Business After 5 Mixer - Northwestern Polytechnic Students' Association

Thursday, March 27, 2025 (5:00 - 7:00 PM)

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes our members and invited guests to a Business After 5 Mixer hosted by the Students' Association at Northwestern Polytechnic. This Mixer will be held in Howler's Lounge, located in the cafeteria. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with our current business community as well as its future leaders - college students! Join us for an evening of networking, appetizers, refreshments and door prizes as well as finding out more about the host. 

People can park anywhere as the school doesn’t charge for parking after 4:00 PM. Howlers is in the cafeteria, so attendees may want to come into the main entrance on the south side which is near the security booth.

If attendees want to bring non-perishable donations for the Room Of Plenty, we can accept those at the door. Most requested items:

• Canned Fruits/Vegetables
• Tomato Products (sauce, paste, whole)
• Pasta/Rice
• Baking items (cookie mixes, condensed milk, etc.)
• Coffee/Tea
• Oatmeal/Cereal
• Granola Bars (any snacks are always needed)
• Juice boxes
• Tissues/toilet paper
• Toothpaste
• Body Lotion
• Baby items (diapers, formula, wipes)
• Cleaning supplies (Windex, wipes, soap

NWPSA is a non-profit organization that is student-led and focuses on representing the students of Northwestern Polytechnic.

For questions or more information, please contact our office at (780) 532-5340 or email info@gpchamber.com. There is no cost to attend but registration is required for catering and capacity purposes.

Ribbon Cutting - InMotion Developments

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (2:30 PM) 

Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting celebrating the Grand Opening of InMotion Developments. The full event will run from 2:00 - 5:00 PM and includes networking opportunities, refreshments, and facility tours. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place at 2:30 PM. 

InMotion Developments is located 5 km south of the Grande Prairie Airport, at the top of Richmond Hill, in the County of Grande Prairie. Please follow the signage all the way to the end of the driveway. 

InMotion Developments has been in the Grande Prairie region for over 15 years providing entrepreneurs access to tools and solutions to empower their ideas and Vision. Dean Isley has been part of the community for over 55 years and was involved in the success of the Risley group of companies serving as a provider of "Bridging the Gap" between the idea and commercialization. 

Workshop Your Business - Integrate Improvement into your Company Culture

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 (1:30 - 3:30 PM)

What’s in Store?

Are your team members at times resistant to change? Do you see two people doing the same thing, just differently? Is communication a problem? This discussion presents concepts around developing a Culture of Continuous Improvement, which addresses the challenges that every organization experiences on a daily basis. The Culture of Continuous Improvement is built on four areas of improvement:

• - Strategic Alignment
• - Igniting innovation and accepting change
• - Developing and empowering people
• - Problem solving through establishing processes

Your customers can see the products and services you provide, they can even see how they are delivered if they are delivered well, but they don't see the culture that supports those results and the leaders that coach their employees and empower them to solve problems on a day to day basis. We will present these principles and have conversations around how they can be realized in your organization. 

Presenter - Gregory Hastings

Director, Founder & Partner RIVR Solutions Ltd.

A huge thank you to our 2025 Chamber Champions for making this series possible:

• - Massage Therapy Collective 
• - RIVR Solutions Ltd
• - Nitrogen Technologies of Canada
• - Two Twelve Consulting 
• - Empire Oilfield Solutions 
• - Mr. Mikes Steakhouse 

EVENT DETAILS:

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

1:30 - 3:30 PM

Centre 2000

REGISTER NOW!

Spring Business Showcase & Mixer

Thursday, April 24, 2025 (5:00 - 7:00 PM, Jackpot Grill & Events Centre)

Get ready for the Chamber's Spring Business Showcase; a mini-trade show like no other! Join us on Thursday, April 24 , 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Jackpot Grill & Events Centre for an evening of exploring the variety of booths, networking with fellow business owners, and enjoying complimentary snacks, door prizes and more.

Our Business Showcase highlights the unique services and products of our diverse Chamber Member businesses. So, come on down and join the fun! Whether you're looking for new business connections, trying to find a new supplier or just wanting to see what our Members have to offer, you won't want to miss this event. 

BOOTHS NEARLY SOLD OUT!

To register for a booth - visit the link below ASAP.

GRANDE PRAIRIE CHAMBER AIR TRANSPORTATION SURVEY RESULTS

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce recently conducted a survey on air transportation in the region and we received 262 total respondents. 

Increased frequency to current destinations was identified as the top priority by 38% as to what they would consider the number one improvement in considering their local airport for travel. 32% selected more competition and better pricing, and 24% opted for new routes and connections.

