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Chamber Connection Vol 36 (Jan 21)

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COMING SOON

Valuesinfluencehowyoumakedecisions,howyouhandlepressure,howyoucommunicate expectations,andhowyourbusinessfeelstocustomers,teams,andpartners.Inthissession,youwill identifywherevaluestendtoslip,definewhat“livingthevalue”lookslikeinaction,andbuilda Start/Stop/Sustainplanthathelpsyoucloseonevaluesgaprightaway.

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

THUR, JAN 22 | 3:30PM

THE PADDLE CLUB

Unit 340, Prairie Mall 11801 -100 st Grande Prairie, AB

Ribbon Cutting - The Paddle Club

We’rethrilledtoinviteyoutotheofficial ribbon‑cuttingandgrandopeningcelebration forThePaddleClub—yournewgo tospotin GrandePrairiecombiningsport,funand socialvibes!Withgolfsimulators,pickleball courts,interactivedarts,plusafullrestaurant andbar,ThePaddleClubdeliversafresh, energeticdestinationforlocalbusinesses, friends,andfamiliestoconnect,playand unwind.

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!

Have your say on nuclear energy in Alberta

Albertansareinvitedtoparticipateinupcominginpersoninformationsessionsonthepotentialfor nuclearenergyintheprovince.

Alberta’sNuclearEngagementandAdvisoryPanelis hostingtownhallsessionstogivepeopleacrosstheprovince achancetosharewhattheythinkaboutnuclearenergyas anoptiontomeetgrowingelectricitydemandsinthe province.Thesesessionswillgivethepublicanopportunity toaskquestionsandlearnmoreaboutnuclearenergy,as wellasprovideinputdirectlytopanelmembers.

Upcomingpublicsessions:

PeaceRiver–Jan.21,6:30p.m.,QualityHotel& ConferenceCentreHotel

Visitalberta.ca/nuclear-energy-engagementforup-to-date informationonnuclearenergyengagementintheprovince.

Alberta Export Expansion Program

FundingtohelpAlbertasmalland medium-sizedbusinessespromote exportsthroughinternationaltravel.As ofJanuary7,2026,$1.1millionoutofthe $2millionbudgetthisyearhasbeen requested.

Submityourapplicationwithintwo monthsoftravelling.

TAP 2026 cohorts now open for registration

TheTradeAcceleratorProgram(TAP) offersAlbertabusinessesexpert guidance,practicaltoolsandvaluable connections.In2026,cohortsarebeing heldinCalgary,Edmonton,Grande PrairieandMedicineHat,withupcoming sessionsstartingJanuary27inCalgary andFebruary25inEdmonton.

Learnmoreandregisterat alberta.ca/tap

Spend Smarter on Paid Ads in Alberta

Notsurewhereyouradvertisingdollarsshouldgo—orhowto knowifthey’reworking?Thispracticalguidebreaksdownhow Alberta businesses can build a strong ad foundation, choose therightchannels,anduseasimplebudgetframeworktoget betterreturnsfrompaidadvertising.

ReadNow

Solve the Right Problem: How

Customers Decide to Hire You

Fraud Prevention 101 for Entrepreneurs

Scammerstargetsmallbusinesseswithfakeinvoices, phishing,payrollandvendorpaymentredirects,andAIpoweredimpersonation.Inthiswebinar,you’llseehow modernscamsactuallyrunusingrealcasepatterns,thered flagsyoucanspotfast,andapracticalchecklisttoharden email,payments,andstaffhabitsbeforemoneyleavesyour account,withoutbuyingapileofnewtools.

RegisterToday

Customers don’t buy products — they “hire” solutions. A carfixed,anewtoy,agreatmeal,adogwalked,aproblem solved. Understanding why customers choose you is far moreimportantthanmostfoundersrealize.

In this practical webinar, you’ll learn how to define the real reason customers “hire” your business and how to clearly positionyouroffer,soitstandsoutinacrowdedmarket.

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

Chamber Member Shout-out

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

Positive Accounting Solutions

Joined:December12,2025

We’re excited to welcome Amanda Roessler and Positive Accounting Solutions to our Chambernetwork!Welookforwardtoseeing this trusted local business continue to grow andsupportourbusinesscommunity.

Red Deer Ironworks Inc

Joined:December05,2025

We’reexcitedtowelcomeCody StricklandandRedDeerIronworksInc. toourChambernetwork!Welook forwardtoseeingthisskilledindustry businesscontinuetogrowand contributetoourregionalbusiness community.

