The purpose of the Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce's monthly newsletter is to keep members and the community informed of what the GPRC has been up to, provide updates on advocacy issues, and let you know of anything interesting happening in our region.
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- A Grand July
- GPRC Awarded Large Chamber of the Year
- Shop Local Project Funding
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GPRC Committee Debrief
- Economic Review & Alberta Recovery
- Minute with the Chair
- Upcoming Events
- New Members
- Feature Member - Heart to Home Meals
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As the month of July comes to a close the Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce
attended six grand openings! That's six new businesses in our region who are employing dozens of people.
You can always contact us by calling: 780-963-4545, or emailing any staff member. Our contact information is online here: www.gprchamber.ca/our-staff/
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Brandz Marketing Grand Opening in Stony Plain. |
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Paradise Games & Customs Grand Opening in Spruce Grove. |
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Broadway & Grand and Parlour 1919 Grand Re-opening at their new location in Spruce Grove |
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GPRC Awarded Large Chamber of the Year |
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Chamber hits major goal a year in advance |
The Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce received the 2021 Award for Large Chamber of the Year from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC). Every year, the ACC offers awards to chambers in three categories: small, medium, and large. The GPRC was up against large chambers of similar size, which included: Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge.
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Over $150,000 received for shop local initiatives! |
The Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce will receive $152,100 of federal shop local funding—funding that will expand the chamber’s ongoing efforts to encourage patronage of community businesses.
“The impact of this funding will be felt across nearly all of the industries in our region” says Sarah Parry, CEO. “We have plans that go beyond the retail sector, into Acheson, and will support the seasonal businesses across our whole region.”
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Advocacy Committee
The Advocacy Committee has maintained regular scheduled meetings throughout the summer. The Advocacy Committee has two goals set out. The goals are in place from March to March rather than per calendar year.
- We are the voice of business – create a framework for members & stakeholders to bring forward advocacy issues and track and record all information to ensure accuracy and accountability. To record at least 18 advocacy issues in the operating year (March to March).
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Develop rapport, trust, and confidence with our Elected Officials at all levels of Government. Create an opportunity for ‘closed door meetings’ with at least 2 meetings per year with each elected official (MLAs, MPs, Mayors).
The framework for members and stakeholders to bring forward advocacy issues is always ongoing to create efficiencies. If you have an advocacy issue, you can submit it on our website here: www.gprchamber.ca/advocacy
To date, all elected officials have been met with once, with the meeting requests for municipal officials being held off until after the October elections.
The Advocacy Committee is Chaired by Board Member, Dan Duckering, with Vice Chair Melissa Johnson.
Kendra Wambold is the staff person assigned to the Advocacy Committee.
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Indigenous Business Committee
The Indigenous Business Committee has taken a break for the summer months. Keep posted for announcements on events and partnerships upon the Committee's return in September.
The Indigenous Business Committee is Chaired by GPRC Vice Chair, Paulla Adamitz.
Cathy Fournier is the staff person assigned to the Indigenous Business Committee.
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Membership & Retention Committee
The Membership & Retention Committee is taking a break for the summer, but projects and events are still making progress for the fall. This includes a Shop Local grant we’ve received from the federal government for over $152,000. This grant allows us to host a number of events as well as some shop local initiatives to benefit businesses throughout the region. The Committee is also working on adjustments to the 2022 tiering structure. Members will receive updates on the proposed new structure as soon as it’s ready.
The Membership & Retention Committee is Chaired by GPRC Chair Elect, Paul Befus.
Jodie MacPherson is the staff person assigned to the Membership & Retention Committee.
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Governance Committee
Upon submission of the amended bylaws to Corporations Canada on June 25, 2021 the Chamber has received approval of the bylaws on July 22, 2021. The Governance Committee would like to thank the Board of Directors and Membership for ensuring all aspects of the amendments were reviewed and approved prior to the Summer.
The Governance Committee will continue to review the Board Policy Manual throughout the remainder of the year as a working document. This manual will guide and support our Board of Directors in their duties, responsibilities, and the various legislative and regulatory conditions which govern their conduct. We have explored framework options for the policy manual and all future manuals of the GPRC to make these documents east to navigate and understand.
We will resume our committee meetings in September.
The Governance Committee is Chaired by Board Member, Brieanne MacLeod.
Julie Roberts is the staff person assigned to the Governance Committee.
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Finance Committee
GPRC CEO, Sarah Parry, and Treasurer, Landis Vanthuyne, meet regularly to maintain transparency with the Chamber's finances.
The Financial Committee is Chaired by Treasurer, Landis Vanthuyne.
CEO, Sarah Parry is the staff person assigned to the Financial Committee. Sarah also sits on each committee mentioned above.
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Emerging Leaders Committee
Discussions are ongoing to launch our Emerging Leaders Group this fall as well. The Emerging Leaders Group is a new committee set to commence Fall 2021. Stay tuned for future updates.
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Economic Review & Alberta Recovery |
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Please see below for the June Economic Review and Alberta Recovery. For more detailed information on these statistics, please contact Jodie at jmacpherson@gprchamber.ca.
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New for 2021, is our Minute with the Chair series! This is a vlog that will be about 60 seconds long, on various topics that we'll release periodically with our new Chair, Darcy Torhjelm!
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Jul 28 - Vaccine Policies in the Workplace Webinar
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COVID-19 vaccinations have been rolling out for months, but what are the potential implications and legal considerations in the workplace? As people roll up their sleeves, employers have a number of questions to consider regarding the rapidly developing legal considerations to vaccinations.
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Jul 29 - Maximize Your Trade Show Marketing
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Who should attend? Anyone registered to exhibit at a trade show, thinking of exhibiting, or just wondering what all the trade show fuss is all about.
What will you learn? Practical advice on:
- the importance of social media before, during, and after the show
- promotional branding
- creating engaging experiences
- trade show etiquette
- how to avoid driving potential new clients away
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Aug 27-29 - Tri-Expo & MARKETPLACE
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August 27-29, 2021
2021 Show Dates & Hours
Friday, August 27 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 28 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 29 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Tri-Expo & MARKETPLACE will be held August 27-29, 2021 at Heritage Park in Stony Plain. This family-friendly event will be expanding with local food vendors on-site and tasty treats for everyone!
Networking is key when it comes to marketing you business, and nothing can beat connecting with your audience personally. One of the most important benefits of participating in an expo is that it helps in creating brand relevancy.
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Check the Chamber's website for
our full events calendar!
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Feature Member - Heart to Home Meals |
Heart to Home Meals delivers delicious and nutritionally balanced frozen meals to Seniors. Their meals get prepared in Ottawa in their centralised kitchen where the team of qualified chefs make all the meals in their federally inspected kitchens, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. Heart to Home Meals creates meals which are balanced and nutritious for seniors, with carefully controlled levels of salt, sugar and fat. They can be cooked from frozen in the microwave or oven, providing you with the convenience of a delicious meal in minutes.
Heart to Home Meals is pleased to feature their full range of over 200 meals, soups and desserts for you to choose from.
With Heart to Home Meals, you benefit from:
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No Contracts or Commitments - order whenever it suits you
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Minimum Order may apply in some areas
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Approved provider through Veteran Affairs of Canada Access to Nutrition Program.
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Free Delivery* straight to your doorstep
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Follow Heart to Home Meals on social media |
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THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSOR |
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THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD SPONSOR |
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This e-Blast is from: Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Name: Kendra Wambold
Title: Communications & Media Specialist
Company: Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Contact: 780-963-4545
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