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July E-Newsletter Sponsored by
First & Main Group Benefits Inc.
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- Hot Topic
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- Upcoming Chamber Events
- Perks, Savings & Member Value
- Members in Motion
- Member News
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Provincial Priorities Findings
Business Confidence in Alberta Declines as Uncertainty Grows
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) released findings from its “Business and Public Attitudes to Key Policy Issues” research, showing that federal policy impacts and separation uncertainty are the top issues facing the province for Alberta businesses. Federal policy impacts were identified as the top issue (20%) for the second year, with respondents writing in separation (15%) as the second most pressing issue.
The research, conducted between May 22 and June 17, 2026, collected insights from more than 680 business respondents. In addition, 800 members of the Alberta public shared their perspectives between June 6 and June 14, 2026. This is the eight annual survey in this research series focusing on economic and fiscal issues.
| | The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is a federation of 106 community-based chambers of commerce representing more than 22,000 job creators. | | Alberta Chambers of Commerce | | | | |
Government Launches Independent Economic Impact Review
The Government of Alberta has announced an independent economic impact review to examine the potential implications of Alberta separating from Canada. Led by an independent advisory panel and the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy, the review will assess potential economic opportunities, risks, costs, and long-term impacts. The findings will be released publicly later this summer to help inform Albertans ahead of the October 19 referendum.
1995 Quebec Referendum Strategic Lessons for Alberta's Business Community | Alberta Referendum Webpage
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Varcoe: New survey finds 68% Alberta businesses seeing effects of separation talk on economy
Our provincial priorities research is drawing attention to the importance of business confidence, investment, and workforce planning. In a recent Calgary Herald column, Chris Varcoe highlights findings from our latest research, including that 68% of Alberta businesses believe separation discussions are affecting the provincial economy.
Read more
| | | | Supplyflow.net is helping build a stronger manufacturing network by connecting Canadian manufacturers, suppliers, and industry partners. The platform supports more resilient supply chains, stronger business relationships, improved sourcing, and new opportunities for growth across Canada. | | Canadian Chambers of Commerce | | | | |
Federal Budget Priorities for Canadian Business
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has submitted its recommendations for the 2026 Federal Budget, advocating for policies that will strengthen Canada's economy and improve business competitiveness. Key priorities include reducing regulatory burden, removing interprovincial trade barriers, investing in trade-enabling infrastructure, supporting workforce development, and creating a more competitive environment for businesses to grow and invest.
Read more
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Strengthening Labour Relations While Protecting Business Stability
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has submitted recommendations to the Government of Canada’s consultations on strengthening labour relations and better supporting workers. The submission emphasizes the importance of fair, modern labour policy that supports workers while also maintaining the business stability needed for employers to operate, invest, create jobs, and keep goods moving.
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Ad Hoc Working Group on Canadian Forced Labour
The Canadian Chamber is establishing an ad hoc Working Group on Canadian Forced Labour to support the Canadian business community’s response to addressing the risk of forced labour in Canadian supply chains.
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Deadline extended on Immigration Levels Plan
Every year, the Government of Canada engages with a wide range of stakeholders and partners from across the country to help shape Canada’s next Immigration Levels Plan. Review the questions and take the online survey. | Submit responses by June 30, 2026.
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Occupational Health and Safety Code changes
Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration is consulting on proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code. The surveys can be accessed at alberta.ca/ohs-code-review | The surveys will close on July 8, 2026.
Renewable Fuel Standards consultation
Alberta’s government is seeking stakeholder feedback on potential updates to the Renewable Fuels Standard to better reflect current technologies, market conditions, and fuel use. The deadline for input is July 17, 2026.
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Making or Trading Food in Canada?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has launched a new webpage to help food businesses navigate federal regulatory requirements. Making or trading food in Canada? There are concierge services to help small and medium-sized businesses navigate the licensing process. Need support to sell your food across provincial borders? There are concierges service for small and medium-sized businesses.
Learn more
Minister’s council on infrastructure financing
Alberta’s Government is launching a minister’s council to explore new ways for municipalities to finance critical infrastructure needed to support growing communities.
Learn more
Alberta releases updated economic indicators
Alberta's latest Economic Indicators at a Glance report is now available, providing updated data on labour markets, price trends and overall economic performance. This dataset offers businesses insight into current economic conditions and helps inform planning decisions.
Learn more
Cost relief and business supports
The Government of Canada has passed legislation implementing measures from the Spring Economic Update 2026, including temporary fuel tax relief, enhancements to the Labour Mobility Deduction, reduced CPP contribution rates beginning in 2027, and continued support for seasonal workers.
