The Voice: December 2nd, 2024
2024 AGM and Membership Appreciation Recap, Construction Codes Working Group, Alberta Government Launched Care-first.alberta.ca, and Alberta passenger Rail MAster Plan all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Your Weekly Tune Up
2024 AGM, President's Reception & Member Appreciation Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday night! Thank you also to Ralph's Texas Bar & Steakhouse for the great venue and to Doane Grant Thornton for sponsoring the event.
Forging Forward was the theme selected to summarize our 2023-2024 fiscal year for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce as we embark on 125 years of service to our community in 2025. The theme signifies our determination to move forward, despite the challenges and obstacles we have faced.
We invite you to chart a new course with us, uncovering opportunities, exploring new paths and taking on new challenges as we continue to climb to new heights. We continue to learn, evolve and grow as we forge our path forward and uncover the roadmap for the future.
Couldn't make the evening? Check out our event reel here and the Annual Report here.
Construction Codes Working Group
Alberta’s government continues to look at all options to build more homes. To further this work, a Construction Codes Working Group has been created to explore how Alberta’s construction codes can be improved to speed up development while still maintaining the required high quality and safety standards.
The working group includes members from government, municipalities and the development community. Find out more here
Alberta Government Launched care-first.alberta.ca
To ensure Albertans have the information they need to understand the shift over the next two years in Alberta’s auto insurance system, the new Care-First system website has been launched to explain the changes and benefits. The website focuses on explaining how the new auto insurance system will provide better medical and faster income support benefits. Under a care-focused system, those benefits will last through the full recovery period for Albertans injured in collisions. In addition, Albertans will have cost savings up to $400 per year under the new system. Legislation to implement the changes will be introduced in the spring of 2025. Find out more
Alberta Passenger Rail Master Plan
Alberta’s government is developing a Passenger Rail Master Plan to build the optimal passenger rail system for the province. As part of the development of the plan, Alberta’s government is hosting a one-day forum to provide an opportunity for Alberta communities, industry and experts to collaborate and share information on passenger rail opportunities and challenges. The sessions will allow for the sharing of best practices and lessons learned on passenger rail planning and development. Find out more
Advocacy in Action
Municipal Red Tape and Business Supports
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) has released the latest Alberta Perspectives “Municipal Red Tape and Business Supports” findings, collected between September 12 and October 6, 2024. Insights were gathered from 401 self-identified business leaders across the province, highlighting issues impacting Alberta’s business community, from crime and public safety to cost burdens and regulatory hurdles.
The survey revealed that 70% of businesses have been affected by some type of crime in the past year, with incidents such as theft (30%), vandalism (28%), cybercrime (28%), and community-based issues like loitering and drug-related activities (32%) being most prevalent.
Local permit processes also pose significant barriers, with 48% of respondents reporting timelines were a major challenge when pursuing renovations or expansions. Subjectivity in guidelines (38%) and communication issues (37%) were also highlighted. Moreover, 48% of businesses expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support and services provided by their municipalities, with 26% stating they were 'not at all' satisfied. This sentiment underscores the survey's finding that businesses feel their growth and competitiveness are increasingly cost constrained by local fees and taxes.
See more "Local Priorities" via the full report HERE.
In our November 25th edition of the Voice we had a call to action for members interested in updating our recommendations in our policy resolution focused on Creating a Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment. We'll be reviewing the recommendations to find out what issues still exist, what new issues have surfaced, and if our members would like to see updates to the policy and recommendations.
Business Owner Thoughts
As a Chamber we know that with an impressive $3.6 billion in daily trade, Canada and the United States are each other’s closest international partners. The secure and efficient flow of goods and people across our border−enabled by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)−remains essential for the economies of both countries. President-Elect Trump's proposed trade tariffs will undoubtedly affect Canada upon implementation and there are concerns with a proposed 10% across-the-board tariff on US imports. Read more about the pre-election summary here and what we were watching for.
What are your thoughts as a business owner on the impacts this may have on you: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-tariffs-canada-trade-1.7371141
We would like to hear your input and how it would impact you! Please free to email communications@southeastalbertachamber.ca with your thoughts
Turning your thoughts to Budget 2025
Albertans’ perspectives are an important part of the budget process as the government sets financial priorities and supports the ever-increasing number of people choosing Alberta as home. Albertans can provide their thoughts and ideas on what matters to them and their community by filling out the Budget 2025 online survey, which will be available starting at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 3. They can also speak directly to President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner during a telephone town hall on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The online survey and submission portal will be live Tuesday, Dec. 3 until Sunday, Jan. 12. Read the announcement and view the budget consultation website.
Updated Tourism Levy Guide
Alberta has released a new guide that outlines how to complete the tourism levy return online. The Tourism levy requires that providers of temporary accommodation in Alberta collect an additional 4% on the purchase price which is then reported and remitted to Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration. Download the guide
Next Level Events
2024 Midnight Madness Event Survey - Attendees
Did you attend Midnight Madness downtown on November 22nd? We would love to hear from you! Our goal is to make the event better and better every year, but we can't do that without your input. Take a couple of minutes and let us know your experience; the good, the bad and the areas we could improve!
