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Chamber Connection Vol 40 (Feb 20)

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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

TUE, FEB 24 | 2:30PM

EMPLOYABILITIES GRANDE PRAIRIE & FUTURE WORKS

Ribbon Cutting - EmployAbilities Grande Prairie & Future Works

Joinusforacelebratoryribbon-cuttingwith EmployAbilitiesGrandePrairieand FutureWorks,recognizingtheirongoing contributionstoworkforcedevelopmentand employmentsupportinGrandePrairie.

Tourtheirfacility,meettheteam,andlearn howtheirprogramsarehelpingindividuals overcomebarrierstoemployment.Connect withcommunityleaders,Chambermembers, andpartnerswhilecelebratingthisexciting milestoneintheirjourneyofmakingareal differenceinourcommunity.

Unit 301 11601 101 Ave Grande Prairie, AB

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!

Provincial referendum coming this fall

Albertanswillcasttheirvotesinaprovincial referendumonthetwobiggestissuesidentifiedbythe AlbertaNextpanel:immigrationandconstitutional reform.

WhenAlbertansgotothepollstovoteonOct.19,2026,they willhaveadirectsayonAlberta’spathforwardin immigrationpolicyandimportantconstitutionalquestionsto protectprovincialsovereignty.Thereferendumfollowsthe recommendationsoftheAlbertaNextPanel,whichheard fromAlbertansonhowtobuildamoresovereignAlberta withinaunitedCanada.

ReferendumquestionswillseekdirectionfromAlbertanson howtheprovinceshouldadjustprovincialpoliciestoensure oursocialservicesremainaccessibleandsustainablefor Albertans.

LearnMore

Alberta invests $64M to support non-profits and community projects

Alberta’sgovernmentinvested$64 millionoverthepastyear

throughtheCommunityFacility EnhancementProgram(CFEP)and CommunityInitiativesProgram(CIP)to supportnon-profitsdeliveringservices, upgradingfacilities,andstrengthening communities.

Since2019,morethan5,700grantshave helpedorganizationscreatelocal economicandsocialimpactacrossthe province.

Learnmore

Raising the bar for online gambling safety

OnlinegamingsitesinAlberta’s regulatedmarketwillneedtomeet thehigheststandardsfor responsiblegambling.

TheAlbertaiGamingCorporation(AiGC) ispartneringwiththeResponsible GamblingCouncil(RGC)toensureall iGamingsitesinAlbertacompletea mandatorysocialresponsibility accreditationprogramcalled ResponsibleGamblingcheck(RG Check).

LearnMore

Looking for an Entrepreneurial Community? Last Chance to Apply for March Peerpreneur Sessions!

CallingallAlbertaentrepreneurs!Don’tmissyourchancetojoin thisfree4-weekvirtualprogramdesignedtohelpyouconnect, collaborate,andgrowwithfellowsmallbusinessowners.The applicationdeadlineisFebruary18,2026.Spotsarelimitedand notallapplicantsmaybeselectedduetohighdemand—so applyearlyforyourbestchancetojointhiscommunity.

ApplyToday

Curious About Taxes? Learn How Small Business Owners Can Stay Compliant and Save!

Navigatingtaxesdoesn’thavetobeoverwhelming—joinus, onFebruary19at12p.m.forapracticalwebinarwherewe breakdownessentialCanadiantaxtipsandplanning strategiesforsmallbusinessowners.VartikaSatija,CPA,CA, willguideAlbertaentrepreneursthroughkeyconsiderations toavoidmistakesandmakesmarterfinancialdecisions.

RegisterToday

Want Visuals That Truly Represent Your Brand? Learn How AI Can Help!

Standing out visually is more important than ever, but AIgenerated images often look generic or off-brand. Join AI expertNataliaBrattanonFebruary26at12p.m.todiscover how to create professional, on-brand visuals with AI. No expensivesoftwareorcreativeteamneeded!

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

Chamber Member Shout-out

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

FRANCOPHONIE CANADIENNE PLURIELLE

Joined:November26,2025

We’re pleased to welcome Francophonie CanadiennePlurielle-FRAPtoourChamber network! We look forward to seeing this trusted local organization continue to grow andsupportourbusinesscommunity.

The Article

Joined:January13,2026

We’reexcitedtowelcomeJesseBoily andTheArticleMagazine.toour Chambernetwork!Welookforwardto seeingthispublicationcontinuetogrow andcontributetoourregionalbusiness community.

