The Voice: January 20th, 2025
Email Scam Alert: Tradeshow Lists, Nominations Open for Alberta's Highest Honour, New Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker, Apply to Repurpose Seacans for Community Benefit all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Your Weekly Tune Up
Email SCAM Alert: Tradeshow Lists
We have been alerted to a scam where individuals are falsely claiming to offer lists of attendees for our upcoming tradeshow. Please be aware that we do not share or sell attendee or business lists and do not retain personal details of our attendees.
If you receive an email offering such lists, it is a scam. Do not respond or click on any links; report and delete. Stay vigilant and protect your personal information!
Nominations open for Alberta’s highest honour
Albertans are encouraged to nominate remarkable community members, leaders and innovators for membership in the Alberta Order of Excellence.
Nominations are accepted year-round, but must be received by Feb. 15 to be considered for investiture this year. Information about the Order, including nomination guidelines, nomination forms and biographies of previous inductees is available on the Alberta Order of Excellence website.
Apply to repurpose seacans for community benefit
The application process is now available for community members interested in acquiring one or more decommissioned seacans from Towne Square.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 21, 2025 at 3 p.m.
You can read about the application guidelines here.
What we heard from the Special Transit review
The Special Transit review gathered data and valuable ridership input to understand the impact of current service levels and the level of community need. Last June, the public and special interest groups were invited to be involved through in-person workshops and a survey.
Read the What We Heard report here.
Advocacy in Action
Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Statement Regarding the Harmful Uncertainty of Capital Gains
With the recent prorogation of Parliament, the capital gains increase remains a severe concern to Canadians and businesses who are unsure how to structure their affairs and whether this measure will be enforced in the future.
In a new statement, our Senior Director of Fiscal and Financial Services Policy, Jessica Brandon-Jepp, says that “given the likely possibility that this tax increase may no longer be enacted in 2025, it is imperative that the government provide certainty to Canadians and direct the CRA not to enforce this measure until after an election, if at all."
NEW Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker
Tariffs are the most urgent threat facing Canadian and American businesses today. Every day, $3.6 billion in goods crosses the Canada-U.S. border, fueling a $1.3 trillion annual trade relationship. This partnership supports 2.3 million Canadian jobs and 1.4 million American jobs. New data from our Business Data Lab reveals that the proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods would reduce real annual income by $1,900 CAD per Canadian and $1,300 USD per American.
In response to these challenges, the Canadian Chamber's Business Data Lab has launched a new Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker, a tool designed to help businesses and stakeholders strengthen our world-class trade relationship. Explore the Tracker and Read More
Next Level Events
2025 State of the City Address is NEXT WEEK
Registration closes THIS Friday! Late registrations will not be accepted. The Annual State of the City Address is where you can learn about the City's progress over the past year and get informed about what's in store for the community in 2025. Join us as we reflect on the accomplishments of our community during 2024, and be the first to hear what the City of Medicine Hat has in store for the coming year including exciting new projects, opportunities for development, and vision for the future.
WHEN: January 28th, 2025 @ 10:45 AM - 1:30 PM
WHERE: Medicine Hat Lodge, Trademark Collection by Wyndham | 1051 Ross Glen Drive Southeast, Medicine Hat
Tickets for this event are available now and include your meal and registration. If you are a Chamber Member please remember to log in during registration to take advantage of your discount!
Hometown Culinary Inc. Grand Opening
Join us in celebrating the grand opening of Hometown Culinary Inc! With the ribbon cutting at 1:15 pm, there will also be refreshments, tester versions of their menu items, coffee, mocktail punch, a special on gift card purchases, and 10% off all merch!
Where: Hometown Culinary | 435 North Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat
When: February 6th @ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Ribbon Cutting @ 1:15 PM
Let us know you're coming: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/ap/Events/Register/OOFkd0DFaCqCD
Business Roundtable - Bassano
Join us for an engaging Business Roundtable in Bassano. Local business owners come together to discuss the challenges and concerns they face in today's dynamic market. This event provides a unique platform for open dialogue, allowing participants to share their experiences, seek advice, and explore solutions collaboratively.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, share, and grow with your local business community. We look forward to seeing you there!
WHERE: Council Chambers, Town of Bassano | 502 2 Ave, Bassano AB
WHEN: February 7th @ 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Register: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/ap/Events/Register/8EFVz4YFOCRC7
2025 Home & Leisure Tradeshow: Exhibitors Registration
Each year, the Chamber invests time and resources into creating a quality trade show for our community, and we are proud to host not only the longest-running but also the largest trade show in Medicine Hat. 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.
As an added bonus, Chamber members receive 10% off the price of trade show booths! Bringing businesses together under one roof provides a fantastic experience for everyone.
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 Freedom with Farren, TruMe Whole Health Ltd, and Bean Counter Bookkeeping 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!
Member Investment Opportunities
Whether you’re looking to acquire an established enterprise, invest in commercial real estate, or explore new ventures, Southeast Alberta offers a diverse range of possibilities. Each listing represents a unique chance to become part of our robust business landscape. We invite you to browse these opportunities and envision your future in one of Alberta’s most promising regions. Have a business opportunity you would like to post, contact us to find out how. Check out our Investment Opportunities page here.
Congratulations to the Prairie Rose Agriculture Discovery Centre
Check out the 2024 Agriculture Discovery Centre (ADC) Year in Review, which is now available online: ADC Year in Review . Thanks to the collaborative efforts of many educators, businesses and individuals throughout our region, they celebrated another successful year and growth in their our program. The ADC program is a testiment to the need to Highlighting the Importance of Ag Education, which our Chamber has advocated for since 2020. There is a need to raise awareness and provide fact-based education focused on where our food comes from, recognizing the sustainability of agribusiness and its vitally important role in our economy as a natural resource.
