Your Weekly Tune Up
Building healthy, vibrant communities
Alberta’s government is supporting communities by investing $10.6 million to upgrade or build 88 public-use community facilities across the province.
The Community Facility Enhancement Program provides matching funding to help non-profits leverage other sources of funding to upgrade, redevelop, acquire or build public-use community facilities.
This investment will support and strengthen the important work already being done by non-profits in Alberta. Read more
Statistics Canada is conducting the Pilot Study on Everyday Well-being from January 10 to March 31, 2022.
This pilot study asks Canadians in-the-moment questions about their activities and feelings. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence well-being, particularly arts and culture activities, which are the main focus of this pilot. To participate, visit the Google Play or App Store, search for the Vitaliti T-Stat app and download it to your phone. In the app, read the Getting Started instructions, accept the Terms and Conditions, create a password and customize your notifications. For 30 days from this point, you'll recieve two daily check-ins about how you're feeling and what you're doing. All information collected is confidential. For enquiries or tech support, contact StatCan at www.statcan.gc.ca/wellbeing or 1-877-949-9492.
Mentoring newcomers for success in Alberta’s workforce
Funding of $1 million is available through the Alberta Immigrant Mentorship Innovation Grant, which will support organizations in delivering career mentorship programs that help newcomers find meaningful employment based on their work experience, education and skills. Eligible organizations can apply until Feb. 14. Grant funding will be provided for up to three years, from April 2022 to March 2025. Read More
Quick Check Up
Use the COVID-19 Assessment Tool to Check Symptoms, Seek Care
Albertans can use the online COVID-19 Assessment & Testing Tool to check their symptoms if they think they have COVID-19, or the symptoms of someone they are caring for, before deciding whether to call Health Link.
The tool has up-to-date guidance for adults, children and youth, making it easier for Albertans to assess their symptoms, determine if they should talk to someone about their symptoms, such as their doctor or Health Link staff member, access self-care tips to help manage mild symptoms at home, and to determine whether or not they are eligible for PCR testing.
Fuelling Our Business Community
Psynergy Grand Opening
The Chamber had the honor of participating in the Grand Opening of the new Psynergy Centre for Health and Wellness. Psynergy has a vast knowledge, and are thoughtful, kind souls that present a peaceful, calming environment. This is only the start to describe the atmosphere that Psynergy demonstrates. The professional therapists specialize in trauma, addictions, pre and post partum, youth counselling, Reiki and so much more. This truly is an amazing place where mental wellness can be found while overlooking our beautiful river.
The Power of Community
Submit a nomination for Canada’s Volunteer Awards
Canada’s Volunteer Awards (CVA) recognizes the significant contributions of individual volunteers, non-profit organizations and businesses across the country in helping communities. Nominations are open until March 4, 2022
Enriching Your Business
Digital Marketing Bootcamp
We’ve been able to partner with nine10 Inc over the last year in their Digital Marketing Bootcamp. The program will only be accepting applications for the January and February intake for a limited time. This deal means our members will receive special pricing and the opportunity for 25% - 66% subsidy funding.
Check out the training page at nine10.ca/training and book free consult to get started today and secure one of the limited spaces available for February!
The Rise OF Investment in Agrifood Tech WEBINAR – January 27, 10:00 AM
Expert panel comprised of Laura Kilcrease, CEO of Alberta Innovates, Alison Sunstrum, General Partner, Food & Agtech Fund at The 51 and Rebbecca Clarke, Vice President & Treasurer at Farm Credit Canada will chat with THRIVE CEO, John Hartnett to discuss recent trends, future opportunities, and emerging developments in Canadian AgriFood Tech investments.
See all our Value Added Benefits!
Fill Up On Funding
Did you know that the Chamber has a page with significant resources for your business? All the information you need to know to get your business rolling. Don't forget to check out our section dedicated to fill up on funding and use our funding search links, such as the Business Benefits Finder.
Advocacy in Action
Tax Matters
Our belief that one of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth is to shrink the burden of government paperwork and administrative complexities needed to run a business and attract investment. Two reports from the Canadian Chamber spotlight the urgent need to reform our outdated and inefficient tax system if we want businesses to thrive at home and compete globally;
Tax Matters: A Snapshot of Canada’s Tax Competitiveness
Tax Matters: A Snapshot of Canada’s Tax-related Administrative Complexities,
Canadian Chamber urges government to use National Supply Chain Summit to drive forward economic growth agenda
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations, Mark Agnew, issued the following statement about the business community’s priorities for next year’s National Supply Chain Summit.
"The Canadian Chamber has been urging for an economic growth strategy to be delivered. An economic growth plan will not be a single silver bullet, but instead a multi-step process. The government’s National Supply Chain Summit is a positive step, which should not be squandered." Read More
Next Level Events
2022 State of the City
The annual State of the City event is where you can learn about the City's progress over the past year and get informed about what's in store for the community in 2022. Join us as we reflect on the accomplishments of our community during a tumultuous 2021, and be the first to hear what the City of Medicine Hat has in store for the coming year including exciting new projects, opportunities for development, and vision for the future.
This event will be held at the Medicine Hat Lodge February 22nd, 2022. Doors will open at 11:15am followed by lunch and the event from 12:00-1:30pm. Tickets for this event are $56 + gst which include your meal and registration. If you are a Chamber Member please remember to log in during registration to take advantage of your discount!
Connect to Innovation in Southeast Alberta
Our dependency on digital communication and information access has increased exponentially over the last 18-months. And many of our new-formed habits and expectations are here to stay—especially our expectations around online and on-demand options for meeting together, learning and acquiring information.
The Connector project is one of the ways that APEX Alberta, together with their project partners and collaborators is seeking to answer this need. It's an opportunity to tell our stories and connect entrepreneurs, students, and industry to our region's programs, advisors, and networks.
Whenever we've asked the question, "how do we better support entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship?" We hear similar feedback and comments. Provide services, training, and mentorship. Provide programming tailored toward specific industry groups and stages of business. Provide networking opportunities.
And these are not unique sentiments when we look at the broader research on supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Connector is one project that contributes toward achieving a more connected entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Connector is an open, virtual tool intended to connect our region's innovators, entrepreneurs, and students with our economic development and innovation assets. This virtual space showcases the innovation in our region and the industry, advisors and supports that make it possible to bring business ideas to life.
Join us for the launch of The Community Innovation Connector on Tuesday, February 1st from 12 – 1 PM, where we will take you through the virtual space and introduce you to this new virtual tool.
For more information and register, visit https://theconnector.eventbrite.ca
The Community Innovation Connector is brought to you in partnership by the following organizations.
Our APEX Alberta Core Partners, Alberta Innovates, Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development, and Medicine Hat College.
And our Project Partners, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) – Suffield Research Centre, City of Medicine Hat, and Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce.
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Taking control of your mood: Healthy habits
HR predictions and trends for 2022
Change, Challenges and Opportunities
What's ahead for recruitment, engagement and retention in a post-pandemic lens?
Other Events
Canada 360° Economic Summit | February 9 | Register
StrikeUP 2022 for Women Entrepreneurs Across Canada | March 3 | Register
Tourism's Big Shift Industry Webinars | February 1 | Register
Hiring the Right People for your Small Business | February 3 | Register
Useful Links
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