Your Weekly Tune Up
City of Medicine Hat Budget Presentations
Council is holding a series of Committee of the Whole meetings dedicated to the 2025-2026 budget. They have heard about possible new growth opportunities, as well as the rate-based utilties and the energy production budgets. On November 5, they will be hearing about the municipal budget, followed by a presentation on November 13 about the Land and Economic Development Budgets. You can watch meeting recordings and the slide decks presented on our Shape Your City Page and watch upcoming Council deliberations on the City’s YouTube channel. Visit Budget 2025-2026 on Shape Your City for more information.
City seeking feedback on future use of downtown seacans
The City of Medicine Hat is requesting feedback from residents and community groups to help determine the community need and possibilities for future use of the eight seacans located downtown, if their removal is approved by City Council. Residents and community groups are asked to share their ideas, comment on other ideas, and vote on ideas they agree are of high community benefit by November 10 at 5 p.m.
To share, vote, and for more information, visit the City’s Shape Your City page.
East Ring Enhancement application submitted
An application has been submitted to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to upgrade an electrical transmission line to support Medicine Hat's projected electrical growth. Engagement with community members has been active since October 2023 and included discussing potential scenarios. Review the final alignment submitted to AUC here.
AHS posts latest Health Plan, Annual Report
AHS has published its 2024-2027 Health Plan and 2024-2025 Business Plan outlining the strategic actions AHS will undertake to fulfil its legislated responsibilities. They provide a roadmap for delivering patient-focused, quality health services that are accessible, safe and sustainable for all Albertans. Additionally, the AHS 2023-2024 Annual Report is now available.
Advocacy in Action
Curious about more of what happened at our Canadian Chamber Annual Conference
Our 2024 AGM & Convention in Halifax was packed with insightful discussions, centered around themes of productivity, economic growth and innovation. The Canadian Chamber Network also set the policy agenda for the upcoming year by voting on key priorities that will shape our advocacy work. Here are the top takeaways and how you can get involved!
From the Canadian Chamber President & CEO, Candace Lang “Local chambers can illuminate the impact of these issues on citizens and businesses, while the Canadian Chamber can act as a megaphone, amplifying your voices on the national stage.” By working together, we amplify our impact, becoming greater than the sum of our parts.
Missed our summary of the conference, check out the October 21 edition of the Voice.
Investments in Dual Credit Programs
Through the Alberta government’s mandate to support career education in the province’s education system, government is providing almost $4.9 million in dual credit grants to support 55 new programs and enhance 22 existing programs for the 2024-25 school year.
These programs are available to students in 58 school authorities across the province. The dual credit program funding will lead students to pursue meaningful apprenticeship pathways in the skilled trades, and meaningful careers in agriculture, health care and much more.
This expansion of dual credit programming will enable school authorities to help their students pursue career pathways and post-secondary opportunities around their interests and passions.
We were pleased to see the Medicine Hat School Division is the list of grant receipients for 2024-2025, as well as on the list of start-up funding recipients along with Prairie Rose and Grasslands School Districts. Read the Government of Alberta release online. As your local Chamber, we have supported the continuance of provincial investment in Dual Credit Opportunities and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce has advocated for this as well.
Public Meeting on the Heritage Fund
The Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund invites Albertans to participate in a conversation about Alberta’s main long-term savings fund on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Following an update on the Fund’s performance a question-and-answer session will allow participants to pose questions to officials and the Committee in person, on Facebook and X using #abheritagefund, by email at Committee.Admin@assembly.ab.ca and through the designated telephone line 1.800.717.1738 code 49609, which will only be active during the meeting. Albertans who can’t attend the meeting are encouraged to submit comments/questions in advance of the meeting at assembly.ab.ca/assembly-business/committees/HS.
Next Level Events
Farmers & Ag Enthusiasts – This is for YOU!
The Cypress County Ag Connections Conference is fast approaching on November 20, 2024, and tickets are almost SOLD OUT! This one-day event is packed with incredible speakers, practical breakout sessions, and the chance to network with leading experts in the agriculture industry. Event Highlights:
Keynote on AI in Agriculture
Producer panels on innovation and marketing strategies
Breakout sessions on cattle health, crop management, and more!
