Your Weekly Tune Up
February is Black History Month
The theme for Black History Month 2024 is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build. Take time to explore the Government of Canada's comprehensive webpage for more resources, events and videos and learn about the legacy of Black people in Canada.
State of the City address recap
Mayor Linnsie Clark delivered the 2024 State of the City address at the annual event presented by the Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat and the Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce on January 23 at the Medicine Hat Lodge. Weren't able to make it? Rogers TV Medicine Hat captured the event and produced a video to watch online. Watch the video
Free digital literacy program
To meet the evolving technological landscape, Alberta is launching a free digital literacy program. Tailored for individuals seeking basic or improved digital skills; the online program encompasses 19 beginner and intermediate courses. Focused on practical lessons covering essential internet skills and safety, the program caters to those with limited computer experience. Each course can be completed in 30 minutes or less. Find out more.
Water-sharing negotiations start
This winter, snowpack is below average, rivers are at record low levels and multiple reservoirs remain well below capacity. As a result, for the first time since 2001, Alberta's government has authorized the Drought Command Team to begin negotiations with major water licence holders to strike water-sharing agreements in the Red Deer River, Bow River and Old Man River basins. If a severe drought occurs, these agreements would see major users use less water to help others downstream. In Alberta, there are 25,000 organizations and businesses that hold licences for 9.5 billion cubic metres of water. The Drought Command Team will select and prioritize negotiations with Alberta's largest water licence holders in an effort to secure significant and timely reductions in water use. The water-sharing agreements are expected to be completed before March 31, 2024. View this announcement online
The Launch of a Digital Talent Platform for Digital and IT
The launch of the Digital Talent Platform simplifies the application process for digital and IT professionals seeking government positions. The platform provides federal institutions with pre-qualified individuals matching their talent needs, and aims to enhance data collection, talent management, and collaboration across government. Learn more
Check out these New Bid Notifications from the City of Medicine Hat
Advocacy in Action
City Council Connections on January 29
Thank you to the City of Medicine Hat for the opportunity to meet and discuss our municipal policies. We had the opportunity to highlight the progress on Sustainable Municipal Finances, which has been a policy that the Chamber has had on the books since 2016.
We highlighted the Chamber's newly adopted policy recommendations on Municipal Economic Development that the Chamber's Board of Directors approved at our January 17 board meeting. The policy was first adopted in 2014 with recent amendments to include the City's strategic priorities, the work being done on the regional economic development strategy and some key areas that the Chamber is hoping will be included in future municipal strategies.
We also highlighted some key elements to Creating a Strong & Diverse Local Economy and some things to keep in mind when the City works to update it's incentives and streamlining opportunities for business retention, expansion and investment attraction. We all agreed that Air Service Development is a priorities and we will be working to update our previous policy from 2014 to consider the new environment and challenges. This was a previous policy the Chamber had dating back to 2014 and marked as a 'win' in 2018-2019, but we know there have been some challenges with flight service since 2019 and we are looking at bringing this back as a priority for the region and how we can work together to improve air service and get more air passengers choosing Medicine Hat versus driving to Calgary for flight service..
There was also conversation around Remediating and Redeveloping Brownfields. Our Chamber's work started with advocacy to the provincial government in relation to what kinds of programs and incentives they have for dealing with brownfield properties and we recognize that this is a multi-level Government approach. We look forward to continuing to work with the City to increase opportunities for brownfield development and increasing investment into under developed areas.
Alberta remains open for business
We are pleased the Government of Alberta has been listening to various policy recommendations by Chambers of Commerce and Industry Groups across the province. By updating rules and improving procedures, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction has saved Albertans and Alberta businesses $2.75 billion. Those savings mean more money kept in Albertans' pockets and more opportunity for job creators to reinvest in and grow their business. Alberta's government remains committed to ensuring Alberta remains the best place to live, invest and do business. Find out more.
Skills, training and labour market research results
The research results are ready with highlights including the importance of training students; work integrated learning opportunities; skills shortages in Alberta. Read the full report from the ACC and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce press release online.
Next Level Events
2024 Ag-Advocacy Forum - Industry Network
In follow up to our previous ag-advocacy forums in 2018-2019, we are reconnecting to prioritize the top concerns and opportunities within the agriculture industry and be a part of creating solutions that will make a difference. Together we can effectively determine action plans to move forward and advocate for our region.
Check out the agenda, rsvp your spot and see who your table sponsors are here!
Foundations of Intercultural Leadership Management
Unlock Global Leadership Excellence! Attend our Foundations of Intercultural Management Workshop!
Are you prepared to advance your leadership skills in today's interconnected world? Join us for an engaging and dynamic "Foundations of Intercultural Management" session designed to equip leaders like you with the skills necessary to survive in diverse and globalized contexts! More info and save your spot here.
2024 Home + Leisure Tradeshow is happening soon!
Happening NEXT month which is coming up quickly!! There is still space available but it's going fast. With thousands of consumers visiting the shows over the course of three days these trade shows give an incredible opportunity to gain exposure for your business, demonstrate and sell products, and showcase your services!
Alberta Business Awards of Distinction 2024
Nominations, Applications and Registration are now open! Nominate a deserving business or apply for this year's awards! Don't miss on the opportunity to be recognized in Alberta! Nominate. Apply. Register.
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.
Fueling the Business Community
• NEW MEMBERS •
We would like to welcome Septic Medic Inc. and Medicine Hat Music Lessons 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!
BrokerLink is excited to announce the 2024 Grand Group Giveaway!
