Your Weekly Tune Up
Land Use Bylaw Refresh – Survey deadline July 31, 2024
The City of Medicine Hat continues work on refreshing our Land Use Bylaw (LUB). Residents are encouraged to submit feedback, but the deadline is quickly approaching! Take the survey linked below by Wednesday, July 31 to ensure feedback can be implemented into the draft document before it is submitted to City Council for approval. Please note there will be more public engagement opportunities after the draft document has been completed.
What is a Land Use Bylaw? A Land Use Bylaw helps to ensure development aligns with the City’s overall vision. It governs what land use may occur on every piece of property and establishes a system for issuing development permits.
The bylaw controls development by categorizing all properties in a city into various land use districts.
Why the refresh? 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.
Nominations for the Torch and Spark Awards are open!
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics Program seeks to elevate and celebrate the commitment made by for-profit and non-profit enterprises to the highest standards of leadership, character, ethics, and ethical enterprising. These Awards bring attention to the practices that these organizations employ, to generate a high level of trust among their employees, customers, and their communities. Submit Nomination
The BBB Spark Award, a business Integrity award for entrepreneurship, recognizes business owners 35 and under or business owners of any age operating for less than three years who demonstrate a higher level of character, generating a culture that is authentic about its mission, and connects with the community. Submit Nomination
Solar Panel Recycling Initiative
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, through Global Affairs Canada, has launched a challenge to develop recycling solutions for solar panels. This initiative aims to recover valuable materials used in solar technology, addressing the environmental and economic costs of landfill disposal. The challenge, open from July 23 to September 3, 2024, seeks scalable and cost-effective recycling technologies that can handle all types of solar panels throughout their lifecycle. This effort aligns with the Greening Government Strategy to enhance environmental sustainability. Learn more
Urging safety for working in the heat
As temperatures rise across the province, Alberta’s government emphasizes the health and safety of workers exposed to extreme heat conditions. With the province experiencing extreme heat, there is a potential hazard for workers who work in dangerous heat levels. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to assess hazards and take all reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of workers.
Learn more here: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=90684FDCD8C40-C0FA-2B1F-1BFB1183D4CB21F9
Advocacy in Action
Local Military Connections
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce was pleased to meet with the CFB Suffield Command Team, Lieutenant-Colonel Joe Andrechek and Chief Warrant Officer Phil Paquette, for a briefing to the Chamber. We have always valued our relationship with CFB Suffield and are pleased to hear the long-term sustainability plans for the Base. With the new mission and structural realignment, we have confidence that the Base will be here to serve the region for years to come. Their new mission statement: CFB Suffield will enable readiness and training through the provision of institutional support, range training areas and resources to units and lodgers within Southern Alberta and Mainland British Columbia. We look forward to hearing more about the future of CFB Suffield as they expand operations into British Columbia and Calgary along with exploring other potential users as they move forward.
Canada Needs a Credible Defence Spending Plan to Meet NATO Target
The announcement that Canada aims to meet the 2% NATO defence spending commitment by 2032 is underwhelming at best. Meaningfully addressing the new and evolving threats in the global security environment requires a credible plan focused on strengthening and modernizing our defence industrial base. This will be essential not only for reestablishing Canada’s reputation as a dependable security partner but also for maintaining our critical trade relationships. Read the statement by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Chamber Letter to Minister MacAuly on Enhancing Canada’s Agri-Food Sector
With food security a top concern for governments around the world, there has never been a more important time to invest in Canada’s agri-food sector. If we do not act now, the opportunity will pass us by. That’s why the Canadian Chamber has sent a letter to the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in which we addressed key considerations.
Next Level Events
Webinar - Markets vs. Public Power Systems
Meeting Canada’s Net-Zero Electricity Goals Alberta’s deregulated electricity grid is unique in Canada, with a market-based system that has helped spur the fastest deployment of low-cost renewables in the country. Now, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has been tasked with renewing this system with the goal of providing affordable and reliable net-zero electricity to Albertans by 2050.
But an even bigger question remains: Is a market-based electricity system a dependable way to reach the province’s net-zero ambitions? How did this complex electricity grid come to be, and is it set up to make Alberta the tortoise or the hare in the national race to decarbonize grids? Join the debate on the potential and pitfalls of market systems to meet electricity affordability, reliability, and emissions goals. September 10 from 12-1 MST. Register
Business Brainstorming and Beers.
Thursday August 15, 2024, 4:00-5:00pm @ Paradise Valley Golf Course
Join the Chamber at Paradise Valley Golf Course on August 15th. Grab a drink and network with like minded people to discuss everything business. Whether it's business growth, workforce challenges, new business opportunities, regulatory hurdles, or anything else, we are all about finding solutions.
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 Gavin Burns with World Financial Group, One-to-One Safety Services and Glow Volume Studio 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!
