Your Weekly Tune Up
You’re not alone – check out this Canadian Survey on Business Conditions  Â
Business obstacles, inflationary pressures, debt constraints, labour challenges, supply chain issues, digital adoption all pose demanding challenges. Looking ahead, business expectations remain in check with the potentially recessionary conditions that await them in the new year. What remains to be seen is how they will continue to adapt, retool and strategize to get to the other side. View the Q4 Report to learn more. Â
Medicine Hat Construction Association annual magazine now availableÂ
The Medicine Hat Construction Association magazine is now available online and has industry highlights, messages from the Mayor, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure, Nathan Neudorf, the Chamber, BILD, and the College. You’ll also find insights into new and emerging opportunities and advocacy highlights. Check it out online. Â
Protect yourself from scammers
Albertans should use caution if they receive a text message claiming to be from the government about affordability payments. Alberta’s government has received reports of text messages attempting to defraud unsuspecting Albertans, including seniors and families who may be eligible for targeted relief payments. In one scam text, people are asked to click on a link to register for automatic bank payments. The Government of Alberta will never text you or make unsolicited calls to ask you for your personal information. Read More Here
If you are ever uncertain or think you’ve been the target of a phishing scam, report concerns to the police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Advocacy in Action
Alberta’s government is working to attract more newcomers to solve job market gaps
Alberta’s government is making changes to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) that will increase opportunities for international, high-demand workers with close relatives in Alberta to fill those vacancies. AAIP is an economic immigration program that enables Alberta to nominate qualified workers for permanent residency. If newcomers have an established support system already in place when they accept a job in the province, they are more likely to have an easier transition to a new culture and community. In addition to making the integration into Alberta life easier, it also helps retain these workers over the longer term. Read More Here.
The Canadian Government set out regional economic immigration programs. The Provincial Nominee Program, are increasingly important to the sustainable growth of our country. That’s why this year’s plan outlines year-over-year growth so that they can continue to support provinces and territories in attracting the skilled newcomers they need to address the labour shortage and demographic challenges in their regions. Read Canada's Release
Policy Taskforce Meetings
Energy + Utilities: This meeting is to review the answers we got back from the City after our first Energy + Utilities Policy Taskforce meeting on August 22nd. Following the review, we will have a discussion about whether these answers are sufficient or whether further policy work needs to be done.
Sustainable Municipal Finances: This meeting is to review the Chamber policy, Sustainable Municipal Finances, and have a round table discussion on what policy updates are required.
City of Medicine Hat Municipal Economic Development Strategy: Taskforce with the intention of updating the policy, City of Medicine Hat Municipal Economic Development Strategy.
Next Level Events
The Conference
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce is bringing a large-scale professional development conference to Southern Alberta. Hosting a panel of speakers that present new concepts and ideas that Medicine Hat has never seen before. This event will not only be an amazing learning opportunity but also will attract business owners from all over the province. 'The Conference' is going to feature a wide variety of speakers including topics of interest such as economic development, operational strategies, marketing, leadership, and motivation. 'The Conference' is perfect for long-term business owners looking to grow on a wide scale.
This "new to" Medicine Hat Event looks to bridge the gap of learning opportunities within an ecosystem presented to professionals within and outside of the city. 'The Conference' will begin early on Thursday, May 25th, and extend into the afternoon of Friday, May 26th.
Food and Beverage Expo
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its major sponsorship for the 2023 Alberta Food & Beverage Expo. The highly anticipated Food & Beverage Expo is set to return on February 25th, 2023. Read the full press release.
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce is offering member businesses the opportunity to be promoted at the event and will be creating a Local First advertising book that will be handed out to attendees free of charge. These ad spots will allow any type of business to offer deals, coupons, or general promotions at the event. Interested members of the Chamber can reach out to communications@medicinehatchamber.com for information on pricing and details.
Our Home & Leisure Tradeshow is back! March 3rd, 4th, & 5th of 2023
Booth registration is still open for our 2023 Home & Leisure Show! We will be running a FULL SHOW meaning we will be utilizing all 3 areas of the Cypress Centre as well as returning to our original date of the first weekend of March. Our tradeshow booths are always a high demand so please consider registering sooner rather than later to get the best spaces available as they fill quickly!
Chamber members receive -10% off their booth registration! Register Here. This year we have included amazing package add-ons for your booths like on site PSA Announcements, Social Media Packages, and even custom Drone videos of your booth to be used as promo for the weekend!
Looking to get involved in a different way? Perhaps sponsorship is the way to go!
In addition to exhibitors, we are looking for several sponsors. We have a lot of amazing sponsorship opportunities as it takes a big team to put on such a large-scale and well attended event. We would like to extend these offers out to our membership first, then to the public. By sponsoring you can receive amazing benefits such as, logo recognition on event marketing, at the event, ads in our show guides, complimentary show tickets, and the opportunity to hang your own banners in the show, and in our exclusive Exhibitor Lounge. View Sponsorship Opportunities!
Enriching Your Business
See all our Value Added Benefits!
Fuelling the Business Community
Prestige Windows & Doors at the Home & Leisure Tradeshow
We are proud to annouce that Prestige Windows & Doors will be attending our Tradeshow once again this year, they will be located at Booth 110 and ready to answer any questions you might have for them. We are extremely excited to host this year's tradeshow, see you there!
