Ribbon Cutting- Grande Prairie KOA Journey

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting set for Wednesday April 24th, 2024 hosted by Grande Prairie KOA Journey formerly Camp Tamarack RV Park.

The location is 704063 Range Road 62 in the County of Grande Prairie.

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for 2:00 PM. The full event runs from 1:00-3:00 PM. Come celebrate with the Grande Prairie KOA Journey team and enjoy some cake!

No registration is required.

Ribbon Cutting - BILD Grande Prairie

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for a Ribbon Cutting for BILD Grande Prairie on Thursday, April 25 at the Delta Hotel by Marriott (11700 99 Avenue).

PLEASE NOTE: The Ribbon Cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 AM. Networking and a power point presentation will begin at 9:30 AM.

The Canadian Home Builders Association changed their name in Grande Prairie in 2020 and never had a chance to do any public engagement about it. BILD Grande Prairie will also be opening their membership back up to trades and general members at this event as they are currently builder members only.

BILD Grande Prairie is the voice of the home building, land development and renovation industries in the Grande Prairie area. Learn more by visiting their website https://www.bildgp.ca/.

There is no cost to attend but please register to confirm catering numbers.

In this MindBite lunchtime learning session, discover the magic of transforming just 3 hours a month into a wealth-generating powerhouse! Unveil simple yet potent strategies to revolutionize both your personal and business ventures with our guest speaker Stephan Roy. As a keynote speaker, Stephan brings his unique experience of combining law enforcement, business acumen, and martial arts expertise.

He will discuss:

1. Simple strategies you can implement in your personal and business life 
2. How to achieve laser focus on what matters 
3. The Secret to Financial Success 

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPIONS FOR SUPPORTING THE MINDBITE LEARNING SESSIONS! Our Chamber Champions include KMSC Law, Balanced Perspectives, Massage Therapy Collective, Empire Oilfield Solutions, and Kit Office Plus.

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting set for Tuesday May 14th, hosted by T & E Pumps Ltd. The location is 10828 99 Street Clairmont. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 PM. The full event runs from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Come celebrate with the T & E Pumps Ltd. team!

THREE WEEKS AWAY!!!

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce and our partner, the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association, are busy preparing for the 2024 Peace Region Energy Show, set for May 15-16 at Evergreen Park!

VISITOR Registration is FREE! Visitors Register Here

EXHIBITOR Registration is still available! Exhibitors Register Here

For more information, or contact our office by email info@gpchamber.com or phone 780-532-5340.

Information can also be found on our website www.prenergy.ca.

Promote your company by becoming a PRES sponsor! See the options by clicking on the Sponsorship Guide image above or contact our office by phone 780-532-5340 or email info@gpchamber.com.

Stay In the Loop! Click the link below to sign up for Exclusive Updates on the Peace Region Energy Show!



Sign Up

SITE SELECTORS

The City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and Municipal District of Greenview are teaming up to host a Site Selectors event during the Peace Region Energy Show. It's a fantastic opportunity to spotlight our region and its investment potential as we have site selectors from across North America attending. As well, they are all lined up to spend time at the PRES.

To add some local flair, the City, County and MD are putting together 10 welcome baskets showcasing our region's goods. If you are interested in donating an item, contact Invest Grande Prairie https://cityofgp.com/economic-development/about-us

As well, here is some more information about the event:

https://sitelinkforum.com/events/county-of-grande-prairie-city-of-grand-prairie-municipal-dist-of-greenview/

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES

Regional Advisory Council recruitment begins

As part of the health system refocusing, the Government of Alberta committed to listen to regional advice and support local decision-making. This week, public recruitment for the 12 new Regional Advisory Councils began. To learn more about the role of the new regional advisory councils, eligibility and application steps please visit Advisory councils – Health | Alberta.ca. 

The Regional Advisory Councils aim to reflect local voices, bring forward local priorities and provide input on how to improve the health care system. Council members will advise government and the new primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction organizations, on clinical service planning, capital planning and workforce planning.

The Regional Advisory Councils will reflect the makeup of communities in a region, and members will represent a wide range of backgrounds and diverse experiences. This includes Albertans receiving health care services as well as health care workers, community leaders and municipal representatives.

The AHS Health Advisory Councils will continue to meet until the end of June.  

Health Workforce Strategy highlights nursing students

AHS offers a range of opportunities for nursing students and new graduates to gain important skills and experience, and to begin rewarding careers in healthcare. As students begin looking for work experience for the summer months, there are many opportunities available to hire students.

The Undergraduate Nursing Employee (UNE) program enables students to work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Nursing students may also be hired to other supporting positions, including porters, unit clerks and, where appropriate, healthcare aides.

Students and new graduates are AHS’ primary source of new nursing talent and a key talent pipeline. Investing in quality learning experiences for students is important to shaping future healthcare delivery in our province and supports the Health Workforce Strategy goal to utilize innovative solutions to reach potential candidates and develop robust pipelines of top health professionals committed to growing their careers at AHS.

