Market Your Business in Our AC Newsletter
Market Your Business to almost 500 Airdrie Chamber Members by Sponsoring this Popular Bi-monthly Newsletter.

  • Cost: $150 per month (includes two newsletter updates to 675+ emails).
  • Customize your ad(s) for the top and bottom of the newsletter linking to your website.
  • Offer is on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Members can sponsor more than one month in order to maximum your message or promotions throughout the year.
COVID-19 Updates and Support
Federal Government Announces Additional Pandemic Support For Vaccines, Health Care, and Municipalities 
 
The Government of Canada introduced Bill C-25. This legislation would provide an additional $7.2 billion in support for urgent health care needs across the country, the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, and for local infrastructure projects in our cities and communities.
 
Government Announces Extension of Canada Emergency Business Account to Help Small Businesses
This week, the Government of Canada announced that the deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) applications is being extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021.
Canadian Workforce of the Future Survey
PwC's Canadian workforce study* (conducted July 23 to 27, 2020) takes the pulse of employees’ and employers’ perceptions of return-to-workplace plans, the digital workplace experience and the importance of work-life balance during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information.

All Albertans born between 1947 and 1956 will be able to book at an increasing number of participating pharmacies across Alberta, as well as by calling 811 or booking online.

Half a Million Vaccines Administered in Alberta
Minister of Health Tyler Shandro issued a statement on Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccine milestone.
 
Massive Expansion of Rapid Testing in Alberta
Alberta’s government is offering millions of free rapid testing kits to public, private and not-for-profit employers and service providers province wide. 

Workers claiming EI regular benefits can now access up to a maximum of 50 weeks for claims established between September 27, 2020 to September 25, 2021. In addition, self-employed workers who have opted into the EI program to access special benefits are now able to use a 2020 earnings threshold of $5,000, compared to the previous threshold of $7,555. This change is retroactive for claims established as of January 3, 2021, and applies until September 25, 2021. More information

QUESTION & ANSWER for employers
Q: As vaccines roll out, how can employers continue to manage COVID security and employee safety?
A: It will be important for employers to keep track of immunized employees and to create vaccine-related contracts & policies to protect your business. Doing so will help you develop return to work plans accordingly. It will also help you implement the necessary health and safety measures for staff who do not wish to get vaccinated or can’t be due to medical reasons.
Information & News
Supreme Court Carbon Tax Ruling
Premier Jason Kenney issued a statement on the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling that the federal government’s carbon tax is constitutional.

Expanding Child Care Options for Working Parents
Alberta’s government is allocating $9.7 million in grants for operators to create 1,500 more spaces in day homes and daycare centres, including overnight care. 

Venture Capital Investment in Alberta
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued a statement in response to the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association annual report. 

The Canada-Alberta Job Grant helps to cover training expenses for existing employees and new hires. If you are hiring and training an unemployed Albertan, up to 100% of training costs could be covered, up to $15,000 per trainee. More information.
 
Careers Next Gen Youth Internship Incentive Program
Youth Internship Incentive Program is designed to increase the number of
employers supporting work-integrated learning internships in trades and
technologies. Funding options are $1000 for 125 hours to -$3,600 for 480 hours.
 
WCB Return to Work Training on the Job
This program is designed to help employers bring a new employee into a position. As part of the TOJ program, we will reimburse a percentage of the salary you pay your new employee while they learn the new job. More information.
 
How to Support the Mental Health of Your Essential Workers
Advocacy In Action
Letter to the Premier
We contacted the Premier to stress the importance of clarity of information and data used to make decisions, the increasing need for mental health supports in our community and ensuring that there is adequate funding to help support businesses hit hard by the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty it has created.
Navigating the World of Legal Services Can Be Overwhelming: Know Your Options
Spend an interactive hour with Serena discussing accessible, affordable legal services for all. After this event, you will be able to maximize your legal coverage, without high hourly lawyer fees, secure profits, reduce risk, and explore new ways to empower your personal life, your business, and your employees. Ultimately, having the peace of mind that you are protected day and night.
Save the Date for Upcoming Events!
Virtual Networking @ Night - April 2021

Virtual Purezair Workshop - May 4, 2021

Virtual Networking @ Night - May 2021

Virtual Chamber of Commerce AGM - May 26, 2021

Airdrie Business Awards: Nominations Open - June 1, 2021

Virtual Annual State of the City with Mayor Brown - June 8, 2021

Virtual Rural Women in Business Conference in partnership with the Crossfield Chamber of Commerce - June 16, 2021

20th Annual Chamber Golf Classic - August 13, 2021

Picnic in the Park - September 2021

Exhibitor Event - September 2021 (If permitted in Step 4 of "The Path Forward")

Airdrie Business Awards Gala - October 21, 2021

Christmas Luncheon - December 2021

We will continue to notify our members when event registration is available. Be sure to check our events calendar for regular updates.
Right for Your Business Voucher Program
Airdrie's Right for Your Business Voucher Program offers up to $2,000 in financial aid to pay for critical advisors and business professionals to help your business survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Licensed, Airdrie commercial and home-based, Airdrie Chamber of Commerce members who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and count on their business as their primary source of income may apply to provide their services through this program. Preference will be given to those who are currently impacted by the Provincial Health restrictions.
Applications are now open.