The top choice for a new domestic service route from Grande Prairie was Vancouver by 46%, followed by Kelowna with 22% and Toronto with 17%.

When choosing an airline, 40% said price and 38% said schedule as their top priorities. Reliability came in at 17% and aircraft size at 1%.

Price was also identified as the top priority when choosing to fly by 52% of respondents followed by direct flight at 29%. Airline and connecting flight came in at 10% and 8% respectively.

In choosing a point of departure, 53% considered location (closest local airport) as their highest priority, with cost of travel and accommodations the top choice of 37%. Efficiency and maneuverability were the most important option for 5%.

The survey received a good cross section of air travelers with two thirds of respondents typically making five or less flights for business in a year, 20% making 6 to 10 flights and 13% making more than ten.

When it comes to trips for leisure, 60% say they make 1 to 5 flights in a year, 31% make more than five, and 8% are occasional fliers.

The Chamber appreciates the input from its members and the business community as a whole in helping to form our advocacy and policy development.

2025 Chamber Golf Scramble

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025

Location: Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club

Swing into Action with the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce!

The annual Chamber Golf Scramble is back! This signature event combines the best of business networking and recreation. No need to be a seasoned golfer, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with our thriving business community in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Event Overview

Join us for a full day of camaraderie, connection, and friendly competition:

• -18 Holes of Golf: Enjoy a day on the greens with fellow chamber members.
• - Networking Opportunities: Build relationships and expand your business network.
• - Exciting Contests: Participate in activities like longest drive, closest-to-the-pin, and more.
• - Great Prizes & Giveaways: Win amazing prizes during our awards presentation.
• - Food & Beverages: Stay fueled with a delicious selection of meals, snacks, and refreshments

Sponsorship Opportunities

Align your brand with one of the Chamber's most popular events! Sponsorship options include:

• - Hole Sponsorships
• - Contest Sponsorships
• - Team or Prize Sponsorships
• And more!

For more details on how your business can get involved, contact us at 780-532-5340 or email leah@gpchamber.com

Check out our 2025 Sponsorship Guide for more opportunities!

City hosts virtual info session for contractors on clean energy financing

The City of Grande Prairie is inviting contractors to a virtual information session on March 28 to learn how the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) can help their clients finance energy-efficient upgrades.

CEIP provides property-tied financing, allowing owners to repay costs through their property taxes. The financing stays with the property if it is sold, enabling deeper retrofits and bundling multiple upgrades at once.

The session, presented by Alberta Municipalities and the City of Grande Prairie, is open to contractors who are not yet enrolled in the program.

Session Details:

• Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Virtual)

Participants will learn how CEIP works, its benefits and the application process. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A with program experts.

Register at cityofgp.com/events. The meeting link will be sent to registered participants at 9:00 AM on March 28.

Boost your business by helping customers access CEIP. Learn more at ceip.abmunis.ca/contractor.

View on cityofgp.com

County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network

General roundtable with discussion surrounding the launch of the driver training, an update on Hyperdrive and an update on Growing the North

Welcome to the County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network general roundtable event! Join us on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Secure Waste Management Office.

This in-person event is a great opportunity for local businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow together. A general roundtable with a discussion surrounding the launch of the driver training, an update on Hyperdrive, and an update on Growing the North.

Don't miss out on the chance to network with other professionals in the area and learn valuable insights to support your business - coffee and snacks provided. See you there!

REGISTER BELOW

Have your say on Upper Smoky land use

Albertans are invited to provide input on the draft Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan and regulatory details for Alberta.

The Upper Smoky covers more than 13,000 square kilometres south of Grande Prairie. It contains rolling hills, mountains, forests and glacial valleys, with a wide range of wildlife calling it home. Every day, the area is used for many activities, including energy, forestry, recreation and traditional Indigenous land use. Land-use planning will help direct what activities take place in the future across this unique area.

Alberta’s government has developed a draft sub-regional plan, along with associated regulatory details, based on discussions with residents, Indigenous communities, local governments, industry and others. Starting on March 27, all Albertans are invited to have their say and help determine how land in the Upper Smoky should be used.

Part of the Upper Smoky plan includes work to restore caribou habitat, which is a specialized activity that helps create local jobs. The draft plan also identifies conservation areas and potential direction for forestry, grazing, recreation, energy development, tourism and many other activities.

The plan is not final, and the content proposed in the draft materials is designed to help generate input and detailed feedback from those most impacted. Public engagement opens on March 27 and runs until June 25 and can be completed online.

Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan engagement

View the entire media release

Alberta agriculture roundtable

Industry leaders Andre Harpe, Chair at Alberta Canola, Dave Solverson, Past President at Canadian Cattlemen's Association, Ryan Copithorne, Founder of Cows in Control, and Shauna Feth, President & CEO at ACC, discussed critical issues facing Alberta’s ag sector, including the 100% tariff on canola oil, tight cattle margins, and the impact of shifting trade dynamics. With global uncertainty rising, strong policies and risk management tools are essential.

Watch now

Strengthening Agri-Food Competitiveness

Efforts to boost competitiveness for farmers and agri-food businesses include faster approvals for alternative animal feed, aligning beef regulations with the U.S., reducing trade barriers, and modernizing labeling and grading for fresh produce. These initiatives aim to lower costs, support producers, and ensure fair trade while upholding food safety and animal health standards.

Learn more

Accelerating Credential Recognition for Skilled Newcomers

The Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program is investing up to $52 million in 16 projects to help skilled newcomers secure jobs in healthcare and construction. This will benefit over 4,600 participants, and streamline credential recognition, reduce assessment times, and provide work experience.

Learn more

Call for proposals to invest in skilled trades apprenticeships

The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Investments in the Training Equipment stream is now accepting proposals to fund modern equipment for Red Seal trade apprenticeships. Eligible organizations, including unions and training providers, can submit their applications through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal.

Learn more

Supporting Canadian workers to pursue jobs and opportunities

Through the Sustainable Jobs funding stream of the Union Training and Innovation Program, an investment of $67 million will equip 29,300 tradespeople with the green skills needed for a low-carbon economy. Running from 2025 to 2030, these projects address key workforce challenges, including apprenticeship barriers and support for net-zero construction, helping workers transition to high-demand, sustainable jobs.

Learn more

Canadian Chamber Statement on the Call for Federal Election

On Sunday, March 23, Prime Minister Mark Carney called a federal election for April 28. In just over a month, Canadians will once again get to exercise our right to vote for the next national government and for our future.

“Regardless of who wins, Canada needs a united strategy to reduce dependence on U.S. trade and build a resilient, future-ready economy where all Canadians can thrive and be optimistic about the future,” said our President and CEO, Candace Laing, in a statement on Sunday. “The next federal government needs to hit the ground running, ready to pursue a mandate that will guarantee Canada’s economic sovereignty and security, ensuring we are never left this vulnerable again.”

Read Our Statement

New Federal Relief Measures for Canadian Businesses and Workers Impacted by Tariffs

On March 21, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new relief measures for workers and companies that would be impacted by Canada’s ongoing trade challenges with the United States and China.

For workers, the new measures will make it easier to collect employment insurance, including waiving the one-week waiting period. For businesses, there will be increased funding for Canada’s regional development agencies, the creation of a new financing facility to provide liquidity support for businesses, and deferral of corporate income-tax payments as well as remittances of the goods and services tax and harmonized sales tax.

Protecting Mid-Market Businesses: Cybersecurity for Growing Enterprises

Cybersecurity is crucial for growing enterprises. Discover how mid-market businesses can protect themselves from cyber threats with practical insights in this week’s featured blog post from GoSecure.

GoSecure is a proud member of our Cyber. Right. Now. Council.

Read the Blog

Salary or Dividends? Learn the Tax-Smart Way to Get Paid!

Learn how to pay yourself as a business owner with salary, dividends, or a mix of both while maximizing tax efficiency and cash flow. Join CPA Vartika Satija on March 27, 2025 as she breaks down key considerations to help you make informed financial decisions for your business.

Register Now

MORE RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS

Free Webinar: Staying Connected After Winter Rules Ends

The Utilities Consumer Advocate, part of the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities in the Government of Alberta, is offering a free webinar series to support Albertans as informed energy consumers. Topics include understanding Alberta’s utilities market, choosing a retailer, and managing utilities when moving or renting. Current webinar offerings are available here. 

With the end of Winter Rules coming, we wanted to invite you to a presentation on Staying Connected After Winter Rules Ends. This presentation will include both what the program is, and what it means when it comes to an end. 

The presentations are online, and sign up is available for: 

• 
  
• April 10 at 1pm 

Please feel free to share the presentation registration with your clients as well! 

We hope you’ll join us! 

Consumer Education and Awareness Team

Affordability and Utilities

Upcoming live webinars on employment standards

Employment standards legislation sets out the rights and obligations of employers and employees in Alberta. These include the minimum standards that employers must provide to their employees.

Upcoming webinars (including live Q&A) are scheduled on the following topics:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office – TFW & Employer Rights and Responsibilities: March 26 at 1:30 p.m. 
• Employment Standards in Alberta – Construction Overview: March 27 at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, or to register for one of the sessions, visit alberta.ca/employment-standards-webinars.aspx. To request a presentation for your company or organization, please email EOP.Presentations@gov.ab.ca.