Issuu

Chamber CONNECTION

Your Weekly Connection to The Chamber GET YOUR PHOTO FEATURED - PAGE 20

FEATURED PHOTO: IT'S A BEE-UTIFUL DAY - WENDY KEMPERT

SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE NO.63 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

Upcoming Events!

Upcoming Events! 09.24

Business After 5 Mixer - Grande Prairie Police Commission

09.29

Ribbon Cutting - The Blue Building Project

10.01

Ribbon Cutting - CIMA+

10.02

Ribbon Cutting - Abraham’s Cannabis

10.14

Ribbon Cutting - Two Twelve Consulting / The Agency

business.grandeprairiechamber.com/event-calendar

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING TUES, SEPT 29 | 4:45PM

THE BLUE BUILDING PROJECT 10014 - 102 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V6 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

Ribbon Cutting - The Blue Building Project Join the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the official opening of The Blue Building Project, a new downtown destination bringing local businesses, makers, artists, food, entertainment and community together under one roof. The Blue Building Project is creating a unique space in the heart of Grande Prairie where residents and visitors can discover local businesses, experience regional talent, enjoy food and beverages, attend live performances and events, and connect with the community.

CONNECTING GLOBAL INVESTMENT WITH REGIONAL OPPORTUNITY The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce recently joined Invest Alberta and Invest NorthWest in welcoming Marubeni Corporation to the Grande Prairie region for an investment-focused tour designed to showcase the strength, competitiveness and future potential of Northwest Alberta. Throughout the tour, Marubeni representatives connected directly with local businesses representing several of the region’s core economic sectors, as well as businesses that provide complementary, supporting and tertiary services to those industries. The primary goal was to ensure participants came away with a strong understanding of the competitive advantages our region offers today - and the opportunities that exist for future investment, partnerships and business growth. For the Chamber, these investment tours are about more than introducing investors to individual businesses. They provide an opportunity to communicate the broader story of our regional economy: a sophisticated and interconnected business community, strong relationships between industry and regional stakeholders, established expertise and infrastructure, and considerable untapped potential. The Grande Prairie region continues to experience positive economic and business momentum, supported by a diverse range of industries, entrepreneurial businesses and an extensive network of companies capable of supporting new development and investment. The Chamber brings an important business perspective to these conversations. Through our relationships across the region, we can help investors understand both the opportunities and the business environment required to turn those opportunities into successful partnerships. Working alongside Invest Alberta and Invest NorthWest, the Chamber continues to help create connections between local businesses and prospective investors, strengthen relationships, and position the Grande Prairie region as a competitive destination for future growth. When investors understand the strength of our businesses, our relationships and our regional capabilities, new opportunities can follow - for individual companies and for our economy as a whole.

Chamber Connection

Bringing Forestry and Government to the Table The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a forestry industry stakeholder roundtable with MP Terry Duguid, Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources. The discussion brought regional forestry leaders together to share firsthand perspectives on the opportunities, pressures, and long-term conditions shaping one of Northwest Alberta’s most important economic sectors. Conversations focused on the realities facing industry today and the need to ensure regional priorities are understood as broader policy decisions are made. Creating opportunities for direct dialogue between business and government is an important part of the Chamber’s role as the voice of business. By bringing industry leaders and decision-makers together, the Chamber helps strengthen understanding of our regional economy and ensures local perspectives are represented in provincial and national conversations.

Chamber Connection

Got an Interesting Photo? Get Featured! Submit your best shot to max@gpchamber.com for a chance to be featured on the cover!

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

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, request a free quote today and let us show you how we can customize a plan for you. 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 company will never be singled out for a rate increase, 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, change or update, or simply ask a question, your advisor is there for you. 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 members have access to my-benefits® an online management tool. This tool allows you to administer your plan anywhere, anytime.

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

At Neil & Associates, we believe 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 here in your community. As your local provider of the Chamber Plan,

offer

affordable,

flexible, and stable benefits designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. 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 peace of mind for your business —contact Neil & Associates today!

A Fresh Start

BOOKKEEPING

BACK

THIS SEPTEMBER

SUCCESS!

Get organized. Stay on track. Focus on your business. We’ll handle the books!

GOOD BOOKKEEPING LEADS TO GOOD RESULTS!

Track Income Manage Expenses Reconcile Accounts Stay CRA Compliant Make Informed Decisions

OUR BOOKKEEPING SERVICES INCLUDE

RECORD TRANSACTIONS Accurately track all income and expenses.

BANK RECONCILIATION Ensure your accounts are accurate and up-to-date.

