ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW! REGISTER NOW!

This course is geared towards small to medium sized business owners looking to gain insights into strategic financial planning, including bookkeeping and tax fundamentals that will help them reduce risk of CRA headaches and optimize their taxes. 


A huge thank you to our 2025 Chamber Champions for making this series possible:

  • Massage Therapy Collective 
  • RIVR Solutions Ltd
  • Nitrogen Technologies of Canada
  • Two Twelve Consulting 
  • Empire Oilfield Solutions 
  • Mr. Mikes Steakhouse 


WORKSHOP REGISTRATION

JANUARY BUSINESS AFTER 5 MIXER - HORNBROOK HOLLOWS FUNHOUSE


Thursday, January 30

5:00-7:00 PM


The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes our members and invited guests to a Business After 5 Mixer hosted by Hornbrook Hollows Funhouse! Join us for an evening of networking, appetizers, refreshments and door prizes as well as finding out more about the host. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a "Mini" Mini Golf tournament and try out the Funhouse's other games! 


There is no cost to attend but we ask you please register in advance for catering and capacity purposes. 

MIXER REGISTRATION

The 16th Annual Growing the North Conference is set for February 18-20 at Evergreen Park!


For the first time, you have an option to join us for Day One for sessions focused on innovation, industry trends, and practical strategies for growth. BUT we hope you stay for Day Two to engage in discussions about economic policy, regional development, and collaboration opportunities. We need your perspective in truly Growing the NORTH!


Confirmed plenary session speakers include Jackie Forrest, Waneek Horn-Miller, Shawn Kanungo, Mark Parsons, David Usher, and more!


Thank you to our sponsors and partners:


PLATINUM

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta

Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers


Prairies Economic Development Canada


GOLD

Athabasca University

CN

Edmonton International Airport

Grande Prairie Destination Marketing Fund

Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network

IG Wealth Management

Northwestern Polytechnic


MEDIA

Pattison Media


HOST HOTEL

Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre


SILVER

Alberta Securities Commission

Aquatera

Canadian Fiber Optics

City of Dawson Creek

Co-operatives First

County of Northern Lights

Farm Credit Canada

Grande Prairie Friendship Centre

International Paper

MD of Greenview

Peace Region Economic Development Alliance / Northern Transportation Advocacy Bureau

Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie


MIXER CO-HOSTS

MNP

Neil & Associates

www.GrowingTheNorth.com

ASTech Awards - Regional Innovation Spotlight on Grande Prairie and Area


Celebrate innovation and community at the 1st ASTech Awards Regional Innovation Spotlight on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, hosted at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in Wembley.


For over 35 Years, the ASTech Awards has brought together industry, government, academia, and entrepreneurship - in the continuous circle of innovation, for societal and economic benefit. And it is through this collaboration that the ASTech Awards is being brought to each region - this time working in partnership with the Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network (GPRIN) during the 16th Annual Growing the North Conference.


ASTech Awards Regional Innovation Spotlight brings together a national and pan-provincial audience of innovators, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, government and community members to celebrate and collaborate, recognizing local excellence, and fostering growth.


  • Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
  • Time: 5:00-9:00PM
  • Location: Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, 9301 112 Avenue, Wembley
  • Agenda: Food, Refreshments, Tours, Talks, Presentations, Networking, Celebrations, Collaborations


Special Keynote Speaker, and past ASTech Award Winner:

Dr. Philip J. Currie


Local Celebration of ASTech 2024 Award Winner:

Tracy Persson, Founder of My Breast Day Inc.,

GET TICKETS FOR ASTECH REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Women of Influence Award Nominations Now Open Featuring New Award Categories


Nominations are now open for the City of Grande Prairie’s Women of Influence Awards 2025 presented by Peace Diagnostic Imaging, now featuring five award categories to recognize women across various sectors in the community.


The Women of Influence Awards seek to recognize the women driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, creating opportunity for everyone in Grande Prairie. The awards highlight women who are championing gender equality, breaking barriers in their field, achieving new heights and advocating for greater access for all.