MM Attendees Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PPRQ7GS
2024 Intercultural Christmas Gala
Celebrate the season with us at The Connection’s Christmas Gala, where culture, community, and holiday cheer come together in a night of joy, food, entertainment and dance! For 18 years, this event has brought together locals and newcomers in Medicine Hat for a magical evening that bridges cultures and traditions.
Whether reconnecting with friends, meeting new people, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, this is a night not to be missed! Dust off your semi-formal or formal attire and join us to make this holiday season unforgettable! Secure your tickets here!
Brooks Business Roundtables
These are great opportunities to meet with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, and talk about business topics you feel are important and relevant to the Brooks and Newell area. Our Executive Director, Lisa Dressler will be in attendance!
Morning Roundtable: December 10th @ 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Evening Roundtable: December 11th @ 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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
Fuelling the Business Community
New Chamber Members
We would like to welcome Cloud King Vape Shop - Strachan Crt, El Super Tacos, and SureStay Plus by Best Western - Brooks 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!
Testimonial: Membership
After being involved with the Chamber of Commerce for 7 years in Medicine Hat while managing a local business there, the Chamber and its staff were over the top spectacular in helping with every aspect of our business. When I was informed that the Chamber was going to extend to the Brooks area with the new Southeast Alberta Chamber, I could not sign up as a member fast enough. They are always there to support and help in marketing my business and giving me all the benefits for us as a small business. My experience with this Chamber has been nothing short of a Disneyland experience!!!
- Rob Goldade, Silverado Country
Fill Up On Funding
Crowdfunding Alberta
With the giving season, now is the perfect time to get started on your first or next Crowdfunding Alberta campaign. Crowdfunding Alberta is an online fundraising program developed specifically for Alberta’s non-profit/voluntary sector organizations.
Through Crowdfunding Alberta, 50% of donations made to campaigns, within 8-weeks of launching online, will be matched by government up to $5,000 per organization per year (April 1 – March 31). See Crowdfunding Alberta for eligibility details.
Alberta Industry Skills Grant Pilot
The new Alberta Industry Skills Grant will fund industry-led training in high-demand sectors like aviation, aerospace, construction and tech. Alberta’s government is making $5 million available through a pilot program to address skill shortages by helping workers gain industry-certified, transferable skills that meet the needs of Alberta's growing economy. Unlike existing programs, this grant will enable recipients to be self-directed in expanding their training offerings or providing new training opportunities for their employees.
The program is open to employers and industry associations operating in Alberta or serving Alberta employers and workers. Employers and industry associations can apply until Jan. 24, 2025. Find out more and apply online
Funding to Hire Students
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Program is a program under the federal government’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which aims to provide flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians develop the skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market. Eligible not-for-profit employers can receive a wage subsidy of up to 100% of the current provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage. Eligible public and private sector employers can receive a wage subsidy of up to 50% of the current provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage. The average student placement is 8 weeks, for 35 hours per week. The deadline to apply is December 19, 2024. To review eligibility criteria and begin your application, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html
Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) brings together employers, students, and post-secondary stakeholders to create quality work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities. This federal program provides employers with wage subsidies to hire post-secondary students for paid work experiences. Students in turn benefit with quality work experience so they can secure employment in their chosen fields of study. Eligible employers can receive:
50% of the wages (to a maximum of $5,000) for each net new placement.
70% of the wages (to a maximum of $7,000) for each net new placement for under-represented groups, including women in STEM, Indigenous students, newcomers, and persons with disabilities, visible minority as well as first-year students. Funding for Students in Winter 2025 (January 1 – March 31, 2025)
Call for Applications will open in December 2024. To review eligibility criteria and begin your application, visit https://swpprogram.ca/
Brooks-Newell Region News
Budget Meetings
City of Brooks Budget Meetings are open for the public to see the budget planning process in action and stay informed about decisions shaping our community. the meetings will take place in City Hall in Council Chambers
- December 9, 4:00 - 8:00 PM
- December 12, 9:00 - 3:30 PM
- December 17, 9:00 - 3:30 PM
These meetings will provide insight into the allocation of funds, priority projects, and initiatives aimed at supporting the community's growth and development. Find out more
Toys for Tickets
Until December 6, any $57 parking ticket issued can be cleared by donating a new toy worth at least $30 (with receipt). All toys collected will be donated to families in need. Donations in lieu of ticket payment will only be accepted until the end of the day on December 10. Find out more.
Dealing with Postal Disruptions for Utility Bills in Brooks
Due to the ongoing postal strike, utility bills will not be mailed. If your account number starts with "002" (The west side of the city, for example), your November utility bill (for the September/October period) is now available!
Payment is due by December 16, 2024.
- You are still responsible for your bill, even during the postal strike.
- Need a physical copy? Visit City Hall.
- For future bills, sign up for e-billing for faster and easier access! Check the comments to get started! (Usernames cannot have spaces or be email addresses.)
- Haven’t signed up for e-billing and need a copy of your bill emailed? Contact us at utilities@brooks.ca.
- Late penalties will apply after the due date.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the November 25th 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
Other Events
Interested in sponsoring a Chamber event?
Dec 10 | Grow your global business with Canada’s trade team | Register
Dec 12 | Driving Digital Success: Strategies for Small Businesses to Succeed Online | Register
Useful Links
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