The Voice: April 29th, 2025
Certificate of Origin Signing, Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards, Investing in Industrial Innovation and Emissions Reduction, Powering Up Communities with AG Society Dollars, and National Volunteer Week all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Certificate of Origin Signing: Member Benefit
A Certificate of Origin is a document that states the origin of goods being exported. In customs terms, determining the 'origin' of a good can be a complicated and contentious procedure and we can help. Members can receive a free Certificate of Origin authentication through the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. Please note we need 24 hours notice.
With the current tariffs between Canada and the USA, businesses can benefit from getting a Certificate of Origin (COO). It helps ensure products meet import rules, reduces tariffs under trade deals like CUSMA, and makes market access easier. A COO also builds trust with trading partners and prevents counterfeit goods. Overall, it helps businesses handle international trade better and stay competitive.
Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards
Alberta is home to people from around the world, many of whom have made significant contributions to the province and within Southeast Alberta in numerous ways such as volunteering, artistic endeavors, innovation and excellence in their profession or field. The Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards was created to celebrate the contributions and achievements of foreign-born Albertans, regardless of how long they have been here. Visit Alberta.ca/ImmigrantImpactAwards for details and to nominate someone and find out more.
Investing in Industrial Innovation and Emissions Reduction
Alberta is investing up to $72 million to help industries stay competitive by adopting new, cost-saving technologies. This includes a $65-million Industrial Transformation Challenge to accelerate the commercialization of innovative solutions, and over $7 million to support two AI-driven projects that will help reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector.
Learn more | Apply for the Industrial Transformation Challenge until June 12.
LAST CHANCE: Chamber Board Nominations Due May 5th
As part of the Board of Director’s succession planning for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, nominations are held each year to actively seek out dedicated, community-minded individuals whose common goals and principles coincide with the Chamber of Commerce and the organization’s mandate. The Board of Directors assist in stimulating a strengthened and vibrant economy in our region through our connections, support & influence and help further our mission in Southeast Alberta.
All nominations are due by Monday, May 5, 2025 at 12:00 noon.
We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic and progressive Board members who have the desire to sustain and grow a strong business environment in our community. Successful candidates should be prepared to assist the Chamber of Commerce in accomplishing its goals and objectives and be willing to contribute to formulating policies for the betterment of our business community and advocating for those positions on behalf of our region.
In addition, we encourage individuals who are interested in becoming involved in the Chamber of Commerce to volunteer by sitting on a committee or task force as a way to gain experience and become familiar with our organization and our mandate prior to becoming a Board of Director.
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with the Chamber of Commerce, please take a moment to fill out our Volunteer Form.
To ensure the Chamber maintains a fair and democratic process, we rely on and encourage our members to provide us with potential nominees for our Board, which are then elected by our members. If you or someone you know is interested in working with the Chamber of Commerce Board to accomplish our vision and mission and would like to submit their name for election to the Board, please fill out the online nomination form or download the nomination package HERE.
Any nominee shall be a member in good standing for a minimum of two years, free of any conflict of interest and be willing and able to attend board meetings. In addition, it is highly desirable that candidates should be able to demonstrate a familiarity with the Chamber of Commerce’s activities and a level of involvement that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the Chamber of Commerce’s goals and objectives.
A Director who commits their time and talent to the Chamber will also reap a rewarding experience by working together with other Directors, Members and Staff for the purpose of advancing business interests in our region.
Should you have any questions, please contact the Chamber office at 403.527.5214 or president@southeastalbertachamber.ca. We encourage you to let your name stand as a Director, represent the interests of your industry and your business community and become a voice on our Board of Directors
National Volunteer Week
In Alberta, showing up for each other is part of who we are—from responding to wildfires, to coaching youth sports teams, to organizing community cleanups—we show up and volunteer in countless ways, demonstrating care and connection to our communities. This National Volunteer Week (NVW), we thank and celebrate all the volunteers whose small acts of kindness have rippled into positive waves of change. Join us in honouring every volunteer whose generosity, care, and commitment have made a splash in our communities! Read more at Volunteer Alberta
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Property Tax Bylaw passedÂ
The 2025 Property Tax Bylaw was passed by City Council on April 22. The approved new tax rates will result in a 5.6% increase to the municipal tax rate for the median taxpayer. The 2025 tax notices will be mailed on May 21.
