For the past few summers, the Assiniboia Chamber has been the recipient of the federal Canada Summer Jobs Grant Program, and we want to thank our two summer students, Zack Tymczyszyn and Zach Meikle for their great work! Our entire team was busy with member engagement and onboarding new members this summer with a focus of updating all members' online profiles. Our website works 24/7 for all members and we can show you how your online profile connects with the public using our site's analytics. Update your profile at any time! Not sure how? Ask us!

We are happy to announce that Zack Tymczyszyn has extended his time at the Chamber and will be continuing to ensure all members' online profiles are updated. If you'd like to reach out to Zack now about your membership, please call (204) 774-4154 or send Zack an email.

Share your event on ACC's Community Events Calendar for free! Ask us how.

City Councillor Debate: St. James Ward and Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood Ward

Community Connections Leadership: City Councillor for Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood

Words of Wisdom: Nick Hays, President & CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.

Holiday Mingle Jingle at The Golf Dome

Need a new payment processing solution? Want to receive a free quote for service rates?

Clover (fiserv, formerly FirstData) offers merchants a wide selection of devices and payment options, so you never have to say “no” to a customer’s preferred payment method. Plus, our Chamber network has negotiated market-leading rates for the services, which are not open to seasonal price adjustments.

We now have a Clover representative in Manitoba and they are wonderful to work with! Ask us to make your personal connection with Ryan Preston today!

This October, in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month, Toba Centre for Children & Youth (Toba Centre), is raising awareness about child abuse and the important role communities play in keeping children and youth safe through our All Kids Deserve a Team #GoBlueToba campaign.

Recently the Government of Manitoba announced its plan to increase minimum wage to $13.50 per hour on Oct. 1, 2022, representing a 13% increase from the existing rate, which sits at $11.95/hour. Opting for a phased-in approach, the government will further increase minimum wage by an additional 65 cents to $14.15 per hour on April 1, 2023, and again on October 1, 2023 to around $15.00 per hour, depending on Manitoba's 2022 precise inflation rate.

July’s Labour Force data was both unexpected and unprecedented, with Canada’s unemployment rate remaining at a multi-decade low of 4.9% for a second consecutive month. Wage growth also continued at June’s torrid pace, with average hourly wages up 5.2% year-over-year.

While good news for employees and job seekers, for businesses that are already navigating the pressures of inflation and increasing demand, rising compensation and competition for labour in a heated job market will continue to be a challenge.

The mental health of workers in the retail and hospitality industry is an important issue, one that has been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent roundtable, facilitated by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), industry leaders from large, medium and small businesses across Canada discussed a range of concerns and needs related to improving their workers’ mental health. Among other things, participants were looking for guidance on how to implement a workplace mental health strategy that aligns with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the Standard).

The MHCC has now made available a guide designed to help retail and hospitality industry decision makers create the foundation for good workplace mental health. It includes tips, training suggestions, important programs and conversation guidelines to get started. Putting these pieces in place will set an organization on the right path for a successful journey toward establishing a psychologically healthy and safe workplace.

The Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund includes three programs for not-for-profits, with funding guidelines varying to provide support to a broad range of applicant eligible projects that meet one or more of the program's priority areas:

Applications for this year’s intake opened on August 16, and there are four quarterly intake deadlines.

Recently, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced that Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) will be providing loans of up to $50,000 to women entrepreneurs and business owners this fall through the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.

WEOC will deliver the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund through its regional loan fund partners. They will work with women entrepreneurs at every stage of the application process and deliver top-quality wraparound business support, including helping applicants with the development of viable business plans and providing advisory services, training and loan aftercare.

The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is a partnership between the federal government, Black-led business organizations, the Business Development Bank of Canada and other financial institutions. It provides loans up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the country. Applications began to be accepted in 2021 and the program is still open.

Beginning October 31, 2022, WestJet will offer service between Winnipeg and Los Angeles three-times weekly on a year-round basis, strengthening integral ties and convenience in transportation between Winnipeg’s expanding television and film industry and the esteemed, world-renowned hub of entertainment. Very special thanks to WestJet and partners Winnipeg Airports Authority and Economic Development Winnipeg.

The route expansion was funded through the Province of Manitoba's Long-Term Recovery Fund and allocated by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.