Thank you for supporting the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce! Read on for information from our Chamber network.
Our Member Marketplace on Thursdays highlights our Chamber businesses. Email tom@gpchamber.com with your ads.
PLEASE NOTE: The next Member Marketplace will be issued on August 5.
|
|
Grande Prairie Chamber receives federal shop local funds
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce will receive $207,000 of federal shop local funding—funding that will expand the chamber’s ongoing efforts to encourage patronage of community businesses.
“We are excited about being able to put more money behind ongoing and upcoming initiatives that will assist our region with its continued economic recovery,” says Larry Gibson, Grande Prairie Chamber Chair. “Our vision is connecting business and creating opportunity while our mission is to facilitate and inspire world-class success of our business members. This funding from the federal government allows us even more ability to create and increase awareness of our many valuable small and medium-sized enterprises and encourage residents to obtain their products and services in this community.”
The funding will support the launch and onboarding of businesses on the new provincial Chamber Market e-commerce solution platform; a partnership for tourism-related businesses between the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association and GetintheLoop; a ThinkLocalGP awareness and video campaign to draw attention to and support our entire business community; and more.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, community chambers have truly been a lifeline for businesses,” says Ken Kobly, Alberta Chambers of Commerce President and CEO. “As we transition to reopening and recovery, we still have a long road ahead to rebuild our economy. This federal funding will help chambers do what we do best: support local job creators.”
A third round of funding applications is currently being processed.
|
|
The 2021 Chamber Member Golf Classic presented by HUB International is set for Tuesday, August 17 at the Dunes Golf & Winter Club. Registration and sponsorship applications are available by CLICKING HERE or by contacting our office by phone at 780-532-5340 or emailing info@gpchamber.com.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS TO DATE:
TITLE SPONSOR:
HUB International
WATERING HOLE SPONSOR:
GOLF CART SPONSORS:
(TWO STILL AVAILABLE)
BEVERAGE CART SPONSORS:
HOLE SPONSORS:
(TWO STILL AVAILABLE as well as THREE HOLE-IN-ONE Sponsorships)
ATB (Hole-in-One sponsor)
|
|
Grande Prairie Chamber 2021 Business Survey
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce invites your input on questions regarding municipal issues in the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie and Municipal District of Greenview. The information helps us to form our advocacy discussions with elected officials from local, provincial and federal governments, and our policy formation efforts with the Alberta and Canadian Chambers of Commerce. Your feedback will also be shared with the candidates for this fall's municipal elections to add to their understanding of the issues important to Grande Prairie and area.
|
|
COVID-19 RAPID TESTING KITS FOR BUSINESSES
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce to provide complimentary COVID-19 rapid testing kits to small and medium-sized businesses. By frequently testing employees, businesses can stop outbreaks before they happen, keeping employees and customers safe.
* A Chamber membership is NOT required.
Rapid testing kits will be available for pick up only at our office in Centre 2000. Designated pick-up times are between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), where businesses can send one representative to collect their rapid testing kits during those select hours.
|
|
The Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, and GetintheLoop are pleased to announce an exciting new opportunity for tourism-based companies to promote their business. Apply now to receive six months free access to GetintheLoop’s premium Partnership Plan and expanded awareness across the Grande Prairie region.
Through this partnership, Grande Prairie Tourism and GetintheLoop will create a unique Discover GP “Loop”. It will be established to help bring together local businesses and new customers, on one established app. This will make it easier for local residents and visitors to connect with businesses online, by phone, or in-person. Local business offers will also be visible on the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism website and getintheloop.ca.