Please note, the City also collects education taxes on behalf of the Government of Alberta, and this requisition is included on property tax notices. This year’s education tax requisition from the province increased by 11.7% over 2024, which will impact local property tax notices.
Check out our property tax brochure for more info: Property tax brochure | Watch the full meeting on the City of Medicine Hat’s YouTube channel | Download the agenda package
Community Spirit Awards reminderÂ
Do you know an individual or organization in your community who has made a big impact? Nominate them for a Community Spirit Award before Monday, June 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Brooks-Newell News
Advertise on the CRA Ice Resurfacer
Want your brand gliding across the ice all season long? We’re looking for businesses and organizations to advertise on the main ice resurfacer at the Centennial Regional Arena!
This unique opportunity offers space on the sides and dump of the ice resurfacer, ensuring high-visibility placement and reaching a wide audience throughout the season. We welcome creative advertising concepts and are open to both short and long-term partnerships. As part of your proposal, please include your design ideas, preferred duration of the agreement, any special requests and a proposed financial contribution for the advertising space.
Submit your proposal by May 22 at 4:30 pm to mtaylor@brooks.ca or drop it off at City Hall. See the news flash here.
Advocacy in Action
A Look at the Incoming U.S. Ambassador to Canada
On April 9, the U.S. Senate voted 60 to 37 with bipartisan support to confirm the appointment of Pete Hoekstra as U.S. Ambassador to Canada. During the first Trump administration, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands. He is a former nine-term congressman from Michigan, Chair of the House of Representatives’ Intelligence Committee, and most recently served as Chair of the Michigan Republican Party.
Statement of Peter Hoekstra Nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Canada: confirmation hearing
Turning forestry waste into industrial fuel
Alberta’s government is investing $3 million from the TIER fund into a new hydrogen project that will help industry create jobs, attract investment and reduce emissions. Countries around the world are looking for alternative fuel sources for industries like transportation, heavy manufacturing and power generation. As the largest energy producer in Canada, Alberta has the resources, business-friendly environment and expertise needed to become a world leader in developing hydrogen – a clean energy carrier that produces no emissions.
Turning forestry waste into industrial fuel | alberta.ca
Powering up communities with ag society dollars
Alberta’s government is helping the province’s regional agricultural societies plan for tomorrow with new and continued funding. Agricultural societies play a crucial role in the province’s rural communities. They bring people together, organize and run events and improve the overall quality of life for residents in their communities. Alberta has more agriculture societies than any other province with 292 organizations. Alberta’s government is helping regional agricultural societies weather increasing costs and plan ahead with a one-time cash injection of more than $7.4 million.
Read more: Powering up communities with ag society dollars | alberta.ca
Next Level Events
Social Media 101 - Brooks Business Workshop
This event is designed for businesses looking to get started with social media or enhance their existing online presence. Whether you're a complete beginner or just need a refresher, our Social Media 101 workshop will cover the essential basics. Don't forget to bring your phone and your laptop! Registration Here
WHEN:Â Wednesday, April 30th | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE:Â Brooks Public Library |Â 323 1 St E, Brooks, AB
What you'll learn:
- Setting Up Social Media Accounts: Learn how to create and optimize profiles on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
- Linking Your Accounts: Discover the benefits of linking your Meta accounts and how to do it effectively.
- Posting Basics: Understand the fundamentals of creating and scheduling content, the difference between posts, stories and reels, and get tips on content creation and engagement.
- Best Practices: Explore best practices for maintaining a consistent and professional online presence.
- Engagement Strategies: Learn how to interact with your audience, respond to comments, and build a community around your brand.