Booth registration is still open for our 2023 Home & Leisure Show! We will be running a FULL SHOW meaning we will be utilizing all 3 areas of the Cypress Centre as well as returning to our original date of the first weekend of March. Our tradeshow booths are always a high demand so please consider registering sooner rather than later to get the best spaces available as they fill quickly!
Chamber members receive -10% off their booth registration! Register Here. This year we have included amazing package add-ons for your booths like on site PSA Announcements, Social Media Packages, and even custom Drone videos of your booth to be used as promo for the weekend!
Membership Milestones
Becky and Kerry have spent the past few weeks recognizing the members that have been with us for 10, 20, 30, and 40 years consecutively. We appreciate all of our members and are continually appreciative of those who put their trust and support in our organization. We look forward to continuing to celebrate with our members.
We will continue to reach out to the businesses over the next few weeks that have achieved these milestones. Click here to view our member milestones for this year.
Chat News Today Interview with Lisa Kowalchuk
Lisa Kowalchuk took her time last week for lunch-hour news to talk about upcoming events. Lisa joined Dan Reynish on CHAT News at Noon to talk about the State of the City, a business town hall in Redcliff, the upcoming Home & Leisure Trade Show and much more. Watch the video on here.
Fill Up On Funding
ICYMI: Affordability payment portal now openÂ
Eligible families with household incomes below $180,000 are eligible to receive $100 per month for six months for each dependent child under 18. Seniors 65 or older who have household incomes below $180,000 and do not receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit can also apply for monthly payments. Anyone who cannot easily go online can apply in person through any registry agent or Alberta Supports to receive support in 50 locations and over 100 languages during regular business hours. Applications will be accepted any time between January 18 and June 30, 2023. Once the application process is completed, most Albertans will receive payments at the end of that month. Find out more.Â
2022-2023 Micro Grants: Application open until February 14Â
Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2022/23 Micro-grants. There are six $5000 cash micro-grants available under four categories, including. Â
- Climate-Related Product Innovation Micro-grantÂ
- Global Impact Micro-grantÂ
- Woman Identifying Business Owner Micro-grantÂ
- Digital Innovator Micro-grantÂ
Applications will be accepted until 3pm ET, February 14, 2023. Winners will be notified by February 28, 2023Â
Google for Startups Accelerator CanadaÂ
Applications for the fourth Google for Startups Accelerator Canada are open until February 1st. The 10-week virtual bootcamp will support startups with Google resources, mentorship and more.
The accelerator is designed to bring the best of Google's programs, products, people and technology to startups that leverage machine learning and AI in their company today or plan to in the future. In addition to mentorship and technical project support, the accelerator also includes deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition and leadership development for founders.
Last chance to register: Changing Face of LogisticsÂ
On January 31, the College is hosting an informational seminar on managing the challenges of logistics and the supply chain and a discussion around innovation and technology tools to help better manage these challenges.Â
They have partnered with ALTS, a leader in logistic management, to present solutions to tracking and maximizing logistics solutions that includes the use of innovation and technologies for simulation, analytics, predictive planning and personnel training & management. They are planning an interactive session that will also include industry updates, global supply chain status and discussion, etc. If you are involved in logistics this will be of interest to you. The seminar is on January 31, starting at 9:00 am at Medicine Hat College. Lunch will be served and is free to attend. However registrations is required. Please RSVP to Shannan Hurlbut at shurlbut@mhc.ab.ca by January 23, 2023.Â
StrikeUp 2023Â
StrikeUP 2023 is a free digital conference held on March 2, 2023, featuring keynotes, panels, workshops, chatrooms, networking and support resources as the kick-off and signature event to launch International Women’s Month. Attendees will gain full access to an ecosystem of financing, networking, and professional expertise to help further the growth of their business! Register nowÂ
Webinar Tips for Staying on the Right Side of Social Media and Creating Ambassadors. This 90 minute webinar will focus on preparing food and beverage companies to navigate the changing and often volatile landscape of social media and crises. The practical webinar format will demonstrate how companies can prepare for reputational issues and problems and create an issues response plan, including content to respond to customer inquiries, social media comments and crisis response.Â
Feb 22, 2023: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4087851619109256279Â
Webinar Communication: the Crucial but Often Missing Ingredient in a Successful Relationship with Partners Along the Supply Chain. This 90 minute webinar will demonstrate how food and beverage companies can communicate to build relationships with supply chain partners to persuade, demonstrate key information about their company and adapt information on websites and social media, as well as with employee communication.Â
March 8, 2023: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1003454321872130396Â
Other News
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a GlanceÂ
2021-22 Annual Population ReportÂ
Municipal (Census Subdivision) Population Estimates 2016 to 2022Â
Other demographic data and analysis products are available: hereÂ
Other Events
Feb 16 | New Solutions for Old Problems: Tackling Workplace Mental Health in 2023Â
Employment Standards webinars: alberta.ca/employment-standards-webinars.aspxÂ
- Overview of Employment Standards in Alberta: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.Â
- Employment Standards in Alberta – Wages and Overtime: Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.Â
- Employment Standards in Alberta – Administration and Enforcement: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.Â
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