Your Weekly Tune Up

Don't forget...it's Valentine's Day this week

If you are looking for a special gift, a place to dine or an event to attend, we have resources for you! Check out our business directory for restaurants, retailers, as well as personal health services and wellness options to either treat that special someone or treat yourself: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/directory

Not into Valentine's Day, that ok - Love Local instead and find ways you can show your love and put local first, this week and all year 'round: https://www.medicinehatchamber.com/localfirst/ and in this special month, we're doing a throwback to an article from February 2021 on Sharing some Local Love

BEKH Launches Ecosystem Mapping Tool for Black-Owned Businesses in Canada

The Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH) is developing an ecosystem mapping tool. The mapping tool will create a network for Black-owned businesses, offering resources, support, and opportunities to enhance their profiles, fostering growth and success. Learn more

Drought advisory committee for Alberta

More than 70 percent of Canada is grappling with drought conditions. To address this challenge, a six-person Water Advisory Committee has been formed, comprising leaders with expertise in agriculture, irrigation, Indigenous affairs, industry, and urban and rural issues, including MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat Justin Wright. The committee will act independently to advise the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas on strategies to support communities, farmers, ranchers, and businesses in water conservation and management during a potential drought. Learn more

Southwest Substation Project

The City of Medicine Hat is proposing the construction of a new substation (MHS-11) that is essential to alleviate current congestion, enhance system reliability, and accommodate future electrical growth in our community. Without this enhancement to the system, vital infrastructure developments such as housing, schools, recreational facilities, and commercial establishments would continue to face limitations.

The City is actively seeking feedback on the MHSS project and is reaching out to engage with our local community. They are presenting potential substation locations to collect insights from residents before determining a preferred and alternate site(s). As the Project is in the early stages, the information will play a role in our application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), the final decision-maker on the Project. For additional project details and to sign up to receive email updates, please visit MedicineHat.ca/MHSS.

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Advocacy in Action

Have your Say: Public engagement: greenhouse gas emissions reduction target

Projections indicate a surpassing of the interim objective, aiming for a 20 percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2026. Engaging the public in the 2035 target-setting process, the virtual platform "Talking Targets: Canada's Climate Future" is open for public input until March 28, 2024. Learn more. Share your insights.

Working on Access to Workplace Wellness Supports

One of the nine letters we sent to various Ministries in the fall of 2023 was to the Minister of Mental Health and Additions related to our policy recommendations on increasing access to mental wellness workplace supports. We had a conversation with Minister Williams as part of an Alberta Chambers of Commerce network call last fall and we were pleased to have a follow-up meeting with Minister Williams on February 2 at the Chamber office.

Our letter to the Minister highlighted pre-Covid statistics that noted that every week, 500,000 Canadians are unable to work due to mental health problems or illnesses. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness every year, resulting

in a $50 billion impact on the economy. Because psychological services are paid out of pocket, even if an employer's benefits program covers them, each hour of service is often only partially covered and there's typically a cap on how much can be claimed. The cost of treatment for many who need it is currently a significant barrier, further contributing to the problem. As such, we've been working on advocating for solutions to Government including the implementation of an Alberta Workplace Wellness Grant to provide two-thirds of funding for mental health and wellness services for employees, employers, owners and those who are self-employed.

We were pleased to see the Government adopt one of our recommendations already by including mental health and wellness services within the Alberta Health Care system model and further supporting a community-led, collaborative, and entrepreneurial approach for service delivery early detection, prevention and treatment to avoid duplication and reduce service delivery costs.

Through the report 'Modernizing Alberta's Primary Health Care System' the Government is working to improve access to primary health care for all Albertans, including expanding online mental health services, allowing doctors to bill for virtual mental health checks and therapy, and compensating them for extra time spent with patients virtually.

The Minister also mentioned several resources, including Alberta 211, the Crisis Text Line that is available 24/7 by texting CONNECT to 741741, and AHS mental health supports as well as the AHS mobile app directory and Alberta Counselling services. There are no financial barriers or waitlist and individuals can call 1-833-827-4230 or visit Counselling Alberta for more information. Albertans seeking treatment for opioid addiction can get treatment on demand through the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) and there is Alberta's Digital Overdose Response System (DORS) app.

We look forward to working with the Ministry on moving forward with an option for Workplace Wellness Grants to fill further workplace wellness gaps in service.

Senate Appointments

The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments (Advisory Board), is launching a call for applicants to fill current and upcoming Senate vacancies through 2024 for several provinces and Nunavut. The Advisory Board encourages Canadians to apply or update their application in the coming weeks to ensure their documentation is considered for this cycle. Please note that applications from all Canadians are accepted at any time and are retained for two years. The dates by which we will start reviewing applications for each targeted province and territory are or will be listed on the website in due course with the application review start date for Alberta scheduled for March 2024. Learn more about how to apply. For more information about the Senate, visit the Senate of Canada website.

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Next Level Events

Last week to RSVP! 2024 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.

Check out the agenda, rsvp your spot and see who your table sponsors are here!

Foundations of Intercultural Leadership Management

Unlock Global Leadership Excellence! Attend our Foundations of Intercultural Management Workshop!