Who should attend:
- Those looking to create accounts, grow their social presence, and those just looking to understand the wide world of social media.
Don't miss this opportunity to boost your social media skills and connect with other local businesses. Register today and take the first step towards a stronger online presence!
Be a part of the Brooks Fall Home & Leisure Tradeshow
The Brooks tradeshow is happening October 3rd-5th, and there are multiple opportunities to be a part of it! Book a booth space to showcase your business to thousands of attendees over the weekend, or sponsor a part of the show to get your business name out there.
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 Celebration Travel by Jillian Eaves, Rustic Link, and Konnect 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!
Rise-Up Hot Air Balloon Festival
Skyrocket your brand at the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival, May 22-25, 2025!
With over 8,000 attendees and 200,000 social media views this month, your logo will soar alongside vibrant balloons, two stunning Balloon Glows, and a lively Community Day. Don’t let this opportunity float away—email sponsors@riseupmh.ca today to secure your sponsorship and elevate your business!
Join us for an unforgettable festival, featuring seven breathtaking flight times, two mesmerizing Balloon Glows at Kin Coulee Park, and a vibrant Community Day in downtown Medicine Hat with the Rise Up Market, Hues for Humanity Colour Run, yoga, art parties, movies at the Monarch, and more. Check the full schedule at https://www.ourcollectivejourney.ca/rise-up/event-schedule and get ready to elevate your brand!
Elavon Offer: Receive a $200 statement credit
Sign up for a new payment processing account today and receive a $200 statement credit!
From sales & inventory tracking and business analytics to invoice creation and staff scheduling, we will help you save time and simplify the way you run your business. This great offer ends on April 30, 2025. Visit join.paymentstart.com/cachamber to learn more.
Disclaimer: * To qualify for the promotion, you must sign up for a new payment processing account with Elavon Canada between March 1 and April 30, 2025. Merchant accounts must be activated and actively processing payment transactions by May 15, 2025 for a minimum of one week and be in an open status at the time of the incentive credit. A one-time $200 credit will be applied to your Elavon statement within 90 days after the first deposit date. 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
Alberta Food Matters
Looking for ways to fund food related projects? Various grants for community-led projects.
Check it out: https://albertafoodmatters.ca/resources/grants/
Alberta Innovates
Provides funding, business advice and connections, applied research and industrial testing facilities to accelerate research and innovations that benefit Albertans. They provide non-dilutive funding and support for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, post-secondary institutions, and industry in all economic sectors. Learn more here: Alberta Innovates
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the April 22nd 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 Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Labour Market Notes – Employment falls amid tariff uncertainty
MNP: Tariff Exposure Risk Assessment
BusinessLink: Accessing Grants for Your Small Business
7 Tips for Writing Job Posts that Attract Candidates (LinkedIn)
Hire employees (Government of Canada - Job Bank)
Occupations in Alberta (Government of Alberta - ALIS)
Environmental Public Health has resources on Coping with Emergencies
Other Events
AI for SMBs: A Free Google course
Tariffs & Trade: Building Resilience in Uncertain Times webinar | On-Demand
May 5-7 | 2025 Alberta's Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Summit (Calgary) | Register
May 12 | MNP Understanding Canadian Indirect Tax Implications in E-Commerce | Register
May 21-23 | Inventures Conference | Calgary
Free Training for the Building Industry: Various Courses up to May 29, 2025 | Register
Useful Links
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The Voice: April 29th, 2025
Certificate of Origin Signing, Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards, Investing in Industrial Innovation and Emissions Reduction, Powering Up Communities with AG Society Dollars, and National Volunteer Week all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Certificate of Origin Signing: Member Benefit A Certificate of Origin is a document that states the origin of goods…
Read More The Voice: April 22nd, 2025
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Read More The Voice: April 15th, 2025
Federal Election: Voting Information, Alberta’s Q1 Update, Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act 2025, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Federal Election: Voting Information There are 1,959 candidates running in the election across Canada’s 343 electoral districts. See the complete list of candidates for the 2025 federal election, listed by…
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