Fuelling Our Business Community |
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The only path to real, sustainable growth starts with helping this country’s business owners create more opportunities for more Canadians
The federal budget was announced on April 19th. “For all of the subsidy and stimulus spending Canada has seen and will continue to see, the only path to real, sustainable growth starts with helping this country’s business owners create more opportunities for more Canadians. Businesses are the ones that drive the economy, start and grow organizations that hire Canadians, and build projects. The Budget’s focus on growth and jobs is an important step towards our economic recovery, but our growth drivers will need to shift from public spending to private investment to help get our finances under control. The plan to reduce deficits over the coming years is important, but it will depend on meeting our growth targets,” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
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ICYMI: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland joined the Chamber network on Wednesday, April 21st. President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber asked a question from our own Executive Director, Lisa Kowalchuk, which he pressed for more information. View the webinar here:
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The study identifies the significant impacts of Covid-19 on the business community and the overall economy in the Southeast Alberta region. In addition, the project evaluated existing data collected before the pandemic from the Business Retention Expansion and Workforce Development (BREWD) Survey conducted in 2019-2020 to determine if there were any significant changes or priorities that emerged. The analysis in the Chamber report evaluated various data points to understand better the methods required to regenerate economic growth and promote business survival in a post-pandemic economy. More Information.
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Businesses and service providers that want to access free rapid tests from the Government of Alberta will no longer be required to have a healthcare provider oversee their screening program. Alberta will be working with Alberta Chambers of Commerce to develop a program specifically for chamber members. Details will be available soon. Read more.
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Congratulations to all our 2020 Business Award Nominees that we put forward and kudos to all those that were selected as finalists for this year's 2021 ABAD finalists!
One more reason why you should nominate an incredible business for our local 2021 Business Awards as we nominate our local businesses onto the provincial awards to be recognized for their excellence. Nominate someone today.
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It really isn’t too much to say that the world is a rapidly changing and somewhat scary place. What most of us took for granted when we left school is simply no longer true. Society, technology, politics, and the myriad ways in which they interact are simply too complicated for any graduate of high school to understand and navigate well. A challenge for any business owner is hiring employees who are proficient in the foundational skills that support all of the others – the so-called ‘soft skills’ that provide the bedrock of a life well lived and a career that makes a difference in society. Read More.
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Alberta Health has updated the documents on the guidance page. Most businesses will fall under General Operational Guidance. Any previous guidance for activities currently not permitted was removed from the website. As activities with special circumstances/operations are permitted to open, more guidance documents may be updated and posted. More information.
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Our Vaccine Resource Hub provides businesses with a one-stop-shop to help in building vaccine confidence amongst their team. This includes practical guidance for how employers can speak with their employees about vaccinations. Check out the resources.
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Our Workplace Recovery Toolkit includes the latest information and best practices for businesses to operate safely. Find out more.
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The Alberta government has passed legislation that amends the Employment Standards Code for working Albertans to access paid, job-protected leave to get each COVID-19 vaccine. Read more.
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Participating pharmacies and Alberta Health Services will be booking appointments for AstraZeneca vaccinations for Albertans born in 1981 or earlier. Walk-in vaccinations will be available at the walk-in clinics in every zone, as well as specific pharmacies across the province. Find out more.
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The MyAlberta Emergency Registration System makes it safer and easier to register for a reception centre during an emergency, such as a wildfire or flood, and also removes the need for in-person contact. When an emergency is declared, Albertans who need to evacuate will be directed to register online through the MAERS. Albertans without internet access or those having trouble with online access can call the Government of Alberta call centre (310-0000) to register over the phone.
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Beginning on Sunday, May 9th the City will be expanding the MHTnow “On-Demand” transit service to include Sunday in the North areas of Medicine Hat. MHTnow will replace regular service in the Northeast and Northwest areas (Routes 10 and 11), on Sundays from 8:15 AM to 7:15 PM. Download the MHTnow “app” today.
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Want to know what else happened that you need to know?
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Have you been thinking about how to grow your exposure? Are you wanting to find new ways to connect to your customers or to gain new ones?
