Thank you for supporting the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce! Read on for information from our Chamber network.
Our Member Marketplace on Thursdays highlights our Chamber businesses. Email [email protected] with your ads.
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October 17-23.
This year's theme is: Together we build
As the economy roars back to life, it’s become clear that the past 18 months have fast-forwarded long-term disruption. From growing labour shortages and the rise of remote work, to the expansion of digital business and increasingly frequent climate events; Canadian entrepreneurs will need to focus on innovation, inclusion and sustainability to maintain their growth amidst these changes. For BDC Small Business Week 2021, let's join together to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead for Canadian entrepreneurs.
Events being planned include:
October 19 - Women in Business Lunch
October 20 - Rotary Lunch
October 21 - Grande Prairie Awards of Distinction
For sponsorship information and registration inquiries, please contact
Cindy Simigan, Events and Community Partnerships, by email [email protected] or phone 780-532-5340.
Follow our SBW PAGE for registration information and event updates.
We received the following nominations for our Grande Prairie Chamber Awards of Distinction! Congratulations to all! They are, in alphabetical order:
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2DayFM
43 Parts North Distributors Ltd.
ADC Electric
Adorn Skin and Laser
Anarchy Mechanical
Aquatera Utilities
Armageddon Cookies
AutoexoticTrim & Signs
Bakeway Delights
Bang-Up Beauty
Beach Bumz Sun Tanning Studio
Beauty By Claudz
Big Rig Collision
Big Stick Rentals
Blend It Studios Ltd.
Bold & Brassy Boutique
C.I.A. Solutions
Captivating Aesthetics
Cellphone Expert
Clean Break Cleaning Services
Clear Shot Industries
Commandeur Mechanical
Cotton Candy Quilts & Sewing
Cozy Intentions
Crafty Things
Crystal Bookkeeping and Taxes
Custom Cellular
DAHT Merchandise
Doctors Eyecare
Dollface Apparels
Dragon Chef Restaurant
Edgewood Custom Builders
Elaine's Unique Plants and Designs
Energy Crane Service
Fox and Cubs Grazing Boards
Freedom Automotive
Fresh Coast Clothing Canada
Galito's Flame-Grilled Chicken
GigItUp Inc.
Glow Collective
Grain Bin Brewing Company
Grande Peace Law
Grande Prairie Farmers Market
Grande Spirit Foundation
Grate Sweets & Treats
GSL Construction
Gypsy Blooms Flower Truck
Hamel Excavating Ltd.
Hi-Tech Business Systems
HJ's 5-Pin Bowling Centre
Holly Austin Photography
House of Hair
HSB Industries
J&D Western Electric Ltd.
Jak + Pae
Kar's Sweets & Treats
Kayla Lynn Photography
Keto Cafe
Kili Landscapes Corp.
L Spa and Wellness Centre
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Lilygray Hair & Aesthetics Academy
Logan Therapeutic Massage
Luxus Hair Studio
Mama Tried Beauty Company
Marble Slab Creamery
McNabb Lucuk LLP
Milk Tea Corner
MNP
Mud Puddle Farms Rustic Kitchen
nine10 Inc.
No Negatives Required Inc.
Off The Wheaten Path
OMG! Cupcakes
Once Upon A Child
Peace Country and Beyond
Peppered With Pigments
Petals & Posies Flower Co.
Platinum Hair Lounge
Prairie Kebab
Purelife Cleaning and Maintenance
Quality Floors
Quen's Tea and Juice
Railtown Bootcamp
RCFarmArm
Recovery Coach
Red Arrow Electric Inc.
Richer Currie LLP
Roc Dog Landscape Centre
Sean Gillis Realty Group
Shade Tree Chocolate Studio
Shift Imaging
Shinez Auto Detailing
Slay Esthetics
Smith Gravel Services
Splish Splash Therapy
Sportswear Plus Ltd.
Spruce & Linen
Sticky's Candy
Strange Ideas Comics & Collectibles
Suicide Prevention Resource Centre
Tacotime
Teepee Creek Stampede Association
The Headmaster
The Milky Fern
The Pilates Barre GP
The Primitive Lane
The Vine Luxury Spa
Tire Pro Inc.