You are not alone in this – the Economic Development team are committed to keeping businesses supported and informed. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Economic Development at 403.948.8844 or [email protected] with questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Downtown Plan Feedback Needed
Dream a Little Dream...

Thanks to community and business input, the City of Airdrie has completed a draft Downtown Plan and now it’s time to tell the City what you think of the draft plan and the vision that it sets for Airdrie’s downtown.
 
Visit www.airdrie.ca/downtown to view the draft plan and check back often for updates to frequently asked questions. To share your feedback or ask questions, please email [email protected].
Help Shape ACC Advocacy!
Online Webinars
Anyone Can Be a Victim: How to Protect Your Business with TD: March 30

Employment Standards: March 31

Applied Research: Supporting a Business-led Recovery, with Polytechnics Canada: April 1

Beyond Paris: Greening Canada's Transportation Technology: April 7

Disability 101: Supporting Employees with Disabilities During the Pandemic: April 14

Engage and Grow - Marketing: April 14

Grant Writing 101: April 20

ACCPA 2021 Virtual Conference: Local & International Perspectives In Community Safety and Well-Being: May 10-13

Mawandonan Consulting online workshops
Value Added Savings!
Succession Planning for Your Business
Succession planning - it’s always a good time to think about the future of your business or non-profit organization. Community Futures has put together a variety of resources for you - single and masterclass workshops (exit planning, selling your business) as well as a special series focused on passing a business to a family member. We even have resources to help sell your business if you are ready.

Upcoming:
  • Exit Planning Introductory Series (4 sessions) Spring session starts April 8

  • Drafting Your Exit Plan (4 session masterclass) Spring session start June 3 (prerequisite – Exit Planning Introductory Series)

  • Selling Your Business (4 session masterclass) Spring session start June 3 (prerequisite – Exit Planning Introductory Series)

  • Family Business Transition – Core Class Series (6 classes) Spring session starts April 8

Community Futures Centre West has partnered with 7 additional Community Futures offices throughout southern Alberta to provide a Succession Planning and Matching Program to rural businesses.

The project has been made possible by the Rural Opportunities Fund, which is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD). The Rural Opportunities Fund supports community economic development projects and business retention initiatives, including community resiliency projects and business retention initiatives such as succession planning for small business owners.

The Succession Planning Project will address the need for succession planning and education resources within our rural business communities. To accomplish this, we have partnered with SuccessionMatching, the Alberta Business Family Institute, and Commercial Ventures to deliver a series of workshops and access to resources.

The Program will provide for profit and not for profit businesses access to training and resources to prepare their business with a succession plan. There is a variety of options and training to choose from to assist in family, employee or outside buyer succession plans.

Businesses currently up for sale and needing additional supports to attract a buyer can participate in the matching program offered by SuccessionMatching. Sellers can obtain a coupon valued at $2,000 to list their business for sale with SuccessionMatching a cost of $25.
Breaking Barriers Employment Program
Breaking Barriers is an 18-week skill building and employment readiness program designed to support youth 15-30 as they endeavour to find full time employment or return to school. This program is funded by Service Canada through the Youth Employment Skills Strategy.
 
The program begins with 6 weeks of Employment Skills Training. Participants spend 30 hours weekly at the Boys & Girls Club of Airdrie youth centre where they cover employment-related topics and obtain helpful certifications.
 
The second portion of the program is a 12-week Quality Employment Opportunity in which participants are placed with a local business for twelve weeks of work experience. The work experience portion is 37.5 hours per week, for which youth are also paid. BGCA will compensate employers for this time at a rate of $15.00 per hour; employers are only required to pay the standard employer payroll contributions such as EI, CPP and Vacation Pay.
 
The goal is to create a mutually beneficial opportunity where participants earn work experience, training and income and employers get extra help and support at their business for a greatly reduced cost. The Breaking Barriers team works with participants to understand their barriers and current skills levels along with the types of job roles and work experience that they are interested in. With that information, they work to match youth with a business where they will thrive.
 
The goal for Breaking Barriers participants is that they will either retain employment with their Employment Opportunity placement, use their skills and new experience to find meaningful employment on their own, or return to school to pursue future career options.

Email for more info: [email protected]
Meet Our New Members!
Airdrie Home Watch Services
(587) 999-2424
Brockway's Automotive
(403) 837-9242
Canon Canada Inc
(403) 717-2900
Darcelly Consulting Inc.
(403) 615-4446
Team Pawluk - LegalShield Independent Associates
(587) 435-6425
Little Sleep Coach
(403) 404-4438
LPM Enterprises Ltd
(403) 477-7254
Moonlight Productions Canada
(403) 392-6311
Purezair Ltd
(403) 710-1263
Trilink Builders LTD and Prism Interiors Ltd
(403) 242-6121
Members in Motion
We continue to meet with our members safely in different ways! Stay tuned for photos each month as your Chamber is in motion meeting our members.

Book your member visit in person, via ZOOM, or over the phone by emailing us today! [email protected]
New Member Spotlight
Welcome Melcor Developments to the Airdrie Chamber

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Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
102, 150 Edwards Way NW
Airdrie, AB T4B 4B9
403. 948.4412