Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
extended until December
The Federal government has stated that they will extend the Emergency Wage Subsidy program until December 2020. Details have yet to be released about reshaping the eligibility requirements.

Businesses who have already accessed the wage subsidy must choose one of these baseline revenue options for your method of comparison and will not be able to change it for your calculations for any other periods.

According to a Global News article, "as of July 6, the wage subsidy had paid out $18.01 billion to 252,370 companies in payroll help."
City of Spruce Grove Corporate Plan Submissions
Residents and community groups have an opportunity to make a submission to the City for consideration in the 2021–2023 Corporate Plan. This is part of an annual process where the City welcomes public input into the corporate planning and fiscal planning process.

To participate in the process this year:
  • Make a public submission using this online form.
  • In previous years, applicants have been given the opportunity to present their request for a specific initiative/project to Spruce Grove City Council. This year, given the format of City Council meetings as a result of COVID-19, there will be no public submission presentations.
Growing the Economy: Transportation, Trade and Utility Corridors
One-third of our national GDP is based on exports. Economists have advocated building new infrastructure as the best way to restart the economy. But the longer-term benefits are even greater. Canada is the source for the best natural resources in the world, but they all depend on financially competitive access to global markets.

A national corridor is a network of rights-of-way across northern Canada for multiple types of infrastructure assets. It would connect all regions of Canada and provide market access for Canadian products, allow movement of goods and services while addressing social and environmental concerns.

This project is more than politics; it is about connecting communities & having the largest positive impact on economic growth. It is about long-term investment in the economic, social, and environmental quality of life of all Canadians. The value is immeasurable.

Possible topics of discussion:
  • Motion 501: breakdown and importance.
  • A2A project overview & project update.
  • Logistics for highways, aviation, and rail, telecom, cyber and electric pipelines.
  • Project business opportunities for construction, finance, and transportation.
  • Major port of exit or entry with the United States.
  • International supply chain access
  • Canadian resources: agriculture and food production, mining, forestry.
  • Local and provincial promotion: social, cultural, and economic growth to the benefit of all Canadians.
This event will be a lecture style with social distancing in effect. We will also be live streaming it via our Facebook Pages.
Date and Time
Thursday Jul 16, 2020
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM MDT
Location
Alberta Parenting for the Future Association
5600 50th Street
Stony Plain, AB
Fees/Admission
$20
The Big Spend
July 25
Local small businesses make our communities run. They support community events and sponsor sports teams. They also provide nearly 70% of all private sector jobs in Canada.

They have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to support their recovery in the same way they have supported our communities time and again.

So, we are organizing a one-day event called the Big Spend. On July 25, be part of helping to revive the Canadian economy by making an intentional purchase at a local small business of your choice.

The GOAL:
1 Million Canadians Join The Big Spend on July 25
ACTION PLAN
3 STEPS TO BE A PART OF THE BIG SPEND
1. BUY LOCAL
On July 25, make an intentional purchase at a local small business of your choice.
2. REPORT YOUR SPEND
Add your name to our Big Spend list*, so we can map spending across Canada and track the economic impact we're making together.
*the Big Spend List will go live on the site closer to the big day.
3. SHARE THE NEWS
Share a story or photo about where you made your Big Spend on Facebook or Instagram!  Use hashtag #TheBigSpend or @TheBigSpend
Resources for your Business to Participate
Spread the word about The Big Spend with your networks and customers. You can download the promotional package that includes a video link, social media images, a sample email template, and more.
Shop Local Campaign


Like the image you see here?

You can pick up your own at Steve's No Frills in Spruce Grove , Ray's Market in Wabamun,  Freson Bros. Fresh Market  in Stony Plain and a few other places in the Greater Parkland Region!

If you would like to have these stickers available at your business, please contact our office for pick-up options! Stick it on your window, your car, or anywhere you can show it off!
Chair's Blog
When the newly unified Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce laid out our strategic plan for 2020, like many other businesses, non-profits, and associations, we did not imagine cancelling and postponing all our revenue generation sources such as out in-person events.

Rural Business Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
Rural businesses will be able to apply for loans of up to $40,000 from the $95.7 million earmarked for Western Canada through the Government of Canada's Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.

Some loan highlights include:
  • No interest accrual or principal payments through December 31, 2022
  • If 75% of the loan is repaid by December 31, 2022, the remainder of the loan is forgiven
  • Blended principal and interest payments beginning January 1, 2023. Loans must be repaid by December 31, 2025
  • No prepayment penalties
Alberta's Relaunch Strategy
The Alberta Government has announced their plan to safely relaunch the economy from COVID-19.

The GPRC wants to echo the the message from the Government of Alberta: "We must ensure the sacrifices we have already made are not wasted. To be successful, we must stay vigilant to slow the spread: follow public health measures, practice physical distancing and good hygiene, and continue acting responsibly."

The plan to move forward requires careful monitoring and  respecting all guidelines  outlined by the chief medical officer of health.

Enhanced infection prevention and control measures, including physical distancing requirements of at least 2 metres, will remain in place throughout all stages.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Growing the Economy - July 16
Join us on Thursday, July 16th as we discuss building new infrastructure as the best way to restart the economy. Updates will be given by Parkland County and MLA Shane Getson, followed by a Q&A session.

The Big Spend - July 25
Join 1 million Canadians and take the opportunity on Saturday, July 25 to intentionally support a local business.

First Annual Networking Golf Tournament - August 13
Over 80% sold out! A few hole sponsorship spots are available still. We are SOLD OUT of team entries! Thank you for your support and we'll see you on the course!

Check the Chamber's website for
our full events calendar!
New Members for June
Feature Member - Kiwi Nurseries
Kiwi Nurseries Ltd. is your local grower and supplier of over 1,000 prairie hardy trees, shrubs and perennials. You can be confident that Kiwi's outdoor plants will grow and thrive in our local climate! The nursery is open to the public May to October if you’d like to visit or see their selection in person. The outdoor plant selection is also available online to be browsed at anytime.

New this year, Kiwi Nurseries has opened their own coffee shop, the Caffeinated Kiwi. Located right inside the Nursery, enjoy a hot cup while you browse for your newest garden additions!

This e-Blast is from: The Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Name: Kendra Wambold
Title: Communications & Media Specialist
Company: Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Contact: 780-963-4545