August E-Newsletter Sponsored by

First & Main Financial

In This Issue

Upcoming Chamber Events
Advocacy in Action
Government News
Grants & Funding
Business Resources

Featured Perk (Savings!)
Value Added Discount Programs (Savings!)
Members in Motion
Member News, Events & Opportunities

Upcoming Chamber Events

Over 80% Sold! Don't miss out!

24th Annual Chamber Golf Classic

Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

Woodside Golf Course, Airdrie

Click Here for More Information

View Full Events Calendar

Advocacy in Action

Alberta Chambers of Commerce

Wildfire updates

Alberta wildfires have burned over 670,000 hectares this year. As of July 24, there are 55 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, including 13 that are out of control, 10 being held, and 32 under control.

The federal government is investing $11.7 million over four years to establish the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada—a national hub to accelerate innovation, knowledge-sharing, and preparedness in wildfire prevention and response.

Learn more

Join the Ready Rating Program FREE

Business Resiliency Resources

Alberta Wildfires Status Dashboard

June labour force survey

Alberta led the country in job creation in June, adding over 51,000 full-time positions and bringing the province’s unemployment rate below the national average.

Recent research from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce reveals 67% of businesses reported that staffing shortages are directly impacting their ability to meet demand—highlighting the urgent need for workforce solutions.

Learn more

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Building Trouble: How U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Construction Materials Are Pricing Out the American Dream | Read the analysis

How to Grow Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Industry | Policy Matters

2025 International Missions

Now more than ever, global partnerships matter. That’s why we’re leading three high-impact international missions in 2025 — giving Canadian businesses direct access to decision-makers, industry leaders and new markets.

London, UK | October 14–16, 2025: Explore innovation and trade opportunities as the Canada–UK relationship enters a new chapter.

Washington, D.C. | October 28–29, 2025: Ahead of the 2026 CUSMA review, join key conversations shaping the future of North American trade.

South Africa | November 18–20, 2025: Be part of the 2025 B20 Summit and help shape global economic priorities through the G20 business forum.

Government News

Provincial

Enhancing trade corridors in the Pacific Northwest | Learn more

Alberta and Yukon expand economic and labour market cooperation | Learn more

Advancing pipeline and infrastructure projects | Learn more

This initiative aligns with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce’s policy on Establishing a Pre-Approved Trade Corridor—supporting long-term economic growth, investor confidence, and interprovincial collaboration.

Affordable housing solutions for rural Alberta | Learn more

This aligns with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce’s policy, A Pathway to Fixing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Alberta

New funding for land conservation programs in Alberta | Applications are open until October 1, 2025.

Learn more

Private land conservation program

Ecosystem services grant program

Alberta Launches Fourteen Regional Health Councils | Learn more

Alberta's Heritage Fund reaches new heights | Learn more

Alberta to become first province to regulate health care aides | Learn more

Boosting health care access in rural Alberta | Learn more | Rural and Remote Physician Bursary This investment supports better access to care across rural Alberta and aligns with ACC's Access to Physicians and Licensed Health Care Professionals Supports Rural Economic Development policy.

Alberta calls for immigration policy reform | Learn more

Supporting newcomer integration to fill labour gaps | Learn more

Alberta invests in Next-Gen innovators | Learn more

$125 million investment to restore Alberta forests | Learn more

Federal

New Interim policy on Reciprocal Procurement | Learn more

Federal pre-budget consultations | Learn more | Share your input before August 28, 2025

Temporary employment insurance adjustments | Learn more

Business Resources

Grants & Funding

Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (replacing Canada Summer Job Grant) | Learn more

RBC Joins BDC’s $800M Business Accelerator Loan Program | Learn more

FCC AgriSpirit Fund now open | Learn more

Up to $5M available for AI project costs | Learn more

AWE Loan Programs for Women-Owned Businesses | Learn more

ATB Entrepreneur Center | Learn more

Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant | Up to $30,000 | Deadline: October 31, 2026

Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain Program | Up to $150,000

Tourism Student Work Placement Program | Up to $7,000

Resources

Amplifying manufacturing voices - Workforce pulse | Share your insights

Expand Your Global Reach in Bogotá | Deadline to apply: Friday, August 8, 2025 | Apply here

Red tape consultations | Submit your feedback by August 15, 2025

Have Your Say on Bill C-2 | Submit your feedback by August 15, 2025

Buy Local Alberta Toolkit - download the free made-in Alberta toolkit

Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker – Track trade trends and disruptions.