The nomination categories for 2025 are:

  • Next Generation Award: Recognizing young women demonstrating exceptional promise, leadership, and impact in their community or field.
  • Game Changer Award: Celebrating women disrupting norms, challenging the status quo, and paving the way in their field or community.
  • Workplace Leadership Award: Honoring women who excel in leadership roles, fostering growth and inclusion within the workplace.
  • Community Leadership Award: Recognizing women making significant contributions to the betterment of their community.
  • Lifetime Impact Award: Honoring women whose enduring contributions have left a lasting legacy in their field or community.


Applications are available at cityofgp.com/WOI and open until January 24, 2025.

City of Grande Prairie hosts Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) information sessions


The City of Grande Prairie invites residents to learn about the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) through two virtual information sessions presented by Alberta Municipalities and the City of Grande Prairie on January 16.


CEIP helps residential property owners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, supporting sustainability and reducing energy costs.


Each session is the same information, presented in two convenient time slots.


Details for the sessions are as follows:

  • Session 1: January 16, 9:00 AM
  • Session 2: January 16, 7:00 PM


Both sessions will cover how CEIP works, its benefits and the application process. Participants will have the chance to ask questions and hear from program experts.


To register, visit cityofgp.com/CEIPInfo.


Registration is open until noon on January 15.

County Regional Enforcement Services Seeking Feedback from Residents at Two Crime Prevention Town Halls 

 

The County of Grande Prairie Regional Enforcement Services will host two Crime Prevention Town Halls for County residents and business owners in January: 

 

Beaverlodge 

Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 

Time: 6:30-8:30 PM 

Location: Beaverlodge Community Centre (NuVista Energy Centre), 

1014 4th Avenue, Beaverlodge 

 

Clairmont 

Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025 

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM 

Location: Wellington Resource Centre, 

10407 97th Street, Clairmont 

 

County residents and business owners can complete a short online survey by January 17, 2025, to share their needs and concerns regarding rural crime and crime preventionwww.countygp.ab.ca/crimeprevention

 

Find details on the two town hall events at www.countygp.ab.ca/events. For those unable to attend in person, a recording and a summary of questions and answers will be available on the County's website following the events. 

Join us for The Sweater Sessions: Insights from the Balcony


What will the impact of recent policies, emerging movements and global events have on the Alberta Energy Sector? Join MNP and the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association as we host this critical discussion on the shifting political and policy landscape and what it will mean for the future.


Together, we’ll navigate a variety of crucial topics pivotal to the industry's trajectory, including:


• Oil and gas development

• Carbon capture initiatives

• Renewables projects

• Federal emissions regulations

• Indigenous partnerships

• Energy security measures

• Canadian Political Climate

• The evolving relationship between Alberta and the Federal Government


You’ll hear valuable insights from:


Mike Simpson, Principal, Simpsonite Consulting Group


Lanny Westersund, National Government Relations Leader, MNP


Event details


Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025


Time: Breakfast: 7:30 AM Presentation and Q&A: 8:00–9:30 AM


Location: Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre - Ballroom 1

11633 100 Street, Grande Prairie


Don’t miss your chance to attend this event!


Register Now


Have questions or problems registering? Please contact Jen Macdonald at jen.macdonald@mnp.ca

https://worknwalberta.ca

Hiring Made Easier with the Work NW Alberta Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Portal!


Looking to hire students from Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) while accessing up to $7,000 in wage subsidies? The Work NW Alberta Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Portal offers a simple, cost-effective solution to build your future workforce.


Need help navigating the portal? Join our weekly virtual office hours to learn how to:

  • Post jobs and target qualified student candidates
  • Apply for wage subsidies through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)

Every Thursday until February 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Register now at WorkNWAlberta.ca and make the most of this opportunity!

Upcoming live webinars on employment standards


Employment standards legislation sets out the rights and obligations of employers and employees in Alberta. These include the minimum standards that employers must provide to their employees.


