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Chamber Connection Vol 29 (Dec 03)

Page 1


Custom

& Repair

Everything is completed in-store in Grande Prairie. Backed by over 70 years of experience, our goldsmiths take on a wide range of services, with some repairs done the same day.

Unique Jewelry and Watches

Discover customizable silver and gold pieces. Plus, check out new watches by Glock and Lee Cooper. Give a gift they’ll love.

Silver Ring Workshop

Make your own Silver ring with us— learn to solder, hammer, and file, then wear your creation home. Find upcoming dates on our Facebook page.

Our Most Recent Event!

ChamberEvent:BusinessAfter5MixeratThe Legion

Ahugethankyoutoeveryonewhojoinedusatthe GrandePrairieLegion#54foranotherfantastic ChamberMixer!

Itwaswonderfultoseesomanyfamiliarfaces— andplentyofnewones—connecting,networking, andcelebratingcommunity.Thenewlyrenovated spacewaswarmandwelcoming,theperfect settingandstageforgreatconversationsand collaboration.

Eventsliketheseshowcasethestrengthofour regionalbusinessandnonprofitcommunity— thankyouallforbeingpartofitin2025!

Indigenousbusinessmixersareto buildlocalrelationshipsinour indigenousecosystem.Weallbuy frombusinessweknow,likeand trust.

Industryandgovernmentwhowant toworkwithindigenoussuppliersare morethanwelcometojoinus!!We knowwearestrongertogether

Indigenous Business Mixer

ALBERTA PERSPECTIVES SURVEY

Municipal Red Tape and Business Supports

September 2025

Methodology

Utilizing the Alberta Perspectives platform, the ACC sent an invitation with a link to the online survey to all member chambers across the province. Chambers then sent this invitation to their members. Other sources were also used to survey businesses, including non-chamber members. A total of 488 participants completed the survey through this approach. This large number of responses allows the ACC to speak with authority about members’ views, strengthening advocacy on behalf of Alberta’s business community. Those businesses responding to the survey self-identify as either a business, a not-for-profit organization or a public sector organization. Surveying was undertaken between August 27th and September 12th, 2025.

Highlighted Observations from Alberta Perspectives

Support from Elected Officials

Elected officials reaching out has rebounded slightly from 2024, although still low, but those reporting the contact was beneficial is well up over 2023. Although well below 2019 –2022 levels but with only one-in-five employers saying they have been contacted. It is still more likely that businesses reach out to elected officials, although the difference is narrowing.

20% Increase in reported contact that was beneficial

with Municipal Officials

62%

of businesses says their municipality does not consult well with businesses in their community saying ‘not at all

33%

report being affected by some type of crime in the past 12 months. had to invest money to protect their business from crime

68% 52% 13%

61% Of reported crimes are related to Cyber Crime & theft

businesses are a ‘Promoter’ of the municipality where their business operates

61% While are a ‘Detractor’

50% of businesses continue to say they are not satisfied with the business supports and services offered by their municipality

Understand.Heal.Grow. BSB Counselling offers professional support with a down-to-earth, strength based approach—designed especially for men navigating life’s challenges. Whether you're dealing with stress, relationship struggles, life transitions, or quiet battles with addiction, we’re here to help you find strength, clarity, and purpose. You’re not alone. Reach out today for a free consultation.

SERVICES:

Couples Therapy Family

https://bsbcounselling.ca/ 587-297-3757

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING

WED, DEC 03 | 3:30PM

THE WORK PLACE/ CARLSON & COMPANY

Ribbon Cutting - The Work Place/Carlson & Company Inc

JoinusincelebratingtherelocationofThe WorkPlace/Carlson&CompanyInc.into theirnewlocation!Thisexcitingmove marksameaningfulmilestoneforDenise Carlsonandherteam,andweinvite Chambermembers,localbusinesses,and communitypartnerstohelpcelebrate.

GALLERY

ALBERTACHAMBERSOFCOMMERCEFALLBOARD MEETING&TALENTDEVELOPMENTSYMPOSIUM

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce was proud to have representatives from our Board of Directors and CEO attend the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Fall Board Meeting, Talent Development Symposium, and Deputy Ministers’ Dinner held earlier this month.

