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Fuelling Our Business Community
Our incoming President, Marcus Campbell, gave a great interview last week focusing on the opportunities available to our region because of our unique location and resources. We were glad to point out how economic diversification is one of the keys to helping our region's economy become more resilient.
October is Women's History Month so it seemed appropriate that we met with Alberta Women Entrepreneurs to discuss how women can be better served and how we can create a greater collective impact. By helping women continue to reach their potential we are carrying on the tradition of those trailblazing women who came before.
Next Level Events
2020 Business Awards: Driving Business Forward

Celebrate our business community with our virtual Chamber business awards! Plan for a fun night in by ordering from your favourite restaurant and then crank up the tunes with our special musical guests! Read our press release.

It's been quite a journey on this 2020 road trip but there are amazing businesses in our community who have found a way to steer through all the roadblocks and detours.

Don't miss out on helping us celebrate those businesses that have found the key, turned the ignition and are Driving Business Forward!
Calgary Chamber Small Business Summit

As a member of the chamber there is a special offer for registration for only $20.00 by using the code 'EARLYMEMBER'.
Quick Check Up
The Power of Community
Community Builder Spotlight:
Bee-Clean Building Maintenance
Bee-Clean Building Maintenance has been a member of our Chamber since 2014. As a cleaning company they have been an essential part of many businesses' day to day operations and this has become even more integral with the challenges we face today. We admire how they have stepped up their game and used their expertise to keep employers, employees and the public safe. Their commitment to our community is not only evident in their business practices but also in their investment as a Community Builder with the Chamber. Thank you for your dedication to our businesses and our community!
Your Weekly Tune Up
The Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program is extending for the final time. This extension is based on the existing program parameters for the April, May and June period. More information.

MHTnow is the name of Medicine Hat Transit’s on-demand bus service, a pilot project funded by the Federal Government. MHTnow uses a smartphone app or web page to book your trip, and uses artificial intelligence to coordinate trips for multiple riders on the same bus. Watch the video.

Funding has been allocated by both the federal and provincial government for infrastructure projects at four post secondary locations in Southern Alberta, including Medicine Hat College, through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). More information.

There is a new guidance document from the provincial government that sets out precautions to take when entertaining for the holidays. Find it here.

Are you wondering what supports you qualify for? A portal is available that will show you a list of benefits that could help you with links to more information. Try it now.

Want to know what else happened that you need to know?
Advocacy in Action
This past week we had a great conversation with Alberta Senator Doug Black, Q.C. We were able to provide Senator Black with insights into the impact COVID-19 has had on our business community. We touched on a number of topics and will continue to highlight the supports that are needed for our business community to thrive. Find details on our conversation on our blog.
Have a business issue?
During our conversation with Senator Black we emphasized the need that our region has for trade enabling infrastructure. We have pressed for our area to have roads and border crossing access in order to get our products to market.

As the only province in Canada with just one 24 hour border crossing we know that more work needs to be done in order to support the movement of goods to our largest trading partner.

Fill up on Funding
Have you applied for the Canada Emergency Business Account yet? If not, you only have until October 31st. Eligibility requirements have been expanded and now those business owners who use a personal account can also apply.
Could you benefit from a 75% wage subsidy to hire a smart student intern this Winter? The Venture for Canada’s Internship Program supports work from home or in-person internships with solopreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and non-profits. Find out more.
Enriching Your Business
Chambers Group Insurance Plan
Support for Employers, Employees and Families
Health benefits are more than just about medical and dental coverage (though the Chambers Group Insurance Plan helps with these expenses of course!).

Chamber Group plans include amazing travel insurance options, offers an extension of benefits after you’ve left a job, has resources to help employers and employees with counselling services for relationships, addiction, legal issues, financial concerns, and more. All of these benefits are offered at reasonable and stable rates and cover businesses big and small.

Have you been thinking about expanding your existing benefit plan or putting a plan in place? Let us help support you, your employees, and all your families. Call JoAnne at Brightan Financial Strategies.
We've had a glorious fall but remember that holiday season will be just around the corner. Make sure you're set by having a #LocalFirstYXH decal in your store window as the shopping season kicks into gear.

You can also rev up your marketing by taking part in our Christmas Coupon campaign.

Find out more about these opportunities by emailing Chantel.
Deals
Welcome to the Chamber!
Helpful Webinars
Cybersecurity: Risks, Issues and Trends


October 13
Managing Remote Employees


October 22
Small Business Week Webinar Series:
BBB Connects

October 19-23
See our events calendar for more opportunities to connect.
Sparking Conversation
Would you be interested in a business match making service or app? *
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*A business match making service or app could include such services as mentorship, job placement, career matching, service matching, volunteer recruitment, etc.
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Useful Links
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