Upcoming webinars (including live Q&A) :


  • Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office – TFW & Employer Rights and Responsibilities: January 23 at 1:30 PM 
  • Employment Standards in Alberta – Wages and Overtime: January 28 at 1:30 PM
  • Employment Standards in Alberta - Vacation Pay and General Holiday Pay: February 6 at 1:30 PM


For more information, or to register, please visit alberta.ca/employment-standards-webinars.aspx. To request a presentation for your company or organization, email EOP.Presentations@gov.ab.ca.

Free webinar on occupational health and safety and disability management


Alberta OHS and WCB-Alberta are hosting a free upcoming webinar to provide employers with information about occupational health and safety and disability management, including:

  • how to develop and implement health and safety management systems,
  • how to achieve a Certificate of Recognition (COR) or a Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR) and earn rebates from participating in these programs,
  • an overview of Alberta’s workplace injury statistics,
  • the illness and injury prevention resources that are available on the OHS Resource Portal,
  • how you can support your workers with effective disability management practices,
  • resources that can help build return-to-work plans so your injured workers get back to work safely, and
  • steps you can take to help reduce workers’ time away from work and reduce your overall premium costs.


This free webinar will take place on January 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM . To register or get more details, click here or email JET.Connect@gov.ab.ca.

2025 Political Action Day & MLA Dinner


It's our pleasure to invite you to the 2025 Political Action Day & MLA Dinner, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with senior government officials and business leaders. Prepare for a day full of engaging presentations and informative keynotes from thought leaders, all focused on the key issues impacting our business community. Make sure to secure your spot—it’s an event you won’t want to miss!


Event Details:


Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025

Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

Location: Chateau Lacombe Hotel

10111 Bellamy Hill Rd NW, Edmonton, AB


Agenda Overview


GET TICKETS Registration closes February 24, 2025


ACCOMODATIONS Cutoff: February 27, 2025

Hiring Intentions Market Research


What critical skills does your business need to grow?


We heard from businesses – hiring skilled talent is a challenge!


The Alberta Chambers network has partnered with industry partners and the Government of Alberta to better understand what talent and skills your business needs to grow and succeed.


We want to learn more about your experience hiring people with the skills that your business needs to succeed.


This quick research activity will take ~4 minutes to complete and is open until 5:00 P.M. on January 31st, 2025.


Thank you in advance for your participation.

SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Alberta increases investment in skilled northern workforce


Through the Northern Alberta Development Bursary (NADB) program, an additional 50 students will receive up to $11,500 annually to ease post-secondary costs, helping students jump-start their careers while reducing their financial burden. The program provides funding for a wide range of learning opportunities, ranging from certificates and diplomas to bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programs.


Learn more

ACC CEO addresses political uncertainty and tariff tensions


Shauna Feth, ACC President & CEO, responded to concerns about how the Prime Minister's resignation could impact tariff talks with the U.S. on CityNews:


"If we could figure out (the interprovincial trade agreement) from the east to west coast, we could actually have a huge impact on alleviating almost all of the impact a tariff would have on of our GDP."


Watch now

Save the date for The Alberta Business Awards of Distinction 2025


The 2025 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction will take place in Calgary on Thursday, June 19th. Stay tuned for more details - nominations and submissions will be opening on February 3rd!


Learn more

2025 automobile deduction limits and expense benefits announced


The federal government has announced a number of changes taking place as of January 1, 2025, including changes to the ceiling for capital cost allowances and deductible leasing costs, increases to the tax-exempt allowances for employees who use their personal vehicles for business purposes, and more.


Learn more


Grant funding opportunities


Discover a range of funding opportunities and resources available this January to support businesses, non-profits, and communities. These include grants for workforce development, innovation, sustainability, infrastructure projects, and more, designed to help you achieve your goals and drive growth.


Learn more

Refocused health care: Continuing the conversation


Albertans are invited to share their feedback as work continues to refocus and improve the province’s health care system.


Alberta’s government is committed to using the insights and experiences of Albertans to shape the new system, and will be holding a second round of engagement, including in-person public sessions, beginning January 21. 