Disclaimer: * To qualify for the promotion, you must sign up for a new payment processing account with Elavon Canada between July 1st and August 31, 2024. Merchant accounts must be activated and actively processing payment transactions by September 15, 2024 for a minimum of one week and be in an open status at the time of the incentive credit. A one-time $150 credit will be applied to your Elavon statement within 90 days after the first deposit date. Limit one credit per customer. Cannot be combined with another offer. Elavon reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify, suspend or terminate the promotion at any time without additional notice. Restrictions may apply. Services provided by Elavon Canada Company.
Elavon Limited Time Promotion: $150 Statement Credit Offer for New Chamber Members
Throughout the months of July & August, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $150 statement credit! 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 August 31st, 2024, and members will be qualified to receive $150 Statement credit
Our point of sale solutions allow you to securely accept payments. From credit and debit cards to Google Pay and Apple Pay, you can feel confident that each transaction will be secure. We also have a selection of payment solutions that are equipped with the latest technology to assist you with your business needs, including inventory management, staff timekeeping, invoicing, and more!
Visit join.paymentstart.com/cachamber to learn more.
Fill Up On Funding
Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada Loan Partner Referral Form
Startup Canada & Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) are working to ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the capital they need to start and grow their businesses. The WEOC Loan Program is designed to reduce barriers and enhance transparency so that funding to start or grow your business is as accessible as possible. This national program provides loans in any amount up to $50,000.
Complete the Startup Women referral form
YSpace ELLA Express
YSpace ELLA Express is an asynchronous program designed to support women entrepreneurs in the pre-revenue/early stage. The program helps build a solid foundation for growth by equipping founders with essential tools, skills and knowledge required to make smart decisions from the start.
Investment Tax Credits Are Passed By Parliament
The Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) will support your investments in energy and technologies that create long-term sustainable growth for your company in Canada. The ITCs represent $93 billion in federal government incentives by 2034–35, supporting the transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
Clean Economy ITCs include:
- Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage investment tax credit
- Clean Technology investment tax credit
- Clean Hydrogen investment tax credit
- Clean Technology Manufacturing investment tax credit
- Clean Electricity investment tax credit
- Electric Vehicle Supply Chain investment tax credit
Solar Alberta Diversity Scholarship
Solar Alberta is accepting applications for the second Solar Alberta Diversity Scholarship, presented by Enbridge. This $2,000 scholarship is intended for equity-deserving individuals facing barriers to equal access, opportunities and resources due to disadvantage and/or discrimination. The $2,000 award will go to one equity-deserving individual registered in an Alberta training program that aligns with the mission of accelerating a just and sustainable energy future in Alberta. Eligibility details and the scholarship application are available at: https://solaralberta.ca/learn/solar-alberta-diversity-scholarship/.
Application deadline: 11:59 PM on July 31, 2024
Brooks-Newell Region News
More about the new CAO for the City of Brooks, Chris Parker.
Chris brings extensive educational background, experience, and a diverse skill set as the new CAO. Parker was raised in Calgary and began his career with the Canadian Military Reserves. He transitioned to the private sector, running several small businesses for nearly twenty years. He served as a Municipal Councillor in Nova Scotia for eleven years. Parker's administrative career began in High Prairie in 2011, followed by CAO roles in Beaverlodge, Peace River, and Athabasca. His education includes:
- National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration
- Certified Local Government Manager designation
- Director of Emergency Management designation
- Incident Command System certifications
- Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta
- Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University
Career Fair happening July 30th (TOMORROW)
Don't miss out on valuable information from Medicine Hat College about courses and training resources. Discover resources on child care services and family support presented by Little Children Day Homes. 
Please bring the following with you:
Updated Resume | Government-Issued ID | Proof of Canadian Immigration Status
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 @ 11 AM - 3 PM
BCIS, Bay 2 – 500 Cassils Road E, Brooks, AB T1R 1M6
Event info here. For more information, contact: Maricar Bernardo at (403) 362-0404 or Maricar.bernardo@bcis-brooks.ca
Business to Business - Succession Planning
Come and join us for a FREE fun afternoon of making business connections and spreading knowledge on business succession.
Meet other business people to learn about what's happening in our business community. Succession is becoming more and more important in our community, so the Brooks Newell Region is here to help. The afternoon will be super beneficial to all business owners and agricultural producers in regards to business succession.
We are looking forward to talk about this important topic and of course do some networking!
Are you ready to register? Click HERE to visit our Eventbrite Registration page.
2024 Brooks Home + Leisure Tradeshow
Each year, the Chamber invests time and resources into creating quality trade shows for our communities, and we are proud to host our inaugural trade show in Brooks. 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.
Learn more and Register here: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chambercalendar/Details/2024-brooks-home-leisure-tradeshow-1094191?sourceTypeId=Website
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the July 22nd 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 News
Other Events
June 15 - Sept. 7 | Block Party @ Towne Square | More Info
Support your community | Grand Openings Calendar
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