Together, We Are Stronger
Greetings!

The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is being used as the hub for business information and news for our region and we are asking businesses to direct their inquiries and question to us. If we don’t have the answers, we have contacts at every level of government through our network that we are reaching out to with questions and we are advocating to government with recommendations when we find gaps in supports and resources.

Here is an example of the types of questions our chamber network is advocating on.

The following question is from an Airdrie Chamber member regarding not qualifying for the $40,000 CEBA loan:

"I asked the question about the $20k minimum to qualify for the loan and one of the reasons was given as its intended for businesses with payroll and in need of operating funds to keep the lights on. There are many businesses out there that have other operating costs such as monthly brokerage or association fees but we do not qualify for the loan because we were paid in dividends. Can the program be modified to include people and companies that pay themselves in other ways than salary?"

Email us at  [email protected]  with your concerns today. We will forward your comments to provincial and federal chambers so that we can collectively advocate for you.

Together we are stronger,

Your Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
E-Newsletter Sponsor
Chambers Plan Response to COVID-19

It’s an understatement to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented our communities and businesses with unprecedented challenges. As a non-profit plan dedicated to supporting companies and their people, we are doing whatever we can to help our clients and their communities get through this time. The Chambers Plan COVID-19 Business Resource Centre has been created to give Canadian businesses the advice, tools, and latest updates to help get through this time. The resource centre is available for anyone to use, and we will be updating it every day with new articles, the latest news, and relevant webinars.

You do not need to be a Chambers Plan member to utilize this valuable resource .
Your Q & A Connection
Join the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce and City of Airdrie at 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 7th, 2020 for a virtual opportunity for Airdrie businesses to connect with Federal, Provincial and Municipal government representatives and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce to ask questions about COVID-19 business resources. 

Special Guests (please note this is subject to change)
  • Blake Richards, Member of Parliament Banff-Airdrie
  • Angela Pitt, MLA for Airdrie-East
  • Peter Guthrie, MLA Airdrie-Cochrane
  • Peter Brown, Mayor City of Airdrie
  • Ken Kolby, Alberta Chamber of Commerce President and C.E.O.

Registration Required. No Charge - Everyone welcome.
"Things That Are Open" Business Directory
The City of Airdrie launched a free online platform to promote businesses that are open during COVID-19. It features an interactive directory, good news-stories and an offer page to showcase how our businesses and organizations are serving their patrons during this challenging time.
COVID-19 Business Resources
Step-By-Step Guide: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Payments

The Canada Revenue Agency opened the application window for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) on April 27, with payments beginning on May 5. Employers may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 12 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to June 6, 2020.

Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Details Announced  

The Government of Canada announced it has reached an agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to provide rent relief for small businesses. The program will see tenants receive a 75% reduction in their rent payments for April, May and June.
The program is for small businesses, non-profits and charities that:
  • Pay less than $50,000 per month in rent.
  • Have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70% drop versus pre-COVID-19 revenues.
The program will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50% of the eligible rent payments. The loans will be forgiven if the property owner agrees to reduce the eligible small business tenants’ rent by at least 75% and agrees not to evict the tenant.
COVID-19 Community Information
Support for COVID-19 Research and Vaccine Development

The Prime Minister announced more than $1 billion in support of a national medical research strategy to fight COVID-19 that includes vaccine development, the production of treatments, and tracking of the virus. This new funding builds on the $275 million investment for coronavirus research and medical countermeasures announced in March. The Government of Canada will invest in new medical countermeasures to better understand COVID-19, and develop the infrastructure needed to fight the virus here in Canada.  Read more
Restarting the Economy
Joint statement by First Ministers for restarting the economy
 
Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the federal, provincial, and territorial governments have come together and agreed to a set of common principles for restarting the Canadian economy, based on shared understanding and appreciation of what science and experts are telling us. 
 
Canadian Chamber identifies five keys to reopening the economy
 
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Vice-President of Policy and Chief Economist, Trevin Stratton, issued a statement outlining five key considerations to help re-open the economy.
 
Share your thoughts on reopening Canada's economy

Alberta COVID-19 modelling data update
 
The Government of Alberta has introduced a new “low” modelling scenario estimating 298 Albertans will require hospitalization and 95 will require critical care when the virus reaches its peak. If current trends continue, this scenario will become the most likely scenario for Alberta.  
Advocacy in Action
WINS
  • Tax deferrals and flexibility on remittance payments
  • Wage subsidies
  • Access to credit and capital
  • Rental and lease supports
  • Additional income support options versus just deferrals and loans
  • Expansion of lay-off rules
  • Defining essential businesses, including agriculture, along with guidelines for essential businesses and non-essential businesses
  • Provision for corporations to quality for the wage subsidies
  • Expansion of the Canada Emergency Bank Account
  • Work options/opportunities and supports for students
ONGOING
  • Tax deferrals and flexibility on remittance payments
  • Wage subsidies
  • Access to credit and capital
  • Rental and lease supports
  • Additional income support options versus just deferrals and loans
  • Expansion of lay-off rules
  • Defining essential businesses, including agriculture, along with guidelines for essential businesses and non-essential businesses
  • Provision for corporations to quality for the wage subsidies
  • Expansion of the Canada Emergency Bank Account
  • Work options/opportunities and supports for students
Online Webinar Support
COVID-19: How to get through the crisis with an online strategy

Register now and on April 30th you will receive an email with a link to the recording.