FINANCIAL REPORTS Receive clear, timely reports to understand your business.

EXPENSE MANAGEMENT Categorize and manage expenses to maximize profitability>

ACCOUNTANT READY Organized books make your tax time fast, easy and reduces accounting fees.

Let us handle your bookkeeping so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today to get your bookkeeping done.

780-538-4699

www.bigbizgrowth.com

Chamber Connection

Canadian Chamber Reaction to the New Mega Deduction Announcement

Build your future. Right here. Northwestern Polytechnic's new Skilled Trades Training Centre is expanding apprenticeship training and building northern Alberta's workforce. . The opening of Northwestern Polytechnic’s Skilled Trades Training Centre in Grande Prairie marks an important milestone for the region, creating more opportunities for students, strengthening the local workforce, and supporting northern Alberta’s growing economy. Read More

Prime Minister Mark Carney, has introduced a series of changes to make Canada a more competitive environment for businesses. The government has cut taxes on incomes, capital gains, and new business investment. In Budget 2025, the federal government introduced a Productivity Super-Deduction so that businesses can immediately deduct 100% of the cost of eligible new investments – machinery, equipment, and technology. At the recent first Canada Investment Summit, Prime Minister Carney announced that the federal government is building on that success with the new Productivity Mega Deduction. This game-changing new tax incentive will increase the amount of assets covered from roughly 15% of assets to more than 65%, including fibre-optic cable, mining property, oil and gas pipelines, software, research and development, computer equipment, aircraft and vehicles, patents, rail track, bridges, and roads. To reinforce Canada’s tax advantage, the federal government is also making immediate expensing permanent so businesses can recover these costs sooner. This will lower the after-tax cost of investing and boost capital investment across Canada. As a result, Canada’s marginal effective tax rate on new business investment will fall from roughly 13% to 6.4% – the lowest of any major economy in the world and less than half the rate in the United States.

Alberta and Canada invest $24.8 million to expand rural broadband The Governments of Canada and Alberta announced $24.8 million in joint funding to bring high speed internet access to 1,833 households in rural and remote Alberta communities. This initiative aims to strengthen access to markets, talent, digital services and emerging technologies. Project completion is expected by March 2028. Learn more

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

2025–2026 Report to the Community Small businesses play an essential role in Alberta’s economy and communities. Join Business Link Alberta for a virtual presentation of our 2025–2026 Report to the Community, where we’ll reflect on the past year, celebrate the people behind the numbers, and look ahead. During this 90-minute event, we’ll share highlights from across Alberta, including who we served, what entrepreneurs told us they need, how we worked with partners and communities across the province, and how our work is evolving to support Alberta’s small business community. Secure your Spot

Writing a Business Plan in the Age of AI A business plan is more than just a document; it’s your roadmap to success. Whether you’re starting or growing a business, a strong plan helps you stay focused, attract funding, and make smarter decisions. Join us for this hands-on webinar to learn what a business plan is, why it matters, and how to write one leveraging AI and Business Link free tools & resources Secure your Spot

Voices of Alberta Entrepreneurs with Michael Emery Entrepreneurship rarely follows a straight line. Sometimes the experiences that seem unrelated along the way are the ones that ultimately shape how we work, what we value and where we go next. Join us for Voices of Alberta Entrepreneurs, featuring Michael Emery, founder of Unique Soapstone Experiences, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity and learning to embrace the unexpected. Register Now

Chamber

Read Our Members’ Stories

CONNECTION | MILESTONE EDITION

Milestones Worth Celebrating

DownTown Association

Years of Membership

30 Years - At the Heart of Grande Prairie

Years of Membership

Delta Hotels by Marriott Grande Prairie Airport

Years of Membership

Turning Generosity Into Legacy

Nine10 Incorporated Ltd. 20 Years of Digital Innovation

Northwestern Alberta Foundation

Years of Membership

A Place to Gather, Stay & Celebrate

Click here!

Missed an Issue? Catch up on previous editions featuring more long-standing Chamber members

Chamber CONNECTION | MILESTONE EDITION

GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Member Exclusive Deals Service Plus Grande Prairie Both hotels are conveniently located off the Highway 43 Bypass on the Alaska Highway. Great location for shopping, dining and entertainment. For business or pleasure, we are the place to stay. Use code: GPChamber24 for a discounted rate when booking Book today 1.888.875.4667

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 travellers alike. Use code: CHAMBER for 15% off all Grande Prairie Chamber Members

Kit Office Plus 10% off office furniture assembled or unassembled in our Grande Prairie Showroom or Peace River Store 10% off unassembled furniture off our website, delivered to our Showroom in GP 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 schools as well. Please email gpsales@kitofficeplus.com or use in store/showroom custom plan must be an email to oksanam@kitofficeplus.com

Have a deal to share? Email max@gpchamber.com to get your exclusive offer featured!