Get your tickets NOW before they’re gone: www.cypresscountybusiness.ca
Hurry, tickets are 85% sold out... Don’t miss out!
Medicine Hat Holiday Mingle - Chamber Member Discount
Interested in the Chamber discount? Email communications@southeastalbertachamber.ca before you register to get the discount code!
Coffee & Conversations
Join the Chamber Thursday morning to enjoy coffee and conversations about your business, our business, or life in general! This is a great opportunity to connect in the mornings if your afternoons and evenings are too busy. You can stop by for a quick hello or stay and chat for a while; everyone is welcome!
This round, we'll be bringing business to MT Nest 🙂
Let us know you're coming: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chambercalendar/Details/coffee-conversations-1085678?sourceTypeId=Website
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) virtual learning series
From November 5-28, 2024 IRCC is offering a series of sessions for employers to learn about IRCC outreach and support services, in addition to immigration programs, to help hire and retain global talent. For more details and registration information, please refer to this link: Virtual learning sessions for employers across Canada - Canada.ca
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 Kenco Construction, Lyndon A. Heidinger Prof Corp. and Woodfarm Woodworking Ltd. 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!
Congratulations to member, Aaron Brost of Brost Developments
We noticed Aaron was featured in the BILD Alberta Association newsletter and recognized for the Exceptional Service Award. The award is presented to outstanding BILD Alberta volunteers in recognition of their dedication and service to the association. Aaron exemplifies these qualities. Aaron has been a driving force behind the scenes, advocating for the industry's best interests on the Provincial Technical Committee and ensuring that code and legislative changes align with industry and customer needs. He is known for his willingness to share knowledge, provide strategic advice, and assist in problem-solving during critical moments. His commitment extends beyond the formal obligations of his role, reflecting a deep dedication to the industry and the association. Congratulations Aaron!
Limited-Time Promotion: $150 Statement Credit Offer for New Chamber Members
Throughout the upcoming month of November, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $150 statement credit! Promotion Period: November 1st ~ November 30th, 2024.
How You 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 November 30th, 2024, and members will be qualified to receive $150 Statement credit
Fill Up On Funding
Energy Supply Chain and Procurement Summit
Thousands of supply chain and procurement leaders from across energy’s value chain have made the Energy Supply Chain & Procurement Summit their must-attend event. While the agenda is designed for energy executives, supply chain, procurement, and logistics practitioners from other industries will benefit from attending, as the event’s themes are universal. Taking place in Houston, Texas December 4 – 5, 2024, Alberta participants looking to attend this event are eligible for funding with the Alberta Export Expansion Program.
2025 Safegen Youth Workplace Video Contest Is Now Open!
It’s time for your students aged 14-18 to put on their director's hats and produce short videos for a chance to win big. This year the Alberta winner will also have a chance to compete at the national level!
Up to $6,000 in cash prizes awaits three winners, including $1000 for the school of the first place winner.
Deadline to submit a 2-minute video focused on Workplace Safety is March 2, 2025 so be sure to get your students working on this early! For more information visit our Safegen Video Contest Webpage.
Brooks-Newell Region News
Brooks City Council meeting today
Brooks City Council will be meeting today, November 4 with an update on 2025 Budget guidelines and timelines as part of the agenda.
Tips and Tricks from the Brooks Newell Region
Do you know why workforce development in schools matter? Perhaps you are looking for Farm & Business Succession Planning? Do you need social media marketing tips? There’s resources on Brooksregion.ca that could help. You can also check out our Chamber business resources here.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the October 28th 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 News
Government of Alberta- Culture and Status of Women Grants
Labour Market InSight - Underlying strength in Albert's labour market
Labour Market Notes – Seasonal decline in employment
Other Events
Nov 14 | Driving Digital Success: Strategies for Small Businesses to Succeed Online | Register
Nov 14 | Women Exporters: All things Operations, Customs, and Logistics | Register
Nov 19 | GEM Youth Entrepreneurship in the Prairies 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Register
Nov 20 | Women in Food and Beverage | Register
Nov 21 | Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Prairies 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Register
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