Having trouble viewing this email? View as Webpage
Fuelling Our Business Community
We took some time during the past couple of weeks to get out in our community and deliver business awards to all our amazing Driving Business Forward award winners.

Congratulations to all our nominees and winners and a very special thank you to all our generous sponsors!
We had another Grand Opening last week! The Best Western Premier & Executive Residency celebrated the opening of their beautiful new hotel.
We are excited to try something new this year!

Midnight Madness is a signature event for our community and this year we are opening up the doors of the Chamber and hosting a Mini-Market.

We would like to extend a big "Thank you!" to Integrity Spinal Care for partnering with us to provide a safe environment for everyone.

Come down and celebrate with us! More information.
Your Weekly Tune Up
Reaction to the U.S. Presidential Election
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Kenney sent their congratulations to President Elect Biden and Vice-President Harris on their election victory. Both the Prime Minister and the Premier stated their desire to work with the new administration to tackle the challenges ahead.

The Federal government introduced Bill C-9, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy), which would implement new, targeted support to help businesses. More information.

There are new employment standards that were announced in July and have come into effect as of November 1, 2020. Find information on the new changes here and see the fact sheets to help understand the new rules.

Provincial and federal funding from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction System (TIER) and Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund (LCELF) will support three Emissions Reduction Alberta programs. Up to $180 million from the TIER fund and up to $100 million from LCELF will support innovative projects for small, medium and large industries across all sectors in Alberta. Projects can include technologies like carbon capture, utilization and storage, industrial energy efficiency and geothermal to help facilities lower emissions, create investment opportunities and cut costs. More information.

The City of Medicine Hat the Accelerated Financially Fit Initiative, fast tracking the initial effort launched by City Council in 2016. The original initiative committed to finding $23M in annual net cost reduction in response to the loss of the City’s commodity-based revenues. Read the press release.

Want to know what else happened that you need to know?
Quick Check Up
The Power of Community
Are you interested in having a say in the direction of our city? Consider applying to a Board, Commission or Committee.

There are positions to suit every interest or professional discipline that will appeal to those who are seeking to add to their skills and network in our community.
A new community initiative aims to bring Hatters together and start conversations about what makes us who we are.  Watch the video series on Shaw Community Link, join the online community forum and share your story through social media by using the hashtag #imahatter.
Next Level Events
Leadership Lunch-In
Order lunch in from one of our amazing restaurants and then join us for a conversation with leaders from our region on November 12th.
Presidents' Reception, Membership Appreciation & AGM
It has been quite a journey this past year. Join us virtually on November 19th from 5 - 7 pm and listen to how we steered around the roadblocks and where we've set our coordinates for the road ahead.
Grant Thornton Webinars
A team of passionate, strategic business partners, Grant Thornton LLP is focused on helping organizations unlock potential and accelerate advantages by providing assurance, tax and advisory support. Formerly known as BVA Chartered Professional Accountants, they have proudly supported the Medicine Hat Community for over 49 years.

November is their one-year anniversary joining Grant Thornton and to celebrate they have created an exclusive online resource page to help businesses navigate today’s challenges. In addition, they are holding two webinars:
Beyond 2020: Thriving in a COVID World 

November 25
Succession Planning 101: Preserving your legacy 

December 3
Advocacy in Action
When the COVID-19 emergency struck last March, the federal government moved naturally to get cash into the hands of the newly unemployed, opting for speed over perfection in program design.

Many other countries around the world were doing the same thing, but it turns out Canada’s government was among the most generous. Over the past seven months, the federal government has spent close to 20 per cent of Canada’s GDP on income support for individuals and businesses.

No other G20 country has come even close to that level of pandemic spending relative to the size of its economy.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce released a statement on Bill C-9, concerning commercial rent support and the wage subsidy. While the Canadian Chamber welcomed the extension and redesign of these programs there are still improvements that can be made.
Fill up on Funding
APIP offers a direct financial incentive on new petrochemical or fertilizer facilities, or on expansions to existing ones. Once a project is up and running, companies that have successfully applied will receive grants worth 12 per cent of their eligible capital costs. More information.
Enriching Your Business
It's November! That holiday season is getting closer and closer. Make sure you're set by having a #LocalFirstYXH decal in your store window!

And there's still time to take advantage of our Christmas Coupon campaign!

Find out more about these opportunities by emailing Chantel.
Deals
Welcome to our New Members
Igniting the Workforce
In Medicine Hat, we’ve seen first hand the benefits of collaboration. Partnerships allow people in our region to complete a nursing degree close to home. This improves access to education while also developing a rural workforce that AHS needs to deliver health services to our families and neighbours.
Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, along with the other provincial and territorial governments and supports internships. Alberta will now expand its support to other Mitacs programs to add about 1,275 new internship opportunities annually
Sales and Promotions
Grand Opening Package
If you are a new business, re-opening at a new location or having a reveal after renovations, reach out to us about our Grand Opening package. We will help you by promoting your event on social media, coming to speak at your event and providing those all important big scissors and red ribbon!
Helpful Webinars
The Role Of Technology For Business Transformation In A Post-Covid Economy 

November 12
The E-commerce Experience



November 17
Policy and a Pint - U.S. Election Results and Ramifications


November 18
See our events calendar for more opportunities to connect.
Sparking Conversation
Will you be heading downtown for Midnight Madness this year?
Yes
No
Last week's poll results:
Would you recommend your municipality as a good place to invest and start a business:
Yes: 100% No: 0%
Useful Links
Find more updates on our social media