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Workshop Your Business - Integrate Improvement into your Company Culture
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 (1:30 - 3:30 PM)
What’s in Store?
Are your team members at times resistant to change? Do you see two people doing the same thing, just differently? Is communication a problem? This discussion presents concepts around developing a Culture of Continuous Improvement, which addresses the challenges that every organization experiences on a daily basis. The Culture of Continuous Improvement is built on four areas of improvement:
- Strategic Alignment
- Igniting innovation and accepting change
- Developing and empowering people
- Problem solving through establishing processes
Your customers can see the products and services you provide, they can even see how they are delivered if they are delivered well, but they don't see the culture that supports those results and the leaders that coach their employees and empower them to solve problems on a day to day basis. We will present these principles and have conversations around how they can be realized in your organization.
Presenter - Gregory Hastings
Director, Founder & Partner RIVR Solutions Ltd.
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
EVENT DETAILS:
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
1:30 - 3:30 PM
Centre 2000
REGISTER NOW!
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FEDERAL ELECTION
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is planning an All-Candidates Federal Election Forum for Tuesday, April 15 via Zoom. All confirmed candidates for the Grande Prairie Constituency are invited to share their platforms and answer questions on key issues for our region. Registration will be required to receive the Zoom link to participate. Watch our website, emails and social media for details this week. If you would like to submit a general question addressed to ALL candidates, please use this link.
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Spring Business Showcase & Mixer
Thursday, April 24, 2025 (5:00 - 7:00 PM, Jackpot Grill & Events Centre)
Get ready for the Chamber's Spring Business Showcase; a mini-trade show like no other! Join us on Thursday, April 24 , 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Jackpot Grill & Events Centre for an evening of exploring the variety of booths, networking with fellow business owners, and enjoying complimentary snacks, door prizes and more.
Our Business Showcase highlights the unique services and products of our diverse Chamber Member businesses. So, come on down and join the fun! Whether you're looking for new business connections, trying to find a new supplier or just wanting to see what our Members have to offer, you won't want to miss this event.
BOOTHS ARE SOLD OUT!
To register as an attendee - visit the link below.
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Ribbon Cutting - Acqua Cucina Italian Resturant
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (5:15 PM)
Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting at Acqua Cusina Italian Restaurant as they celebrate the Grand Opening of their beautiful new space! The full event will run from 4:30 – 6:30 PM on April 30, 2025, with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony scheduled for 5:15 PM. Guests will enjoy finger foods and refreshments, and have the opportunity to meet the team behind Grande Prairie’s newest Italian dining experience. Come show your support, network with fellow members, and help us officially welcome Acqua Cucina to the community!
Acqua Cucina has brought the heart of Italian dining to the city of Grande Prairie. Founded by Sher Singh Rathore, Acqua Cucina was born from a shared love of food, friendship, and authentic hospitality. With a focus on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients and a passion for culinary artistry, the Acqua Cucina team of chefs, servers, bartenders, and support staff create a dining experience where every meal tells a story and every guest feels at home. Visit their website https://acquacucina.ca/index.html
No cost to attend but registration is appreciated for capacity and catering purposes.
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Ribbon Cutting - 43 North Parts Distributors
Friday, May 2, 2025 (Ribbon Cutting 12:00 PM)
Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting at 43 North Parts Distributors on Friday, May 2, 2025 as they celebrate the opening of their new storefront, as well as 5 years in business! The full event will run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony taking place at 12:00 PM. There will be refreshments as well as the opportunity to network and hear from the team at 43 North.
43 North Parts Distributors is proud to supply quality Recycled, Used and Aftermarket parts for Kenworth, Peterbilt and most other major truck brands. Their expert staff provide customers with industry-leading experience to get you the right parts so you can get up and running back to work. Visit their website https://www.43northparts.com/ for more information.
No cost to attend but registration is appreciated for capacity and catering purposes.
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2025 Chamber Golf Scramble
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Location: Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club
Swing into Action with the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce!
The annual Chamber Golf Scramble is back! This signature event combines the best of business networking and recreation. No need to be a seasoned golfer, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with our thriving business community in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Event Overview
Join us for a full day of camaraderie, connection, and friendly competition:
- -18 Holes of Golf: Enjoy a day on the greens with fellow chamber members.