All Albertans are invited to participate in one of the in-person engagement sessions being held across the province.


SCHEDULE


Register Now


Read the Media Release

New Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker


Tariffs are the most urgent threat facing Canadian and American businesses today.

 

Every day, $3.6 billion in goods crosses the Canada-U.S. border, fueling a $1.3 trillion annual trade relationship. This partnership supports 2.3 million Canadian jobs and 1.4 million American jobs.

 

New data from our Business Data Lab also reveals that the proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods imported into the U.S. would reduce real annual income by $1,900 CAD per Canadian and $1,300 USD per American.

 

In response to these challenges, the Canadian Chamber's Business Data Lab has introduced the Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker, a tool designed to help businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders better understand and strengthen our world-class trade relationship.


The Trade Tracker


Our Blog Explainer


Our Press Release

Have Tariffs Impacted Your Business? Share Your Story!


Tariffs are not just disrupting trade — they’re driving up costs, stalling innovation, and threatening jobs and long-term economic growth. Every sector, from manufacturing to farming, is feeling the impact.


Now more than ever, the Canadian government needs to be an unapologetic champion for Canadian businesses.


Tell Us Your Story


Help us illustrate how tariffs are affecting businesses like yours. Your story can shape the conversation, ensuring our leaders prioritize solutions that protect jobs, businesses and our global competitiveness.


Together, we can make sure Canadian interests are heard and build a stronger future for businesses on both sides of the border.


Share Your Story Here

Last Chance to Register: What the Next U.S. Administration Means for Canadian Businesses 


With the possibility of a 25% tariff on all goods imported into the U.S. from Canada, the new U.S. administration’s policies are expected to significantly impact Canadian businesses. Trade, economic ties and the broader bilateral relationship will all face rapid shifts. 


Join BDO Canada this Thursday, January 16, for a discussion on the potential impacts of the new administration, moderated by the Canadian Chamber's Catherine Fortin LeFaivre. Panelists will explore strategies to navigate and thrive in this evolving landscape.


Register Now

Our Statement Regarding the Harmful Uncertainty of Capital Gains


With the recent prorogation of Parliament, the capital gains increase remains a severe concern to Canadians and businesses who are unsure how to structure their affairs and whether this measure will be enforced in the future. 


In a new statement, our Senior Director of Fiscal and Financial Services Policy, Jessica Brandon-Jepp, says that “given the likely possibility that this tax increase may no longer be enacted in 2025, it is imperative that the government provide certainty to Canadians and direct the CRA not to enforce this measure until after an election, if at all."  


Read the Full Statement

Define Your Brand Personality


Learn how to shape your brand identity and build an authentic connection with your audience. Join us on Tuesday, January 23, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, to discover strategies for defining your brand’s personality and building a strong foundation that drives trust and growth.


Register Now

Launch a Successful Social Media Campaign for Your Small Business

Thursday January 23rd, 11:30 AM ET Online


Successful social media marketing campaigns are a powerful way for small businesses to connect with customers, drive sales, and build lasting brand loyalty. However, without a solid marketing plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges of executing a successful campaign. This webinar offers the solution—a step-by-step structured timeline designed to guide you through planning, creating, and execution of an engaging social media campaign. 


This webinar is designed specifically for small business owners who want to create impactful, results-driven social media campaignswithout the need for big budgets or outside help. Using a conceptual example of a local retail store, we’ll showcase actionable strategies and creative content ideas that you can easily adapt to your business. 


What you will gain insight into: 

  • How to Plan Like a Pro: Set achievable goals, understand your audience’s needs and pain points, and pick the right platforms for your message.
  • Creative Content Made Simple: Develop visually engaging content that connects with your customers and highlights your offerings.
  • Building Hype and Engagement: Use teasers, interactive polls, and engaging posts to create excitement and drive traffic.
  • Tracking and Adjusting for Success: Learn how to monitor your results and adapt your strategy to maximize impact. 


Register Now

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