Join BDC Chief Economist Pierre Cléroux who will give an economic update, and other experts who will share their expertise on adapting your business online during the pandemic and beyond.

Develop your business through a crisis


Thursday, April 30
@ 1:00 PM

Ever wondered what it takes to get a business off the ground or to get your new business idea moving? Learn how to utilize the Business Model Canvas to develop your idea or transform an existing one. In this workshop, you will learn how to use this visual chart to describe, design, challenge and pivot your business model during a crisis.


Psychological First Aid - After a Disaster or Emergency  

Friday, May 1 @ 10:30 am

What is Psychological First Aid (PFA)?

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a way of people helping people immediately after a disaster or emergency. PFA providers give practical support in a way that respects the person's dignity, culture, and abilities. PFA providers must take care for their own well-being first so they can be helpful to others.



Well-being 101: The Art of Releasing Stress in the Mind and Body

Tuesday, May 5, 12 & 19
@ 6:30 PM (Series)

This program is designed to;
  • Normalize the experience and effects of stress and create support through community 
  • Uncover and understand the complex relationship between stress and well-being
  • Identify the unique patterns and triggers that lead how stress occurs in our unique mind and body
Chamber Members receive a 15% discount. Use the code word "chamber."





From Finsta to FOMO: Understanding Social Media Use in Teens

Wednesday, May 6, 2020 @ 1:00 pm

The world of social media is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up. This session will look at some of the most popular platforms among Canadian youth and how to protect privacy and keep everyone safe. We will also discuss the effects of social media use on teen mental health and how to promote healthy social media habits in a digital world.

Strategies to Manage Stress and Anxiety


Tuesday, May 12, 2020 @ 9 am
At this time we are all experiencing new ways of doing business and the communication and interaction with each other are changed.Topics Include:
• Understand how the mind interprets our environment and creates emotional responses
• Recognize how we engage in responses of stress and anxiety
• Learn about the chemicals that trigger negative versus positive emotions
• Research related to physiology of stress and anxiety
• Tools to manage stress and anxiety

Introduction to e-commerce with Shopify


Thursday, May 14 @ 7 pm

Led by Monica Cordon from Shopify, this workshop will teach you about selling online through Shopify and how the multichannel ecosystem works. It’s an opportunity to learn the basics of online brand strategy, as well as how to find the right customers through effective digital marketing. This workshop covers everything you need to know to get your first sale online! 




#Here4YYC
Business resource webinar series

Ongoing webinar series

Tune into upcoming webinars and listen to previously recorded webinars from the Calgary Chamber.  


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Alberta Business Awards of Distinction 2020
A huge congratulations to our very own Airdrie Family Eye Doctors for qualifying as finalists in the Customer Service and Health & Wellness categories for 2020 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction! Way to represent our community!

Also, congratulations to our amazing Airdrie Chamber members, Airdrie Puppy Pals , Oranj Fitness Airdrie and The Pink Wand Cleaning Services for being nominated in a variety of categories! Each business is a winner in their own right.
Chamber Members Are Amazing!
Thank you Chamber Members for sharing some of your feel good news!

Please continue to let us know how your organization is finding innovative and creative ways to continue serving your community during this difficult time.

If you are offering an event or service that our membership could benefit from and that you would like highlighted in our weekly update, contact  [email protected].
Value Added Discount Programs
Choose the Products that are Right for You

RBC Insurance is proud to offer insurance solutions to Airdrie Chamber of Commerce with group plan discounts that could save you money every year.
Car and Home Insurance
Affordable Coverage for Your Home or Personal Vehicle
Savings: In addition to receiving group plan member rates, you can save on insurance with additional discounts based on eligibility.
Advice: Our licensed insurance advisors offer no-pressure advice to help you understand and choose your coverage from a wide range of insurance solutions to meet your needs.
Support: With a 24/7 Emergency Response Service and the Anonymous Claims Advice Line you’ll get the attention and care you need when you have an emergency or need to make a claim.
Now is the perfect time to get a quote and start saving with your group plan rates!
Call 1-800-769-2529
Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
102, 150 Edwards Way NW
Airdrie, AB T4B 4B9
403. 948.4412