- - Networking Opportunities: Build relationships and expand your business network.
- - Exciting Contests: Participate in activities like longest drive, closest-to-the-pin, and more.
- - Great Prizes & Giveaways: Win amazing prizes during our awards presentation.
- - Food & Beverages: Stay fueled with a delicious selection of meals, snacks, and refreshments
Sponsorship Opportunities
Align your brand with one of the Chamber's most popular events! Sponsorship options include:
- - Hole Sponsorships
- - Contest Sponsorships
- - Team or Prize Sponsorships
- And more!
For more details on how your business can get involved, contact us at 780-532-5340 or email leah@gpchamber.com
Check out our 2025 Sponsorship Guide for more opportunities!
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Keeping Your Organization Running When Disaster Strikes
Practical Steps to Protect Critical Services
Disasters can strike at any time—whether it’s a flood, fire, supply chain breakdown, or civil unrest—and your organization needs to be prepared to continue operating no matter what. This session is designed for business owners, managers, and decision-makers who want to develop or refine their business continuity plans to protect critical services.
Event details:
Date: April 10, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Via Zoom – Register here
Register now
Looking ahead to the next sessions in the series:
Ensure that your business/organization is prepared for every challenge by signing up for the full series today!
Session 2: May 7, 2025
Improving Policies and Procedures to Enhance Business Efficiencies
Session 3: June 4, 2025
Mental Health in the Workplace
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Business Priorities for the 2025 Federal Election
In the lead-up to the upcoming federal election, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce—working in collaboration with community and provincial chambers from across Canada—has united around shared business objectives. These priorities reflect the top concerns raised by local businesses and chambers nationwide.
- How do we ensure growth and prosperity?
- How do we secure Canada’s national and economic security?
- How do we ensure reliable supply chains?
- How do we foster good government and regain the trust of Canadians?
Learn more
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Federal Election: Voting Information for Employers & Employees
Key Dates:
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Special Ballot voting at Elections Canada offices: Now until April 22 (6:00 p.m.) | M-F 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m | Sat 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m | Sun 12 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
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Advance polls: April 18–21 | 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Election Day: April 28 | 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Under the Canada Elections Act, employers must ensure employees have three consecutive non-working hours to vote during advance polls or on Election Day.
If an employee's schedule doesn’t allow for this, the employer must provide paid time off to vote—at a time of the employer’s choosing—without penalty. This time off is for voting purposes only. Electors may vote by Special Ballot if they cannot attend their assigned polling station on election day or during advance polls.
Find your electoral district and candidates
Key federal election dates
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Municipal Election Webinar Series
Alberta Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of Alberta are hosting a webinar series beginning on April 23rd for Albertans considering running in the 2025 municipal elections. These sessions offer insight into what it’s like to serve on council, the time commitment involved, and key considerations before submitting nomination papers.
Events | Alberta Municipalities
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Creating Effective Job Ads
With Alberta expecting 133,000 new job openings annually through 2033, attracting top talent quickly is essential—most top candidates are hired within 10 days. Access job posting tips, labour market insights, and upcoming free webinars on workplace practices and hiring supports below.
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Canada Avoids “Liberation Day” Tariffs but Major Risks Remain on the Horizon
On April 2, President Trump unveiled the details of the much-anticipated U.S. reciprocal tariffs measures at his “Liberation Day” press conference.
The reciprocal tariff executive order introduced a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods that took effect on April 5, followed by further tariffs on dozens of named countries to take effect on April 9. The stated intention of the executive order is to impose tariffs that match the tariffs and trade barriers imposed on the U.S. by other countries. However, this has been widely disputed given the reciprocal tariff rates are based on bilateral trade deficits that are themselves not equivalent to foreign trade barriers.
The White House fact sheet for the reciprocal tariffs and subsequent reporting make clear that Canada and Mexico are presently exempted from the latest reciprocal tariff measures. Although this is positive news for Canadian businesses, Canada is already facing significant tariffs — with new tariffs likely on the horizon. Major manufacturing sectors — steel, aluminum and automotive — are facing section 232 tariffs. Other key Canadian exports, most notably lumber products, also remain targeted by pending section 232 investigations. The Trump administration has also threatened section 232 investigations of other key exports for Canada, including pharmaceuticals.