Grande Prairie groups bring health resources to the vulnerable

Community organizations here recently gathered to join forces and dedicate resources to promote health and wellness for vulnerable populations. The Community Health Day event at the Bonnets Energy Centre on March 27 offered support and care for those in need, bringing a wide range of services and resources with a goal to improve their overall well-being.

The event addressed the health needs of vulnerable individuals, with a focus on testing and treatment for Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. Other services offered included immunizations and addiction help, including access to the local opioid dependency program, mental health resources, hygiene products, and more.

By providing crucial medical tests as well as offering educational resources and incentives, the initiative aimed to uplift and empower attendees and foster a sense of community and support.

To learn more, click here.

Unlock Alberta Hiring Opportunities:

Exploring Apprenticeships Webinar

ApprenticeSearch.com in partnership with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce will be hosting a one-hour webinar on apprenticeships. This webinar is meant to provide employers, candidates and service providers with more information about the apprenticeship pathway and the resources ApprenticeSearch.com provides to both employers and candidates.

Join us on April 24th at 12 PM to review modules that will cover topics such as: 

• Apprenticeship 101
• Steps to an Apprenticeship
• Finding Employment in the Skilled Trades
• How to Register with ApprenticeSearch.com
• Programs and Services



Come with questions or a general curiosity on how to improve your job fair outcomes. Take this information into the workplace and transform your practices to consider everyone involved. See you online! 

Register now!

Talent Development Symposium, November 27, 2024

We are excited to announce the Second Talent Development Development Symposium date! This symposium aims to bridge the gap between Alberta’s business community, post-secondary institutions, and government officials. Registration is opening soon!

Learn more

Fall Board Meeting & Deputy Ministers Dinner, November 28, 2024

Save the date! On November 28, 2024 we will come together to tackle pressing issues, forge meaningful connections, and drive positive change in Alberta. Registration is opening soon!



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86th AGM & Policy Plenary Session

You are invited to our AGM & Policy Plenary Session at the Red Deer Resort & Casino on May 24th and 25th.

With networking breaks, optional tours, and celebrations of long-standing Chamber members, it's set to be an eventful and rewarding weekend. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register now

Book your hotel room(s)

Agenda

Recognize a deserving volunteer by nominating them for one of these awards:

2024 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards - For Youth, Adult, Senior, and Breaking Barriers for diversity and inclusion efforts. Deadline is June 30, 2024

Canada's Volunteer Awards - For an individual, a not-for-profit organization, a social enterprise, or a socially responsible business - Deadline is June 12, 2024

New Canadian Internal Trade Data Hub

The Hub provides open and accessible pan-Canadian data on key economic sectors including the agriculture, energy and transportation sectors, the movement of goods and services and interprovincial labour mobility. The interactive data platform includes user friendly tools, graphics and visualizations to provide valuable insights across the Canadian economy and better assess opportunities to strengthen internal trade.

Learn more

Canadian Internal Trade Data Hub

New Employment Assistance Services funding stream

Recently, an announcement was made to support Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) with a funding initiative of $231 million over five years for the Employment Assistance Services (EAS) stream under the Enabling Fund for OLMCs. Eligible organizations, including not-for-profit and for-profit entities, as well as Indigenous organizations serving linguistic minority communities, can apply for funding until June 20, 2024.

Learn more

Alberta Business Awards of Distinction, June 20, 2024

Get ready to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Alberta’s business community at the prestigious Alberta Business Awards of Distinction 2024! On June 20th, join us at the elegant Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel for an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and unforgettable experiences.

Register now!

Benefits With Local Chamber Membership

By becoming a member of your local chamber you have exclusive access to value added perks, which saves you money on key business expenses!

CLICK HERE FOR VALUE-ADDED BENEFIT PROGRAMS

Optimize Your Sales Funnel

Take advantage of your existing client list and leverage the power of email marketing. Join this free webinar on Thursday, May 16th from 11 AM - 12 PM and learn how to correctly land your content in people’s inboxes.

Uncover how to set up your email marketing workflows and learn essential tips for maximizing email open and click rates. Become a pro in email marketing and increase your sales conversions today.

Register Now

Self-Employment Training - Online

Mon, May 6 at 11 AM - Microbusiness Training Centre

Learn to start your own business and be self-employed. This program is designed to help attendees develop business skills, build a business plan, and launch their business in Alberta.

Register Now

Steppingstones of E-Commerce: Part 2 – Modernizing Your E-Commerce (Digital) Infrastructure

Thursday, April 25th, 9:30 AM Online

In an evolving digital world, e-commerce dependency is prominent and driving growth for small businesses. The series, Steppingstones of E-Commerce breaks down the state of the industry and explores how to maximize your online presence by leveraging an e-commerce solution.

What will you gain insight into? 