Top Gear Cycles
To The Root Dental Hygiene
Touchdown Salon Touchdown Barber
Trapped
Tread N Traction
Tuff Kydd Enterprises
Tututally Cute Custom Creations
Twisted Pretty
Water Express
WomanUp Fitness
Wonderland
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The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce host a City of Grande Prairie Municipal Election All-Candidates Forum on September 28 online via Zoom.
All candidates for Mayor and Councilor in the October 18 Municipal Election in the City of Grande Prairie took part.
Our Chamber is also working on a recorded Election Forum for the County of Grande Prairie. This recording will be shared on our website and social media. The live forum scheduled for tonight had to be cancelled due to technical difficulties. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Our Municipal Election page can be found HERE. |
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Chamber Community Pulse Series
The Grande Prairie area has a robust and diverse economy. The Community Pulse series is designed to provide updates and insights from a variety of the industries, sectors, and organizations that make up the fabric of our unique and incredible community. Join us for this series, helping us to share valuable information about our region and the people who make it special.
This week's session on Wednesday, October 6 at 10:00 AM will feature the County of Grande Prairie Economic Development.
There is no cost to participate but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
Last week's session with Kerrie Taylor from the Municipal District of Greenview Economic Development, can be viewed here.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING PARTNERS: City of Grande Prairie Economic Development, County of Grande Prairie Economic Development, Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network and TC Energy; AND OUR SUPPORTING PARTNERS: Chambers Plan represented by local broker HUB International, Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region, GetintheLoop Grande Prairie, and Municipal District of Greenview.
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COVID-19 RAPID TESTING KITS FOR BUSINESSES
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce to provide complimentary COVID-19 rapid testing kits to small and medium-sized businesses. By frequently testing employees, businesses can stop outbreaks before they happen, keeping employees and customers safe.
* A Chamber membership is NOT required.
Register for the Program
Please download the Alberta Rapid Screening Tests Business Application form, carefully read the form as well as the terms and conditions, and should you wish to proceed, complete the form in full and email to [email protected] with the email subject line: Rapid test program participant application
Once we have received your completed form we will review and return a signed copy for your records, along with instructions on how and when to pick up your testing kits.
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The Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, and GetintheLoop are pleased to announce an exciting new opportunity for tourism-based companies to promote their business. Apply now to receive six months free access to GetintheLoop’s premium Partnership Plan and expanded awareness across the Grande Prairie region.
Through this partnership, Grande Prairie Tourism and GetintheLoop will create a unique Discover GP “Loop”. It will be established to help bring together local businesses and new customers, on one established app. This will make it easier for local residents and visitors to connect with businesses online, by phone, or in-person. Local business offers will also be visible on the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism website and getintheloop.ca.
There are only 20 spots available, so fill out the application form today - it’s quick and easy. This project is also supported by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and the Government of Canada Shop Local Fund.
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Contact our office for more information on the Partnership Plan:
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Development Incentives & Grants (DIG) Program Now Accepting Applications
The City of Grande Prairie is now accepting applications for the Development Incentives and Grants (DIG) Program designed to provide a long-term benefit to the community by creating economic stimulus and support investment in Grande Prairie.
The program consists of five incentives that are designed for large-scale industrial and commercial developers, and residential builders.
Industrial and Commercial (Business) Incentives
The New Business Development Grant is a 10-year Tax-Increment Rebate for new industrial or commercial business development with a construction value of over $25 million dollars.
The Business Retention & Expansion Grant is a 4-year Tax-Increment Rebate for improvements to existing buildings or property that increase assessed value by a minimum of 25% with a minimum of $1 million construction value.
The Business Revitalization Grant is a 50% matching grant to a maximum of $25,000 for demolition or property and building improvement such as painting, siding, large-scale landscaping, access ramps, or lighting that improve aesthetics, access and/or safety.
Residential Incentives
The Residential Infill Grant offers residential builders a $15,000 grant per lot within the Residential Infill Area as identified within Policy 357.
The Municipal Fee Rebate is designed to encourage residential construction throughout the City with a rebate on all municipal fees to a maximum of $10,000 for permits within Engineering, Inspections, and Planning.
For eligibility and application details for each incentive, visit cityofgp.com/businessincentives. Those interested in applying, must apply prior to beginning construction or the permitting process.