EMC Trade Relations Tracker – Collaborate on trade solutions for manufacturers.

Understanding CUSMA compliance - New resources from Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)

F.U.N. (Flexible Upskilling Network) Program

This program is funded by the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Skills Strategy where your offered pre-trained, pre-qualified talent to join your team. Such benefits include:

Generous wage subsidy: Receive $2,408 per candidate to cover an 8-week internship, helping offset initial hiring costs.
Dedicated onboarding assistance: For 8 weeks, Prepr’s team will be on hand to monitor progress and address any challenges, ensuring seamless integration and valued support (a $2,500 benefit!).
Extended platform access: Enjoy 3 months of free access to Prepr’s Workforce Development Platform for up to 150 employees (valued at $5,000!), providing your team with resources to continue their professional growth and stay engaged.

Click Here for More Information

Support Local Youth & Grow Your Team

BGC Airdrie is seeking local businesses to partner in our Breaking Barriers Employment Program. Provide 7 weeks of subsidized work experience to motivated youth aged 15–30 and help shape the next generation of workers, all while adding value to your business. Breaking Barriers provides paid training and work experience for young adults (ages 15-30) facing barriers to gain employability skills and work experience. Our participants engage in a 6-week Group-Based Employability Skills training and then are placed in a 7 – week work placement in the community. Service Canada subsidizes the wages of the participants for a minimum wage of $15.00 an hour for 37.5 hours per week. Work placements are only responsible for paying their portion of CPP, EI, and vacation pay. During a work placement, participants build skills, follow their passion, and plan for the future.

Interested in partnering with us? Please contact Jade at jchurches@bgcairdrie.com or Camryn at cmccabe@bgcairdrie.com

Click Here for More Information

Click Here for More Business Resources

Value Added Discount Program

HR SOLUTIONS

Get an exclusive 15% discount when you sign up for access to 24/7 employer advice, HR, and health & safety support for your business.

• Start getting advice today

• Meet with consultants one-on-one to discuss your business (online or in person)

• Access to complimentary events and webinars

• Help with HR and health & safety to keep your business thriving

Bob Condon, Lead Business Consulting Manager

Phone/Text: (403) 966-0093

Email: bob.condon@peninsula-ca.com

Access Member Benefits Here

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Support local (& Canadian) and save money!

Featured Perk:

15% off on Bridal alterations over $250

*See perk for more details.

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Member News

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Upcoming Member Events

Amazing Airdrie Women Awards - Nominations Open! | airdrielife magazine | Learn more

July 9 - August 11 | Virtual Silent Auction | Volunteer Airdrie | Online | Learn more

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Member Spotlight

Airdrie Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting

Did you know?

• Hail damage is “No Fault.” It’s covered under your comprehensive insurance, and making a claim will not raise your premiums. You only pay your deductible ($500–$1,000).

• You choose your repair shop – not your insurance company. Alberta consumer law protects you. Your insurance company can recommend their “preferred vendors,” but they cannot require you to use them or threaten extra costs. Airdrie MAACO bills insurance companies directly, and you will never pay more than your deductible.

• Hail impacts vehicle value. If you lease or trade in your vehicle, unrepaired damage can cost you thousands.

• You have 2 years to file a claim from the date of the hailstorm.

Why Choose Airdrie MAACO?

✔ Faster turnaround than most body shops

✔ Certified technicians & Class A insurance repairs

✔ 100% locally owned & operated (and a proud chamber member since 2016!)– supporting Airdrie jobs, families & community.

At Airdrie MAACO Collision, our expert Paintless Dent Repair technicians and body specialists restore your vehicle to pre-hail condition.