TheJobBoard

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

DistributionandCollectionOperationsManager

AquateraishiringaDistributionandCollectionOperationsManagertolead ourwaterdistributionandwastewatercollectionsystems,ensuringsafe, efficientservicedelivery,regulatorycompliance,andastrongsafetyculture whileguidingandsupportingouroperationsteam.

Learnmoreandapplyat aquatera.ca/careers

Project

Manager

AquateraishiringaProjectManager–CapitalProjectstooverseethe deliveryofkeymunicipalinfrastructureprojectswhileensuringsafety,quality, andcollaborationeverystepoftheway.

Learnmoreandapplyat aquatera.ca/careers.

ProcessMechanicalEngineer

Aquateraishiringaseniorprocessmechanicalengineertoprovidetechnical leadershipacrosswaterandwastewatertreatment,distribution,andcollection systems.Thisrolesupportsprocessoptimization,regulatorycompliance, capitalplanning,andoperationalexcellencewhileworkingcloselywith engineeringandoperationsteamstostrengthensafe,reliableutilityservices.

Learnmoreandapplyat www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team

Journeyman–Millwright,HeavyDutyMechanic,or Plumber

Aquateraishiringaskilledjourneymanmillwright,heavydutymechanic,or plumbertosupportthemaintenance,repair,andoptimizationofourwaterand wastewatertreatmentfacilities.Thisroleisessentialinensuringour equipmentandsystemsoperatesafely,reliably,andefficiently.

Learnmoreandapplyat www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team

StatisticsCanadaishiring

Wearelookingforlocalpeopletohelpuscollectaccuratedatainyour community.Thesedataarevitalforplanningandevaluatingprogramsand servicessuchaseducation,healthcare,childcare,housing,emergency services,roads,publictransportationandjobtraining..

Learnmoreandapplyat census.gc.ca/jobs

TWOTWELVECONSULTING-HRCONSULTANT

Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212/job/93R957R4

INDOORELEMENTSMECHANICAL-PLUMBER

Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212/job/RYV64V7R

MembershipServicesManager(full-time)

ServicesManagerisresponsibleforMembershipSales,MemberRetention, AdvertisingSales,EventSponsorshipandDigitalSignSalesfortheGrande Prairie&DistrictChamberofCommerce.

Formoreinformation: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob? jk=c4127f7c833a3b81&from=shareddesktop_copy

WorkforceDevelopment&Attraction–WorkNWAlberta Location

TheProjectManagerwillbeinstrumentalinadvancingthePartnership’smulti-year strategy,providingcoordinationacrosspartners,overseeingdeliverablesand budgets,andtrackingperformanceoutcomestoensureprojectsuccess.

Formoreinformation: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=10ef439fe825a5b9&from=shareddesktop_copy

Provincial budget 2026

Alberta’sBudget2026willbereleasedonFebruary26th. Itcomesatatimeoffiscalpressurefromlowerresource revenues,risingprogramdemands,andglobaleconomic uncertainty,withprioritiesinformedbypublic engagementacrosstheprovince.

Learnmore

BusinessPulse:ShareyourperspectiveonAlberta'skey issues

New tech to power Alberta's energy future

Albertaisinvesting$28millionthroughtheTIERprogram andEmissionsReductionAlbertatosupportsixprojects usingnewtechnologiestoimproveenergyand agriculturaloperations.Theprojectsaimtoturnfarm wasteintoenergy,restorewellsites,reducemethane emissions,andincreaseefficiency.

ThisinvestmentalignswithACC’sadvocacyonStrikinga BalanceBetweenaHealthyEconomyandLowCarbon EmissionsandPromotingtheOilSandsastheWorld’s MostESGResponsibleOilSource,supportingpathways toeconomicgrowthandemissionsreduction.

Learnmore

Built in Alberta to protect Albertans

AlbertahascontractedfiveDeHavillandCanadair DHC-515waterbomberstostrengthenwildfire response.Arrivingbyspring2031,thenewaircraftaim toenhancerapidwildfiresuppressionandreadiness, whilesupportingskilledjobsinAlberta'saerospace sector.

Learnmore ACCBusinessResiliency

PrairiesCan invests in Alberta's defence industry

PrairiesCanisinvestingover$6.5millionthrough theRegionalDefenceInvestmentInitiativeto supportAlbertacompaniesinexpandingadvanced manufacturinganddefencetechnologies.The projectsaimtostrengthenCanada’sdefence supplychainsandcreateandsustainmorethan 145skilledjobsintheEdmontonregion.

