Your Weekly Tune Up

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM)

Despite the considerable efforts that have been made to diversify the Canadian labour force, Statistics Canada reports that, in 2017, 3.7 million working-age Canadians identified as having a disability. Only three in five Canadians experiencing disability (59%) were employed. Currently, approximately 1 million Canadian job seekers experiencing disability are unemployed or underemployed. The Canadian Association for Supported Employment, has many resources that you can use in your organization whether you are an employer, a job seeker or a service provider.

The Chamber team had the opportunity to celebrate the proclamation of DEAM in our community and REDI Enterprises and were pleased to see two of our members recognized at their awards. Congratulations to Big Marble and South Country Co-op!

City of Medicine Hat Council Highlights

On October 3, Rochelle Pancoast, Managing Director of Energy, Land and Environment, presented to City Council on COMCO Energy Rate Offerings – Electricity, and Bylaw 4796 to Amend the Electric Utility Bylaw. Following the presentation, Council gave first reading to Bylaw 4796, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend the Electric Utility Bylaw. The amendments include the following updates:

That COMCO sets the interim best market electric energy rates based on a quarterly reset of the wholesale one year forward curve (’12 month strip’).

That all current customers on contracts will be transferred to the new best market default rate, however, the customer would have 30 days after the effective date of the bylaw amendment to revert

back to their contract if they choose. This interim best market electric energy default rate approach will be maintained until replaced by decisions informed by the pending COMCO Business Review.

A non-statutory public hearing for Bylaw 4796 will be held at the October 16 City Council meeting.

City Council also approved a motion to direct administration to conduct a review of Bylaw 3117, the Unsightly Property Bylaw, pertaining to vacant and derelict properties, and take appropriate and immediate measures to address this pressing issue and to report back to Council with options to enhance the effectiveness of the bylaw and identify any gaps or shortcomings that may hinder its enforcement, with a status report due at the first regular Council meeting of December 2023 and a recommended revision of the bylaw provided for Council consideration by the end of Q1 2024. View additional information about the October 3^rd Council meeting.

Did you know...a few facts from OHS eNews

Some requirements (or exceptions to requirements) in Alberta’s OHS legislation are unique to small businesses. For example, employers with five to 19 workers must designate a worker as a health and safety representative, while employers with fewer than 20 workers aren’t required to establish a health and safety committee. More information is available in Participation in health and safety for small business owners and workers on the OHS Resource Portal.

You can also register for these upcoming webinars:

Employment standards in Alberta – General overview: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.
Employment standards in Alberta – Wages and overtime: Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.

Employment standards in Alberta – General overview: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, or to register for one of the sessions, please visit alberta.ca/employment-standards-webinars.aspx. To book a presentation for your company or organization, please email EOP.Presentations@gov.ab.ca. View the latest OHS eNews online.

Advocacy in Action

Tomorrow is the last day to register! 2023 Leadership Breakfast

Our annual Leadership Breakfast is next week! Connect with us and our elected leaders in an open dialogue and capitalize on the chance to influence the conversation. Who will be there?

- Premier and MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat, Danielle Smith and MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, Justin Wright
- Mayor of Medicine Hat, Linnsie Clark and Mayor of Redcliff, Dwight Kilpatrick
- Reeve of Cypress County, Dan Hamilton and
- CFB Suffield Base Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Joe Andrechek

A townhall style event that will offer an opportunity to connect with their elected representatives and gain insight into their activities. Save your spot: register here

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Next Level Events

Cypress County Ag Connections Conference

Wondering how the Ag Connections Conference on November 22, 2023, will benefit agriculture in our region? Let us break it down:

1️. Innovation: A day filled with cutting-edge insights and strategies that will revolutionize your farming practices. From Smart Irrigation to AgTech Trends, we're bringing you the latest innovations to boost your productivity.

2️. Education: Our expert speakers will equip you with knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges of modern agriculture. Whether it's farm financials or forage blends for our region, you'll leave with actionable takeaways.