Applications are now open and close August 4. There are only 20 spots available, so fill out the application form today - it’s quick and easy. This project is also supported by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and the Government of Canada Shop Local Fund.
|
|
Contact our office for more information on the Partnership Plan:
|
|
BDC Small Business Week is set for October 17-23 across Canada. Watch for details on our celebration coming soon including nomination information for our Grande Prairie Chamber Awards of Distinction; Proclamation Breakfast; Women in Business Lunch; and more. |
|
RETURNING THIS SEPTEMBER! |
|
Rural crime town hall meetings
Rural Albertans can share their concerns about crime in their communities in a series of upcoming town halls with the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu. This is a chance to voice concerns, discuss current initiatives and share ideas on ongoing work. Grande Prairie is scheduled for July 29 from 6:30-9:00 PM at the Holiday Inn & Suites Conference Centre.
|
|
Critical Worker Benefit application open to Aug. 31
As Alberta’s economy recovers, small and medium-sized businesses are focused on reopening and rehiring staff. Many of these businesses also provided services to Albertans in the midst of the pandemic and have employees who are eligible for the Critical Worker Benefit.
In order to make sure these businesses can focus on reopening while ensuring their employees can get the Critical Worker Benefit, the deadline for private sector employers to submit applications has been extended to August 31.
Additional private sector workers eligible for the benefit since June 22 include truck drivers, farm workers, security guards, cleaners, funeral workers, employees at quick service and dine in restaurants, and taxi and limousine drivers.
|
|
Thousands of Albertans are getting back to work
Since launching in May, the Alberta Jobs Now program has approved approximately 2,700 applications from employers. This will help nearly 14,000 Albertans get back to work in the coming months. The program is seeing the highest demand for hiring in sectors such as science and technology, construction, and the service industry. The first application intake period is now closed. The second intake will open on Sept. 16 and close on Dec. 31. The Government of Alberta will continue to work with Alberta businesses and non-profits to ensure it continues supporting Alberta’s economic recovery.
|
|
Expanding broadband internet in rural Alberta
As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, Alberta’s government will invest up to $150 million to expand and improve broadband internet in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
|
|
Just Transition engagement: Minister Savage
Minister of Energy Sonya Savage issued a statement in response to the launch of the federal government’s ‘Just Transition’ engagement process.
|
|
Employment Insurance consultations to be launched later this summer
The federal government will launch consultations on future longer-term EI improvements in August. The government will consult with Canadian workers, employers and other stakeholders.
|
|
Government of Canada announces easing of border measures for fully vaccinated travellers
On September 7, 2021, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable, the government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.
|
|
5 million doses of vaccine administered in Alberta
|
|
New open work permit available for recent permanent residency applicants
|
|
Purolator True North Small Business Grants
Purolator is launching the True North Small Business Grant Contest to recognize the importance and contributions of small business. And, by encouraging Canadians to make nominations, Purolator is hoping to raise the profiles of small businesses in local communities across the country.
|
|
Business Link webinar: Hiring the Right People for your Small Business (July 28)
This webinar is for businesses that are new to hiring or who need support finding the right resources to help them hire the perfect candidates. Sharyl Madigan and Ken Goldstein will discuss 3 key things business owners should explore before they hire.
|
|
She’s Next Visa Grant Program
She’s Next Visa Grant Program, in partnership with IFundWomen, is proud to announce it will be providing 10 female entrepreneurs with a $10K grant as well as a one-year coaching membership. This includes private sessions and connections to other entrepreneurs to help further business knowledge.
The program is open to all women entrepreneurs in Canada, and applications will be accepted from now until August 3.
|
|
ESDC Survey: Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Employment and Social Development Canada recently released a survey looking for information that will be used to inform the development of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. ESDC is looking for responses from all Canadians, including persons with a disability, those who work with organizations working with persons with disabilities, caregivers/family members of persons with disabilities, persons identifying as First Nations, Inuk (Inuit), Métis or Indigenous, as well as members of racialized groups, the LGBTQ2 community or members of an official language minority community.
|
|
Aid for Those Affected by Wildfires in B.C. from Canada’s Banks
The following banks are donating a combined $360,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support immediate and ongoing relief efforts and long-term recovery in affected regions of B.C. as well as opening up their online portals for public and employee donations:
- BMO
- CIBC
- HSBC Bank Canada
- National Bank
- RBC
- Scotiabank
- Tangerine Bank
- TD Bank Group
Canadians who wish to support the relief effort can also make a donation directly through the banks above or online at redcross.ca.
|
|
Email info@gpchamber.com|Phone 780-532-5340 | Fax 780-532-2926
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