This annual gathering brings together Chamber leaders, government representatives, and industry experts from across Alberta to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration on the issues shaping our province’s future.

The Talent Development Symposium featured insightful discussions on Alberta’s workforce priorities — exploring how business, education, and government can work together to support a strong talent pipeline and address labour market challenges across industries. Speakers shared strategies to equip employers and workers for long-term success in an evolving economy.

During the Fall Board Meeting and Deputy Ministers’ Dinner, attendees heard updates on Alberta’s economic outlook and key areas of opportunity for growth. Conversations with provincial leaders highlighted the importance of partnerships between business and government to foster innovation, attract investment, and sustain regional prosperity.

Events like these strengthen the collective voice of the Chamber network, ensuring that the perspectives of communities like Grande Prairie are represented at the provincial level.

Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance

CHAMBER MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO CANADA'S LARGEST EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PLAN TARGETED TO SMALL-TO-MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESS.

Operating since the early 1970s, Chambers Plan now provides coverage to over 30,000 firms like yours. Regardless of the size of your organization Chambers Plan can be customized to meet your needs,requestafreequotetodayandletusshowyouhowwecan customizeaplanforyou.

Established

Your firm's rates will remain stable regardless of claims history. Additionally, Chambers Plan Group Health Insurance is noncancelable due to any claims experienced by your firm. Your companywillneverbesingledoutforarateincrease,ever.

Local

Your business is unique, so your business needs unique coverage. That is why a local Chambers Plan advisor administers your employee health benefits plan. A Chambers Plan advisor is a member of your community. Whether you want to add dental coverage,changeorupdate,orsimplyaskaquestion,youradvisor isthereforyou.

Customizable

Coverage can be tailored to suit your needs. Customize your plan selecting from a wide range of coverage – life, health, dental, disability, critical illness and much more! As well, Chambers Plan membershaveaccesstomy-benefits®anonlinemanagementtool. Thistoolallowsyoutoadministeryourplananywhere,anytime.

Local Agent - Cam Neil

Neil & Associates 10715-102 Street Grande Prairie Website: https://neilandassociates. ca

AtNeil&Associates,webelieve you deserve the best when it comes to group insurance— personalized service from a team of advisors and support staff who live and work right hereinyourcommunity.Asyour local provider of the Chamber Plan, we offer affordable, flexible, and stable benefits designed specifically for small andmedium-sizedbusinesses.

Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage for your team or just starting to explore your options, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way. Get the best deal on insurance and peaceofmindforyourbusiness —contact Neil & Associates today!

Strengthening Alberta’s talent pipeline through dual credit expansion

TheGovernmentofAlbertahasannounced$4.5millionin newdual-creditfunding,expandingopportunitiesforhighschoolstudentstoearnpost-secondaryorapprenticeshiplevelcredits.The33newand29enhancedprogrammeswill includepathwayssuchascarpentry,automotive,welding, andhairstyling,alongsidededicatedfundingtosupport health-careaidetraining.

ThisinvestmentalignswithACC’songoingworkto strengthenAlberta’stalentpathways.ThroughtheTalent DevelopmentTaskForce,ACCbringstogetheremployers, educatorsandstudentstoimprovecoordinationacrossthe talentecosystem,anddual-creditinitiativescontributeto buildingamoreresilienttalentpipeline.

Learnmore

Delivering affordable homes for Albertans

ThegovernmentsofAlbertaand Canadaarecommitting$200millionto buildthousandsmoreaffordable homesacrosstheprovince.

AsAlberta’spopulationgrows,sodoesthe demandforaffordablehousing.That’s why,throughtheAffordableHousing PartnershipProgram,$200millioninjoint provincialandfederalfundingisbeing committedtobuildmoreaffordablehomes forAlbertans.

ReadFullArticle

2026 Budget

Consultation Survey

Albertanscansharetheirthoughtson budgetprioritiesaspartoftheprovince’s consultationsonBudget2026.Thesurvey willtake10to15minutestocomplete,and isopenuntilJanuary15,2026.

Shareyourthoughts

Is your business ready for the next wildfire or natural disaster?