3️. Networking: Connect with fellow farmers, ranchers, and ag enthusiasts from across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. Forge valuable connections that can drive the industry forward.

4️. Mental Health Support: We're addressing a crucial aspect of farming that often goes unspoken. Learn from mental health advocate Lesley Kelly how to weather the storms of farming and support one another during challenging times.

5️. Industry Growth: By staying updated on the latest trends and best practices, you contribute to the growth and sustainability of agriculture right here in our region. Your success is our success.

6️. Community Building: Together, we'll build a stronger and more connected farming community. When we come together, we create a thriving agricultural ecosystem that benefits us all.

Secure your spot at the conference today and be a part of the movement to advance agriculture in our region. Let's grow, learn, and support each other for a brighter farming future! Get your tickets online at www.cypresscountybusiness.ca

Business Growth Trade Show

Life as an entrepreneur can be a whirlwind. You can be so busy working in your business that you never have time to work on it.

The Business Growth Trade Show is designed to be a one-stop information event where entrepreneurs like you can find grants, workforce support, business expertise, and more. We just need you to come and discover all that's available for you. Take a step towards mastering the chaos of entrepreneurship by connecting with the right people and programs. We hope to see you there!
P.S. Sign up now to be entered for some amazing prizes at the event. Learn more | Sign up Now

Ticket Giveaway! Lou Doiron: Get a Grip Workshop

Experience a 4-hour hands-on working session with a small group of like-minded entrepreneurs that will deliver insights, tools and practices to transform your business.

Keep your eyes out for a ticket give-away on the Medicine Hat Chamber's social pages (Influencers & Community Builders only) and if you're interested as a member, reach out for a 50% off discount code to enter in while registering!

Check out the link here

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Enriching Your Business

There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.

Contact JoAnne Letkeman,
Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor,
403-504-2166 ext 1.

Find a Job

Value Added Benefits

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Fueling the Business Community

• NEW MEMBERS •

We would like to welcome Homewatch Medicine Hat and Southern Gas & Safety to the Chamber Family!

We continually look forward to helping our members during their business journey and wish each the best in all future endeavors. We are extremely happy to have such amazing members, and are very glad that we can serve a part in that journey! Keep your eye out for more new member posts moving forward!

Help us celebrate and promote you! Small Business week

In the spirit of Small Business Week (October 15-21) we are looking to celebrate small business owners. What advice or insight would you share from the SME trenches? We want to hear from business owners that have been at the game for a long time or those who are new to game. What is your advice and what have you learned over your entrepreneurial journey? During Small Business Week, we’ll share your insights!

Email us at communications@medicinehatchamber.com and share any tips and advice that could help other entrepreneurs.

Fill Up On Funding

Tourism Investment Program

The Tourism Investment Program is Travel Alberta’s commitment to investing $15 million annually with communities and operators to develop the province’s tourism sector. Two funding opportunities within the program, the Rural Development and Promotion fund and the Events & Festivals fund. Applications close on October 13, 2023. Learn more

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Help youth join the labour market

Call for proposals under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is open. ESDC will provide eligible organizations with up to $5 million per year for up to four years (starting in 2024–25). The YESS Program will fund organizations to deliver a broad range of activities that help young people (aged 15 to 30).

Apply online before November 22, 2023. Learn more

Purolator - Free Shipping Tuesdays!

Happy Small Business Month! Every Tuesday in October, you can ship one (1) free package (up to 5 kg) using Expedited ParcelTM and the promo code of the day. Save on reliable, on-time delivery services within Canada as a benefit of a chamber membership. Learn More

Crossword Puzzle

Crossword Puzzle Answers

Did you catch the mistake last week? The links weren't working so check your emails this week for two crosswords; if you complete them both then get your name put in three times (3 for 2 deal).

Remember that if you subscribe to our weekly email, you get access to the crossword puzzle! Anyone who sends us their answers will get their name put into our quarterly draw. The prize? Receive 5 promotional credits with us (for members) or credit towards a membership (for non-members)! Oh and bragging rights that you're a crossword master!