How COVID-19 Has Impacted Our Team
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In the recent weeks, we have seen the significant impact of COVID-19 on financial markets, vulnerable industries, the health care system and in our own communities. We are living through an unprecedented time together yet apart from family, friends and our neighbours. It is surreal. That is the only way I can describe it; surreal.
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Katalin - Policy and Communications
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COVID-19 is intangible. We hear the stats everyday, and yet, somehow, it’s hard to grasp what it all means. Thankfully, the numbers in Medicine Hat have remained low and we can feel a bit removed from this pandemic.
But for me COVID-19 is personal and very real. My dad is in long term care in Calgary in a facility that declared a COVID outbreak on April 8th. There have been 26 residents and 16 staff infected. 7 have recovered, which is wonderful, but 7 residents have lost their lives due to COVID. So now those numbers aren’t just numbers. Now they mean someone in a family just like mine has lost someone they love.
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Province Unveils Phased Relaunch Plans
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Information For Individuals
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Changes to CERB Eligibility for Self-Employed Workers
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Previously, self-employed individuals could not earn more than $1000 in employment income. This has now been specified that business owners “should consider their net pre-tax income (gross income less expenses)” in calculating their earnings for the CERB. Those who pay themselves through dividends are also now eligible for CERB as long as the dividends are non-eligible dividends. Find more information through the Q & A resource on CERB
here
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Information For Community
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Province Releases New Modelling Data
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The Government of Alberta has introduced a new “low” modelling scenario. If current trends continue, this scenario will become the most likely scenario for Alberta.
Updated modelling scenarios
continue to estimate that Alberta’s outbreak will reach its peak in late May.
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As the province has been focusing on relaunching, we have been too. We've been working hard to make sure that the business community is prepared and government is aware of how they can best assist during this process. In the last week, we've been on calls with Minsters, the Chamber network and affected businesses.
- Getting Canadians back to work
- Keeping supply chains moving
- Managing debts and deficits
- Navigating global fragmentation
- Adopting technology and innovation
- Ensuring a resilient Resource sector
- Planning for small and medium business continuity
- Strengthening our public health infrastructure
- Rethinking government's role and priorities
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Business Beat: The Impact of COVID-19 on Small Business and What the Chamber Is Doing To Help
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Over 96% of businesses in our region are small businesses and through provincial survey data, over 50% of businesses had to lay off employees, with the same number having used up most of their cash reserves. There are concerns about mid- to long-term impact, particularly with an extended shut down and slow recovery. For 70% of businesses, their revenues have declined by 25% or more, with 35% seeing declines of 75% up to 100%.
There are 87% who have indicated they are somewhat likely or very likely to continue operating after the outbreak is over and we want to try to increase that percentage for our region as much as possible. Businesses have stated they want Government to focus on forgivable or interest free loans, in addition to making operating grants available and reducing taxes, in addition to other measures.
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We are currently looking for energetic, enthusiastic and progressive Board members who have a desire to sustain and grow a strong business environment in our community.
We encourage individuals who are interested in becoming involved in the Chamber of Commerce to volunteer by sitting on a committee or task force as a way to gain experience and become familiar with our organization and our mandate prior to becoming a Board of Director.
If you are interested in putting your name forward you’ll need to be a
- member in good standing for a minimum of two years,
- free of any conflict of interest
- willing and able to attend board meetings.
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Re-launch Safely
May 7, 2020
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Business Growth During & After
COVID-19
May 7, 2020
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To Pivot or Not to Pivot? FAQ about adapting your business
May 7, 2020
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Support Local Page
Send us
your hours of operation and promotions.
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Join
for supports and information on Facebook
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Know the guidelines for your business
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With limited interactions outside our homes we've had to work hard at staying connected. Our businesses have also had to adjust how they reach out to their customers. Messaging and communications is more important than ever and so many businesses have stepped up to the plate and become more effective at reaching out and into the community.
Join us and our award sponsor,
Sandfly Marketing, in recognizing businesses that have shown creativity and innovative ways to get the word out about who they are, what they do and the value they offer to our community. Is there a business that you know of that has done an exceptional job and upped their marketing game? Recognize their great work by
nominating them today for our
Marketing Award!
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All nominations are also forwarded to the Alberta Chamber's Business Awards of Distinction.
Click here
to see this year's finalists including Greg's Drugs Ltd, QinetiQ Target Systems Canada, Mavericks Baseball Club, Being Human Services, and LimeLitez Dance Academy representing Medicine Hat!
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Are you aware of the safety measures that will need to be in place at your business?
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Find more updates on our social media
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#InThisTogether #YXH2gether #COVID19AB #FlattentheCurve #AlbertaCares
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