The Voice: August 5th, 2025
Chamber Request for Proposals, Trade and Tariffs Resources, and Royal Tyrrell Marks 40 Years all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Request for Proposals: Business Banking and Investment Services for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is seeking proposals from qualified financial institutions and investment advisors to provide comprehensive business solutions.
As a member-driven organization, we seek out services from our membership that will provide us with cost-effective and efficient solutions, so that we can focus our time, effort and resources on the members we serve. As part of these services, we need a strong financial agent for our banking and investment services to ensure a high level of service delivery and return on our investments. As such, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is seeking out financial solutions for our business banking, merchant services, credit card and investment solutions.
We would like to secure a financial institution in downtown Medicine Hat, in close proximity to our location at 413 6th Avenue SE, for our business banking.
For the investment solutions, we will evaluate combined proposals from financial institutions and proposals from other entities submitted solely for longer-term investment options.
Financial information and history can be located through the financial reports posted to the Chamber of Commerce website annual reports page: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/news/annual-reports/
The Chamber intends to award a contract to one or more bidders who are members in good standing with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
Deadline
In order to be considered for selection, proposals for services must be received in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Business Banking and Investment Services Request for Proposal” no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Chamber of Commerce office, 413 6th Ave SE, Medicine Hat.
View the Request for Proposal online.
Trade and Tariffs Resources
We’ve been gathering Trade and Tariffs Resources for our business community as listed below:
- AEEP: Alberta Export Expansion Program | Alberta.ca
- Alberta Chambers of Commerce Supply Chain Network, an initiative dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by business in sourcing local suppliers and overcoming supply chain disruptions and Building Business Resiliency page
- Alberta Innovates ITPP: International Technology Partnership Program
- ATB Tariffs, Trade and Alberta
- BDC: Resources for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs
- Bids and Tenders: Navigating Tariffs: Strategies, Support & Solutions for Suppliers
- Business Link: Preparing for Tariffs
- Canadian Chamber: Canada-US Trade Tracker
- Canadian Free Trade Agreement
- Canadian Manufacturers and Exports: Information Hub & Trade and Tariffs
- Canadian Survey on Interprovincial Trade, 2023
- Conference Board of Canada: The True Cost of Trump Tariffs: Provincial Impacts
- Directory of Canadian Companies
- Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC): Tariff Updates
- EMC Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium: Member Needs Help Q & A Canada-US Trade
- Export Development Canada: United States Market Intelligence and solutions to navigate uncertainty
- Government of Canada's response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and supports for Canadian exporters
- Government of Canada: Understanding CUSMA compliance
- Government of Alberta: Interprovincial Trade and Trade Agreements
- MNP Trade Impact Navigator; Tariff Exposure Risk Assessment Tool
- Startup Canada: Tariff Toolkit
- Calgary Economic Development: Trade Accelerator Program
- Tariff Finder
- Trade Commissioner: Trade Commissioner Service – Home
The Government of Alberta is looking for insights about how they can make internal trade easier: We want to hear from workers, business owners or representatives of a business association or organization facing, or aware of, challenges doing interprovincial trade: https://www.alberta.ca/leading-the-way-on-interprovincial-trade
You can view other articles about trade and tariffs here: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/advocacyinsights
Dancing with dinos! Royal Tyrrell marks 40 years
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Jurassic style with a series of special events and dino-sized pop-up exhibits across the province this September. The exhibits offer an exciting opportunity for communities to engage with the wonders of palaeontology.
Pop-up exhibit cases will be on display for a year, at libraries across Alberta including the Medicine Hat Public Library! Read the announcement here.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Permit application processing report published for Q2 2025
The City of Medicine Hat’s Planning and Development Services department has published its second quarterly report for its established Levels of Service for permit application processing times. The Levels of Service are part of the department’s effort to provide predictable service levels to further strengthen confidence among the development community and all permit holders in Medicine Hat. The corresponding quarterly updates identify and measure desired levels to proactively improve community outcomes. Business and Development Reports here
City Centre Vibrancy Program launches August 13
The City Centre Vibrancy Program, a funding initiative aimed at supporting local businesses and property owners in enhancing the visual appeal of their commercial space, is set to launch on August 13, 2025. The program, offered via a partnership between the City of Medicine Hat and Community Futures Entre-Corp, is designed to encourage improvement projects in the city centre by offering financial support through a combination of grant funding and interest-free loans. For full details, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the Medicine Hat Economic Development Incentives webpage, or email opportunity@medicinehat.ca
City of Medicine Hat receives Budget Award for 2025-2026 Budget
The City of Medicine Hat is the recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2025-2026 budget document. The award is meant to encourage local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA's best practices. To earn recognition, budget documents must meet program criteria and excel as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication tool.
