COVID-19 Updates and Support
More COVID Recovery Aid for Alberta’s Small Businesses
Alberta’s government is expanding the small business relaunch grant to put more money in the hands of job creators when they need it to survive the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Alberta government is offering small businesses affected by the most recent public health orders another payment of up to $10,000 from the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant. Alberta businesses affected by the latest public health orders will be eligible to apply for another payment in the second half of April. This additional payment will also be available to new businesses that began operating between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, as well as hotels, taxis and ride-sharing services. More information

Alberta's Path Forward
New health measures are in place to protect the health system and reduce the rising spread of COVID-19 province-wide. A Path Forward is a roadmap to help Albertans understand how restrictions will be eased in steps over the coming months. It outlines the sectors that will see gradual restriction changes at each step based on hospitalization benchmarks. Growth of cases and variants of concern will also guide decisions to further ease or increase restrictions.
Alberta returned to Step 1 on April 6. Additional restrictions for restaurants took effect April 9. Step 1 restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
Vaccine Rollout Update
 More than 1.7 million Albertans are now eligible for a vaccine, and walk-in bookings for Astra Zeneca are available in Calgary and Edmonton for those aged 55 to 64.
 
As of April 13, one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been delivered through Alberta Health Services and community pharmacies.
 
Vaccine Rollout Expanding to Front-line Health-care Workers
 As of April 12, more than 240,000 eligible health-care workers can begin booking vaccine appointments.
 
Shift to At-Home Learning Approved for Grades 7 to 12
A request by the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District to temporarily shift Grades 7 to 12 to at-home learning has been approved by Alberta Education. Students will shift to at-home learning on April 19 for two weeks. More information

Alberta Ramping up COVID-19 Testing in Schools
 The Government of Alberta is expanding the in-school rapid screening test program to up to 300 schools in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie.
Join Us for a Post-Budget Conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister
Wednesday, April 21 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET | Virtual  
 
Join us for this members-only event where Minister Freeland will speak to the measures contained within the federal budget.  
 
Following her review of the budget, there will be a Q & A with Minister Freeland moderated by our President and CEO, Perrin Beatty.  
 
You can submit questions in advance of the event. Your questions must be posed through our electronic form and can be asked up until 12:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 20.
  
Please note: as this event is bound to be popular, this invite should be considered non-transferable. 
The Right to Disconnect
Share Your Thoughts on Labour Protection
The Government of Canada knows that labour protections must continue to evolve to ensure safe and decent working conditions now and into the future.

To ensure that labour protections keep up with the rapid pace of change, the Government has launched an online consultation to better understand:
  • the experiences of gig workers in federally regulated sectors, including those who work through digital platforms like delivery or freelance applications; and
  • how federally regulated workers could benefit from a “right to disconnect” policy.
Please visit our consultation page to share your views now until April 30, 2021.
 
For more information, please visit:
Your Q & A with Hon. Doug Schweitzer
Join us along with Minister Schweitzer on April 27th when he will be speaking on Alberta’s Recovery Plan and the look ahead for our economy. At a high level, the Minister will address Alberta's plan to grow our existing sectors and expand into new industries. Additionally, the Minister will discuss the government's plan to attract investment to Alberta and support a strong economy post-pandemic. Click here to view the Alberta Recovery Plan
Virtual Networking @ Night and Pizza Tasting
Join the Airdrie Chamber for an hour of networking Wednesday, April 28th from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Connect with fellow Chamber members (virtually) while enjoying a pre-ordered pizza and watching a fun, interactive demo from our friends at Sophia Pizza. 

Members have the opportunity to have their $10 registration fee waived by providing a Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Google Review. Click here to post your review now! You will then be sent a ZOOM link to join the event at no cost. 
Thank you to our Networking @ Night sponsor, TELUS Business for offering this great contest!
Member Videos
The Airdrie Chamber is partnering with Hodprod Media to offer professional, one-minute member spotlight videos along with Flicks Marketing to offer packages of 4 professional, 30-second videos that can showcase different aspects of your business. You will have the rights to your video(s) so that you can also use them to market your business any way you want! The Chamber will also showcase 1 feature spotlight or product video weekly on our website, e-blasts and through paid social media advertising!

If you would like the opportunity to partner with the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce and/or offer your services to other members, please contact us at info@airdriechamber.ab.ca.
Rural Women In Business Virtual Conference
Tickets will be available starting May 5th, 2021.
20th Annual Chamber Golf Classic
Registration will open June 28th, 2021.
City Extends Temporary Outdoor Patios & Retail
Thinking of adding a patio?
The City of Airdrie is supporting local businesses impacted by COVID-19 by extending the Temporary Outdoor Patio and Retail Space Program through to October 31, 2021. The temporary permit will give businesses more options to welcome customers in a safe way using sidewalk and parking spaces.
Right for Your Business Voucher Program
Receive up to $2,000 in assistance for your business
If you own or operate a licensed business in Airdrie as your primary source of income, you could be eligible for financial aid to pay for critical advisors and business professionals to help your business survive the COVID-19 pandemic. How can the City help you?
  • Marketing
  • Finance/accounting
  • Website/IT
  • Human resources
  • Legal (and more!)
Airdrie Downtown Plan Feedback Needed
The City of Airdrie wants to know what you think of the draft downtown plan and the vision that it sets for Airdrie.
 
Visit www.airdrie.ca/downtown to view the draft plan and check back often for updates to frequently asked questions.

To share your feedback or ask questions, please email downtown@airdrie.ca. Community feedback deadline is April 30th.
Building an Inclusive Workforce
Online Webinars
Grant Writing 101: April 20, 2021

Covid-19 and Industry: A Conversation with the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada: April 20, 2021

Post-Budget Conversation with Minister Chrystia Freeland: April 21

The Future of Industry: Tourism: April 21, 2021

One Year Later: How Has Covid-19 Re-Defines the Experience Economy in Alberta?: April 22, 2021

Building an Inclusive Workforce: April 27, 2021

A Conversation with Erin O'Toole, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada: April 30, 2021

Industrial Revolution 4.0 Continues: Getting Canadians Back to Work: May 5, 2021

Local & International Perspectives: In Community Safety & Well-Being: May 10-13, 2021

Executive Summit: Re-globalization in a Business-led Recovery: May 12, 2021
Value Added Program
Digital Content Marketing Training 
Teaching Alberta-based business owners and their in-house marketing teams how to develop and execute branded content Marketing Strategies for Facebook, Instagram, Websites and Google.
Your Chamber at Work
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce board and staff continue to discuss ways to support our business community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you to this amazing group of business leaders that guide our community chamber with enthusiasm and passion all with the same goal: to champion local business!
New Member Spotlight
Welcome PMU by Jennifer King!
In 2019, Jennifer’s background in beauty and occupational health & safety collided and she decided to pursue a career in permanent makeup or PMU. Her interest in PMU and paramedical tattooing came from a deep desire to help and heal people. She currently holds certifications in powder brows, lip blush and nano brows. Her goal is to improve the self-esteem of her clients by enhancing their natural beauty. As an artist and perfectionist by nature, her goal is to ensure her clients feel empowered and beautiful. 
 
Jennifer is constantly learning and training in various certifications to ensure she can offer her clients the very best options for service. If PMU isn’t your thing, she also offers a variety of non-permanent brow and lash services from the comfort of her home based studio. Jennifer is AHS inspected and approved, and insured ensuring she meets the highest standards for her clients. 
Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
102, 150 Edwards Way NW
Airdrie, AB T4B 4B9
403. 948.4412