Learn more
Agri-food investment incentives expanded
New federal measures will allow businesses to immediately expense eligible greenhouse investments, helping reduce upfront costs and support growth in the agri-food sector. The initiative is intended to encourage capital investment, increase domestic food production, and support producers looking to expand or modernize their operations.
Learn more
Alberta’s Future: Economic Impact Review
The Government of Alberta has appointed an independent advisory panel and selected the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy to prepare an independent analysis on the potential economic impacts of Alberta leaving Canada. The report will examine possible transition costs, economic impacts, savings, and risks, with findings expected in late summer ahead of the October 19 referendum vote. This work is intended to provide Albertans with objective information to support informed decision-making.
Learn more
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Government of Alberta: Regional Employer Supports & Labour Market Information
Did you know?
Employment in the province increased by 13,900 month-over-month in May 2026, a third consecutive monthly gain. Full-time employment rebounded by +25,700 month-over-month in May 2026, offsetting a pullback in part-time employment (-11,800 month-over-month).
Provincial Labour Market Information:
The provincial unemployment rate for May 2026 decreased by 0.4% to 6.6%, in line with the national rate of 6.6% and a 0.8% decrease from May 2025.
Alberta’s employment reached 2,670,500, reflecting an increase of 13,900 (+0.5%) from the previous month and a rise of 104,400 (+4.1%) compared to May 2025.
Employment losses were highest in wholesale and retail trade (-8,500), manufacturing (-6,200) and public administration (-3,300). Alberta’s average hourly wage for May 2026 increased by 4.8% to $38.53 compared to last year.
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BRIDGE 2026 Conference and Roundtable Leadership Network Forum
Building Relationships and Interconnecting Diverse Groups for Empowerment — is a transformative initiative designed to foster meaningful intercultural connections between ethnocultural and Indigenous communities.
Through the BRIDGE Conference and Roundtable Leadership Network Forum, we hope to bring together organizations, community leaders, Indigenous leaders, ethnocultural groups, service providers, and changemakers to share reflections, exchange insights, identify opportunities for collaboration, and discuss future pathways for stronger intercultural connection.
The key goals of BRIDGE 2026 are to:
• Reduce cultural isolation and increase intercultural understanding.
• Build trust and networks for future collaboration between ethnocultural and Indigenous leaders.
• Strengthen Alberta’s social cohesion, inclusion, and collective well-being.
Airdrie Chamber members save 20% with Promo code SAVE20
Click here to register
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BDC: Stay ahead of your competition by doing this once a year
How to conduct a competitive analysis
Do you know what your competitors are up to? How much do you know about their products, services or sales tactics?
A competitive review can help you get the answers to these – and many more – questions. You might even discover a gap in the market, a way to improve your brand or an opportunity to launch a promotion so your business has a better chance of standing out.
And best of all? You can do it yourself and at low cost by following our 4 key steps.
See the steps
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Win Up to $200,000 to Grow Your Business with TELUS
TELUS #StandWithOwners is officially back for 2026, and the prizing is bigger than ever. Five Canadian businesses will each take home a $200,000 package of cash, advertising, technology, and health benefits, and 15 finalists will receive $20,000 each. If you're a registered, revenue-generating business with 1 to 100 employees, you're eligible to apply.
Learn more
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BDC launches LIFT to help SMEs adopt AI and productivity-boosting technologies
LIFT (Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology) is a new, $500 million program designed to help more than 1,000 Canadian SMEs adopt artificial intelligence and other productivity-enhancing technologies.
Despite growing awareness of AI’s potential, BDC data shows that only 30% of Canadian SMEs used AI in 2025—yet those businesses were 24% more productive than non users. LIFT was created to help close this gap by offering a practical, accessible path to adoption.
LIFT removes key barriers that often prevent businesses from getting started:
- Provides flexible financing to support investments in AI, digital tools, advanced equipment, automation, robotics and data infrastructure, and other productivity solutions
- Provides business owners with BDC Advisory Services expertise to help identify Canadian AI and technology suppliers for integration and implementation
- Requires no technical expertise, making it suitable for entrepreneurs who understand the importance of AI but need hands-on guidance to act
Eligible businesses can access loans ranging from $25,000 to $5 million, with flexible terms including preferential rates.
Learn more
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Registration Now Open!