The City of Medicine Hat’s 2025-2026 budget document can be accessed online at https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/current-and-previous-budgets.aspx
Annual financial reports and annual reports can be found on the Plans, Report and Studies page at https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/plans-reports-and-studies.aspx
Brooks-Newell News
Comment Where It Counts
Everyone has opinions about what the City should prioritize—but if you want your voice to help shape the 2026 municipal budget, the place to speak up is the official Brooks Budget Survey. This year’s survey is your chance to influence what happens next. Complete it by the deadline and you’ll be entered to win one of five gift cards. engagebrooks.ca/2026-brooks-budget-survey
Source: Larkspur
Thinking of Running for City Council?
If you’ve ever considered serving your community on City Council—or are simply curious about what’s involved—the City of Brooks is hosting a Candidate Information Session on Monday, August 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
The session will cover:
- What it’s like to run in a municipal election
- Council duties, time commitment, and pay
- Qualifications and how to file nomination papers
- A Q&A with past Council members
It’s open to everyone, whether you’re ready to run or just exploring the idea. To register or learn more, contact Amy Rommens. Can’t attend in person? Alberta Municipalities offers Running for Municipal Office webinars online. Source: Larkspur
Development in the County
The first half of 2025 saw 64 development permits issued—up 16% from last year—with June hitting a record high. New projects include Soil Synergy (an agricultural humic product manufacturer), a composting business using larvae, a small engine repair shop, an auto wrecker, a trucking company, three self‑storage sites, and nine ground‑mounted solar installations.
Subdivision activity also surged, with seven applications (none last year), mainly for family farm succession. Policy updates included creating the Bassano Airport Direct Control District, defining secondary suites, and allowing certain non‑conforming developments if they don’t impact neighbouring properties.
Looking ahead, interest in data centres and solar projects for irrigation is shaping future planning work. With development values nearly tripling 2021 levels by mid‑year, the County is poised for continued growth through 2025, balancing opportunity with the rural lifestyle that makes the County of Newell unique. Source: Larkspur
Advocacy in Action
Trade, investment, and federal policy shape Alberta business outlook.
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) released its annual Alberta Perspectives “Public and Business Attitudes to Key Policy Issues” findings, collected between May 22 and June 15, 2025. Insights from 602 self‑identified business leaders across the province highlight a focused agenda: unlock opportunities for trade diversification and investment. Alberta’s private sector reports a cautiously positive outlook, 64 per cent describe their view of Alberta’s long‑term future as favorable, though only 17 per cent are “very” positive, which is down from last year’s highs. At the same time, concern about the province’s finances has jumped: the share of businesses expressing “very” high concern now matches that of the public, reflecting rising uncertainty around Alberta’s fiscal outlook.
Next Level Events
SKFitness Zen Den Grand Opening
This special launch event will give you the chance to explore and experience:
- 💆♀️ Meditation Room
- 🔥 Infrared Sauna Sessions
- ✨ Optional Thai Massage Add-On (in partnership with @elementalmagick2022)
📍 Reserve your session here: https://skfitness.ca/zen-den
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!
Over 50% SOLD: 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 Aberdeen Spirits, Southwest Liquor, and Waldos 420 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!
Your Canadian roots are showing—and so are ours.
As Canadians, it’s in our roots to lend a helping hand and support each other. For over 85 years, Doane Grant Thornton has been proudly supporting businesses and communities across Canada and Southern Alberta—helping them grow, succeed, and thrive. Being Canadian shapes how we do business, and we’re excited to help shape your legacy. Connect with one of our team members in Medicine Hat or Brooks to get the conversation started today.