All applicants are encouraged to speak to the Program Coordinator prior to submitting their application by emailing [email protected].
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Make a difference in the City of Grande Prairie’s 2022 Budget by registering for the Virtual Consultation Sessions to learn more about the budget and City services and provide feedback for the upcoming budget. The free sessions are open to everyone in the community and take place:
- October 13 from 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
- October 14 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- October 14 from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
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CLICK HERE for the City of Grande Prairie September Economic Development Newsletter. |
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Upcoming County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network session and information:
COVID and Vaccinations in the workplace – October 12, 2021 – 9:30 am on ZOOM
Join us as we delve into this current topic that affects everyone. Jennifer Ireson with Caseley Consulting and Drew Pearson with KSMC Law will talk about COVID and vaccinations in the workplace from human resources and legal standpoints.
Trade Show and Job Fair – Postponed due to COVID
Thank you for the feedback on the upcoming trade show and job fair. Due to the new restrictions and wanting to avoid low attendance and restrictions, we have decided to postpone until the spring.
Customer Service Excellence Blue Pin Certificate
There is still space available for the certified customer service program at the GPRC!
The Customer Service Excellence Blue Pin Certificate will give staff and management the skills in exceptional customer service. This certification will help build customer loyalty and provide an amazing customer service experience to help your business stand out.
View additional information, registration requirements and application instructions at GPRC.me/BluePin
We are looking for steering committee members
We are seeking members from County businesses in the agriculture, forestry, oil & gas or commercial and retail sectors we would like to hear from you.
If you are interested in assisting the County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network with topics relevant to your industry, guiding the information presented and programming created and offered to the business community please send a note to [email protected].
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Alberta Perspectives survey updates
We have now wrapped up our fourth pulse survey on the Vote Prosperity pillar priorities.
We have now launched our annual municipal red tape and competitiveness survey. With local elections right around the corner, this is the ideal time to gather the latest insights from YOUR community.
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Enbridge Line 3 pipeline: Joint statement
Premier Jason Kenney and Minister of Energy Sonya Savage issued a statement on Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline becoming operational.
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Vexxit Business - 5 Canadian Labour Laws Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know
Navigating Canada’s labour laws can be fraught with jurisdictional obstacles and subtle nuances, leaving many small business owners pondering compliance. Learn the top five Canadian labour laws every small business should know in this article from Vexxit.
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Upcoming 3-Part Webinar Series for Businesses
Postmedia is hosting a 3-part exclusive webinar series on the impact search can have on your business with special guests Mariah Parrish from Google and industry expert Tom Tsinas from Postmedia Solutions.
The first webinar in the series is Future-Proofing Your Business on October 19th at 1:00 p.m. EST. Learn how you can optimize your marketing strategy with paid search. This will be followed by Introduction to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on November 2 at 1:00 p.m. EST and Hands-on Intermediate SEO Workshop on November 16 at 1:00 p.m. EST.
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Calling All Canadian Tax Practitioners: Survey on Tax Administrative Processes
We are on a mission with EY Canada to modernize and simplify tax administrative processes for Canadian employers. We are asking tax professionals to respond to a survey so we can produce a report of case studies to articulate modernization and simplification opportunities. Please share with tax practitioners in your network.
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SME360X | Your Measure to Become Greener and More Competitive
As we come out of the worldwide pandemic, we also face the challenges of climate change. Countries and companies around the globe are committing to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Small and medium-sized enterprises represent over 90% of global enterprises, but little has been done to enable them to join the ongoing transition to an inclusive green economy.
The International Chamber of Commerce and GIST are partnering to offer micro, small and medium companies SME360X, a digital assessment tool to measure and value their impact on the environment. After an SME inputs its basic environment data into SME360X, the platform automatically provides an estimated sustainability score and assessment based on a global sustainability benchmarking system.
The platform is now available, and you are encouraged to register. From now until November 1, 2021, this is offered as a free platform.
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NEW DATE! Canadian Cannabis: A Growing Economic Sector at Home and Abroad
November 10 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET | Virtual
We are excited to be hosting the first Executive Summit geared specifically to the growing cannabis sector in Canada. From licensed producers to retailers to ancillary businesses, this event will feature experts from across the industry who will discuss the opportunities, impacts and challenges associated with business in the cannabis sector. Full agenda coming soon.
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