Your Weekly Tune Up
WestJet Outlines Plans for the Community
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce was pleased to serve as joint host of a roundtable event on Wednesday, October 2 with the City of Medicine Hat and the Medicine Hat Regional Airport along with representatives from WestJet regarding air service between Medicine Hat and Calgary.
The event provided an opportunity for WestJet to outline plans for the community with the permanent transition to WestJet Encore from WestJet Link. It also allowed for business and community leaders to provide feedback, ask questions, and discuss how these changes will impact the local economy and connectivity. The primary changes within WestJet’s service shift from Link to Encore between Medicine Hat and Calgary include the introduction of the De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) aircraft starting Tuesday, October 1, and upcoming changes in the time of departure and arrivals.
The Q400 aircraft, with 78 seats, will replace the 34-seat aircraft currently serving the route. The aircraft is newer, larger and more comfortable, offering an enhanced travel experience.
Starting October 27, the WestJet Encore route will permanently transition to depart Medicine Hat at 7 a.m. and arrive in Calgary at 7:46 a.m. An earlier arrival time in Calgary increases options for connecting flights.
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of air service within our business community, both in commercial and leisure travel opportunities. Since 2012, we have advocated for improved air service and have worked to build partnerships and improvements for both the airlines and travellers within the catchment area knowing that air service plays an important role in business retention and investment attraction. We have advocated for improved flight service, competitive airfares, improved connectivity, along with consistency and reliability. In 2018-2019 we achieved significant success with three air carriers, a destination to Edmonton, lower-cost flight options and increased flight frequency.
However, global impacts, increased costs to air carriers and the pandemic caused significant changes in travel over the last four years. The load factor in our region declined from a load factor of 70-71% in 2018-2019 to 49% this year so far. In addition, there has been an impact on the trust that travellers have with air carriers, due to inconsistency, cancelled flights, long wait times and long connection times with the contracted carrier, Pacific Coastal (Link). The limited fleet and aging aircrafts through Pacific Coastal resulted in less reliable service in regional markets. As a result, WestJet is moving the service in-house to WestJet Encore and transitioning to their own newer, faster fleet of aircrafts to increase performance and reliability. However, the transition also means a decrease in the number of flights per day until demand increases in the region. WestJet's goal is to provide a 98% completion rate for their flight service and increase on-time performance.
When evaluating options for flight times, the decision by WestJet was to move to a 7:00 am flight, as 85% of their passengers from this region carry on to other destinations and most of the connecting banks of flights depart Calgary between 9-11 am with over 75 departures in that window of time. Additionally, the evening time was scheduled to catch most of the returning banks of time, arriving in Calgary between 8:30-10:00 pm. This shift also allows their pilots to stay overnight in Medicine Hat with the return evening flight and the departure back to Calgary in the morning.
The Southeast Alberta Chamber is committed to advocating for improved air service and continually working with the Medicine Hat Airport and WestJet to try to increase our passengers from Medicine Hat and improve service, connectivity and reliability from our air carrier in order to sustain regional air service into the future. We recognize that other regions have lost their air service as it has no longer remained economically viable. We also know that once you lose air service in a region, it can take 5-6 years to get an air carrier back. Our goal is to improve reliability and the schedule and continue to work with the airline on building trust with its customers to increase the passenger load so that we can increase the number of flights from Medicine Hat moving into the future.
We will be communicating the importance of 'flying YXH first' and checking airfares, as they may even be cheaper than travelling to Calgary when you compare the cost of travel, parking and hotel costs. We know this isn't an easy transition, but we want to be able to work together to not only advocate for changes but to ensure that we have the support of air service in our region, working together to improve service, cost, reliability and passenger service in Southeast Alberta.
October is Cypersecurity Awareness Month
October is the month to think about how you can stay safe online both as a business and personally all year long.
See the statement issued by Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=911110907208E-DE51-9A59-89D572A11EC0E8B2
Need some direction and help with you business online? Need feedback on the cybersecurity of your business? Check out some of our Chamber members in the Computers and Telecommunications category
2024 Brooks Tradeshow - Success!
To all our volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees... thank you! A weekend like this doesn't happen without people like you, and you made this event a great one.
We are already planning on how to improve this event for next year. Have feedback? Feel free to email Naomi at brooks-newell@southeastalbertachamber.ca with your thoughts and comments!
