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July Mid-Month E-Newsletter Sponsored by
First & Main Group Benefits Inc.
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- Hot Topic
- Upcoming Chamber Events
- Advocacy in Action
- Government News
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- Business Resources, Grants & Funding
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Value Added Discount Programs (Savings!)
- Chamber Perks App
- Member News, Events & Opportunities
| | Help Shape Airdrie’s Future – Youth Voices Needed! | | | | |
Youth Photovoice Project (Ages 15–24)
Do you employ or work with youth ages 15–24? This is a great opportunity to encourage them to have their voices heard while making a real impact in our community.
The City of Airdrie is developing a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to create a safer, more supportive community—and they’re looking for youth to share their perspectives through photos!
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What’s Involved?
Youth participants will take 5–8 photos (using any device) that reflect their experiences in Airdrie.
Why It Matters
These photos will highlight what’s working well in Airdrie, share youth perspectives on safety and belonging and help shape real solutions for a stronger, safer community.
Bonus Incentive
Participants will be entered to win 1 of 10 $100 gift cards!
Help Spread the Word!
If you employ or interact with youth, we encourage you to share this opportunity!
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Nominations Close July 31st for the 28th Annual Airdrie Regional Business Awards
Help us recognize the businesses, non-profits, and leaders who make the Airdrie region stronger!
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Airdrie Regional Business Awards, featuring 12 award categories, including two new awards: Home-Based Business of the Year and Business Leader Under 40.
Nominations are open until July 27, 2026, and self-nominations are welcome.
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Register Today!
25th Annual Chamber Golf Classic: 2000s Edition
presented by ASAP Windows & Doors
Tuesday, August 11th, 2026
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Woodside Golf Course, Airdrie
Join us for a milestone celebration of one of our most anticipated networking events. This year, we’re bringing the fun full circle with a throwback to where it all started; the early 2000s!
| | The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is a federation of 108 community-based chambers of commerce representing more than 20,000 job creators. | | Alberta Chambers of Commerce | | | | |
Business impacts ahead of Alberta referendum
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) continues to serve as a leading voice for Alberta’s business community, providing research-driven insights and advocating for the conditions businesses need to invest, grow, and create jobs. Through a recent media release, opinion editorial, and Alberta Referendum resource page, ACC has highlighted findings showing that separation-related uncertainty is already influencing business planning, investment decisions, workforce growth, and competitiveness across the province. As Alberta approaches the October referendum, ACC encourages businesses and stakeholders to stay informed by exploring these resources for key research, analysis, and business perspectives.
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Investments follows stability. Uncertainty has a measurable cost.
This fall, Albertans will vote on whether or not to start the legal process to hold a binding provincial referendum on separating from Canada.
The St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce is a politically independent organization and does not adopt views or policies for or against any political party.
However, the Chamber can and does adopt positions concerning political or economic issues of concern, as stated in our bylaws.
This is the Chamber's position with regards to the referendum as approved by the Board of Directors:
"Investors do not respond to announcements. They respond to predictability. The longer Alberta operates inside an unsettled policy environment, the more capital sits on the sidelines or moves elsewhere."
Stability is the precondition for everything else the chamber wants to see in Alberta; capital deployment, hiring, regional investments, and improved productivity. The current environment is already imposing measurable costs on Alberta employers, and those costs compound the longer the uncertainty persists.
While the grievances driving public discourse around the referendum are real, the solutions are ultimately economic. As we approach October, it is vital to recognize that prolonged political uncertainty creates a measurable drag on our local economy.
Currently, 28% of Alberta businesses report that political conditions are already impacting their operations—a significant increase in less than a year. This uncertainty has real-world consequences for Albertans:
• Stalled Investment: Among businesses impacted by political uncertainty, 46% have already delayed, scaled back, or cancelled major investments.
• Reduced Confidence: 41% of these businesses report a decline in investor or lender confidence.
• Workforce Impact: Uncertainty is the single most cited reason (54%) for employers slowing their workforce growth.
