Your Weekly Tune Up
City of Medicine Hat 2024 - 2026 Strategic Plan
At the October 21 City Council Meeting, Council approved a motion to accept and ratify the focused City of Medicine Hat 2024 - 2026 Strategic Plan, as presented. The focus items are as follows:
Priority #1: Create Organizational Capacity For Effective & Efficient Service Delivery
- Inventory/define the current service levels
- Define required and desired service levels
- Implement a workforce strategy
Priority #2: Build a Resilient and Inclusive Community
- Lead a provincial/municipal/community urgent response to social disorder
Priority #3: Foster a Dynamic & Thriving Community Economy
- Action the Regional Economic Development Plan
- Create opportunities to incentivize businesses and reduce barriers
Priority #4: Action Recreation & Wellness Opportunities
- Develop a multi-faceted recreation complex on the south side
- Determine the future of existing facilities
Review the October 21 Council meeting materials online or view the Council meeting on YouTube
City policies at the click of a mouse
The City's policies set out the broad principles and rules that guide organizational behavior and decision-making. Earlier this year, the City enabled a searchable database to make it easy for our community to understand the parameters that guide municipal operation.
Search at medicinehat.ca/policies
Alberta's legislature to reconvene on Oct. 28
Proposed bills to be introduced this session include:
- Alberta Bill of Rights Amendment Act, 2024
- Early Learning and Child Care Amendment Act, 2024
- Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
- Education Amendment Act, 2024
- Meat Inspection Amendment Act, 2024
- Fairness and Safety in Sport Act
- Service Alberta Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
- Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
- Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
- Protection of Privacy Act
- Access to Information Act
- All-season Resorts Act
- Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
Alberta's Winter Rules for Utilities
Alberta's Winter Rules for utilities are designed to keep the power and heat on for Albertans during the cold winter months. From Oct. 15 to April 15, electricity and natural gas services in Alberta cannot be fully disconnected by retailers. This also applies to any time during the year when the forecast for the next 24 hours indicates temperatures below zero degrees.
Albertans who are having difficulty with paying their utility bills, communicating with their retailer or making manageable payment arrangements should contact the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA). Find out more
Advocacy in Action
Last chance to apply for City of Medicine Hat Advisory Bodies
The City is looking for passionate individuals to join our Committees, Commissions, and Boards! Help shape our community's future by advising on key decisions and making an impact. Whether you're interested in planning, public services, or preserving our heritage, there's a place for you.
If an eligible individual is interested, you can apply online through the City website's Application Portal to fill out an application form. The deadline for applications is October 30, 2024 by 4:30 pm for the following positions:
• Assessment Review Board: 2 positions
• Combative Sports Commission: 2 positions
• Community Vibrancy Advisory Board: 1 position
• Municipal Planning Commission: 2 positions
• Police Commission: 2 positions
• Public Library Board: 3 positions
• Subdivision & Development Appeal Board: 1 position
• Heritage Resources Working Group: 8 positions
• Working Group for Accessibility & Inclusion: Up to 6
Canada's economy depends on enabling existing small businesses to scale.
Small businesses play a vital role in driving innovation, creating meaningful jobs and boosting economic growth. Historically, small businesses have been a key driver of job creation in Canada, employing nearly 70% of the private sector workforce. Despite slower employment growth over the last four years, small businesses continue to account for almost half (43%) of all job gains.
However, many small businesses face significant challenges that inhibit their ability to scale and contribute more to Canada's productivity and economic growth. In order to scale small businesses, they need access to financing, the ability to export, investment in technology, and a supportive policy environment. Find out more and connect with us today to find out how we can help connect you to the resources you need.
Next Level Events
DEAM Lunch & Learn
Join us for a light lunch while exploring the value of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the workplace. The presentation is intended to raise awareness of disability employment, provide information on benefits and supports available to job seekers with disabilities, as well as employers who hire inclusively.Â
More details here. RSVP to WORKS@REDI.ca by October 29th.
TEK DAY 2024 - Hosted by Partek IT Solutions
Join us for an exclusive business education event designed for local business owners. This free, half-day event will provide practical resources and strategies that can be implemented in your business, empowering you to make informed decisions, protect your business from threats, and leverage technology for growth and innovation.
Happening Tuesday, November 5th @ 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Esplanade Centre.
Three industry-leading speakers from top-tier tech companies - Sophos, Sherweb, and Datto - will be speaking on various topics. Spots are limited, register now!
SARRCon 2024: Southern Alberta's Premier Recovery Conference
Join us on November 6th & 7th, 2024, for SARRCon 2024, a conference dedicated to advancing resilience in recovery and supporting the mental well-being of Albertans.
Held at the Medicine Hat Lodge, this two-day event brings together individuals, recovery professionals, and organizations to engage in powerful discussions, sessions, and networking.
Registration:Â https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sarrcon-tickets-950066322947?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Dates: November 6th & 7th, 2024
- Location: Medicine Hat Lodge, Medicine Hat, Alberta
- Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Both days)
What to Expect:
- Inspiring Keynote Speakers:Â Hear from influential voices in recovery and mental health.