Are you prepared to advance your leadership skills in today's interconnected world? Join us for an engaging and dynamic "Foundations of Intercultural Management" session designed to equip leaders like you with the skills necessary to survive in diverse and globalized contexts! More info and save your spot here.

Black History Month Celebration

Celebrate Diversity and Promoting Inclusion in Medicine Hat! Join us as we commemorate the accomplishments, contributions, and rich history of Black people.

This year's theme, "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build," emphasizes honouring diversity and looking towards a brighter future together. Please RSVP by Friday, Feb 16th. www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-history-month-celebration-tickets-827529171027

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Fun for the whole family!

Join us on this Family Day at our Downtown Branch! Have a blast playing games, bouncing in the bouncer house, dashing through the wibit*, and creating crafts with your children. Hot Dogs are available to everyone by donation. *Wibit is ages 8+ only

Who: Open to everyone! No membership required.
Where: Downtown YMCA
When: February 19th from 12:00PM to 4:00PM
Price: FREE for the whole community

Link to website page: Free Family Fun Day: YMCA of Medicine Hat

Link to Facebook event: (1) FREE Family Fun Day | Facebook

Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT)

During the presentation, "Apprenticeship 101", an AIT Liaison Officer/Exams Officer will guide you through the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, the role of the employer, the financial benefits of an apprentice, as well as grants and funding opportunities that are available for employers.

Date: February 27th, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Virtual, Microsoft Teams

Alberta Business Awards of Distinction 2024

Nominations, Applications and Registration are now open! Nominate a deserving business or apply for this year's awards! Don't miss on the opportunity to be recognized in Alberta! Nominate. Apply. Register.

Exploring Futures Career Fair

CAREERS: The Next Generation, the Medicine Hat College along with our local high schools will be hosting a Career and Job fair for high school students. This year we are moving the event to the Medicine Hat College to showcase the local post-secondary options that go along with the careers in the Skilled Trades, ICT, Agriculture and Health areas that are the focus for this event.

The event will be an Open House format where students and parents can drop-in to find out all about what the participating businesses and organizations do and how they can get started in the field. Hands-on, interactive displays are encouraged. Employers can also use this event to discover applicants for spring/summer job positions; students will be encouraged to bring resumes to the event.

Date: Wednesday, May 15^th
Time: 4pm-7pm
Location: Medicine Hat College - Trades Wing

Link to sign up: https://forms.gle/q43LUqyyy9sw7GjUA

CLICK TO VIEW ALL EVENTS!

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.

Reliability-It's the cornerstone of your peace of mind.

When it comes to essential services like your business phone, cloud, IT services, and cyber security solutions, who you choose should have an emphasis on service.

Here's what most businesses consider:

Consistency

Quality

Affordability

Understanding Your Needs

Valuing Your Satisfaction

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Many Medicine Hat businesses are finding SaskTel checks all these boxes. SaskTel is a national provider of cloud-based phone systems, cloud hosting, IT services, and cyber security solutions for businesses across Western Canada. SaskTel has over 100 years of experience, and a dedicated team of experts who can provide personalized and professional assistance. Some critical services they can offer in Medicine Hat, include:

Integrated Business Communications (IBC): A cloud-based phone system that allows business to communicate with customers and employees anywhere, anytime, and on any device.

Cloud Hosting: A secure and scalable platform that enables business to host applications and data in SaskTel's data centres.

IT Services: A portfolio of IT solutions to help business optimize IT infrastructure, improve security, and enhance productivity. IT Services include network design and installation, hardware and software procurement, IT consulting, and project management.

Cyber Security: Security solutions to protect businesses from cyber threats, that includes firewall, antivirus, endpoint protection, email security, and vulnerability assessment.

Choosing SaskTel isn't just about getting a service provider, it's about knowing you're in good hands. Give SaskTel a call today at 1.844.SASKTEL (1.844.727.5835) and find out what you can accomplish by having a true partner working at your side.

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Fueling the Business Community

• NEW MEMBERS •

We would like to welcome Brandi's Salsa and Soteria Alliance 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!

February Limited-Time Promotion: Meet or Beat Offer!

Promotion period : February 1st - February 29th : If Elavon cannot match or beat your current rates with your current provider, we will give you a $250 Visa gift card!

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 February 29^th, 2024, and if Elavon were not able to meet or beat members' current rates, members will be qualified to receive $250 Visa gift card (please refer to flyer footers for more details).

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 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

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Black Opportunity Fund

Wraparound services will be provided to Black entrepreneurs to help build their capacity as sustainable businesses, in areas such as Financial literacy; Creating a business plan; Creating financial projections; Improving credit score. Applicants who have been declined for traditional lending, can apply to the program and will be assessed and directed into appropriate CBCC program offerings based on need as identified during the client assessment process. Find out more

One-time grant will support community-based initiatives to increase access to justice

To give Albertans more options for resolving criminal, family and civil justice matters outside the courtroom, Alberta's government is investing $1.2 million in a new one-time grant to support innovative and community-based initiatives that provide alternatives to the formal court system. The Alberta Community Justice Grant would help increase access to justice within a community setting that is proactive, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed and tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable Albertans. Find out more

Crossword Puzzle

Crossword Puzzle Answers

Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the February 5th crossword puzzle.

Congratulations to our quarterly draw winner, Ryan with Red Arc Manufacturing!

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.