The Voice: October 7th, 2025
Small Businesses Big Impact, Alberta Activates Contingency Mail Delivery Plan, 5-Minute Mental Health Check-In, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
BusinessLink: Small Businesses, Big Impact
Every dollar you spend is a choice, and that choice has power. Buying local doesn’t just support a business. It helps someone hire their first employee, stay open through tough times, or take a chance on a new idea. It keeps money circulating in your neighbourhood, building stronger, more self-reliant communities.
In Alberta, entrepreneurship isn’t just a buzzword, it’s who we are. It’s how we build, adapt, and move forward. So, the next time you spend, spend like it matters — because it does. Check out the full article on BusinessLink
Looking for more resources....Check out our Local First Initiative
Alberta activates contingency mail delivery plan
In response to the service disruption at Canada Post, Alberta’s government is taking steps to ensure critical mail between Albertans and the government continues to flow.
Starting Oct. 1, mail can be accepted from Albertans at designated Alberta government offices across the province to ensure it reaches the proper destination. No stamps are required. The full list of designated buildings is available on alberta.ca.
A 5-minute check-in that could change someone’s life
We’re supporting National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) from October 6–12! It’s a reminder to slow down and ask yourself how you’re really feeling. Take a free, anonymous mental health quiz at areyoufeelingok.com. It’s quick, confidential and could help you or someone you care about take the first step toward feeling better. Start here: areyoufeelingok.com
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
September 29 City Council meeting
During this week’s City Council meeting, Council:
- Discussed the recommendations outlined in the Municipal Inspection Report and passed several motions to accept recommendations from the report.
- Approved a motion to give notice in writing to City Manager, Ann Mitchell, of City Council’s intent to terminate her appointment and her employment and that Mitchell remain on administrative leave with pay.
- Directed Administration to alter Section E.3.3. of Bylaw 2244 regarding Medium Commercial classification.
- Approved distribution of the 2025 Community Vibrancy Grants in the Community Projects and Activities and Annual Festivals and Special Events streams.
Brooks-Newell News
Congratulations to Celio Fritche, President of JBS Foods Canada
Twenty-six Albertans have received a 2025 Alberta Immigrant Impact Award for their contributions to making Alberta the best place to live, work and raise a family. We extend our congratulations to Celio as one of the 26 Albertans recognized. Celio is President of JBS Foods Canada, bringing 26 years of industry experience. Since immigrating in 2015, he revitalized the Brooks beef facility, now supporting 3,300 jobs and 500 producers. Known for hands-on leadership and integrity, Celio leads with purpose, strengthening Alberta’s economy and championing inclusive growth in the protein sector. Learn more about the awards.
Alberta’s first waste-to-energy facility
The Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority has signed agreements to build Alberta’s first waste-to-energy facility at the Newell Regional Landfill. The $80 million project will convert waste into diesel, hydrogen, electricity, and biochar, diverting about 16,500 tonnes of waste each year and creating up to 45 jobs by 2027, pending approvals.
The facility will run nearly year-round using waste material from the Newell Regional Landfill and other southern Alberta sites. Tipping fees, which were expected to rise in 2026, should see only modest increases, keeping them below provincial averages. Designed as a teaching and research site, the plant could also explore mining older landfill cells for usable material. The Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association (SAEWA) worked for 14 years laying the groundwork. Stay informed at www.nrl.ca
2025 Brooks Municipal Election Forums
The 2025 Brooks Municipal Election Forums are now available to watch on eRadio Global's YouTube channel.
2025 Brooks Council Candidate Forum: https://youtu.be/dj3ffMK7Nd8?si=vGrGhMywOe8DVqoz
2025 Brooks Mayoral Candidate Forum: https://youtu.be/VqEY9ZXZBpE?si=21lAJCZ7GK-zq5AS
Advocacy in Action
Alberta leads as proponent for West Coast pipeline
Alberta with support of major pipeline companies, is advancing plans for a new oil pipeline to B.C.’s northwest coast, to expand access to global markets and strengthen Canada’s energy competitiveness. The province has committed $14M for early planning and is partnering with Indigenous communities from Day 1 — an approach supporting both economic growth and reconciliation. A formal project application is expected in spring 2026. Learn more
Next Level Events
Pick & Paint Night at Creative Freedom Art Hub
Pick & Paint Night at Creative Freedom Art Hub
Presented by the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce
Join us for a relaxed and creative evening on Wednesday, October 16th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Creative Freedom Art Hub. This come-and-go social event is part of our new Connector Series, designed to bring our members and business community together in fun, informal ways.
