Thank you for supporting the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce! This WEEKLY email highlights information and updates from our Chamber, the Alberta and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, our municipal, provincial, and federal government partners, and more.
Be sure to watch for our weekly Member Marketplace newsletter on Thursdays featuring sales, promotions, accomplishments, events, and general awareness of our membership. Email tom@gpchamber.com for info.
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SUSTAINABILITY / ESG: Telling Your Sustainability Story
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce and ARC Resources Ltd. invite you to a webinar "Sustainability / ESG: Telling Your Sustainability Story" on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 1:00 PM via Zoom. There is no cost to participate but you must register to receive the Zoom link.
The agenda will include:
- Welcome and Introductions
- Overview/update on merger between 7G/ARC
- Recap of ESG/Sustainability
- Overview of ESG reporting
- ESG reporting frameworks
- ESG ratings
- Measurement
- Case studies/project examples
- Communication strategies, platforms and analytics
- Q&A
- Close
Our guest speaker is Marie Jurcevic, supported by Cindy Park and Kristen Schmidt from ARC Resources.
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The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grande Prairie have teamed up to deliver highly tailored instructional workshops to support current business needs in a virtual series called Serving Up Knowledge. The goal of each session is for business leaders or owners to leave with a skillset or ability to action the topic that is covered.
Our next session is Boost Your Brand with Canva presented by Image Design on Thursday, April 22 at 10:00 AM.
Learn to use the Canva app for easier, faster, marketing solutions that you can do yourself.
No cost to participate but registration is required to receive Zoom link.
MORE UPCOMING SESSIONS:
April 29 - Yes, We're Open for Business (and How to Make Sure Everyone Knows!) presented by Argyle at 10:00 AM REGISTER HERE
May 6 - Psychological First Aid for Businesses and Employers presented by Alberta Health Services at 10:00 AM REGISTER HERE
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CHAMBER COFFEE BREAK
The next Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffee Break for members is Friday, April 23 at 10:00 AM.
These virtual networking events take place every second Friday and offer an opportunity for our members to meet or reconnect online.
The informal event is intended to be a light-hearted discussion including ice-breaker introductions, questions of the day, and current news topics of interest.
For more information, contact our office by phone at 780-532-5340 or email cindy@gpchamber.com. |
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Alberta’s Future: A Virtual Conversation with Rachel Notley
Our province is in the midst of a generational economic shift as we face the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we look ahead to the post-pandemic recovery, it’s time for Albertans to come together to overcome the economic challenges we face as a province. On Tuesday, April 27 at 12:00 PM, join Rachel Notley for a conversation about how we can create a new economic strategy and build a more resilient and diversified economy in Grande Prairie and across the province.
No cost to participate but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
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Alberta Health Services is hosting a virtual COVID-19 community conversation for North Zone Chambers of Commerce and businesses on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 3:00-4:30 PM. Following an update by North Zone Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kathryn Koliaska on the status of COVID-19 in Alberta and AHS’ response - including vaccine safety, she and Shane Hussey, North Zone director of environmental public health will answer questions from participants.
Please feel free to submit any questions you may have when you register, or email them to Community.Engagement@ahs.ca with the subject line "North Zone". This will help us to design a presentation that reflects your key concerns.
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The Government of Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation and the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce invite you to a virtual presentation of Alberta's Economic Recovery Plan on Tuesday, May 4 at 2:30 PM.
Minister Doug Schweitzer will be speaking on Alberta’s Recovery Plan and the look ahead for our economy. At a high level, the Minister will address Alberta's plan to grow our existing sectors and expand into new industries. Additionally, the Minister will discuss the government's plan to attract investment to Alberta and support a strong economy post-pandemic. For more information, see https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/alberta-recovery-plan.pdf .
There's no cost to participate but registration is required to receive the Zoom link. REGISTER HERE
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Contact our office for more information on the Partnership Plan:
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Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Hosting Free Drive-In Movie Event to Honor Local Volunteers
Area municipalities are showing their appreciation to volunteers in the community with a free drive-in movie event on April 23 and 24 brought to you by their Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) departments.
The event is open to all residents in the region who have volunteered in some capacity at any organization over the past year. Volunteers can register for their ticket at https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/grande-sunset-theatre-8487141008. Registration is free and only requires indicating which organization(s) the attendee has volunteered for.
The event is being screened at dusk at Evergreen Park’s Grande Sunset Theatre and features the movies Hotel For Dogs and Instant Family. Gates open at 9 p.m. and movies begin at 9:30 p.m.
Limited tickets are available.