Your chamber membership can help you! Through our network and relationships, we have cultivated exclusive advertising deals and opportunities. See our Benefits page to see how we can help you Spring into Growth!
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Amplify your business with this special offer from ATB. As a Chamber member, you get preferred rates and more when you sign up for safe, convenient payment collection through ATB Merchant Services. This special offer includes:
- No setup fees for your merchant account
- No cancellation fees for your merchant account
- Preferred Chamber of Commerce member merchant rates
- A free review of your current merchant provider bill, so we can point out any hidden or unnecessarily high fees and ensure you’re getting the best deal
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Prairie Rose School Division, Super T Aviation, QinetiQ, and Medicine Hat College are excited to announce our first annual drone games taking place at Eagle Butte High School.
South Alberta Flight Academy students, who are hosting the event, acquire Drones/UAV Advanced Pilot Certification in accordance with Canadian Aviation Regulations and industry experts will be on hand throughout the course. Check it out.
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Make an impact on our local business heroes and become a part of the Chamber's 2021 Business Awards sponsorship team!
The opportunities include event sponsorship, award sponsorship, and a customized sponsorship level. All levels have been adjusted to give businesses the most out of their sponsorship dollars along with the ability to customize their participation in this year's event. Follow the link below to review the full sponsorship agreement:
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Since re-opening success relies on partnerships with governments at all levels, the Canadian Chamber has set out a number of areas where we need governments to act quickly to accelerate the business-led recovery, including improvements to public health frameworks; support for rapid testing and allowing businesses to stay open if they have the right measures in place along with the acceleration of vaccine deployment. Read More.
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A letter to Premier Jason Kenney issued by our Chamber on April 21st calls on the Alberta government to establish a new Economic Recovery Council to address three primary issues impacting the business community:
- Ongoing financial challenges
- Growing mental health concerns
- A need for greater clarity and certainty in information and re-opening plans
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The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce issues a letter on April 25th regarding the consultation on Extended Producer Responsibility.
As there are already private and not-for-profit operators that currently provide recycling programs, we want to ensure that a provincially mandated program does not put these organizations out of business. There are many operators currently providing both residential and commercial recycling services effectively. Government-mandated programs should not compete with these existing sectors but rather be something created that can be complementary. It would also be beneficial for the Government to work with existing programs and operators to ensure costs don't exceed those already in place for consumers and that existing service standards are at minimum maintained. Read the full letter.
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Here is your opportunity to weigh in on these issues: |
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Why Salespeople Fail....and what you can do about it!
Hamish Knox will share tips on this interactive session on how to keep your funnel full and engage with clients and address common sales leader frustrations like salespeople discounting to win business or sending out proposals just because a prospect said "can you send me a quote?"
April 30, 2021
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
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Please join the Chamber of Commerce and the Hon. Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation for a virtual presentation of Alberta's Economic Recovery Plan. The Hon. Doug Schweitzer will present on this subject followed by a Q & A period open to attendees. Visit the Government of Alberta's website for more information on Alberta's Recovery Plan.
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The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG) offers financial assistance to Alberta businesses, cooperatives, and non-profit organizations with fewer than 500 employees that have faced restrictions or closures due to COVID-related public health orders, and have experienced revenue losses of at least 30 percent. Hotels, taxis, and ride-sharing services are also now eligible for this payment. More Information.
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Now accepting applications for the fourth and final phase! The City of Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant is a part of the COVID-19 Assistance package intended to support businesses in coping with and recovering from the economic impacts. Qualifying businesses may be eligible for $500 - $15K! Apply Now.
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This grant program is designed to assist tourism operators, destinations, and communities with consumer marketing activities and aid in the development of visitor products and experiences. This is no requirement for matching funding by recipients. There will be two intakes to this program: April 1-30, 2021, and September 1-30, 2021.
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Last Week's Results: Have you supported a local patio since April 9? Yes - 75% No - 25%
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Were you pleased with the recent federal budget announcement?
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Find more updates on our social media |
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