Share your perspective in this quick 3-min survey to help us understand how your business was impacted by wildfires previously, and how we can best support you in future disasters.

Your feedback will help us create practical resources to supportlocalbusinesseslikeyourstobouncebackfasterfrom futurenaturaldisasters.

TakeSurvey

Beyond The Noise: Build A PurposeDriven 2026

JoinusonDecember4that11a.m.forafreewebinarfeaturing industryleaderandcoachTrenaLaine,thiseventwillteachyou howtorecognizeburnoutearly,protectyourtimeandenergyand realignyourbusinesswithwhatmattersmost!

RegisterToday

Unlocking Business Support: Navigating Government Tools With Innovation Canada

Join us on December 9th at 11 a.m. for a free webinar featuring Innovation Canada’s Dmitri Bakker, Marketing Strategist,andMahaBuhisi,EconomicAnalyst.Learnhow tonavigateCanada’sbusinesssupportsystemusingtools that connect you with funding opportunities, professional adviceandtailoredprogramstohelpyourbusinessgrow.

RegisterToday

Member ExclusiveDeals

Service Plus Grande Prairie

BothhotelsareconvenientlylocatedofftheHighway43Bypassonthe AlaskaHighway.Greatlocationforshopping,diningandentertainment.

Forbusinessorpleasure,wearetheplacetostay.

Usecode:GPChamber24 foradiscountedratewhenbooking

Booktoday1.888.875.4667

Best Western Plus West Edmonton

Conveniently located off Highway 2, our West Western Plus West Edmonton hotel is just 3min from West Edmonton Mall and just minutes from local attraction. With comfortable and convenient amenities, our hotel is the perfect choice for business and leisure travellersalike.

Usecode:CHAMBER for15%offallGrandePrairieChamberMembers

Kit Office Plus

10% off office furniture assembled or unassembled in our Grande PrairieShowroomorPeaceRiverStore

10% off unassembled furniture off our website, delivered to our ShowroominGP

Custom plans for stationary, office supply and janitorial. They can look at our website for options. For up to 20 of their most used SKU’s, we setup an account for them and offer the best price possible on those 20 items then full price after that. Great for schoolsaswell.

Please email gpsales@kitofficeplus.com or use in store/showroomcustomplanmustbeanemailtooksanam@kitofficeplus.com

“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”

JC’s

Painting Services

Joined:November12,2025

We’re excited to welcome Jennifer Calvert and JC’s Painting Services to our Chamber network!Welookforwardtoseeingthisskilled localbusinesscontinuetogrowandmakean impactinourcommunity.

Joined:November08,2025

We’reexcitedtowelcomeKristineDela CruzandVitaDripMobileIVTherapy Inc.toourChambernetwork!Welook forwardtoseeingthisinnovativelocal businesscontinuetogrow,connect,and makeapositiveimpactinourregional businesscommunity.

Vita Drip Mobile IV Therapy Inc

How It Works

Empowering Women, Transforming Futures: Bursary Program

We understand that many women may feel unsure about how to start their educational journey or whether higher education is even a possibility for them. This is why the Empowering Women; Transforming Futures Bursary Program exists.

Funded by the generosity of the Backman Family Fund, and in collaboration with Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), the City of Grande Prairie, and Centerpoint Facilitation Inc., we are proud to offer women in Grande Prairie an opportunity to transform their futures. This bursary program is designed to provide both a personalized education plan and financial support to help women overcome barriers and take the next step in their educational journey at Northwestern Polytechnic.

Women who wish to apply can submit their application to the Empowering Women, Transforming Futures Committee. The committee reviews applications monthly, considering each applicant’s background, goals, and financial needs.

The committee will recommend successful applicants to receive a Person-Centered Educational Plan. This customized plan uses a collaborative approach to guide applicants through the process of determining their educational and career goals, while also helping to identify the supports needed for academic success. This process will also help to assess if the applicant is eligible for funding.

If an applicant is eligible for funding, bursary funds are paid directly to Northwestern Polytechnic, ensuring that tuition and educational expenses are covered efficiently and securely.

Community-based organizations and other partnering agencies can refer women who they believe would benefit from the bursary and educational support.