TheJobBoard

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

DistributionandCollectionOperationsManager

AquateraishiringaDistributionandCollectionOperations Managertoleadourwaterdistributionandwastewater collectionsystems,ensuringsafe,efficientservicedelivery, regulatorycompliance,andastrongsafetyculturewhile guidingandsupportingouroperationsteam.

Learnmoreandapplyat aquatera.ca/careers.

ProjectManager

AquateraishiringaProjectManager–CapitalProjectsto overseethedeliveryofkeymunicipalinfrastructureprojects whileensuringsafety,quality,andcollaborationeverystep oftheway.

Learnmoreandapplyat aquatera.ca/careers.

OperationsSupervisor

AquateraishiringanOperationsManagerresponsibleto superviseallaspectsoftheoperationsandmaintenanceof thewaterdistributionandwastewatercollectionsystems andinfrastructurewithinAquateraserviceareas,andensure thesafedeliveryofhigh-qualitywaterandwastewater services.

Learnmoreandapplyat aquatera.ca/careers.

StatisticsCanadaishiring

Wearelookingforlocalpeopletohelpuscollectaccurate datainyourcommunity.Thesedataarevitalforplanning andevaluatingprogramsandservicessuchaseducation, healthcare,childcare,housing,emergencyservices,roads, publictransportationandjobtraining..

Learnmoreandapplyat census.gc.ca/jobs

Water/WastewaterTreatmentOperator

AquateraisrecruitingaTemporaryWater/Wastewater TreatmentOperatortojoinourteaminHinton,ABandbepart ofateamcommittedtodeliveringreliable,high-qualitywater services.

Learnmoreandapplyataquatera.ca/careers

D/COperatorTrainee-NAITorNWPWaterWastewaterTech

Student

AquateraisrecruitingD/COperatorTrainee-NAITorNWP Water-WastewaterTechStudentforourwaterdistributionand wastewatercollectiondepartment.

Learnmoreandapplyataquatera.ca/careers.

MembershipServicesManager(full-time)

ServicesManagerisresponsibleforMembershipSales, MemberRetention,AdvertisingSales,EventSponsorship andDigitalSignSalesfortheGrandePrairie&District ChamberofCommerce.

Formoreinformation:

https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?

jk=c4127f7c833a3b81&from=shareddesktop_copy

WorkforceDevelopment&Attraction–WorkNW

AlbertaLocation

TheProjectManagerwillbeinstrumentalinadvancingthe Partnership’smulti-yearstrategy,providingcoordinationacross partners,overseeingdeliverablesandbudgets,andtracking performanceoutcomestoensureprojectsuccess.

Formoreinformation: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?

jk=10ef439fe825a5b9&from=shareddesktop_copy

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Rotary Club of Grande Prairie

January 22, 2026

Holiday Inn & Suites Grande Prairie Conference Centre

Tickets available: HERE

Learn more about the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie: https://www.rotarycity.ca/clubs/rotary-club-of-grandeprairie/

75 Years of Service Above Self

In January 2026, the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie will celebrate 75 years of service, marking an extraordinary legacy of leadership, volunteerism, and community impact.

Chartered on January 22, 1951 by the Rotary Club of Edmonton, the club was founded by just nine members and has grown to more than 55 Rotarians today. As one of the earliest Rotary clubs in northern Alberta, Rotary Grande Prairie has played a foundational role in shaping service and leadership across the region.

A Legacy of Leadership

Over the decades, the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie has helped strengthen the Rotary network by chartering and sponsoring:

Grande Prairie Sunrise Rotary Club

Swan City Rotary Club (Grande Prairie)

Grande Cache Rotary Club

As a founding club, Rotary Grande Prairie continues to support leadership development and collaboration, reinforcing Rotary’s belief that the greatest impact comes through partnership.

Community Impact at a Glance

Since its founding, the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie has contributed more than $12 million back into the community. These investments have supported a wide range of initiatives, including:

Health care and hospital foundations

Housing and homelessness programs

Youth leadership and development

Food security and emergency relief

Arts, culture, recreation, and community infrastructure

Through both financial support and hands-on volunteerism, Rotary members have helped create lasting, meaningful change throughout the region.

Addressing Hunger and Housing

Food security has been a long-standing focus of Rotary’s work. Through Rise Against Hunger, Rotary members and volunteers have helped package over 282,000 meals for families in need, while continuing to support local food banks and emergencyfoodprograms.

Rotary has also played a significant role in local housing initiatives through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity, helping build four duplexes (eight homes) in the Northridge neighborhood, followed by sponsorship of an additional home. Rotary’s support included funding, volunteer involvement,andcommunityleadership.