The Chamber’s focus remains firmly on the economic file. Constitutional questions do not bring capital into Alberta; predictability and competitiveness do. Albertans are looking for a clear path forward that delivers market access and a regulatory environment where businesses feel safe to invest and grow.
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Diversifying the province's economy is the top priority for Alberta businesses
Businesses continue to rank removing interprovincial trade barriers as their top priority (71%), while the public is increasingly focused on economic diversification, with support rising 11 points since 2024.
Read the full report
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Alberta business priorities
Our latest Alberta Perspectives research found that 87% of businesses believe it is important to resolve Alberta-specific trade issues with the U.S. and secure a tariff-free trade agreement, with 67% describing it as very or vitally important to Alberta's economy.
Businesses continue to rank removing interprovincial trade barriers as their top priority (71%), while the public is increasingly focused on economic diversification, with support rising 11 points since 2024.
What are Albertans saying?
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Share your tariff-related challenges
ACC partner EMC is gathering input from Alberta manufacturers experiencing tariff-related challenges. Employer feedback will help inform sector-specific workforce profiles, planning tools, and supports designed to strengthen Alberta's manufacturing sector.
If your organization has been impacted by tariffs, or you know another manufacturer that has, consider sharing your experience.
Participate now
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Alberta and Canada: Stronger Together
As we approach October’s referendum, it’s important to remember that Alberta is a valued and essential part of Canada’s future. And all parts of Canada are an essential part of theirs.
That's why we are launching the Alberta and Canada: Stronger Together Council, bringing together organizations from across the country to help keep the conversation focused on practical solutions, economic competitiveness and the shared prosperity that comes from a strong, united Canada.
Learn more about the council | Express your interest
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Canada reaffirms Alberta partnership on energy, investment and major projects | Learn more
$5.6 million announced to support black entrepreneurship in Alberta | Learn more
Support for strategic transmission infrastructure projects | Learn more
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Meta announces major technology investment in Alberta | Learn more
Federal investment supports growth and market access for Canada’s beef sector | Learn more
Workplace safety supports business performance | Learn more
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BDC: 4 online marketing mistakes holding your business back | Read article
BDC: 5 ways to improve efficiency in the age of AI | Read article
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Canada’s New Privacy Law Is Coming: What Bill C-36 Means for Your Business | Learn more
Canada lags behind the rest of the world both in foundational artificial intelligence (AI) knowledge and investment | Learn more
Navigating the future of business technology | Learn more
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Get Up to $5,000 in Wage Subsidies to Boost Your Business! Currently accepting applications for the Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 terms | Learn more
What's new for 2026-27: CanExport SMEs program | Learn more
Alberta Export Expansion Program | Learn more
Canada-Alberta Workforce Resilience Initiative | Learn more
Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund 2026 | Learn more
Scale AI helps companies enhance their AI-based products and services and provides support with go-to-market strategies to drive revenue growth. Over $13M is now available to support AI projects that drive real-world impact. | Learn more
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Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is the federal department that leads in building a strong, competitive Canadian economy by supporting business growth, innovation and community economic development across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
In 2024–25, PrairiesCan-funded projects created more than 12,600 jobs, strengthened nearly 8,500 small and medium-sized enterprises, and helped businesses achieve over $1.3 billion in revenue and $1 billion in export growth—leveraging our strengths to drive productivity, advance competitiveness, unlock investments, and grow a Prairie economy that works for everyone.
Learn more
| | Exclusive Member Discounts | | |
FUEL DISCOUNT
Realize significant savings, convenience, control, and security.
Canada’s largest fuel network is offering chamber members a SuperPass Account at 4 cents off/litre on gasoline and diesel and 25% off car washes. The SuperPass card is valid at retail and cardlock locations, providing significant savings.
Current Chamber SuperPass members should contact SuperPassWest@suncor.com with their account number and promotion details to receive this offer.
| | Have You Checked the Chamber Perks App Lately? | | | | |
New perks are added throughout the year, so don't miss out! Before your next lunch meeting, weekend getaway, or shopping trip, take a minute to browse the Chamber Perks App. You might discover a new local business or save on something you were already planning to buy.