Contest Period: January 1 - December 31, 2024. Get a quote on home or auto insurance with BrokerLink, and you could win 1 of 4 cash prizes of $5,000. Don't miss your chance to save on insurance and win some cash in the Grand Group Giveaway! The first draw will be held in April! Rest Assured, BrokerLink Has You Covered*
Contact BrokerLink today: Call 1.833.998.3798, or get a quote online at BrokerLink.ca/MHCC
BrokerLink is proud to offer exclusive home and auto insurance premiums to MHCC members and their employees. Talk to one of our insurance experts for the right advice.
*Conditions and restrictions apply to all offers. No purchase required. Must be an active BrokerLink group member at time of entry. Offer ends December 31, 2024. Draws held quarterly at the BrokerLink Woodbridge office. Offers may change without notice. The four prizes are valued at $5,000 each. For full contest details please visit BrokerLink.ca/contest-rules. ©2024 Brokerlink Inc. ™BrokerLink & Design is a trademark of Brokerlink Inc. All rights reserved.
Limited Time Exclusive Deal with Pattison
Limited inventory so book now! Low cost with high reach, only until March 31st for bookings any time in 2024. Benches rate exclusive offer to Chamber members!
Free Recruitment Event
YMCA Employment Centre is currently recruiting businesses to participate in their 1st Job Fair focusing on hiring Persons with Disabilities coming up on Wednesday March 13th, 2024. We have two different time slots available to choose from: 10:00am-1:00pm or 2:00pm- 5:00pm. Pick the time slot that works best or stay for both! Businesses of interest will be those who:
- have a vacancy to fill,
- will be actively recruiting for the Spring,
- Businesses looking to add seasonal staff, and
- Companies who are willing to hire persons with disabilities, which may include physical, learning and/or mental health challenges.
Individuals with disabilities who are not in the labour market are often faced with the misconception that they are unable or unwilling to work. Failure to address these stereotypes and myths can result in discrimination and the exclusion of persons with disabilities from the workplace; despite their willingness and ABILITIES to actively participate and engage in meaningful employment. Did you know:
- One in four Canadians have a disability (27% of the population).
- Over 8 million Canadians over the age of 15 have a disability. Persons with disabilities are more common than you may think.
Through this recruitment event, the YMCA Employment Centre will manage all the logistics for the event including: supplying the venue, set up/take down, supplying event volunteers, and marketing/promotions. The only thing needed from you as the employer is some preliminary information on what your hiring needs are, and recruiters to attend the day of the event for onsite interviews and possible job offers. Deadline to apply is February 23rd, 2024 by noon. For further information or to apply please contact the YMCA Employment Centre at (403) 529-4733 or email krista.varner@medicinehatymca.ca
February Limited-Time Promotion: Meet or Beat Offer!
Promotion period : February 1st - February 29th : If Elavon cannot match or beat your current rates with your current provider, we will give you a $250 Visa gift card!
How Members Can Participate:
- Submit a web inquiry through the Elavon Chamber landing page: https://join.paymentstart.com/cachamber
- Our dedicated sales representatives will promptly reach out for a consultation within 24-48 hours.
- Complete the sign-up process by February 29th, 2024, and if Elavon were not able to meet or beat members' current rates, members will be qualified to receive $250 Visa gift card (please refer to flyer footers for more details).
Elavon Testimonial
"We received a promotional email from Elavon that said they could beat our current fees or we could get a $250 visa gift card. We decided to reach out as I wasn't completely happy with our provider at the time. They easily beat the fees we were paying so we decided to switch. The setup process was quick, and the customer service was immediate with no wait times when calling to activate. Their service agent was helpful and answered all our questions while they were on the phone showing us how to use the website. The funds we collect are in our bank account the following day (our previous provider took 3-4 business days to deposit), the receipt print out looks great (our previous provider's receipts looked horrible...) and we have the option to setup a pay portal on our website which we will be looking at adding very soon to eliminate our clients having to call every time they want to pay. Overall, we are incredibly happy with our experience with Elavon and would recommend them to anyone looking for merchant services."
Fill Up On Funding
YI#LoveAlberta Youth Challenge
The YI#LOVEALBERTA Youth Challenge is designed to engage students in understanding the world in which they live, focusing on citizenship, identity and quality of life. The goal is to have students share, in their own words, why Alberta is a great place to study, work and live. Check out lovealberta for your chance to win cash prizes.
Initiatives to Boost Student Housing and Homeownership
Low-cost loans will be offered to build more student housing on- and off-campus, aiming to make housing more affordable for students and families. Additionally, tax-free First Home Savings Accounts are helping Canadians, especially young people, achieve homeownership. Learn more
One-time grant will support community-based initiatives to increase access to justice
To give Albertans more options for resolving criminal, family and civil justice matters outside the courtroom, Alberta's government is investing $1.2 million in a new one-time grant to support innovative and community-based initiatives that provide alternatives to the formal court system. The Alberta Community Justice Grant would help increase access to justice within a community setting that is proactive, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed and tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable Albertans. Find out more
HAT Smart launches 2024 residential incentive program
The incentive budget for the 2024 HAT Smart program is $360,000, an increase of $100,000 over 2023 using funds from an account that collects and tracks any unused ECC revenues. The 2024 program includes four separate incentives:
- Existing Homes
- New Homes
- EnerGuide Home Evaluations
- Scratch and Win
Visit www.hatsmart.ca or call 403-529-8249 for full program details, including information on how to apply for rebates, and to stay up to date on the current level of funding. Read the news release online.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the January 29th crossword puzzle.
Congratulations to our quarterly draw winner, Ryan with Red Arc Manufacturing!
Remember that subscribing to our weekly email gets you 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.
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