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Your Weekly Tune Up
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Development of the East Ring Enhancement Project
The City is proposing the upgrade of 24 kilometres of existing electrical transmission line to allow for a future increase in voltage from 69 kilovolts (kV) to 138 kV. The 40 year old transmission line requires upgrades to support projected growth in commercial and residential electricity use. The Project is slated for completion in 2029.
Visit their project website, MedicineHat.ca/EastRing to:
• sign up for email updates,
• see answers to frequently asked questions,
• see drone footage of the options, and
• review detailed mapping.
We value your input and encourage you to share your thoughts. Learn more about the project here.
Solid year-end sets stage for prosperous Alberta future
Positive 2023-24 year-end results display the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility that ensures prosperity and opportunity for Albertans. For the third consecutive year, Alberta has balanced its budget, ending the fiscal year with a $4.3-billion surplus. By staying true to fiscal discipline, government was able to pay down debt, save for the future in the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, and support Albertans through measures such as income tax indexation and fuel tax relief.
Learn more here: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=90577844A2DF7-F866-2CF6-D1DAC479C9BFC67D
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Preventing power price spikes
Alberta’s government is ensuring Albertans have affordable and reliable power by making changes to electricity market rules. Economic withholding was designed as a legitimate tool to encourage new investment in the province’s power market. The slightly higher prices that economic withholding causes in the short-term attracts new competitors to Alberta, leading to lower prices in the long-term.
Learn more here: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=905745F54DCBA-BFF8-5077-74B31A75A7B28F6C
Attracting skilled workers to protect communities
Alberta’s government is taking more steps to support public safety, while also supporting labour recruitment needs across the province. Keeping Albertans safe is a top priority for Alberta’s government. By creating a new Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) pathway for law enforcement, the government is adding necessary supports for Alberta’s police services to meet their recruitment objectives for public protection and to address crime.
Learn more here: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=90567268A3502-A7FC-A694-0EE81E5485EB62C6
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Advocacy in Action
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Provincial response to Bill C-59 passing: joint statement
Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith and Ministers Brian Jean and Rebecca Schulz, have expressed concerns about Bill C-59, describing it as harmful legislation that could impact the free speech regarding the energy sector.
ACC made a submission expressing our concerns that the amendments to Subsection 74.01(1) of the Competition Act raise concerns about business competitiveness, operational feasibility, increased litigation by special interest groups, creating additional uncertainty in Canada’s business climate.
Land Use Bylaw Refresh
The City of Medicine Hat continues work on refreshing our Land Use Bylaw, and now is your chance to submit feedback through a community survey. A Land Use Bylaw refresh was needed to better align with the policies of the Municipal Development Plan, passed by City Council in 2020. The current version of the Land Use Bylaw was passed in 2013.
Please complete the survey by Wednesday, July 31 to ensure feedback can be implemented into the ongoing draft document before its submission to City Council for approval. There will be more public engagement opportunities after the draft document has been completed.
Take the survey | Learn more about the LUB Refresh
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NEW ACC Business Resiliency Website
The Alberta Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting businesses across Alberta to swiftly respond and adapt to disruptions or unplanned changes affecting operations, people, assets, or reputation. Find live emergency updates and resources to support your business on the new Business Resiliency Webpage.
You can provide feedback on our Building Business Resiliency webpage to help them improve the emergency updates and resources that support your business.
Next Level Events
2024 Downtown Chili Cook-Off: Next Weekend
Join us at this year's Downtown Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, July 13th!!
Bowl sales from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, or until chili runs out. Tasting bowls are $5 and hand-made pottery bowls from the Pottery Association are $10... plus money from each of their bowls is donated to AJ's Loan Cupboard!
Free face painting from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, free bouncy castles from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, AND don't forget the eating contest at 2:00 pm.
Awards ceremony at 3:00 pm... who will this year's chili winners be?? In the meantime, check out the 2023 winners and other details here!
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Coffee & Conversations
Join the Chamber next Thursday morning to enjoy coffee and conversations about your business, our business, or life in general! This is a great opportunity to connect in the mornings if your afternoons and evenings are too busy. You can stop by for a quick hello or stay and chat for a while; everyone is welcome!
Next up, meet us next Thursday at the Chamber office itself.