25th Annual Chamber Golf Classic: 2000s Edition
presented by ASAP Windows & Doors
Tuesday, August 11th, 2026
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Woodside Golf Course, Airdrie
Join us for a milestone celebration of one of our most anticipated networking events. This year, we’re bringing the fun full circle with a throwback to where it all started; the early 2000s!
| | Exclusive Member Perks & More! | | | | |
Are your notifications turned on?
New offers are added to the Chamber Perks App throughout the year, so make sure your notifications are turned on to be the first to know when new savings become available.
Whether it's an exclusive member offer, a limited-time promotion, or a national discount, you'll receive updates right to your phone so you never miss an opportunity to save. Open the app today, enable notifications, and start making the most of your Chamber membership!
| | Value Added Discount Program | | |
SHIPPING
Save 55% on Reliable, On-Time Delivery services within Canada as as a benefit of a chamber membership.
Use the Purolator Mobile App, E-Ship Services and Online Billing options.
Register your business and start saving today.
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View the complete member directory and instantly get notified of new members through the Chamber Perks AppTM! | | | |
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"We joined the Airdrie Chamber in June and have been connecting with some of the members through their events. We were pleased to be part of a "Meet the Chamber" event recently and look forward to growing our local network with their support."
~ Shahraz Cokar, Precision Motor Worx Ltd. Airdrie
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Airdrie Laundromat
Airdrie Laundromat is bringing fresh energy to downtown Airdrie under the new ownership of Karla and Fil. After relocating from Calgary and embarking on a new entrepreneurial journey, they have embraced the opportunity to serve the community with passion, dedication, and a customer-first approach.
Offering convenient wash-and-fold services for busy families and professionals, Airdrie Laundromat is focused on making laundry day as easy as possible. Beyond their services, they are excited to connect with fellow businesses, support local organizations, and become active members of the community.
Community-minded and welcoming (even to your four-legged friends!), Karla and Fil are eager to build relationships and contribute to everything that makes Airdrie such a great place to live and do business.
Through their new initiative, The Ripple Project, $5 from every wash-and-fold service goes toward funding laundry vouchers for individuals and local families facing hardship. Vouchers would be redeemed quietly at the shop, no questions asked, so families can access clean laundry with dignity. Small acts of kindness make a difference, which is exactly what their slogan captures: every load is a ripple! The Ripple Project will be run alongside partnerships. They're inviting local businesses and individuals to sponsor the program directly, turning everyday loads of laundry into real support for Airdrie families. Click here for more information about the Ripple Project.
Contact Karla Rodriguez to get involved:
403-948-2169
wash@airdrielaundromat.com
Visit them in-person at 120 1 Ave NE, Airdrie.
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July 4 | Soaps It Up - Airdrie Car Wash | CARSTAR Airdrie | 124 Gateway Dr. NE Airdrie, AB | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
July 4 | 2026 Corgi Races | Century Downs Racetrack & Casino | 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County, AB | 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Learn more
July 7 | 6th Annual Community Stampede Breakfast | CARSTAR Airdrie | 124 Gateway Dr. NE Airdrie, AB | 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
July 11 | Women's Authentic You - Learn to Lead with Power and Presence (Part B) | The Sage Mustang | Rocky View County, 263133 Range Rd 290, Rocky View County, AB | 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Learn more
July 15 | Marketing for Hippies | Belief Re-patterning | Atlas Brewing, #100, 2000 Market Street SE, Airdrie, AB | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Learn more
July 18 | Christmas in July Craft Market | Century Downs Racetrack & Casino | 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County, AB | 12:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Learn more
July 18 | Plant BINGO | Blue Grass Garden Centre | 260130B Writing Creek Cres, Rocky View County, AB | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
July 18-19, 25-26 + every Saturday & Sunday in August | Farmer's Market | Blue Grass Garden Centre | 260130B Writing Creek Cres, Rocky View County, AB | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Learn more
July 22 | Rocky View County's 6th Annual Residents' Day | Rocky View County Hall, 262075 Rocky View Point, Rocky View County, AB | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Learn more
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As summer continues, we encourage you to make the most of every opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow. Whether you're joining us at an upcoming event, taking advantage of your Chamber member benefits, or cheering on fellow businesses, every connection helps strengthen our business community.
✔ Register for the 25th Annual Chamber Golf Classic
✔ Explore exclusive savings through the Chamber Perks App
✔ Stay connected with your Chamber and watch for exciting opportunities coming this fall.
| | Thank you for being part of the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer—and on the fairways in August! | | |
July E-Newsletter Sponsored by
First & Main Group Benefits Inc.
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