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Expand Your Business Globally with CanExport Funding
CanExport "Grow into Global Markets" is offering SMEs up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs associated with exporting products or services to countries where they have limited or no sales.
Apply today to expand your business internationally!
Learn More
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Tariffs & Trade: Building Resilience in Uncertain Times
In today’s uncertain global trade environment, Canadian small businesses face new challenges. Join our webinar on April 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM to learn how to navigate tariffs, support local economies, and strengthen your supply chain for future growth. Gain tips and insights from Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice President of Policy and External Affairs at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, to help your business thrive in shifting times.
Register Now
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AI for SMBs: A Free Google course!
We are thrilled to share Grow with Google's new, free AI resource for small businesses: AI for SMBs!
With this new course, small business owners can get hands-on experience prompting Gemini to brainstorm ideas and speed up their daily work tasks. Crafted with Google experts, this course will cut through the AI jargon and reveal how Google's AI-powered tools can help you:
- Save Time: Automate tasks and streamline operations.
- Wow Customers: Deliver personalized and engaging experiences.
- Boost Your Bottom Line: Drive more sales and grow your revenue.
Ready to unlock the potential of AI for your business? Access AI for SMBs for free:
Learn More
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Know Your Cyber Score
Test your knowledge with the complimentary Cybersecurity Assessment Tool from Mastercard for small businesses!
Answer a few simple questions to receive a Cybersecurity Assessment Report, complete with recommendations based on your responses.
Learn More
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4 Ways to Enhance Hospitality in Your Restaurant With Technology
Restaurant owners are catering to diners who want personalized, memorable experiences, but they’re also dining in more ways than ever: in person, through takeout, and delivery. They also expect great service every time. Three in four Canadian diners rate their dining experiences positively, but nearly half of them expect the restaurants they visit to add or keep value offerings in the next year, according to Square Future of Restaurants data.
This is where technology comes in — not to replace the human side of hospitality, but to make it easier to deliver the kind of service that keeps people coming back. With the right tools, you can offer seamless ordering, thoughtful personalization, and loyalty programs that make every guest feel valued, whether they’re grabbing a quick lunch or ordering dinner from their couch. Read Square's article to learn how.
Learn More
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MORE RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS
Free Webinar: Staying Connected After Winter Rules Ends
The Utilities Consumer Advocate, part of the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities in the Government of Alberta, is offering a free webinar series to support Albertans as informed energy consumers. Topics include understanding Alberta’s utilities market, choosing a retailer, and managing utilities when moving or renting. Current webinar offerings are available here.
With the end of Winter Rules coming, we wanted to invite you to a presentation on Staying Connected After Winter Rules Ends. This presentation will include both what the program is, and what it means when it comes to an end.
The presentations are online, and sign up is available for:
Please feel free to share the presentation registration with your clients as well!
We hope you’ll join us!
Consumer Education and Awareness Team
Affordability and Utilities
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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.
Employment Standards is hosting “Webinar Wednesdays” for April (including live Q&A). These 30 minute sessions will cover the following topics:
- Termination & Pay: Employer obligations and employee rights (April 9 at 11:00 AM)
- General Holidays & Pay: Who qualifies and how pay is calculated (April 16 at 11:00 AM)
- Overtime: When it applies and how it must be paid (April 23 at 11:00 AM)
- Youth Employment: Rules for hiring and protecting young workers (April 30 at 11:00 AM)
For more information, or to register for one of the sessions, visit alberta.ca/employment-standards-webinars.aspx. To request a presentation for your company or organization, please email EOP.Presentations@gov.ab.ca.
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FROM BDO:
Personal income tax changes that may impact your 2024 return
Find out what they are, how to navigate them, and how to lower your liability.
Prepare now
Interprovincial trade barriers: Six key findings on business readiness
What do leaders think about the future of internal trade? Answers in our survey.
Uncover the obstacles
Build a tariff plan to protect your business
Our three-step framework guides you in developing a pragmatic approach to your tariff response strategy.
Adapt with confidence
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