Interested in our Spring Tradeshow? Check out the page here: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/mhtradeshows/
Advocacy in Action
Protecting Alberta’s Private Liquor Industry
In February 2024 we contacted our member liquor store companies about the Government of Alberta's consideration regarding permitting grocery stores to sell liquor, similar to the US model of open markets and the recent commitment by Ontario to expand opportunities for liquor sales.
We discussed the issue at a Policy Council meeting in March and following the meeting and discussion, we agreed to submit a letter to Minister Nally. We received a response from the Minister in May advising on the establishment of an MLA Advisory Committee to gather information and perspectives.
We followed up in June and again in August to provide additional insight. We had also reached out to the Ontario Chambers of Commerce to gain additional insight into the regulatory environment pre- and post-regulation.
One major difference in Ontario was that before the introduction of grocery store liquor sales in Ontario, Ontario did not have private liquor retailers, so the impacts of the legislation would have been limited to the Beer Store or LCBO. This model was drastically different than the private retail model in Alberta. In June we further emphasized this message and urged the Government to consider the regulatory environment of other provinces in the findings and considerations, as there are substantially different impacts in a private retail market. We followed up again in August to check in on progress.
We were pleased with the Government of Alberta announcement, confirming yesterday on October 2, that they are not moving forward with the liquor retail model and will uphold the current model in order to protect Alberta’s private liquor industry: View the announcement online.
We’re pleased with the decision and count this as a win for the industry.
What volunteerism looks like today in Canada
The City of Medicine Hat Community Development and Medicine Hat FCSS is working with Volunteer Alberta to engage and participate in a survey that aims to discuss what volunteerism looks like for our service providers and what it means to our community.
A number of our community service providers have been impacted with the decrease in volunteers and together, we need to explore the opportunity to rebuild a stronger volunteer community. Your participation in this survey will provide a starting point to explore the opportunity and identify actionable goals that may create an impactful transformation of what volunteerism means to Medicine Hat.
We need your help to understand why people volunteer, how they're volunteering, and what barriers they might face (or be hindered by) when participating in volunteering. There are two surveys to understand your perspectives:
- For Nonprofits and Charities: Offer your perspective on the trends and barriers in volunteer participation. This is survey is open to nonprofits across the country. Complete this survey for a chance to win a $50 Co-op Gift Card. The survey closes on October 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.
Participate and share the Survey : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QY9D6ZX - For Volunteers: Share your experiences and reasons for giving your time and skills. This is survey is open to volunteers across the country. Participants can complete this survey for a chance to win one of nine $100 Co-op Gift Cards. The survey closes on October 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Participate and share the Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7BRYBST
By sharing these surveys with volunteers or peers via email, social media, or newsletter, you’ll help us gather valuable data on their experiences and motivations. Each survey will take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete and participation is voluntary. Your input is invaluable and will support volunteerism efforts across the country and people who seek to create meaningful impact in their communities. Thank you for helping us gain a clearer picture of what volunteerism looks like today!
Next Level Events
Open House at the Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church
Please join us on October 10th for an Open House at The Salvation Army Resource Centre located at the Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church. Major Patsy is pleased to host with a presentation provided by Sandi Hart, the Coordinator for the Salvation Army programs. They will provide an update to the downtown businesses on the changes that have taken place at the Salvation Army along with an opportunity to have any of your questions answered.
Business Brainstorming & Beers
Join the Chamber at locations around Medicine Hat to discuss whatever needs discussing at your business. Whether it's business growth, workforce challenges, new business opportunities, regulatory hurdles, or anything else, we are all about finding solutions. Come have a drink with us and solve the world's problems!
This month, we're heading to Ralph's Texas Bar & Steak House! Register here
2024 Leadership Breakfast - Limited Spots Left!
Join us for our annual Leadership Breakfast, bringing together our elected representatives in our region. Connect with us and our elected leaders, in an open dialogue and capitalize on the chance to influence the conversation.
We invite our MPs, MLAs, our Mayors and Reeves along with our CFB Suffield Base Commander within the region. This year, with an expanded region, we are looking to include additional representatives for a townhall style event that will offer our members an opportunity to connect with their elected representatives and gain insight into their activities.