Application Process

1. Submit Your Application: Download and complete the application form with your educational background, goals, challenges, and reasons for seeking the bursary. Email your completed application to dwright@cityofgp.com

2. Committee Review: Applications are reviewed monthly, and evaluated on merit, financial need, and alignment with the program’s vision.

3. Recommendation & Notification: Applicants will be chosen and notified via email and phone within 2 weeks of the monthly review.

QR Code for Application

Eligibility Criteria

• • • Identify as a woman seeking to further your education at Northwestern Polytechnic. 18 years of age or older.

Have a clear educational goal aligned with the Empowering Women, Transforming Futures vision. Demonstrate financial need or barriers to accessing education.

TheJobBoard

Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades, marketinghelp,orbusinesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightproviders fromournetwork!

GeneralManager(full-time)

TheAgencyisassistingNitehawkYear-RoundAdventurePark intherecruitmentofaGeneralManager.Thisexciting leadershiproleoverseesthestrategicdirection,operations, financialperformance,teamculture,andcommunity engagementofoneoftheregionspopularrecreation destinations.

TheGeneralManagerwillleadanenergeticteam,drive sustainablegrowth,andensureunforgettableexperiencesfor guestsfromwinterskiandsnowboardseasontoyear-round outdooradventures,events,andcommunityprograms.

Formoreinformation: https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212/job/4RRRVY8V

Did You KNOW?

Most small businesses spend over 10 hours a week managing finances - time that could be spent growing, creating and serving clients.

Bill 8: Electricity Market Changes for Large Energy Users

Bill 8 proposes updates to Alberta’s electricity market, including allowing data centres to self-supply power and requiring industry to cover related transmission costs. This legislation is intended to support grid planning and systemreliability.

Learnmore

New electronic export certificates to support grain exports to Mexico

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is now issuing electronic phytosanitary export certificates for grains and grain products destined to Mexico. These certificatesconfirmthatproductshavebeeninspected,are free from regulated pests, and meet the importing country’s requirements. This aligns with ACC’s longstanding advocacy for reduced administrative burden and moreefficienttradeprocesses.

Learnmore

Canada-MexicoActionPlan2025-2028

Youth employment consultations

The Government of Canada is inviting youth to participate in the Building Canada Strong: Youth in the Labour Market consultation, which is open until December 19th. This consultation seeks input on youth employment, challenges, and opportunities to help inform federal understanding of labour market issuesaffectingyoungpeople.

Learnmore

TalentDevelopmentTaskForce

Flood mapping expanded

Alberta has completed more than 1,850 km of new flood mapping since 2020 and expects to exceed 3,000kmby2028.Theupdatedmapsaredesignedto support land-use planning, insurance assessments, and emergency preparedness for municipalities, Indigenouscommunities,andlocaldecision-makers.

Learnmore

Canada Signals Readiness to Re-Engage as Tariff Pressures Deepen

Amid stalled trade talks with the U.S., Prime Minister Carney announced new federal measures to protect domestic producers and workers affected by U.S. tariffs. The plan lowers import quotas for non-FTA countries and introduced a 25% global tariff on certain steel-derivative products, while also cutting interprovincial freight ratestosupportthemovementofCanadian-madesteelandlumber.

The government will provide financial support to companies restructuring operations or facing liquidity pressures. The prime minister described the policy shift as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on the U.S. market and strengthen internal trade, calling the decades-long path toward deeper economic integration “nowover.”

Our Statement on the MOU Between the Governments of Canada and Alberta

LastWednesday,thegovernmentsofCanadaandAlbertasigneda memorandumofunderstandingto“worktogethercooperatively,and within their respective jurisdictions, to foster the conditions necessary for infrastructure...that will unlock and grow natural resource production and transportation in Western Canada.” This MOU and Budget 2025’s measures represent meaningful steps to respondtolong-standingindustryconcerns.

ReadOurStatement

Canada’s Arctic Is the Next Frontier for Growth, Security, and Reconciliation

“SupportingArcticdevelopmentgoeswellbeyondmining;it’sabout building strategic trade corridors that connect communities, create jobs, and open new paths to global markets,” writes Pascal Chan, Vice President, Strategic Policy and Supply Chains, in a new op-ed publishedinTheHillTimes.

