Your Weekly Tune Up
Alberta Local Food Week
August 12th to 18th is Alberta Local Food Week!! Take this week to show support for all things grown, made and harvested in Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/local-food-week#jumplinks-3
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued the following statement on Local Food Week from August 12-18: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=90816C8F33ADE-F001-CA93-F86AA8843FE66697
International Youth Day
Today we celebrate the energy, imagination, and potential of our youth! We recognize the important role they play in our community and here at the Chamber, we are committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, artists, makers, business-owners, leaders, etc. by providing resources and opportunities for growth, learning and connections.
Check out our student and work-integrated resources, plus did you know that active full-time MHC students get 50% off their membership?!
Check out what events we have going on for the chance to network here.
Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides and Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton issued the following statement on International Youth Day: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=90815C700A363-9FA9-1FC1-A29C33CFE0E3D875
Chamber Membership Renewals are happening now!
Membership renewals are happening now for the 2024-2025 year, and if you pay BEFORE August 31st, you get entered into a draw! The prize? Win 5 promotional credits (valued at $175) to spend on advertising like a newsletter advertorial, website banners, a dedicated social media post, etc. Options to pay include: pay online through your info hub, call Kerry at (403) 527-5214 ext 229, or email transfer eft@medicinehatchamber.com.
Not a member but interested in membership? Reach out to Becky at membership@southeastalbertachamber.ca or by calling (403) 527-5214 ex. 223 for the rundown of the benefits! You can also take a look at our website here: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/membership/
Advocacy in Action
LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (LFS) reports for July 2024 Key Highlights:
- In July, employment remained stable from the previous month, with 2,524,600 employed Albertans. On a year-to-date basis, Alberta’s employment has expanded by 22,000 (0.9 per cent) supported by gains in full-time employment.
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged from the previous month at 7.1 per cent.
- Full-time employment in Alberta increased by +46,400 in July 2024, offsetting the decline of -47,000 in part-time employment.
- Strong gains in educational services and healthcare and social assistance industries were offset by declines in accommodation and food services.
Alberta continues to have the highest average weekly earnings ($1,393.79) among the provinces. Earnings were up by 2.2 per cent month-over-month and 7.4 per cent ($95.48) higher than the Canadian average ($1298.31) The documents can be accessed publicly at the following links:
- Alberta Labour Force Highlights – July 2024: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/1205-0709
- Alberta Indigenous Labour Force Highlights – July 2024 https://open.alberta.ca/publications/3094714-highlights
Next Level Events
Business Brainstorming and Beers later this week!!
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.
Yoga Revolution Grand Opening
This Saturday, August 17th at 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Join us for the Grand Opening of YogaRevolution, Medicine Hat’s H-Aum for Hot Yoga: “Where change begins and transformation thrives!” An unforgettable day filled with:
~ Complimentary Yoga Classes: Dive into one or both of our “complimentary” classes this day led by our passionate instructors.
~ Snacks and beverages will be provided after each of the classes.
~ Prizes and Draws, and the ribbon cutting at 1:00 pm!
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 Cypress Hills Winery Ltd, Creamy Treats, and Trevor Moore Inc. 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
Canada-Alberta Job Grant on Pause
As of 1:00 PM August 7, 2024, the Canada-Alberta Job Grant is not accepting new applications. This program pause is expected to be in effect until April 2025. The decision to pause the program is due to a reduction in federal funding received through the Canada-Alberta Labour Market Transfer Agreements. Applications received up to 1:00 pm August 7, 2024 will be processed. Employers with an active application(s) can access the portal, track progress and communicate with program staff as usual.
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=90793C746CFF6-088D-7351-248E476155BC736F
https://www.alberta.ca/canada-alberta-job-grant
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones issued the following statement: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=90793C746CFF6-088D-7351-248E476155BC736F
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.
Brooks-Newell Region News
BCIS Food Industry Job Fair
Brooks and County Immigration Services(BCIS) invites you to our Job Fair for the food business! Connect with top employers, explore new career opportunities, and take your passion for food to the next level.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 at 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: BCIS Office | 500 Cassils Rd E Bay 2, Brooks, AB
Please bring the following with you:
Updated Resume, Government Issued ID, and Proof of Canadian Immigration Status.
For more information, contact Maricar Bernardo at (403) 362-0404 ex. 225 or by email at Maricar.bernardo@bcis-brooks.ca
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the August 6th 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
Useful Links
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