2025 CMC-Canada's Project of the Year - Silver Winner | Transforming Brownfields into Brightfields with Sustainable Opportunities
"Transforming Brownfields into Brightfields with Sustainable Opportunities" is a pioneering initiative that repurposes Alberta’s retired oil and gas well sites into grid-connected solar energy and storage facilities. Through an innovative advisory partnership between Paterson Consulting Inc. and RenuWell Energy Solutions Inc., the project seamlessly blends environmental reclamation, sustainable energy development, and economic revitalization. Leveraging the CMC Canada Management Advisory Services Program, Paterson Consulting Inc.’s collaboration with Renuwell provided strategic guidance, stakeholder engagement, and advisory services to create a replicable model for transforming abandoned sites into valuable solar power assets.
Learn more about this project in Member News here
July & August Evalon Promo
Throughout the month of July and August, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive $150 statement credit! Promotion Period: July 1st ~ August 31st, 2025.
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 August 31st, 2025, and members will be qualified to receive $150 Statement credit
Fill Up On Funding
Fall 2025 Community Grants Open
The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta will open our Fall 2025 Community Grant Cycle on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. If your organization is considering applying, we encourage you to read the updated grant guidelines and join the free virtual Grant Writing Workshop on August 6 at noon. This session will provide tips for preparing a strong application and answer any questions you may have. Click here to register or email grants@cfsea.ca
Tailings Technology Challenge Informational Webinar
ERA's $50 million Tailings Technology Challenge will help scale up, pilot, and deploy technologies aimed at reducing environmental impacts and enhancing the cost-effectiveness of tailings and water treatment.
Watch the webinar now to learn about the scope, eligibility, and submission process for the funding opportunity, and gain the insights you need to prepare a strong application. Eligible projects include solutions for treating and remediating tailings and mine water, reducing waste, and recovering value from these byproducts.
This funding opportunity aligns with the Government of Alberta’s Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee recommendations, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders to develop evidence-based, safe approaches to mine site closure and land reclamation.
The submission deadline is Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Genomic Innovations: $1.5 million funding opportunity deadline Aug. 29
Genome Alberta, with support from the Government of Alberta, is investing $1.5 million to advance genomics-based research that supports environmental innovation in Alberta’s energy sector. The Genomic Innovations: Energy and Environmental Solutions initiative will fund collaborative projects focused on turning cutting-edge science into practical applications.
Eligible projects may address bioremediation, microbial GHG reduction, eDNA monitoring, clean technology development, or environmental risk mitigation. The goal: scalable solutions with real-world impact.
Application Deadline: August 29, 2025.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the July 29th 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.
Unfortunately, there will be no crossword puzzle this week. Please keep an eye out for future editions. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Other Events
Marketing Strategies in Foreign Markets
Unlocking Indo-Pacific Markets
Grow your business with AI-powered tools by Google | On Demand
August 6 | Empower Alberta Women Entrepreneurs | Virtual
August 20 | Grant Writing 101 | Info here
October 28th | Business Growth Tradeshow
October 29-30 | Economic Growth Forum
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: August 5th, 2025
Chamber Request for Proposals, Trade and Tariffs Resources, and Royal Tyrrell Marks 40 Years all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Request for Proposals: Business Banking and Investment Services for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is seeking proposals from qualified financial institutions and investment advisors…
Read More The Voice: July 29th, 2025
Enhancing Trade Corridors in the Pacific Northwest, Canada-Trump Deal by August 1st Looking Unlikely, Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Enhancing trade corridors in the Pacific Northwest Alberta’s government and industry partners have begun preparations to host the 2026 PNWER Annual Summit. The U.S. is Alberta’s…
Read More The Voice: July 22nd, 2025
Building Business Resilience, City of Medicine Hat – Procurement Opportunities, County Approves Solar for Farm Efficiency and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Building Business Resilience Alberta Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting businesses across Alberta to swiftly respond and adapt to disruptions or unplanned changes affecting operations, people,…
Read More