Your Weekly Tune Up
Alberta’s unclaimed property registry
Alberta’s government is seeking the rightful owners of a combined $154 million in unclaimed money and property. The unclaimed property registry currently contains millions in cash, cheques, money orders and other unclaimed items belonging to people who may be entitled to an unexpected payout.
Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s unclaimed property registry has returned $13.8 million to more than 8,500 owners. Find out more
Alberta Turns the Spotlight on Productivity
Alberta invites experts from across Canada to a summit to tackle productivity challenges to ensure our country remains prosperous, successful and affordable. While Alberta has the highest level of productivity in Canada, steps need to be taken to ensure that productivity continues to increase.
On a national level, Canada’s productivity level has fallen behind similar nations and is continuing to fall, putting a strain on investment, wages and affordability. More Here
Charting a path for regional ag societies
Alberta is funding a study to receive recommendations on how the province can best support its seven regional agricultural societies. Regional agricultural societies are made up of Albertans who genuinely love their communities. They develop educational programs, organize major community or special events and provide services based on community needs. They run major facilities like trade centres and exhibition grounds for their people to enjoy.
Read more here: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=90752682163E3-CAC8-16FE-357D3DC205CB7DFD
Advocacy in Action
Ever wonder what is your local government responsible for?
With three levels of government in Canada, it is sometimes confusing to know exactly what a municipality is responsible for versus the duties of your Provincial or Federal government.
Municipalities are granted powers as a municipality from the Government of Alberta through the Municipal Government Act. They take care of services within local boundaries like public transit, garbage collection and recycling, roads and public sidewalks, utilities, fire and police service, recreation and property taxes.
The City of Medicine Hat has created a page to learn more about the responsibilities of each level of government on their website.
CCC’s Statement on Minister LeBlanc’s Plan to Remove Trade Barriers within Canada
Minister LeBlanc’s recent announcement on eliminating federal exceptions is a positive step towards freer trade within Canada. This move is an inexpensive way to help Canadian businesses buy and sell goods across the country more easily. But there’s still a lot of work to do. We urge the federal government to keep working with provincial governments and business leaders to eliminate red tape, remove regulatory barriers and align with our key international trade partners.
Read more here: https://chamber.ca/news/canadian-chamber-statement-on-minister-leblancs-plan-to-remove-trade-barriers-within-canada/
Next Level Events
August Ribbon Cuttings
Let's come together to celebrate and support our local businesses! We'll see you at these milestones for some networking, goodies and ribbon cuttings:
August 9th - Y Drive Ribbon Cutting
August 17th - Yoga Revolution Grand Opening
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.
Member Exclusive Event: Hot Yoga Monday at YogaRevolution
Join us at YogaRevolution on Monday, August, 19 at 9:00 AM for an exclusive FREE Hot 26 Yoga Class for Chamber Members.
Bring a mat, water and towel, and start your week with your Chamber Peers at Medicine Hat's hottest yoga studio. To celebrate its opening YogaRevolution is graciously extending an invitation for Chamber of Commerce members to attend a complimentary Hot 26 Yoga Class and experience all that the studio has to offer.
Space is limited for this special event, so please sign up here: https://www.yogarevolution.ca/schedule/
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 TnA AutoGlass & Detailing Ltd., Sweet Tooth, and Embassy Salon 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!
Virtunurse is now VirtuClinic!
Why? The name change provides clarity for new patients and other practitioners from various healthcare disciplines looking to join our team. For example, they also provide mental health support and their Clinical Counsellor is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in clinical counselling. As they grow, VirtuClinic will provide more healthcare services to meet today's needs while delivering clinical excellence for our patients and clients through Employee Health and Wellness services.
Delivering the same high-quality healthcare service, just with a new name. Check them out here: https://www.virtuclinic.ca/
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.
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.
Fill Up On Funding
Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) for 2024-25
The Government of Alberta has made improvements to the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) to make it easier for small- and medium-sized enterprises and non-profit organizations to promote Alberta exports through international travel to formal outbound trade events. Changes were made to reduce red tape, improve consistency and clarify program criteria.
