INTERESTED IN 2025 CHAMBER SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?

FIND OUT MORE HERE!

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


Celebrate innovation and community at the 1st ASTech Awards Regional Innovation Spotlight on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, hosted at the iconic 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 ever-popular 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, internationally renowned Canadian palaeontologist, professor at the University of Alberta, and a founding figure of the Royal Tyrrell Museum


Local Celebration of ASTech 2024 Award Winner:

Tracy Persson, Founder of My Breast Day Inc., ASTech Award for Regional Innovation – Grande Prairie, for her collaborative work with healthcare and innovation centres on: Supporting Health for Women on Reservations and Beyond.


Technology Alberta and the ASTech Awards are please to partner on this event in collaboration with the Alberta Regional Innovation Network, and co-host GPRIN Members:

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 

 

Attendees will be able to connect with Kyle Palfy, the County’s new Superintendent of Regional Enforcement Services, and Lee Brachmann, General Manager of Community Services, along with representatives from the RCMP, who will share insights about their work in the County and provide key information for residents and businesses. 

 

The events will also feature booths hosted by local locksmiths, property security experts, and surveillance providers, offering tools and advice to help protect homes and properties effectively. 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. 

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) :


  • Overview of Employment Standards in Alberta: January 14 at 1:30 PM
  • 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.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Statement Regarding Justin Trudeau's Resignation


In light of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation announcement yesterday, we have issued a statement acknowledging this turning point for Canada. 


"Prime Minister Justin Trudeau read the room and made the right call by announcing his resignation today," said our President and CEO, Candace Laing. "We have always been a nation of builders, and we should harness our entrepreneurial spirit to boost our lagging productivity and deliver on the priorities that matter to Canadians. The time for wasteful spending and over-taxation is done — we need to aim higher and deliver the better life all Canadians deserve."  


Read the Full Statement

8 Predictions for Canada’s Economy in 2025 


In a new blog, our Chief Economist, Stephen Tapp, shares eight key predictions for Canada’s economy in 2025.


From falling interest rates and rising housing prices to the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, the year ahead promises both challenges and opportunities. 


Read the Blog

Canadian Chamber Statement on the Proposed Amendments to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations 


Canada’s new proposed Air Passenger Protection Regulations will make flying more expensive and threaten regional connectivity, hurting businesses across the country. 


In a new statement, our Vice President of Strategic Policy & Supply Chain, Pascal Chan, emphasized that, rather than implementing costly new regulations, the government should focus on leveraging Canada’s aviation sector’s strengths.


Read the Statement 

A Better Path to Housing Affordability 


We have submitted feedback to the Department of Finance on the proposed taxation of vacant lands. 


With Canada in a historic housing affordability crisis, adding another tax on developers misses the mark. Taxes and fees already account for up to 36% of a home's purchase price. Instead, we need bold action to increase housing supply and remove barriers to private sector investment. 


We call on the government to prioritize solutions that unlock housing development rather than hinder it with additional costs. 


Read the Full Submission

Grow Your Online Presence


Business Link has launched a new, free Digital Marketing Program to help you boost your small business' online presence. Attend 3 free 45-minute virtual sessions for actionable advice to help you craft a solid digital marketing plan. Work one-on-one with a Digital Strategist to learn how to improve your website experience, online search and develop a social media strategy to engage more customers.


Learn More

Connect With Other Entrepreneurs


Have you been in business for over one year and want to connect with other small business owners? Join Business Link's free Peerpreneur Program in February or March. Over four weeks, you'll engage in virtual sessions where you can share experiences, learn peer-to-peer, and build valuable connections to help your business thrive.


Apply Now

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

Build A Winning Business Concept


Discover how to turn your business idea into a thriving venture. Master essentials like identifying your target market, crafting a strategic business plan, budgeting wisely, and refining your business concept. Gain insights to evaluate your idea and take steps toward business success.


Read Now

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