For more information, visit Employabilities.ab.ca/grandeprairie

Chamber Connection

CHAMBER MEMBER SHOUTOUT

Also found on Page 04

Please Welcome Our New Chamber Members Month : September

The Blue Building Project Bookworx Business Solutions Ltd Moon Wellness & Healing GP International Foods Don Moon Enterprises Stelex Solutions Sheperd + Co - Accounting Services Ltd Dechant Spice Ltd 2815439 AB Ltd Cross Country Canada Supplies & Rentals Inc UpDown Media Dark to Light Coffee Co Bright Green Roof Grande Prairie Pollux Finance Inc Mpcraft Cleaning Solutions Ltd Unfound Studio

Check out our new Chamber Milestone Magazine for an in-depth look at the months milestone members and their stories!

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..” Being Yourself Joined: July 29, 2026 We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Shelyn Somani and Being Yourself to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this organization continue to grow and serve our community.

Peace Country Marketing Joined: June 29, 2026 We’re excited to welcome Maggie Reid and Peace Country Marketing to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this business continue to grow and contribute to our regional community.

Member

JOB BOARD Keep it maximum 200 charcters Provide email or resume submission link Provide end date for job posting

Email us with any questions

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

MEMBER CAREERS FIND YOUR NEXT JOB | UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026

FEATURED EMPLOYERS

Account Services Manager Aquatera is recruiting a Account Services Manager responsible for managing Customer Service, Billing, Collections, Bulk Water and General Accounts Receivables for Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Services within Aquatera’s service area. Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.

æ æ æ æ æ æ æ æ

CT MANAGER - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/RY7W7RWX

CT TECHNOLOGIST - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/Y6RWX9W5

SAFETY PROGRAM COORDINATOR & PUBLIC WORKS CLERK - MD OF SPIRIT RIVER https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/X98495VY

ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST - PEACE DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/Y6RWX9W5

MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/934Y5856

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC - BARR NONE MECHANICAL https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/63X6WWWR

MRI TECHNOLOGIST - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/8X9W499V

Teacher Development and Support Coordinator The University of Alberta’s Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) is expanding its team in Grande Prairie. t’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone seeking their next career chapter. For more details, please refer to the posting: Teacher Development and Support Coordinator

Chamber Connection

New tariff supports available for Prairie businesses

AIT seeks industry insights on workforce and training needs

PrairiesCan is now accepting applications for the expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie region. RTRI helps businesses and the notfor-profit organizations that support them respond to tariffs and trade disruptions. Funding can support short-term liquidity needs for businesses, as well as pivot projects that help businesses adapt, diversify and build resilience.

Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) is seeking feedback on apprenticeship technical training demand and future workforce needs in Alberta. Survey results will help inform apprenticeship training forecasting, scheduling and seat demand over the next one to three years. Submit your responce by September 28

Apply today — Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2028 or until all available funding is committed.

Province expands postsecondary capacity to meet workforce needs Alberta is investing more than $148 million over three years to create nearly 8,000 additional postsecondary spaces in high-demand fields. The investment aligns with ACC's Creating an Effective Workforce for the Changing Economy and Building Local policies, which call for stronger alignment between education and employer needs and access to post-secondary opportunities closer to home.

Strengthen your business resilience Looking for practical resources to help your business navigate change and uncertainty? The Canadian Business Resilience Hub, developed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce offers tools, guidance and insights to help businesses build resilience, manage risks and adapt to changing economic conditions. Explore the hub

Learn more

For businesses seeking more insights and tools: EMC workforce programs for manufacturers: EMC’s Learning Centre offers fully funded or subsidized upskilling and hiring supports. Buy Local Alberta Toolkit - download the free made-in Alberta toolkit Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker – Track trade trends and disruptions. EMC Trade Relations Tracker – Collaborate on trade solutions for manufacturers. Understanding CUSMA compliance - New resources from Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Beyond Potential: Turning Canada’s Advantages into Growth and a Better Life for All Canada has strong ideas, valuable resources and businesses ready to grow. Too often, the next step is where progress slows down. Our new report with PwC Canada, Beyond Potential: Turning Canada’s Advantages Into Growth and a Better Life for All, looks at five sectors where Canada has a real opportunity to lead — energy, critical minerals and mining, agri-food, defence and security, and AI and quantum technologies — and identifies the missing links between having an advantage and turning it into results. "Completing these incomplete value chains will mean a better life for families, workers and communities. It’s time to be bold because, thankfully, closing these gaps is well within our control," said our President and CEO, Candace Laing. The report explores what it will take to move more projects forward, help Canadian businesses compete and grow. Read the Full Report

