58 per $100 of insurable earnings for employees and $2.21 for employers who pay 1.4 times the employee rate, which is unchanged from the 2020 and 2021 premium rate.
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Bitumen Valuation Methodology webinar
The C.D Howe Institute is scheduled to release a report this month that supports fixing the Bitumen Valuation Methodology. They will be hosting a panel of policy experts on Thursday, September 30 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. MT.
If you'd like an invitation to this webinar, please email Kelly McTaggart, Community Engagement Advisor with CAPP.
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The election is over. Time to get serious about economic growth: Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, issued the following statement on the actions that Canadians and the business community need to see from our next Parliament.
“The clear message from last night’s election is that our politicians need to get back to work on the issues that matter. With an election that lacked a meaningful debate on the economy, it is critical for Parliament and the government to resume the business of governing the country. Canadians want less politics and more leadership from their elected officials."
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LABOUR FORCE SURVEY NUMBERS HIDE THE DETAILS ON ONGOING CHALLENGES
Last week’s release of Labour Force Survey numbers continued the trend we saw in July of an economy enjoying the first rays of sunshine as businesses reopened after an incredibly dark number of months. However, tempting as it is to sit back and bask in what feels like an economic honeymoon, we cannot lose sight of the challenges that existed before reopening, and continue to persist.
We continue to see labour shortages and this is being driven by the persistent mismatch between the skills employers need versus what the labour force can offer and the decision of many Canadians to walk away from the hardest-hit sectors.
If Canada wants stable economic growth, we need to make sure we’re creating opportunities for a post-pandemic workforce. We’ve got some ideas.
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Taking a Closer Look at the Q3 2021 Results of the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions
September 23 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET | Virtual
Over the course of the pandemic, we have been producing business insights in collaboration with Deloitte Canada to support Canada’s economic recovery and growth.
Our two organizations will present an analysis of the Q3 2021 results of the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, an innovative Statistics Canada product in use with over 15,000 Canadian employers. This session will explore important insights on business decisions, sentiment and plans in 2021.
Join our new Chief Economist, Stephen Tapp, and Jean Dauvin, Senior Manager, Monitor Deloitte, as they delve into what the numbers mean.
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NEW DATE! Canadian Cannabis: A Growing Economic Sector at Home and Abroad
November 10 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET | Virtual
We are excited to be hosting the first Executive Summit geared specifically to the growing cannabis sector in Canada. From licensed producers to retailers to ancillary businesses, this event will feature experts from across the industry who will discuss the opportunities, impacts and challenges associated with business in the cannabis sector. Full agenda coming soon.
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30
Canada’s recovery cannot be complete without reconciliation with our Indigenous peoples. That is why we will be taking time to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. This day provides an opportunity for Canadians to recognize and commemorate the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
On September 30, we encourage members to join us in reflection and in recognition of the trauma that residential school survivors bear and in promoting good relationships and economic reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
What can you do on this day to show support?
- Set aside time for reflection
- Take time to learn more about Indigenous culture, residential schools and reconciliation
- Wear orange
- Light up the exterior of your building/home orange
- Take to social media to increase awareness of the day
- What does truth and reconciliation mean to you?
- What are you doing to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
- What is one thing you have learned or hope to learn about truth and reconciliation?
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Email info@gpchamber.com|Phone 780-532-5340 | Fax 780-532-2926
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