The revised program is now live and open for applications for travel taking place after April 1, 2024. Key changes made to make the program more user friendly include:
- only one application post-travel is required, there is no longer a pre-approval review process;
- reimbursement is now based on per diems and base fee event registration costs; and
- digital signature and electronic payment processes are built in to increase efficiency.
Other changes to the program include:
- a maximum amount of CAD $15,000 per organization per funding year;
- requiring attendance at a formal international trade event, such as conferences, trade shows and conventions;
- raising the minimum gross annual sales requirement for eligibility from CAD $50,000 to CAD $250,000 to better focus support for export-ready companies; and
- only providing funding for outbound missions.
Although you will no longer need pre-approval, you are encouraged to complete the self-assessment survey, which can be found on the website, to gauge your eligibility.
For more information, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-export-expansion-program
Community Vibrancy Grant accepting applications for 2025
The City of Medicine Hat has begun accepting applications for its Community Vibrancy Grant. The application window is open from Monday, July 29 through to Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 3 p.m.
The City of Medicine Hat values community activities and events. They bolster community spirit, emphasize opportunities that contribute to quality of life, and enhance a sense of belonging to a community that is welcoming, safe, resilient and full of opportunity.
The 2025 Community Vibrancy Grant application intake has two funding streams – Community Project and Activities, and Annual Festivals and Special Events. The Community Project and Activities stream has $25,000 in available funds for 2025. The Annual Festivals and Special Events stream, for larger-scale events, has two.-year funding available. There is $19,000 available for 2025.
Due to multi-year funding, the amount of available funds may differ from year to year. Applicants are encouraged to fully read the City’s grant funding guidelines and criteria to ensure their project and application meets the program objectives and eligibility criteria. Examples of previous Community Vibrancy Grant recipients include the following:
- Brain Injury Awareness Month
- Reconnecting to Play at the Medicine Hat Public Library
- Learn to weave in Medicine Hat
- Addictions Don’t Discriminate
For more information on the Community Vibrancy Grant program and the application process, visit medicinehat.ca/grants. Interested applicants can also email bonyar@medicinehat.ca
Sowing Seeds of Success for Future Farmers
Alberta’s government is supporting future farmers and ranchers through changes to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s Next Generation Loan program. Agriculture is essential to Alberta’s history, economy and future prosperity.
Over the past 20 years, the number of young and middle-aged producers in agriculture has seen steep declines, while the number of farmers over 55 has increased. Alberta’s government is aiming to help reverse that trend with changes to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)’s Next Generation Loan Program (Next Gen). More Here
Brooks-Newell Region News
2024 Brooks Home + Leisure Tradeshow
We are excited to bring Southeast Alberta's largest and longest running tradeshow to Brooks this fall. Booths are still available and selling fact, Oct 4,5,6 at JBS Canada Centre. Booths start at just $625 (members get 10% discount) and included pipe and drape, table, 2 chairs and dedicated power outlet. Limited bulk space is available for anyone wanting a larger show presence and more square footage. Food vendors are welcome. Artisan and home based business's can purchase space in our dedicated artisan market for a reduced price.
Learn more and Register here: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chambercalendar/Details/2024-brooks-home-leisure-tradeshow-1094191?sourceTypeId=Website
HALO collects over $11,000 from local event
HALO air ambulance received $11,500 in a couple of donations during the county-hosted fundraiser last Thursday.
The event saw about 600-700 people attend for a BBQ and an emergency vehicle extrication demonstration which included HALO landing, putting the patient in the helicopter and leaving the site. The idea was to show the public the partners that are required following an emergency incident. We’re really proud to be part of the County of Newell and City of Brooks. We’re so incredibly grateful for your support and we truly could not do this without you,” said Paul Carolan of HALO. Read more here: https://brooksbulletin.com/halo-collects-over-11000-from-local-event/
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the July 29th 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
Government of Alberta- Culture and Status of Women Grants
Labour Market Notes – Labour market conditions continue to ease
Labour Market InSight - Underlying strength in Albert's labour market
Other Events
June 15 - Sept. 7 | Block Party @ Towne Square | More Info
Support your community | Grand Openings Calendar
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