Environmental Stewardship and Youth Development

EnvironmentalleadershiphasbeenpartofRotary Grande Prairie’s story since the early 1970s. The original Clean-a-Thon, launched in 1973, removed more than 236,000 pounds of garbage in a single community-wide effort. This initiative later evolved into the Green-a-Thon, engaging youth and promoting safer, organized cleanups until around2018.

Youth development remains a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. The club has supported the 577 Air Cadets continuously since 1953, one of Rotary’s longest-running youth partnerships. Rotary Grande Prairie has also supported the Rotary Youth Exchange program since the mid1970s, helping local students study abroad and welcominginternationalstudentstotheregion.

A Community Legacy: The Rotary Campground

Since 1973, the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie has operated the Rotary Campground, welcoming thousands of visitors each season. All net proceeds from the campground are reinvested directly into community initiatives, creating a sustainable model of service that continues to benefittheregionyearafteryear.

Celebrating75Years!

Alberta launches regulated private iGaming market

AlbertaislaunchingaregulatedprivateiGamingmarket overseenbythenewAlbertaiGamingCorporation (AiGC),withAlbertaGaming,LiquorandCannabis (AGLC)servingasthemarketregulator.Underthenew framework,licensedoperatorswillberequiredto prioritizeplayersafetyandsocialresponsibility,including protectionsforyouth,restrictionsonadvertisingto minors,andtoolssuchasself-exclusionandspending limits.

Learnmore

Funding for smart grid projects in Alberta

Thefederalgovernmentannouncednearly$3million throughtheEnergyInnovationProgramtosupport fourAlbertaprojects.Fundingincludes$1.5Mto ENMAXforgridmodernizationplanning,$532,770to EPCORforadvanced-ratestudies,$500,000tothe TransitionAcceleratorforthermalenergynetworks, and$250,000totheAlbertaEnergyEfficiency Alliancefordemand-sidemanagementframeworks.

Learnmore

Alberta Next Panel recommendations Automobile tax deduction limits for 2026

The Department of Finance Canada announced the 2026 automobile tax limits. The CCA ceiling for Class 10.1vehiclesrisesto$39,000,andtax-exemptemployer allowances increase to 73¢/km for the first 5,000 km (67¢ after) in the provinces. Other limits, including leasing costs, prescribed rates, zero-emission CCA, andinterestdeductions,remainunchanged.

Learnmore

For businesses seeking more insights and tools:

The Alberta Next panel, led by Premier Danielle Smith, has released its final report after broad public engagement, including 10 in person town halls and online consultations. The seven recommendations focusonincreasingAlberta’sautonomyonpensions, taxes, policing, immigration, and constitutional protections.Thegovernmentwillreviewthereportin thecomingmonths.

Learnmore AlbertaNextPanel

Canada–Mexico Trade Mission: Engaging Ahead of the 2026 USMCA Review

Our first trade mission of 2026 is fast approaching, and it puts Canadian business leaders at the table ahead of the upcoming USMCAreview.

ParticipantswillgettheopportunitytoengagedirectlywithMexican policymakers, business leaders and industry experts, gain real-time market intelligence and help shape the priorities that will define the next phase of Canada–Mexico economic cooperation at a time of shiftinggeopoliticsandevolvingNorthAmericantradedynamics

FindOutMore

Canada Diverges from U.S. on Chinese EV Tariff Policy

Canada has announced a new trade arrangement with China that will lower tariffs on a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for the removal of Beijing’s retaliatory duties on key Canadian agricultural exports. Under the deal, Canada will allow up to49,000Chinese-madeEVstoenterannuallyatatariffrateof6.1%, down from the 100% tariff imposed in 2024, with the quota rising to 70,000vehicleswithinfiveyears.

In return, China will sharply reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed andmealandremovedutiesonproductssuchaslobsters,crabsand peas through to at least the end of 2026. The agreement provides near-term relief for Canada’s agri-food sector, which has been heavily affected by China’s retaliatory measures, and signals a tentativeeasingoftradetensionsthathaveweighedonthebilateral relationshipformuchofthepastdecade.

The deal reflects Ottawa’s broader effort to diversify trade and investmenttiesamidcontinueduncertaintyinCanada’srelationship withtheU.S.,wheretariffsonCanadiansteel,autosandothergoods remain in place and the future of USMCA is under review. Prime Minister Carney framed the agreement as part of a pragmatic recalibration of Canada’s global trade posture, while emphasizing that the government expects increased Chinese investment and partnershipsinCanada’sautosectorovertime.