Details here: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chambercalendar/Details/coffee-conversations-1085671?sourceTypeId=Website
Grand Openings: Support your community
Let's get the cycle of supporting each other going, we hope to see you at one of these upcoming business milestones 🙂
Read some of our reasons to attend a grand opening here
Check out our Grand Openings calendar here!
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Enriching Your Business
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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 these businesses to the Chamber Family! SPEC Association for Children & Families | Silver Sage AG Society | Diversified Chain & Rigging | Spragg's Meat Shop | Real Estate Centre
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!
Medicine Hat Health Foundation Launches $1.2 Million Fundraising Campaign for Cardiac Monitor Replacement
The Medicine Hat Health Foundation (MHHF) is proud to announce the launch of the public phase of its largest fundraising campaign to date. The goal is to raise $1.2 million by the end of 2024 to replace a fleet of 32 outdated cardiac monitors in the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH). In addition, funds will also be used to purchase three new GlideScopes, an MRIsafe ventilator, a new LifePak portable defibrillator, and other vital medical equipment.
The campaign will run until early 2025 and is set to include a variety of events and activities to engage the community and encourage donations. This began on June 8, with the hosting of the second annual Community Cares Gala and online auction, making history as the first event of its kind held in an active Alberta hospital. Ongoing donation and support opportunities include a biweekly 50/50 raffle, a charity golf tournament, and local business partnerships.
"We are excited to launch this cardiac campaign," said Heather Bach, Executive Director of the Medicine Hat Health Foundation. "It’s our largest campaign to date, aimed at replacing all the cardiac monitors in the hospital. Almost every area of the hospital is going to be touched by this campaign. It’s not going to happen overnight, but we’re very optimistic that we’ll be able to achieve this soon. Every little bit helps get us to that goal."
Individuals and organizations can contribute to the campaign in several ways, including online one-time or monthly recurring donations through the MHHF website, setting up a legacy giving plan, purchasing 50/50 tickets, or hosting their own fundraising events on behalf of MHHF.
For more information about the campaign or to make a donation, please visit our website or contact Heather Bach at (403) 528-8133 or info@ourhealthfoundation.ca
Fill Up On Funding
Enabling Accessibility Fund – Small Project Component
Enabling Accessibility Fund – Small Project Component is an opportunity to make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities.
- Application period May 28, 2024-July 23, 2024
- Funding up to $125,000, non-repayable
- Not-for-profit, for-profit, indigenous organizations, municipal, and territorial governments may apply.
- Find more information HERE
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Alberta Export Expansion Program: Open
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) supports Alberta’s small- and medium-sized enterprises, industry associations, Indigenous organizations, economic development organizations that promote Alberta exports through international travel to formal outbound trade events.
Government of Alberta- Value-Added Program
Stream A – Open
Stream B - Open April 15 - May 27, 2024.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Value-Added Program supports the diversification and growth of Alberta’s value-added food and bio-industrial processors through investment in projects that increase company sales and production capacity, expand market opportunities, and create jobs in Alberta.
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Brooks-Newell Region News
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Halo Fundraiser/First Responders Recognition Night
The County of Newell is planning a fundraiser to support HALO Air Ambulance Services and recognize all emergency services, including Ambulance, RCMP, and CPOs. The event is tentatively scheduled for the last week of July at the Centennial Regional Arena, featuring a helicopter landing demonstration by HALO. They are reaching out to vendors to secure in-kind donations to cover the costs. Last year's event saw a shortfall of $5000, the goal is to reduce this difference with community support.
Rodeo Cheque donated
This evening, the Koye Larson Memorial PBR committee presented the Brooks Elks Lodge a $15,000.00 check from the proceeds of the 2nd annual rodeo. The Brooks Elks Lodge is delighted to accept the generous donation from the PBR and feels honored to be involved in such a remarkable event.
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Crossword Puzzle
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Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the June 24th crossword puzzle.
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.
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Labour Market Notes – Labour market conditions continue to ease
EDC Economics insights and resources
Get your Business AI Ready with BDC
BusinessLink Free Small Business Videos
Free Business Advice from Business Link: Book Now
Other Events
June 15 - Sept. 7 | Block Party @ Towne Square | More Info
Support your community | Grand Openings Calendar
Useful Links
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