- Informative Sessions:Â Gain practical tools and strategies to enhance recovery efforts.
- Networking Opportunities:Â Connect with like-minded professionals and advocates.
- Vendor Exhibits:Â Discover tools, services, and resources that support resilience in recovery.
Coffee & Conversations
Join the Chamber 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!
This round, we'll be bringing business to MT Nest 🙂
Let us know you're coming: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chambercalendar/Details/coffee-conversations-1085678?sourceTypeId=Website
Enriching Your Business
There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.
JoAnne Letkeman, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Medicine Hat & District | (403) 504-2166 ext 1.
Scott Walls, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Brooks-Newell Region | (403) 892-9675
Fueling the Business Community
• NEW MEMBERS •
We would like to welcome Grasslands Public Schools, White Horse Rider Co. and Robertson Rivet Studios Inc. to the Chamber Family!Â
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!
Elavon Limited Time Promotion: $100 Statement Credit Offer for New Chamber Members
Accept payments, any time from anywhere! Elavon offer a variety of point-of-sale solutions that make it easy for your business to securely and efficiently accept payments the way that your customers want to pay. Open a new payment processing account for your business by October 31, 2024 and you will be eligible to receive a $100 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 October 31st, 2024, and members will be qualified to receive $100 Statement creditÂ
Visit join.paymentstart.com/cachamber to learn more.
Incredible Franchise Opportunity in Medicine Hat, AB!
Mr. Mike's Steakhouse Casual is coming to Medicine Hat, and we're looking for passionate franchise partners! 
Join Canada's original and fastest-growing steakhouse chain with over 60 years of proven success. Benefit from comprehensive support in marketing, training, and operations while building a community-driven business.
Ready to start your journey? Click 'Learn More' to discover the opportunity! Learn more!
Farmers & Ag Enthusiasts - This is for YOU!
The Cypress County Ag Connections Conference is fast approaching on November 20, 2024, and tickets are almost SOLD OUT! This one-day event is packed with incredible speakers, practical breakout sessions, and the chance to network with leading experts in the agriculture industry. Event Highlights:
Keynote on AI in Agriculture
Producer panels on innovation and marketing strategies
Breakout sessions on cattle health, crop management, and more!
Get your tickets NOW before they're gone: www.cypresscountybusiness.ca
Hurry, tickets are 85% sold out and expected to sell out by October 31. Don't miss out!
Fill Up On Funding
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program
This program promotes entrepreneurship and seeks to increase the number of viable Indigenous-owned businesses. The program has 2 streams: access to capital and business opportunities. The Access to Capital stream provides annual, ongoing funding to Indigenous entrepreneurs through the network of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs). The AEP provides support to Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses with a non-repayable equity contribution and businesses services to start, expand or acquire a business.Â
The Access to Business Opportunities stream provides national level funding to promote a culture of entrepreneurship through national Indigenous organizations to improve access to business opportunities and to enhance the capacity of Indigenous businesses.Â
Government of Canada invests $200 million to help businesses adopt AIÂ
The Government of Canada is making strategic investments that will help drive AI adoption across the country. The funding will support eligible businesses to take their AI projects and technologies from the lab to the marketplace. Funding is also available to not for profits organizations supporting businesses to develop, demonstrate and commercialize their AI applications and solutions. Applications are being accepted until December 31, 2028. For more information on eligibility criteria and eligible costs, or to apply to the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, visit the PrairiesCan web page.
Up to $1,000,000 available for your facility with Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI)
SEMI provides financial incentives for industrial and manufacturing facilities participating in any of the program's four energy management activities.
·        Up to $50,000 per facility to conduct an energy assessment and audit.
·        Up to $250,000 per facility to implement an energy management information system.
·        Up to $100,000 per facility to participate in strategic energy management training.
·        Up to $1,000,000 per facility to invest in energy-efficient capital retrofit projects.
A wide range of industries are eligible for SEMI, including agriculture, forestry, mining, quarrying, oil and gas, utilities, construction, manufacturing, transportation, waste management, and more. Find out if your facility qualifies for financial incentives today.
Supporting Alberta's growing communities
Applications are open for the Local Growth and Sustainability Grant to help relieve pressure on public infrastructure in Alberta's fastest growing municipalities. https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=9120511E6ACCD-BE20-E389-E93DBC49A9595EB1
Alberta's Public Land Trails Grant Program
Alberta's Public Land Trails Grant Program was established in 2022 to support the management of recreation trails on public land by providing funding opportunities for recreation partners. Partnerships are important for sustainable trail management on public land. Find out more
Brooks-Newell Region News
Brooks Budget Survey
Now's your chance to let the City of Brooks know how you feel about our essential services and share your thoughts on how they can improve!
- RCMP/Policing Services
- Municipal Public Safety
- Snow and Ice Removal
- Storm Water Maintenance
- Road and Pavement Maintenance
- Community Development Services
- Recreation
- Athletic Fields
- Parks and Playgrounds
Complete the Brooks Budget Survey and help shape our community's future. Take the survey today at EngageBrooks.ca!
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the October 21st 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 InSight - Underlying strength in Albert's labour market
Labour Market Notes - Seasonal decline in employment
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