Volunteers are welcome to bring their families with them, however as it is a drive-in movie event, there is a restriction of seatbelt capacity per vehicle and attendees must remain in their cars during the movies.
A food truck will be on site or volunteers may bring their own snacks. Volunteers must watch the film from their trucks. They can leave for washroom and to purchase food.
FCSS teams in the City, County, Beaverlodge, Wembley, Sexsmith, Hythe, and Municipal District of Greenview are proud to collaborate on this appreciation event to thank volunteers for continued efforts to make communities in the region better places to live.
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County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network
presents Todd Hirsch: Four Economic Rules to Unlearn - and what it means for Alberta in 2021
Please join the County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network on May 4, 2021 for guest speaker, Todd Hirsch, Vice-President and Chief Economist for ATB, as he talks about Four Economic Rules to Unlearn... and what it means for Alberta in 2021.
As with most things in life, economic dogma is full of "truths" that many of us accept unconditionally. But as we move through the pandemic, some of our old ways of thinking about the economy need to be challenged. What does this mean for Alberta in the second half of 2021? And what can we expect next?
CGPBSN partners: Community Futures Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, Grande Prairie Regional College, Grande Prairie Regional Tourism, Peace Wapiti School Division, TLR Enterprises, Western Cree Tribal Council.
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Pilot Project - Service Excellence Blue Pin Program
The County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network is excited to offer a brand-new customer service certification program through Grande Prairie Regional College.
Customer service in your business is a major factor in keeping loyal staff who enjoy their work. During these exception economic times, having the staff who excel at customer service may mean the difference between keeping repeat customers and closing the doors on your business.
The Service Excellence Blue Pin Certificate is an employee retention strategy that focuses on training and customer service skills to front line professionals, management and supervisory staff. Providing the tools to your staff to provide exceptional customer service helps your workforce perform as a team and give awesome experiences to customers.
Participants will receive a certificate and lapel pin to signify completion of this program and participating businesses will receive door signage showing involvement in this customer service excellence program.
Funding for 100 participants (75 front line, 25 managerial/supervisory) is available through the County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network (BSN) for Employers looking to certify their Front Line and/or Management Staff and for unemployed or underemployed Albertans looking to further enhance their customer service career opportunities by completing the entire Customer Service Excellence Blue Pin program.
Funding for the certification program is made possible by grant funding from Alberta Labour and Immigration and the Destination Marketing Fund.
Please note that in an effort to support businesses of all sizes, larger organizations may be limited to the number of employees eligible for funding.
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During the session, President and CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS), Dr. Verna Yiu, and her team will be sharing the AHS 10-year vision and key priorities for health care in Alberta. Click on the image for registration. |
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Do you want to help recharge first responders, essential workers and volunteers in your community in under a minute at no cost to anyone?
On April 21, 2021, the Invest In You Today team is doing a 100% free Virtual Excellence Summit for essential workers, first responders and volunteers. You are invited to take one minute to share the link to this learning experience with the essential workers, first responders and volunteers in your world.
Together, we can help recharge up to 1,000 first responders, essential workers and volunteers on Wednesday, April 21, 2021!
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Are your leaders performing at their best or could they use some new tools to lead more effectively in the 2021 hybrid normal?
From the team that brought you the ACC Disney Excellence Summit…next month we bring you:
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The #1 Business In Leadership Training
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The World’s Most Influential Leadership Expert's Top Trainer
Investing in leadership skills is paramount to your personal and company’s success.
Recharge your leadership for every area of your life at less than $1 per work day. This special event at this price will not happen again. Over 68% sold out.
If you are a restaurant or gym owner and/or restaurant or gym employee in our community - your May 4-6 Leadership Excellence Summit Ticket is ON US. 'Be Our Guest' Disney Style.
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ACC statement on Federal Budget 2021
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UCA Presentation
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce was joined on their weekly network call by Chris Hunt, Executive Director, and Wayne Coristine, Consumer Education & Engagement Specialist, from the Utilities Consumer Advocate. They presented and took questions on the role of the UCA and tools and resources available to electricity and natural gas consumers.
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More COVID recovery aid for Alberta’s small businesses
The Alberta government is offering small businesses affected by the most recent public health orders another payment of up to $10,000 from the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG).
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Proposed Government of Alberta legislation
Bill 67, the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act would repeal and replace the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act to make the system more flexible, reduce red tape and give Alberta’s workforce new tools to meet emerging challenges.
If passed, Bill 64, the Public Lands Amendment Act, 2021, will enable the government to collect fees for recreation on public lands. In turn, this investment would go directly back into improving visitor experience while conserving and maintaining public land.