• Keeping up with e-commerce and maintaining an online presence
• Connecting with your customer and engaging your online community through e-commerce
• Accessibility through e-commerce
• Managing an evolving digital strategy
• How Digital Main Street programs can help

Register Now

17 Strategies To Attract Customers To Your Online Store

You've created a beautiful online store and you're carrying products that you know people will love but the only problem is, no one is coming to your store. Entrepreneurs fall into the trap of thinking any website visitor is a good one. In reality, sending low-quality traffic—people with no interest in what you sell—dampens conversion rates.

So, how do you attract customers to your online store—those who will actually buy? This guide from Shopify shares 17 strategies that work.

Learn More

The Countdown is On! - Tales of Triumph

The countdown is on with less than a month left to share your story in Canada Post’s Tales of Triumph small business contest! 

With more than $500,000 in prizes up for grabs across 5 categories, Tales of Triumph could help you launch your next chapter.

Write or record your story and submit before the April 30th deadline for your chance to win big!

Enter Now

Ensure your business is cyber resilient

In an age of escalating digital threats, small businesses can be both a target and a conduit for cyberattacks, risking not only their own operations but also the sensitive data of their customers, employees, and partners. Recognizing this urgent need, we're thrilled to introduce our on-demand cybersecurity course tailored specifically for small businesses.

This course, presented by Mastercard, is designed to empower small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to fortify their operations against the growing threat of cybercrime.

Register Now

What is Local SEO, and How Does It Work?

Local SEO is a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that helps your business be more visible in local search results on Google. Any business that has a physical location or serves a geographic area can benefit from local SEO. If you search Google for any important keywords related to your business and a map with 3 listings appears underneath it (also known as a map pack), then local SEO can help you grow your business.

But to understand local SEO, you need to know how Google works first. Use this Mailchimp article to learn how google works with local sites with this guide to local SEO and start optimizing your website for local search results to grow your business.

Learn More

Book Your FREE 30-Minute Strategy Session with the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Digital Service Squad!

• Craft a tailored strategy to make your brand shine.
• Unleash the power of captivating content that speaks to your audience.
• Get hands-on tips and tricks for seamless campaign implementation.

Here's How:

1. Reserve Your Spot using the link below to book your FREE 30 minute Strategy Session
2. Discuss your goals, challenges, and vision with our seasoned experts.
3. Craft Your Campaign!

Limited spots available, so secure your session now! 

2024 Federal Budget

The 2024 federal budget highlights the government's plan to build more homes, faster, help male life cost less, and grow the economy in a way that helps every generation get ahead.

Learn more

Canadian Chamber of Commerce experts' insights

Our Reaction to Budget 2024 

Following the release of the 2024 Federal Budget by the Government of Canada on April 16, our policy experts conducted an exhaustive review. Their subsequent comprehensive analysis of the budget’s implications for Canadian businesses offers insights on such sectors as housing, AI, labour, international trade, pharmacare and many more. 

Check Out Our Full Reaction

Additionally, our Chief Economist has conducted a detailed analysis focusing on the economic implications of the budget. This analysis includes projections on economic growth and examines key indicators, such as inflation and employment, providing you with a clear overview of what to expect in the coming months. 

Read the Economic Commentary

Our Submission Regarding the Adoption of a Patent Box Regime 

In response to the Department of Finance’s consultation on the adoption of a patent box regime in Canada, we submitted recommendations aimed at fostering innovation, intellectual property (IP) retention and economic growth. 

To address Canada's declining innovation ranking and economic productivity, we emphasized the importance of incentivizing businesses of all sizes to engage in R&D, register IP and commercialize products domestically. We also suggested that the timely creation of a patent box regime will be pivotal in driving growth and innovation, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Canadians. 

Read Our Submission

Our Recommendations for the Government’s SR&ED Program 

On April 15, we submitted recommendations to the Department of Finance in response to the consultation on improvements to the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentives in Canada. These recommendations are focused on encouraging businesses to conduct research and development (R&D) within the country, thereby fostering innovation, economic growth and competitiveness. 

Read Our Submission

An Economic Engine: Oil and Gas Story

We are very excited to host a roundtable discussion focusing on the economic dynamics of Canada’s Conventional Oil and Natural Gas Sector in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) on April 30. 

The roundtable discussion with offer an invaluable opportunity to delve deeper into the findings of the BDL report with our economists and other prominent Canadian business leaders. To view the report, click here.

Register In-Person or Virtually

Elevon’s $200 Statement Credit Offer for New Chamber Members 

From March 1 to April 30, 2024, our partner, Elevon, is offering a $200 statement credit when you open a new payment processing account.  

How members can participate: 

1. Submit a web inquiry here.  
2. An Elevon sales representative will promptly reach out for a consultation within 24- 48 hours. 
3. Complete the sign-up process by April 30, 2024, and members will be qualified to receive $200 statement credit. *Please read the flyer for more details. 

Learn More