Pick from a wide selection of ceramics to paint and take home
Connect with fellow Chamber members and guests
Free to attend – just pay for the ceramic pieces you choose
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to unwind, we’d love to see you there! Register now
DEAM Lunch & Learn - Presented by REDI Enterprises
Join us for a light lunch while exploring the value of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the workplace. The presentation is intended to raise awareness of disability employment, provide information on benefits and supports available to job seekers with disabilities, as well as employers who hire inclusively.
2025 Leadership Breakfast - Cypress County, Medicine Hat, Redcliff
Join us for our annual Leadership Breakfast, a signature event that brings together administrative leaders from across our region. This is your opportunity to engage directly with regional decision-makers, participate in open dialogue, and help shape the conversation that drives our communities forward. As a Municipal Election Year, we’ll explore how each municipality is managing transitions, onboarding new council members, maintaining momentum on current initiatives, and aligning strategic priorities going into 2025–2026.
October 22nd, 2025 | More details and registration here
2025 Leadership Breakfast - Brooks-Newell region
Join us for our inaugural Brooks Newell Leadership Breakfast, a signature event that brings together leaders from across our region. This is your opportunity to engage directly with regional decision-makers, participate in open dialogue, and help shape the conversation that drives our communities forward. It will take on a new format with an interactive Leadership Panel featuring Senior Leadership from the city, towns, and county. We’ll explore how each municipality is managing transitions, onboarding new council members, maintaining momentum on current initiatives, and aligning strategic priorities going into 2025–2026.
November 5th, 2025 | More details and registration here
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
Check-Out Our Chamber Members
Curious as to who is a Chamber Member? Check out our Member directory! Discover and connect with local companies across various industries in our region. Users are not permitted to use the Business Directory to email or contact in bulk. All users must comply and be in accordance with Canadian anti-spam legislation.
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!
Still Time to Enter the VENDO Draw!
Promote your business on 6 Medicine Hat Digital Billboards. Enter the VENDO draw for a chance to win a FREE Digital Billboard Advertising Campaign valued at over $5,000!! The draw is open for submissions until October 10th, and the winner will be drawn October 13th, 2025.
Fill Up On Funding
Take advantage of BDC’s $50 million initiative
BDC has introduced the Thrive ETA Fund, a $50 million initiative designed to help over 60 women entrepreneurs acquire and operate established Canadian businesses. This is a unique chance to reshape Canada’s ownership landscape and create a more inclusive economy. Learn more
Business Benefits
Find tailored programs, funding, expertise, and talent opportunities all in one place. Answer a few simple questions to get a customized list of supports for your business or nonprofit. Explore here
Submit your inclusive canadian business directory profile! Send in your information for your directory listing through this form LINK
Events & Festivals Fund
Funding purpose: Grow existing events and festivals,and initiate new ones, that occur over multiple days and drive overnight visitation. You must contribute a minimum of 25% of the total event or festival cost. The amount of funding that is being contributed by Travel Alberta will be assessed after your application has been submitted. Learn more and apply
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.
Other News
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Annual population report, Alberta - Open Government
BDC: AI for sales and marketing | BDC: Website assessment Tool
Highlights of the Alberta Economy - August 2025
Travel Alberta Investor Services Website
Travel Alberta Multi-media Library: Upgraded muli-media library now launched
Other Events
Non-Profits - Fall 2025 Webinars
Events — APEX | Regional Innovation Network of Southeast Alberta
October 8-9 | Food Tech Summit & Expo | Mexico
October 23 | Better Safe than Sorry, Eh: Competition Law 101
October 28th | Business Growth Tradeshow
October 29-30 | Economic Growth Forum
October 29 | Women in Professional & Educational Services
November 5 | Expand your Customer Base: Proven Strategies for Growth
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: October 7th, 2025
Small Businesses Big Impact, Alberta Activates Contingency Mail Delivery Plan, 5-Minute Mental Health Check-In, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News BusinessLink: Small Businesses, Big Impact Every dollar you spend is a choice, and that choice has power. Buying local doesn’t just support a business. It helps someone hire their…
Read More The Voice: September 30th, 2025
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, More Mandate Letters from the Province, Good Driver Rate Cap Extended, Important Changes to How Tax Preparers Obtain Access to Accounts, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News September 30th – National Day For Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous peoples have a deep and enduring…
Read More The Voice: September 23rd, 2025
Meet the New Chamber Team, new Labour Market Information Portal, New Set of Mandate Letters, WorkFirst Alberta Launches a New Suite of Employment Services, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Meet the new Chamber Team! We are excited to introduce you to the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce’s three…
Read More