Your Weekly Tune Up
Recognizing newcomer successes
Alberta is launching the Newcomer Recognition Awards to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of immigrants in this province. Newcomers contribute to Alberta’s economic recovery and cultural diversity by taking active roles in their communities, schools and workplaces, and by starting their own businesses. The Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards will honour these achievements to show appreciation for newcomers and inform people about the ways newcomers make our neighbourhoods, schools and economy more diverse and inclusive. Read More.
Self Employed Income Tax and Benefit Return Deadline: June 15
June 15, 2022, is the deadline for self-employed individuals to file their 2021 income tax and benefit return. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) wants to remind businesses of the supports available in meeting your tax obligations. Find out more.
Increasing access to suicide prevention supports
Alberta’s government is helping community organizations expand and develop new mental health and suicide prevention supports for youth. The Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program is providing $3 million over the next two years to 13 youth-focused community programs. These organizations will use the grants to provide mental health support and services to priority youth populations at a higher risk for youth suicide. The Miywasin Friendship Centre of Medicine Hat will receive funding sometime between 2022-2024. Read More.
Fuelling Our Business Community
Networking Before 9
We have officially got back into the swing of things and have hosted two network Before 9's! Our first being back in April and our more resent one being last Thursday! We have had strong turnout during both events and continue to look forward to hosting more Networking events in the near future!
P.S. Keep your eye on our Social Channels as we might have a pop up event happening soon!
2022 Business Awards - A New Era of Roaring Success
The ' Roaring 20’s ' was a period in history of dramatic social and political change, some freedoms were expanded while others were diminished. The 1920’s was an era of historical significance with monumental change that shaped the future.
We all recognize that businesses in the 2020’s have experienced significant social and political changes that have disrupted what our ‘normal’ life has looked like. This will leave many stories that will form part of our history, while playing a major role in the success of a new era.
As we navigate the ‘Roaring 20’s’ of this century, we celebrate our businesses, past and present, that have weathered the challenges and have emerged with new ideas, innovative practices, and even stronger connections.
Similarly, the 1920’s and our 2020’s are the beginning of a united force in supporting and strengthening our local economic prosperity.
It truly is, A New Era of Roaring Success.
The Power of Community
Community Foundation 30th Anniversary!
Last Wednesday we got the opportunity to attend CFSEA 30th Anniversary in a "picnic" style event. We would like to congratulate the Community Foundation on this amazing milestone and look forward to continuing growth in our community for many years to come.
"Thank you to all who came out and celebrated with us! We had the pleasure of listening to fantastic live music from the JBC Jazz Trio and Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival String Trio. We enjoyed listening to impact speakers, reading stories about CFSEA history, eating cake, and catching up with so many supporters!" - CFSEA Social MediaÂ
What are your top priorities for Alberta ? We want to hear from you!
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce network is launching the fourth annual business survey—focused on economic and fiscal priorities for the province. We need your input as not only will we have access to our regional data, but it will also be included in provincial priorities that will help frame our messages to the provincial Government. It will remain open until June 30.
Please take the survey and share your insights – it takes only 10 minutes or less to complete. https://www.albertaperspectives.ca/c/r/ABpriorities2022.
Enriching Your Business
See all our Value Added Benefits!
Fill Up On Funding
City development incentive program reallocates funds to support business demand
The City of Medicine Hat has reallocated $750,000 in unused funds from the 2021 Waterfront District Housing Incentive to support the demand and interest in the Waterfront District Vibrancy Incentive. Online applications for the Waterfront Vibrancy Grant reopened Monday, June 13 and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be submitted online at www.investmedicinehat.ca and are time-stamped to ensure each application is processed in the order in which it was received.
2022 development incentives include:
Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) has now re-opened
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) has now re-opened and is accepting new applications for export-related projects. The AEEP provides both for-profit and non-profits the opportunity to promote Alberta exports through the reimbursement of some of the costs associated with international business travel.
More information on the AEEP can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-export-expansion-program.aspx
ICYMI:
Jun 21 - 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Application Deadline | Apply
Advocacy in Action
Council approves 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
City Council approved the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan during the June 6 meeting of City Council. The plan outlines Council’s strategic priorities and conveys Council’s vision and goals to our community and partners, while providing strategic direction to City Administration. The plan includes six areas of strategic focus and describes the strategic objectives associated with each.
- Innovation
- Economic Evolution
- Service Orientation
- Partnerships and Governance
- Community Wellness
- Resilience and Sustainability
The full document can be found on the Reports, Plans and Studies page on the City website at https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/plans-reports-and-studies.aspx.