2024-2025 Medicine Hat Construction Association Magazine is now live
We are pleased to work with the Construction Association as a valued member and partner and each year they provide us with the opportunity to showcase our year in review. On page 29 of the magazine, you can read about our work over the past year, along with other articles on the State of the Industry, including from Mayor Clark, MLA Wright, the Minister of Infrastructure, and messages from the Construction Association Chair, Dean Kopperrud and Executive Director, John Digman. Check out the PDF or read the magazine online.
Elavon Offer: No Monthly Equipment Fees for a Year!
Get your equipment fees credited for 1 year* when you establish a new merchant account between January 1 and February 28, 2025.
Our full suite of point-of-sale solutions provide the tools you need to run your business. From inventory management and staff timekeeping to invoicing and business analytics, and so much more. We offer innovative and reliable payment technology that allows you and your customers to feel at ease knowing that your payments are being processed securely.
Disclaimer: * To qualify for the promotion, you must sign up for a new payment processing account with Elavon Canada between January 1 and February 28, 2025. Merchant accounts must be activated and actively processing
payment transactions March 15, 2025 for a minimum of one week and be in an open status at the time of the incentive credit. This promotion is limited to two (2) point-of-sale devices per member. talech Register package rentals are
excluded from the promotion. The twelve-month equipment credit will be applied to the Elavon monthly statement within 90 days of the first deposit date. The value of the twelve-month statement credit will offset the Solution Service fees billed for one year. 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. Copyright © 2025 Elavon Canada Company. All rights reserved. Elavon is a trademark in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved. All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared by Elavon as a service for its customers. The information discussed is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation.
Fill Up On Funding
Data to AI program
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying competitive and adopting innovation are critical. BDC recognizes the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), digital automation, and the need for robust cybersecurity and our new program is designed to equip your business with the solutions, tools, guidance, and financing needed to thrive in the information age.
Find out more: https://www.bdc.ca/en/consulting/data-ai-program
Building capacity for inclusive workforce growth
The Government of Canada is investing $40 million in 170 women’s and Indigenous women’s organizations across Canada, including 15 in Alberta. This initiative aims to address barriers, foster inclusion, and support equitable access to skills and talent, enabling businesses to benefit from diverse perspectives and contribute to a more inclusive economy. Learn more
Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund - Emission Reductions Intake
The purpose of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund - Emission Reductions Intake is to fund projects that will contribute to Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan targets by:
- halting or reducing activities that cause greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through land use or land cover change
- restoring areas into functional ecosystems that sequester and store carbon
These activities may occur directly as natural climate solutions that target specific sites to halt threats, restore degraded areas, improve the management of ecosystems or through the development and implementation of policies, programs, incentives or other tools that support emission reductions. More information here
Brooks-Newell Region News
Congratulations to Brooks as it ranks 11th most liveable city in Alberta
Brooks improved its ranking significantly in The Globe and Mail's list of Canada's Most Liveable Cities, moving up 43 spots to 126th overall in Canada and 11th in Alberta. Enhancements across categories like economy, amenities, and safety were cited as reasons for its improved ranking. Brooks excelled particularly in amenities, though it ranked lower in education. Within Alberta, Calgary ranked as the most liveable city, followed by St. Albert and Edmonton.
Local Student Recognized at the 2024 World Skills competition
Congratulations to Brooke Potiuk from Brooks Composite High School who represented our region on the national stage at the 2024 WorldSkills competition. Brooks was one of only six competitors representing the province of Alberta and competed in the 3D Digital Game Art contest.
Established in 1992, Skills Canada Alberta equips young Albertans with the skills needed to support Alberta’s ever-changing economy and to keep up with the workforce demands of tomorrow. Alberta’s government works with partner organizations, like Skills Canada Alberta, to promote apprenticeship education and ensure Albertans have the tools required to succeed in the economy, now and in the future. Read more
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the January 13th 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 Events
BusinessLink Digital Marketing Program – booking into March | Find out more
Business Link Peerpreneur Sessions | Apply by January 23, 2025
Jan 23 | Enhance Your Ability to Recruit and Retain Persons with Disabilities | Register
January 23 | Global Economic Outlook: Plan for Success in 2025 | Register
January 23 | Launch a Successful Social Media Campaign for Your Small Business | Register
Jan 28 | Occupational health and safety and disability management | Register
Useful Links
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The Voice: January 20th, 2025
Email Scam Alert: Tradeshow Lists, Nominations Open for Alberta’s Highest Honour, New Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker, Apply to Repurpose Seacans for Community Benefit all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Your Weekly Tune Up Email SCAM Alert: Tradeshow Lists We have been alerted to a scam where individuals are falsely claiming to offer lists of attendees…
Read More The Voice: January 13th, 2025
Changes to City of Medicine Hat Safety Codes Services,8 Predications for Canada’s Economy in 2025, and 2025 Automobile Deduction Limits and Expense Benefits Announced all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Your Weekly Tune Up Changes to City of Medicine Hat Safety Codes Services Important Update: Please be advised that effective January 1, 2025,…
Read More The Voice: January 6th, 2025
Happy new year, Medicine Hat Council Approves 2025-2026 Budget, City of Brooks Approves 2025 Budget, and OHS Code Changes all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Your Weekly Tune Up Happy New Year!! As we step into 2025, we want to thank our members, partners, board of directors, Chamber team and community for an…
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