Learnmore

For businesses seeking more insights and tools:

A Seed of Hope from the Canada–China Agreement

narecentop-ed,ourPresidentandCEO,CandaceLaing,shares herpersonalperspectiveontheCanada–Chinatradeagreement andwhyitmeanssomuchtoCanadianfarmersandproducers.

ReadtheOp-Ed

Our Statement on the End of the Electric Vehicle Mandate

Lastweek,thefederalgovernmentrepealedtheEVmandateand announcedtheElectricVehicleAffordabilityProgramthatwill providerebatestoCanadianswhobuyelectricandplug-inhybrid EVs.“Amoreflexible,market-responsivestrategyiscriticalfor attractinginvestment,supportingjobsandincentivizing manufacturersoperatinginCanada,”saidourChiefofPublic Policy,MatthewHolmes,inresponsetotheannouncement.

ReadOurStatement

Our Statement on the U.S. Administration’s Threat to Block the Opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge

“Thepathforwardisn’tdeconstructingestablishedtrade corridors;it’sactuallybuildingbridges,”saidCandaceLaing,our PresidentandCEO,inastatementrespondingtoMonday's threatbytheU.S.Administrationtopreventtheplanned openingoftheGordieHoweBridgelaterthisyear.

ReadOurStatement

EVEN MORE RESOURCES

Top Digital Marketing Trends and Predictions for 2026

Amidsttechnologicalprogress,onethingremainsthesame:peopleareconstantlylookingforanswers,solutions, products,andconnections.And,today,theydothisbysearching,streaming,scrolling,andshopping.

ThisishappeningatanimmensescaleonGoogleplatforms.AccordingtoasurveywithIpsos,83%ofglobal consumersreportusingGoogleand/orYouTubeonadailybasis,whichissignificantlyhigherthananyotheronline platforms.BecauseGooglehasthisactivityatascalenooneelsedoes,GoogleAIhasanunparalleledabilityto understandcustomerintent.

Withthatinmind,explorethetopdigitalmarketingtrendsandpredictionsfor2026fromGooglevisionarieswhocan helpyoushowupinthemomentsthatmatter.

LearnMore

9 retail marketing strategies to drive growth

Fromdoingmarketresearchtobuildingyouronlinestoreandsettingupyoursocialchannels,you’veworkedhard tolaunchyourretailbusiness.Nowworkingsmartcanhelpyougrow.Withtherightretailmarketingstrategy,you cangetmorecustomerstodiscoveryourstore,keepexistingonescomingbackanddrivemoresales.

Whetheryouownaclothingstorewithmultiplelocationsorsellhomegoods,thisguidebreaksdownwhatyouneed toknowabouthowtoimplementaretailbusinessmarketingstrategythatwilldriveresults.

LearnMore

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

Help shape internet improvements in Grande Prairie with the City’s new Fibre Gap Analysis Project

TheCityofGrandePrairie,throughInvestGrandePrairie, haslaunchedtheFibreGapAnalysisProjectinpartnership withtheCanadianInternetRegistrationAuthority(CIRA)to betterunderstandlocalinternetservicelevelsandidentify areasforimprovement.

“TheFibreGapAnalysisProjectreflectsourcommitment tounderstandinglocalserviceneedsandensuringGrande Prairieremainswell-connectedforthefuture,”saysMayor JackieClayton.“Weencourageallourlocalresidentsand businessestotakepartinthequickonlinetesttosupport reliable,high-qualityinternetwhichisessentialtosupport ourgrowingcommunity,attractnewinvestmentandenable innovation.”

WorkingwithCIRA’sInternetPerformanceTestprogram, theprojectwillcollectreal-worlddataoninternetspeed, reliabilityandconsistencyacrossthecity.

Learnmore

Exhibitors invited for Youth Career Discovery Expo

TheCityofGrandePrairieisinvitinglocal businesses,educatorsandcommunity organizationstotakepartintheYouthCareer DiscoveryExpoonThursday,May7,2026,at BonnettsEnergyCentre.

TheYouthCareerDiscoveryExpoconnects teensandyoungadultsaged14to30with employersandtrainingorganizationsfrom acrosstheregion.Throughouttheday,young peoplewillhavetheopportunitytoexplore careerpathways,learnabouteducationand trainingopportunitiesandspeakdirectlywith professionalsaboutwhatworkingindifferent industrieslookslike.

LearnMore

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