Our Chamber presented to City Council on May 16 and expressed our interest in meeting with Council once their strategic plan was released to see how their strategies align with our goals and strategies and how we can work together to move our community forward.
Dual credit grants for the 2022-23 school year
Alberta’s government is providing up to $4 million in dual credit grants for the 2022-23 school year so eligible school authorities can offer more dual credit learning experiences for students in grades 10, 11 and 12. Dual Credit Opportunities has been something our Chamber has long supported and endorsed through the provincial policy 'Duel Credit Opportunities in Alberta', asking for long term funding structure to the Dual Credit Program for students transitioning from high school to post-secondary studies. View this and other key priorities on our website.
Supporting improved mental health in rural Alberta
In partnership with Counselling Alberta, Alberta’s government is ensuring that every Albertan has access to the support they may need to improve their mental health. Counselling Alberta will provide virtual mental health counselling services across Alberta starting immediately. Beginning this summer, they will also partner with local organizations across the province to provide affordable in-person mental health counselling options.
We are pleased to see this announcement and additional support as we have been advocating for increased access to mental wellness workplace supports with two recommendations focused on some of what this new initiative addresses.
Two of our three recommendations ask for the exploration of including mental health and wellness services within the Alberta Health Care system model and supporting community-led, collaborative and entrepreneurial approaches for service deliver, early detection, prevention and treatment to avoid duplication and reduce service delivery costs. Our Chamber team recently had the opportunity to meet with Associate Minister Mike Ellis to discuss our policy recommendations and so we are pleased to see this announcement come forward. Learn more about our key priorities here and view our track record for advocacy success through our 2021 annual report.
Next Level Events
Tickets are on sale now at www.tixx.ca! You can also view our complete artist line-up. Visit us at medicinehatjazzfest.com.
Medicine Hat JazzFest - June 20 - 26
Now in its twenty-sixth year, The Medicine Hat JazzFest has grown from a grassroots community-based event to a widely recognized world-class festival that has taken its place alongside the other great jazz festivals in Canada. We feature an eclectic mix of venues, running the gamut from an airport hangar to the intimate and quaint atmosphere of our late-night clubs. We feature both free and ticketed events as well as a number of educational opportunities including workshops, jams, and a concert for elementary school children.
Winner of the 2010 and 2015 Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce Tourism Award of Distinction, the 2016 Alberta Chamber of Commerce Business Award in Arts and Culture, the Medicine Hat JazzFest has found a way to bring together great jazz and a community festival that’s all about fun and celebration, and to do it in the beautiful setting of this small and friendly Alberta city.
2022 Vital Conversations
CFSEA is hosting the 2022 Vital Conversations which are facilitated discussions with community members to learn more about trends impacting local quality of life. During the event, each individual will take part in two facilitated discussions. What we learn from these conversations will be used to explore issues, opportunities, and solutions in our community.
Click here to buy tickets- deadline is June 14th!
The 2022 Vital Conversations Survey is open to all residents of Medicine Hat, with results being used in addition to what we hear from the conversations. At the end of the survey, you will have the option to be entered into a draw for a $100 gift card!
Art In Motion -Â July 9th
Celebrate our city’s art and culture with Art in Motion!
Art is on the move at key downtown locations including the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, Towne Square, Riverside Veteran’s Memorial Park and the broader downtown area. This multi-faceted event kicks off in the afternoon and moves into the evening and night. Enjoy all ages daytime activities, Mural Fest events, Downtown Art Walk, Midnight Madness and much more.
Take in live art demonstrations, get hands on and create it yourself, and support local artisans by checking out the Open Air Art Market at Towne Square.
Enjoy live music and cultural performances or get in motion with many community groups like the Medicine Hat Paddle Club with their Great Big Paddle happening on the river! Explore downtown, take in pop-up events and treat yourself to shopping and tasty eats!
There will be lots to see and do as you get on the move with Art In Motion! More details to follow soon.
Other Resources
TD: Starting your Business Checklist
BounceBack® is a free program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) that helps you build skills to improve your mental health.
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Labour Market Notes – Labour market tightens further amid surge in employment
Other Events
June 22: Restarting, Reimagining, Accelerating and Recuperating: Women in the Post-Pandemic Era - National Women in Business Summit | Register
Jun 28 - Orchestrating Your Global Success: Market Trends & Entry Strategies | Register
June 29 - CanadianSME Small Business Expo 2022 Online | Register
Useful Links
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