EVEN MORE RESOURCES

Join Us: EDA Training is in Grande Prairie on Feb. 20 - 3 InPerson Courses in 1 Day

FollowingtheGrowingtheNorthConferenceinGrandePrairienextmonth,theEconomicDevelopersAlberta(EDA)teamisofferingthreeinpersoncoursesthroughtheEDAinstitute.

Friday,February20

9AM-3PM

EvergreenPark 55051TownshipRd710 GrandePrairie,AB

YoudonotneedtoattendtheGrowingtheNorthConferencetoregisterforourtraining.

Whetheryou'reaneconomicdevelopmentprofessional,inelectedoffice,orinanyleadershiproleinyourcommunity,thisisastrongopportunity tobuildpracticalskillsthatdirectlysupporteffectivecommunityleadership.

Lunchisincludedinthese1-daytrainingsessionsandyou’llearncreditstowardyourCommunityEconomicDevelopment(CED)Certificate.

EconomicDevelopmentforElectedOfficials

Gainthetoolselectedleadersneedtochampioneconomicdevelopmentintheircommunitiesandunderstandtheirpivotalroleinempowering localeconomicsuccess.

EOCourseRegisterHere

Fundamentals

ofRuralEconomicDevelopment

Explorewhatmakesruraldevelopmentunique,tacklecommonruralchallenges,anduncoverpracticalstrategies. REDCourseRegisterHere

(FREE!)MentalWell-BeingforCommunityLeaders

FeaturingJolieWills,founderofHumminglyandagloballyrecognizedexpertinleadershipunderpressure.Withoveradecadeofexperience translatingthescienceofhowthemindworksinhigh-stressenvironmentsandpost-disastersettings,Joliebringspractical,research-based toolstohelpcommunityleadersnavigatetoday’scomplexchallenges.

Thisisanexceptionalopportunity.

MWCourseRegisterHere

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

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.

Grande Prairie, Alberta

Grande Prairie introduces microgrant to support youth

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

TheMicrograntprovidesmeaningfulsupporttoresidents aged 15 to 30 who are taking steps toward their future. It offersupto$750perindividualtohelpcovercostssuchas safety training, professional certification courses, workwear and the tools or equipment needed for employment. Many young people face financial hurdles thatcanslowtheirprogress,andthissupporthelpsmake essentialtrainingandequipmentmoreaccessible.

Theonlineapplicationisavailableat cityofgp.com/YouthEconomicEmpowerment

Residents invited to help shape local programs and services

TheCityofGrandePrairieisinvitingresidents tohelpshapethefutureoflocalprogramsand servicesthatsupportfamilies,seniors,youth andoverallcommunitywellbeingbytaking partinanewroundofengagementsessions thisJanuary.

Lastyear,residentssharedtheirexperiences, ideasandconcernsaboutthesocialissues andresourcesthatshapetheirdailylives throughtheCommunitySupportsand ServicesSurvey.Theinsightoffereda meaningfullookatwhatstrengthens wellbeinginGrandePrairieandwhereadded supportcouldmakeadifference.

Although thephilosophy and will is there to provide a service that is person centered, we struggle to have the resources to actualize this vision…

Centerpoint Facilitation presents training in Person Centered Approaches

If people who use services are to have positive control over their lives, if they are to have self-directed lives within their own communities, then those who are around the person, especially those who do the day-to-day work, need to have value-based person-centered thinking skills. We all require some support in our life, this workshop applies to all populations and any life situation which requires external supports:

Developmental Disabilities

Homeless

Dementia

End of Life

Children &Families

Domestic violence

Addictions Acquired Brain Injuries

Mental health issues

Short or long term health issues

Staffing Teams

Personal Situations

What will people be able to do as a result of attending this course?

The course covers a number of different Person-Centered Thinking approaches with opportunities to practice them and think how to apply them in your work.

When&where is this course?

January27and 28,2026 9am –4pmboth days

Location:The Community Village, Building A 10113103avenue, Grande Prairie

Registrationdeadline : January 16, 2026

How much?

$285/person:includes resource package/course workbook (GSTincluded)

Paymentbycheque or e-transfer

Certificate of completion given

To Register: Contact Tammy Ouellette at touellette@mycenterpoint.ca or 780-296-0223

Cancellation policy: No refunds willbe issued. Alternates welcome. A minimum number of registrationsneeded for workshop to go ahead

International acquisition as a strategic growth avenue

Does acquiring a business abroad make sense for your business? This article will guide you through this decision and give you tips on how to improve your chances of success.

Read article

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