Canada–U.S. Trade Tensions Persist as Canada Deepens European Ties Canada–U.S. trade relations remain highly strained following the breakdown of negotiations in August. New U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs are now in effect, while the dispute has expanded into federal procurement. Both governments, however, continue to signal that the door remains open to renewed negotiations. Meanwhile, U.S.–Mexico discussions continue, adding another consideration for Canada as it looks toward eventual negotiations on the broader North American trade relationship. What it means for business Canadian businesses are increasingly navigating two realities: continued uncertainty in our largest export market and an accelerated effort to create opportunities elsewhere. Diversification may provide new commercial opportunities, particularly in strategic sectors, but cannot quickly replace the scale and integration of the Canada–U.S. economic relationship.

Chamber Connection

Regional Business Leaders Meet with Minister Olszewski The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), for a roundtable discussion with local business leaders. The meeting brought together several sectors of our regional economy, with discussions focused on tariffs, trade, process bottlenecks, agriculture, productivity, federal business supports, community resilience and the challenges and emerging opportunities influencing long-term economic growth. Minister Olszewski thanked the Chamber for bringing community-level concerns forward, emphasizing that direct engagement with local businesses helps PrairiesCan and the federal government better understand what is happening on the ground. Tariff impacts were an important part of the conversation. New relief measures delivered through regional development agencies, including PrairiesCan, may support affected businesses in different ways.

The discussion also explored Canada’s broader objective of moving from “reliance to resilience” by reducing dependence from a single market and building relationships with a wider range of trading partners. This includes Buy Canadian initiatives encouraging Canadian materials, workers and procurement, alongside Canada’s network of international trade agreements. The discussion highlighted the value of stronger coordination between Ottawa and Alberta and the progress that can be achieved when governments, industry and communities work together. Minister Olszewski’s Emergency Management and Community Resilience portfolio was particularly relevant to Northwest Alberta. Natural disasters can disrupt businesses, transportation, infrastructure and supply chains, making preparedness and business continuity essential components of economic resilience. For the Chamber, these conversations provide an important opportunity to share regional realities directly with decisionmakers and ensure federal policies and programs reflect the needs and opportunities of Northwest Alberta..

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

EVEN MORE RESOURCES

Alberta Referendum: Business Information & Resources As Alberta’s referendum approaches, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) has developed a number of resources to help businesses better understand the potential economic considerations surrounding the conversation. ACC’s focus is on the business environment — including investment confidence, economic stability, competitiveness, workforce, market access, and long-term growth. For more detailed information, research, and key messages, we encourage members to review the following ACC resources: Alberta Referendum Resource Hub Federal–Provincial Relationship & Investor Stability – Key Messages Rural Member Key Messages – Federal–Provincial Relationship & Local Impacts The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce will continue to share relevant information and ensure the perspectives of our regional business community remain part of the broader conversation. Learn more through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce: abchamber.ca/alberta-referendum

Chamber Connection

Celebrating a Business Milestone? YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS DESERVE THE SPOTLIGHT, AND WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE! SEND YOUR UPDATES TO MAX@GPCHAMBER.COM AND GET FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING EDITION OF THE CHAMBER CONNECTION!

CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill A growing coalition of residents, businesses, organizations, and municipalities across Alberta, the Fair Electricity Distribution Alliance (FEDA), is raising awareness about the unfair electricity distribution rates experienced by many Albertans. Right now, residents, businesses, and municipalities in northern, east-central and southern Alberta pay significantly higher electricity distribution costs than the rest of the province. Households pay an average of $118 a month, compared to about $34 in non-impacted service areas. For many businesses, distribution fees can be nearly three times as high as in other service areas. Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill. This is an issue of fairness; the disparity in electricity costs is putting impacted communities at a disadvantage. Read Full Article

Youth Advisory Council invites young residents to get involved Young residents interested in sharing their perspectives and becoming more involved in their community are encouraged to apply to join the City of Grande Prairie’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) before applications close on October 15. Open to youth ages 14 to 24, YAC provides an opportunity for young people to share their perspectives on issues affecting Grande Prairie and provide input directly to City Council, City departments and community organizations. Learn More

September Economic Development Newsletter

Chamber Connection

Chamber Connection Advertisment Policy

EMAIL US : MAX@GPCHAMBER.COM

SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE NO.63