ReadtheOp-Ed

EVEN MORE RESOURCES

Strengthening Organizational Performance Through Management Training

DoesyourcompanyhaveaninterestinManagementTrainingforyourteam,butfoundthebudgetoutofreach?Here’s anopportunitytoaccessexcellenttrainingprogramsforaphenomenalbudget!

Future Focus Inc, a NEW partner to our Chamber Communities, is excited to invite you to an Information Session introducing the Management Effectiveness Program (MEP) and Emerging Managers Training (EMT) — two proven leadership development programs designed specifically to increase productivity and performance for Alberta businesses.

FutureFocusIncisofferinga33%discounttoChamberMembers,plusyoucanaccessupto50%fundingthroughthe Canada-AlbertaProductivityGrant(CAPG)!

InfoSession:Tuesday,December9th–Noonto1pm

Location:Virtual(Zoom)

ClicktoRegister

This session is open to Chamber Staff, Chamber Members and Non-Chamber Member Employers interested in developingtheirleaderswhilemaximizingavailablegrantfunding.

Payworks for Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce

Payworks is a leading expert in the field of total workforcemanagementsolutions, providing innovative cloud-based solutions for Payroll, Human Resources, Employee Time and Absence Management to businesses across the country.

As a proudly Canadian company serving businesses from coast to coast for more than 25 years, we understand what it takes to be an employer in Canada. We’re deeply committed not only to your success, but also to the communities we call home. 98% of clients who choose Payworks choose to stay. Here’s why…

We simplify year-endprocessing, electronically submitting tax form information to CRA/RQ on your behalf when authorized by the processing deadline.

Our ROE Manager tool makes processing a breeze, and ROEs are submitted directly to Service Canada on your behalf.

You can automate vacation pay entitlements and benefits enrolment after the employee probationary period.

No more data re-entry: our workforce management solutions for time tracking, scheduling, absenteeism, and HR functions are fully integrated.

User-defined fieldsandautomation empower you to shape the application to your specific requirements.

Payworks' Self Service App provides easy access for your employees to receive pay statements, tax forms, and more from their mobile device.

You call, we answer: all clients are assigned a dedicated, National Payroll Institute-trained service representative for unlimited, one-toone service.

Federal and provincial tax remittances are done for you.

*All prices aresubjectto change without notice asperthe terms of your service agreement. ^$12 per employee with a minimum implementation (setup) fee of $240.

¹ Price does not include Year-End archive fee of $34.95, charged once per year if Year-End is processed. Pricing in effect until April 30, 2026

Contact Madi Stevens

Phone: 780.902.8074

Email: madi.stevens@payworks.ca

Grande Prairie, Alberta

Grande Prairie introduces microgrant to support youth

City of Grande Prairie Receives 2025

Minister’s Award for Red Tape Reduction and Service Delivery Enhancement

The City of Grande Prairie is launching a new Youth Economic Empowerment Microgrant to help youth and young adults access opportunities that support their employmentorskilldevelopmentgoals.

The Microgrant provides meaningful support to residents aged15to30whoaretakingstepstowardtheirfuture.Itoffers up to $750 per individual to help cover costs such as safety training, professional certification courses, workwear and the tools or equipment needed for employment. Many young peoplefacefinancialhurdlesthatcanslowtheirprogress,and this support helps make essential training and equipment moreaccessible

Theonlineapplicationisavailableat cityofgp.com/YouthEconomicEmpowerment ReadFullAnnouncement

Council approves the 2026 Budget

GrandePrairieCityCouncilhasapproved the2026Budget,balancingaffordabilityand qualityoflifetosupportservicedelivery whilepreparingforastrongtomorrow.

LikemanymunicipalitiesacrossCanada, GrandePrairieisfacingchallenging economictimesalongsidetheneedsofa growingcommunity.Thefocusforthe2026 Budgetistoinvestintheservicesresidents relyonwhilebalancingfutureneed. ReadFullArticle

Loans and advice to buy or sell a business

Get financing tailored to your needs and advice from experts to buy, sell or transfer a business. BDC is here to guide you through your projects and support you every step of the way.

Learn more

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