Open the app today and see what's new like the summer fitness deals!
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10 Days of Stampede!! Yee-Haw!
The Airdrie Regional Chamber had a fantastic time celebrating Stampede season alongside our incredible business community! Over the past week, our team saddled up for a variety of member-hosted Stampede breakfasts, community celebrations, networking events, and western-themed gatherings including the TELUS Stampede Breakfast, the Canadian Chambers of Commerce Stampede Party, and the Airdrie Business Club's Diamonds & Dust Charity Golf Tournament, while also visiting members and community celebrations across the region.
From flipping pancakes and reconnecting with members to supporting local businesses and strengthening community partnerships, it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations that make our region so vibrant. A heartfelt thank you to every business, organization, volunteer, and sponsor who welcomed us and helped make this year's Stampede celebrations such a success. We loved seeing our business community come together and are already looking forward to next year!
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Access Your Chamber Newsletter and Events 24/7
Tap the My Chamber icon at the bottom of the app to access!
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"Joining the Airdrie Chamber has been a very good experience. Their events are well planned and organized. I have made many connections, affiliates, and friends. Have invited more than a few others as well. Cost effective too!"
~ Frank Hildebrandt, Indepentent Advisor
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Yamato Mart
Authentic Japanese products. Competitive prices. Delivered to your door.
Arisa Kakita & Baki Duman are the owners of Yamato Mart, an online retailer dedicated to making authentic Japanese products more accessible and affordable for customers across Canada. By operating without the overhead costs of a traditional retail storefront, they’re able to offer competitive pricing while maintaining a carefully curated selection of high-quality products imported from Japan.
Driven by a passion for Japanese craftsmanship and culture, Yamato Mart connects customers with authentic products that are often difficult to find locally. Their online-first approach makes shopping convenient, while their commitment to quality and value ensures an exceptional customer experience.
Whether you're discovering Japanese products for the first time or looking for trusted favourites, Yamato Mart offers a simple, affordable way to shop from the comfort of home.
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July 15 | Marketing for Hippies | Belief Re-patterning | Atlas Brewing, #100, 2000 Market Street SE, Airdrie, AB | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Learn more
July 18 | Senior's Expo | Frank Hildebrandt/Independent Advisor and Silver Circle | Cedarwood Station, 304 1 ave NW, Airdrie AB | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Learn more
July 18 | Christmas in July Craft Market | Century Downs Racetrack & Casino | 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County, AB | 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Learn more
July 18 | Plant BINGO | Blue Grass Garden Centre | 260130B Writing Creek Cres, Rocky View County, AB | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (SOLD OUT!) | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
July 18-19, 25-26 + every Saturday & Sunday in August | Farmer's Market | Blue Grass Garden Centre | 260130B Writing Creek Cres, Rocky View County, AB | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Learn more
July 22 | Rocky View County's 6th Annual Residents' Day | Rocky View County Hall, 262075 Rocky View Point, Rocky View County, AB | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Learn more
August 1 | Sweet Singles | Sweet Williams Co. | #3161, 2920 Kingsview Blvd SE, Airdrie, AB | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Learn more
August 15 | Women's Authentic You - Learn to Lead with Power and Presence (Part B) | The Sage Mustang | Rocky View County, 263133 Range Rd 290, Rocky View County, AB | 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Learn more
September 18 | Fundraiser | FAIM | Glitch Gaming Lounge, 127 Kingsview Blvd SE, Airdrie, AB | Currently looking for sponsors and or donations | Contact Linda Collins for more information
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Summer is flying by, but there's still plenty of time to make the most of your Chamber membership!
✔ Register for an upcoming event or the 25th Annual Chamber Golf Classic
✔ Take advantage of exclusive savings through the Chamber Perks App
✔ Stay connected for exciting opportunities and events coming this fall.
| | Thank you for being part of our Chamber community. We look forward to connecting with you soon! | | |
July Mid-Month E-Newsletter Sponsored by
First & Main Group Benefits Inc.
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