Happening October 22nd - Limited spots left, so register now
Learn from the Experts: Level Up Your Business
We're inviting you back for another opportunity to meet with other industry experts with different focused topics to ask questions specific to your business. The format will be speed-dating-style conversations taking place over the course of two hours. Each attendee will have an opportunity to speak with each expert on the issues that will be most impactful to them.
Happening October 29th - Registration coming soon
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 Kings Law, Reconnect Mental Health, and Stewart Optical 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!
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 credit
Visit join.paymentstart.com/cachamber to learn more.
Canadian Management Consultant Selected as Finalist for 2024 Constantinus International Award
CMC-Canada is thrilled to announce that a consulting project by CMC Wesley Paterson of Paterson Consulting Inc. has been selected as a finalist (and to represent Canada) at the upcoming Constantinus International Awards. This year’s award ceremony will take place as part of the International CMC Conference in Yerevan, Armenia. This annual event “brings together Management Consultants worldwide, providing a vital platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and professional development."
Wes’ project, “Revive & Thrive: Unleashing the Power of Humic & Fulvic Acid for Sustainable Growth” was a ground-breaking venture undertaken with Carbon OxyTech. Together, the team embarked on a mission to not just redefine the agricultural landscape but to offer solutions that promised to minimize the global dependency on nitrogen fertilizers, slash water usage, and transform waste into gold. Read more here
Business Announcement: Sanatec Environmental Acquires Herb's Septic Ltd.
As of midnight, October 4, 2024, Sanatec Environmental has acquired the complete operations of Herb’s Septic Ltd.
We understand how important consistent, reliable service is to you, and we are committed to ensuring that your current septic service needs continue without any interruptions. All established rates will remain the same for the remainder of 2024, and we are excited to introduce you to a wider range of services. As part of the Sanatec Environmental family, you now have access to additional services.
Both Herb's Septic Ltd. and Sanatec Environmental have proudly served the Medicine Hat, AB community for over 20 years. Our strategic partnership with Septic Medic Inc. also allows us to provide specialized septic system repair, remediation, inspection, design, and installation services...
We want to take a moment to thank Amanda and Jay Dell, the previous owners of Herb’s Septic Ltd., for their many years of dedicated service to the community. We wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
We are excited to meet and serve all of Herb’s Septic Ltd.'s valued customers. Your feedback is always welcome, and we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. Please contact our office by phone at 403-548-7300, via email at admin@sanatec.ca, or visit our website at www.sanatecenvironmental.ca. We look forward to continuing to serve you and providing the excellent service you’ve come to expect.
Fill Up On Funding
Small Community Opportunity Program Funding Now Available
Alberta’s government is investing in the second round of grants through the Small Community Opportunity Program. Grant funding through the program will support Indigenous and small communities and help rural Alberta grow its economic footprint. The Small Community Opportunity Program (SCOP) provides grants of up to 90% of eligible program costs for Indigenous and small communities to tackle challenges and tap into opportunities to grow their local economic footprint. Applicants must be an incorporated non-profit organization in a rural community or a rural or Indigenous community. Applications will be accepted until December 20, 2024. Learn more
Better community drought and flood protection
Alberta’s government is stepping up to protect the province from droughts and floods. Drought conditions affected parts of the province this summer, while other communities have faced flooding in recent years. Building the local infrastructure needed to protect residents, property and critical infrastructure is costly, but necessary. https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=910900946373C-E327-5D91-76DD6E7069F48379
Brooks-Newell Region News
EcoBrooks Sustainability Award 2024
Do you know a business in Brooks that has...
- Demonstrated environmental sustainability as a core business goal.
- Used products/materials (could be recyclable or second-hand) that reduce their environmental impact.
- Made upgrades or changes that reduced waste, energy or water consumption.
- Implemented methods to become more environmentally sustainable.
- Created a product or service that is environmentally sustainable, or
- Worked with other sustainable businesses or organizations.
We want to recognize them! Nominate them today: https://www.brooks.ca/890/Sustainability-Award
Brooks Music Festival
Fall into Music Concert October 22nd @7Pm - Trinity Lutheran Church. Free admission, Donations always welcome.
Music Festival Dates for 2025 Tentative March 31 - April 04, 2025
Concert Tentative April 9th or 10th, 2025. Stay updated by checking out their website: https://www.brooksmusicfestival.ca/
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the September 30th 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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