Your Weekly Tune Up
Introducing Medicine Hat Economic Development
Medicine Hat Economic Development is 'energizing our future' by focusing on the four pillars of a strong economic development strategy: workforce development, business development, investment attraction, and investment growth and readiness. Follow them on their socials to see more about these fundamental pillars and the important role the City plays in fostering each. Learn more about Medicine Hat Economic Development Â
Concerns with Misinformation Online
New data from the Survey Series on People and their Communities (SSPC) sheds light on Canadians' concerns about misinformation, steps taken by Canadians to counter misinformation and overall trust in media. In 2023, 59% of Canadians said they were very or extremely concerned about any type of misinformation online, and 43% felt it was getting harder to decipher online truth from fiction compared with three years earlier. Misinformation can quickly spread across the Internet, when it is shared by readers and amplified through social media algorithms. The spreading of false or misleading information has the potential to negatively impact Canadians' wellbeing and confidence in public institutions. While not a new phenomenon, concerns about misinformation and its impacts on society have grown in recent years, with the accelerating pace and volume of digital information-sharing. Read more
The City is seeking resident input on the future of Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment
The City is seeking community input for the Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment Master Plan that will provide a framework for the next five years. This master plan will identify, develop, and communicate a comprehensive roadmap that will set the direction of arts, heritage, and entertainment sectors for the City. The engagement process, crucial to the plan's success, will include a series of workshops, surveys, and public forums to ensure broad community involvement. There will be an Online Community Survey available Jan. 15 to Feb. 12, as well as other opportunities. To learn more about the project and City engagement opportunities, including the online survey, digital engagement sessions and community roadshow, visit Shape Your City.MedicineHat.ca. Read the new item.
Chamber Article: MH Construction Association magazine
Medicine Hat Construction Association magazine 2023-24 is the construction industry's voice in Medicine Hat. This edition includes an article by Lisa Dressler, our Executive Director, on our past year and the theme of 'Taking the time to reflect'.
"This past year allowed us to reflect on our priorities before diving into future endeavours. We reflected on our mission to be an essential source of information and solutions to strengthen our community as a catalyst for growth, uniting business, driving leadership, and fuelling success through our connections, support and influence." Find us on page 32 here.
Advocacy in Action
Have your say
Have you visited Shape Your City lately? This is the City's online engagement hub to learn about projects and topics that affect our community. Here's what's currently in the works:
- Transportation Master Plan - establishing the vision for Medicine Hat's transportation network
- East Ring Enhancement Project - upgrading Medicine Hat's electricity transmission lines
- and more coming soon! Stay tuned...
CEBA and RRF Petition
In 2023, many small businesses have yet to recover from the financial impact of the pandemic, and have faced the added pressures of rising costs and a tight labour market and rural regions have been slower to rebound from the pandemic, facing inequitable impacts on their recoveries.
The Government of Canada is being asked to extend the deadline to qualify for partial loan forgiveness under the CEBA and RRRF until at least January 18, 2025. More information
Joint Letter to Liberal and Conservative MPs over Bill C-58
Together, with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and FETCO we are expressed our continued concern over the governments legislation to ban the use of replacement workers in federally regulated industries. If given the green light, Bill C-58 would inflict serious economic consequences on Canadian communities, businesses and their workers. Read the letter.
Need for a sober assessment of Canada's international priorities
Canadian Chamber President and CEO, Perrin Beatty sent an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling for a sober assessment of Canada's international priorities and a recalibration of how we engage with other nations. It draws attention to the fact that, apart from the Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canadian foreign policy in recent years has frequently appeared to be reactive and unfocused, signaling that we have too often concentrated our efforts on policies designed to produce good feelings instead of on those that will produce good results. Read the letter
New funding to stabilize primary health care
The government allocates an additional $200 million over two years to improve Alberta's primary health care and transition to a sustainable model.  As part of a $1.1 billion three-year agreement with the federal government, collaboration with the Alberta Medical Association addresses urgent healthcare system issues.
The Comprehensive Care Task Force will offer recommendations for short-term stabilization measures for issues like doctor retention and administrative burden, ensuring a smooth transition to the new care model. Learn more
Next Level Events
Evolution of Energy - Action & Elements
Brought to you by Action Land & Elemental and Elements Land Consulting, join us for panel discussions regarding the evolution of energy and overcoming the barriers to development at this industry night! February 1st at Ralph's Texas Bar & Steak House Ltd. where there will be time for discussion, networking, business showcasing and cocktails. Register here!