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Alberta signs small modular nuclear reactor MOU
Alberta has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan to support the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
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Update on Enbridge Line 5
April 15, Parliamentarians affirm importance of Line 5 pipeline for Canada and U.S.; call for urgent executive action to keep Line 5 operating. The House of Commons Special Committee Study Line 5 has issued its report and recommendations. All parties of the Special Committee unanimously agree, “that the Government of Canada’s efforts designed to ensure that Line 5 remains in operation are vital”.
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Small Business Hub
Statistics Canada has created a new data resource for entrepreneurs in Canada: the Small Business Hub. Created with new and existing business owners in mind, this toolkit provides members of the Canadian business community with population data and insights to help better understand the small business landscape. The Small Business Hub equips Canadian business owners with user-friendly and accessible resources to inform the planning, execution and maintenance of their enterprise.
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Federal Budget 2021 Support for Small Business
From the Government of Canada:
Budget 2021 is a plan to make targeted investments in Canada's businesses so they can hire and train Canada's workers, who will then have more money to spend, spurring our recovery and growing an economy with more opportunities for everyone. It is a plan to help our businesses, especially small businesses, adopt new technologies.
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Share your thoughts on labour protections in Canada before April 30
To ensure that labour protections keep up with the rapid pace of change, the Government has launched an online consultation to better understand:
• the experiences of gig workers in federally regulated sectors, including those who work through digital platforms like delivery or freelance applications; and
• how federally regulated workers could benefit from a “right to disconnect” policy.
The consultation will be open until April 30, 2021.
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AWE’s Bold Leadership Program now accepting applications for May
In May, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs will host the third cohort of Bold Leadership, an in-depth program led by experts to help women entrepreneurs increase their digital competence, learn essential leadership skills, and actually implement one area of their digital strategy.
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Save The Date:
Tourism Webinar in partnership with ATB and MNP
April 22, 2021 @ 3 pm MDT
Tune in on April 22 at 3 pm MDT for an Alberta Chambers of Commerce-hosted Tourism Webinar, presented in partnership with ATB and MNP.
With economic uncertainty continuing in Alberta, ATB and MNP have partnered to create a comprehensive content series aimed at deepening insights around the challenges and opportunities of post-pandemic recovery first discussed at The Alberta Economic Recovery Summit.
This ACC-hosted webinar will focus on Alberta's tourism sector and will feature a panel of industry experts. More details to follow!
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Webinar invitation: GST/HST registration
What you need to know if you provide taxable goods and services
The Canada Revenue Agency is hosting a free webinar to help businesses determine when and how to register for a GST/HST account. Topics to be discussed in the webinar include:
- what GST/HST is
- provincial and territorial GST/HST rates
- who needs to have a GST/HST account and how to get one
- taxable supplies
- GST/HST obligations
- GST/HST returns, filing deadlines, and payments due dates
This webinar is for you if you’re a:
- business owner
- self-employed individual
The webinar is on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 8:00 AM in French (Register now) and at 11:00 AM in English (Register now)
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OHS Code review engagement: Minister Copping
Minister of Labour and Immigration Jason Copping issued a statement on the public engagement for the Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code) review. Albertans are encouraged provide their input through an online survey, which is open until May 10.
New resources:
Updated resources:
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Canadian Chamber Budget 2021 analysis: many positives for business resilience and recovery, but managing fiscal uncertainty will be critical
Canada’s largest business association says today’s budget had many positives for businesses as they look to adapt and exit the pandemic, but our longer-term economic health will depend on the government managing debt and deficits.
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Workplace Recovery and Accelerating Vaccine Deployment: What Business Needs from Government
Since Canada’s reopening success relies on governments at all levels, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has produced recommendations on where we need governments to act quickly to accelerate our recovery. This includes:
- Improving public health frameworks.
- Supporting rapid testing and allowing businesses to stay open if they have the right measures in place.
- Accelerating vaccine deployment, including a focus on essential workers, and leveraging the private sector’s expertise for vaccine clinic logistics.
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VACCINE RESOURCE HUB
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Vaccine Resource Hub provides businesses with a one-stop-shop to help in building vaccine confidence amongst their team. This includes practical guidance for how employers can speak with their employees about vaccinations.
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WORKPLACE RECOVERY TOOLKIT
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Workplace Recovery Toolkit includes the latest information and best practices for businesses to operate safely.
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Email info@gpchamber.com|Phone 780-532-5340 | Fax 780-532-2926
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