Save the date!! AG Advocacy Forum - Industry Network
In follow up to our previous ag-advocacy forums in 2018-2019, we are reconnecting to prioritize the top concerns and opportunities within the agriculture industry and be a part of creating solutions that will make a difference. Together we can effectively determine action plans to move forward and advocate for our region.
Happening February 21st, register here (free for agriculture producers)
LAST CALL: 2024 State of the City Address
Registration closes end of this week!! 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 2024. Join us as we reflect on the accomplishments of our community during 2023, 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. More information, registration and details here!
2024 Home + Leisure Tradeshow is happening soon!
A few months away and coming up FAST!! With over 60% of booths sold, there is still prime space available and it's going fast. Bulk space for large exhibitors and food truck space are also available on a limited basis. 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. Register now and save your space!
Occupational Health and Safety Training
Occupational health and safety is crucial for safeguarding workers' well-being. It encompasses preventive measures, regulations and training to minimize workplace hazards, injuries and illnesses. Ensuring workers' physical and mental well-being not only protects them but also supports jobs and Alberta's economy.
During the presentation, the team from OHS Prevention Services will be discussing elements of health and safety management systems, information on how to achieve a COR (Certificate of Recognition) or SECOR (Small Employer Certificate of Recognition) and earn WCB rebates for participation in the program. The team will highlight the resources available from the OHS Resource Portal. Click here to register
Date: January 16, 2024 | Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm | Location: Teams
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 Saynas Collective Healing and L&L Upstaging 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!
Limited-Time Promotion for New Chamber Members!
$100 Statement Credit for New Chamber Members, promotion period: January 1st to 31st, 2024. Throughout the month of January, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $100 statement credit! This exclusive offer is available for a limited time!
How Members Can Participate:
- Submit a web inquiry through the Elavon Chamber landing page here,
- Our dedicated sales representatives will promptly reach out for a consultation within 24- 48 hours,
- Complete the sign-up process by January 31st, 2024, and members will be qualified to receive $100 Statement credit.
- Elavon Testimonial -
"We received a promotional email from Elavon that said they could beat our current fees or we could get a $250 visa gift card. We decided to reach out as I wasn't completely happy with our provider at the time. They easily beat the fees we were paying so we decided to switch. The setup process was quick, and the customer service was immediate with no wait times when calling to activate. Their service agent was helpful and answered all our questions while they were on the phone showing us how to use the website. The funds we collect are in our bank account the following day (our previous provider took 3-4 business days to deposit), the receipt print out looks great (our previous provider's receipts looked horrible and I was embarrassed to send them out) and we have the option to setup a pay portal on our website which we will be looking at adding very soon to eliminate our clients having to call every time they want to pay. Overall, we are incredibly happy with our experience with Elavon and would recommend them to anyone looking for merchant services."
- Brovac Mobile Vacuum Services
Fill Up On Funding
Alberta Construction New Talent Program
One of the many benefits of membership with Medicine Hat Construction Association is funding support to help your workforce investment. Planning to hire post-secondary students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months) this fall? Eligible student placements include engineering, technology, business, IT. The Construction New Talent Program, a program of the Medicine Hat and Alberta Construction Associations, has funds remaining to support additional student placements. Book your placements soon as current funding runs out by March 2024.Construction New Talent more than pays for your annual membership dues-receive up to $5,000 per placement! The Construction New Talent Program was made possible by funding from the Government of Alberta. To learn more and register: www.constructionnewtalent.ca
Community Microgrant program is accepting applications for 2024
The City is accepting applications for its Community Microgrants program offering up to $500 in two categories: Neighbourhood Connections and Community Arts & Culture.
Community microgrants are designed to foster connections in the community through gatherings and activities, with a variety of focuses. The program is intended to encourage residents to organize activities and events that strengthen bonds within their communities and/or neighbourhoods. The program is currently accepting applications for 2024, which will continue until the end of the year or until the allocation of total funds. Applicants will be informed about the status of their application within 30 days after submission. Both individuals and groups have the option to apply either online or through a printed application form.
For more information on grant guidelines and to apply now visit, medicinehat.ca/grants
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the January 8th 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.
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