The Voice: March 10th, 2026
Another Tradeshow Done, Spotlight Alberta Excellence, Alberta Nuclear Energy Survey, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Another Home & Leisure Show Complete!
That is a wrap on the 2026 Home & Leisure Tradeshow! Thank you to all our exhibitors who helped make it happen, to the attendees who joined in, and to all the sponsors and volunteers for the ongoing support!
Interested in learning more about the Chamber's tradeshow? How to sponsor or book a booth? Visit our general tradeshow page here, or visit the Spring Tradeshow page here.
Spotlight Alberta Excellence: Submit Your Application
Alberta’s businesses are driving innovation, resilience, and growth across the province—now it’s time to showcase that impact. If your organization has a success story worth sharing, or you know a business that deserves recognition, submit an application to the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction.
Alberta Nuclear Energy Survey open: March 3–24
Albertans are invited to share their perspectives in the Nuclear Energy Survey, open until March 24. This survey is an engagement step by the Nuclear Energy Engagement and Advisory Panel to help guide Alberta’s plans for incorporating nuclear power into the province’s energy mix. Feedback will inform the panel’s final report, due March 31. Learn more
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
City Hires New Managing Director of Corporate Services/ CFO
The City of Medicine Hat is pleased to announce that following a fulsome recruitment process, a new Managing Director of Corporate Services/CFO has been selected. Mustansar Nadeem (DBA(c), MBA, CPA) has accepted the role.
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS – March 2, 2026
Council approved Bylaw 4874-2026, to incur indebtedness by way of issuing debentures in the amount of Sixty-Five Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($65,750,000) for the purpose of the Saamis Solar Final Investment Decision.
Council approved a motion to resume Rural Renewal program operations effective May 4, 2026. The Rural Renewal Immigration Program is an employer-driven program to support the attraction and retention of skilled workers in our region.
The Downtown Enhancement and Safety Grant program was approved and the plan will be for it to launch April 13. Read More
City launches new festival and event application process
The City of Medicine Hat has introduced a new and festival and event application process beginning in 2026, developed directly from feedback provided by event organizers. The new process is designed to make planning and hosting new and returning events easier, clearer, and more efficient for organizers.
City hosting inaugural Cultural Forum
The City of Medicine Hat is proud to announce its inaugural Cultural Forum, held Monday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre.
The free forum is inspired by the Arts, Heritage and Entertainment Plan, and its vision for a vibrant, connected, and collaborative cultural community. Read this article on their website.
Brooks-Newell News
COUNTY OF NEWELL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REPORT: 2025 IN REVIEW
Development activity in the County of Newell remains strong. 2025 saw an 18% increase in Development Permits compared to last year and a 66% increase in approved subdivisions. Construction Permit revenue remained comparable to 2024 and reflects an 84% increase over 2023. This sustained growth demonstrates continued investment and confidence in the County. In 2025, a total of 13 Development Permits were approved for new businesses, reflecting continued economic growth and diversification across the County.
Three new retail businesses were approved. Two Home-Based Businesses were approved. The County approved two new agricultural processing businesses.
Read the Report | View the February 26 Council meeting and materials
Sip and Learn (Brooks) - Leading With an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Discover how entrepreneurial thinking can energize teams and inspire fresh ideas in this one-hour Sip & Learn session. You’ll get a taste of Leading with an Entrepreneurial Mindset, a Medicine Hat College Extended Learning course designed to nurture innovation and creativity within organizations. Through engaging discussion and a short, practical activity, you’ll explore simple ways to spark new thinking and collaboration. Leave with insights you can apply right away and the curiosity to dive deeper in the full course.
Advocacy in Action
Federal Investment Strengthens Medicine Hat’s Technology Leadership
Southern Alberta’s innovation story advanced significantly with a major federal announcement that directly supports one of Medicine Hat’s fastest-growing dual‑use technology companies.
On March 2, 2026, the Government of Canada committed $1,161,500 in repayable funding through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) to help Landing Zones Canada enhance and commercialize its AI‑powered Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) technology. This is a recognition of Medicine Hat’s rapidly emerging leadership in aerospace, autonomy, dual‑use innovation, and defence‑aligned technologies.
We are proud to see one of our local member companies, Landing Zones Canada, be recognized as part of a cluster of high‑growth companies in southeast Alberta advancing technologies with both civilian and defence applications. Read more in our latest Advocacy Insights article here.
From Advocacy to Action: Downtown Enhancement Grant Approved to Strengthen Business Safety
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce welcomes the City of Medicine Hat’s approval of the Downtown Enhancement – Safety Grant Program, a tangible step forward in supporting downtown businesses, improving community safety, and strengthening downtown vibrancy.
Approved by City Council on March 2, the program directly reflects many of the concerns raised by Chamber members and aligns with the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy related to crime prevention, property damage, and community safety impacts on business.
Read more about the progress of the program ,from the member concerns to policy action in our latest Advocacy Insights article here.
Next Level Events
Business Blend - Brooks-Newell
No appointment needed — just bring your ideas, questions, or curiosity. Let’s talk shop (and sip coffee... or tea)! The cost is whatever you would like to eat or drink while there, attendance is free!
Date & Time: Monday, March 16th | 7:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Location:Â The Steaming Cup
Cost:Â Attendance is free; just cover what you eat or drink.
Join us for The Business Blend, a casual, come-and-go event designed to help you connect and learn. We’re splitting the time into two focused parts - Networking and Member 101. Learn more about the event here.
GOA EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS – UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars offer interactive information on Alberta employment standards rules and responsibilities. Register Here
- Webinars are free and can be accessed from the comfort of your home or office.
- Webinars include the opportunity to ask questions about Employment Standards.
- You need to sign up in advance to reserve your seat in a webinar.
- Recordings of previously held webinars will also be available for on-demand access.
Employment Standards in Alberta – Wages & Overtime: March 10 at 1:30 p.m.
Employment Standards in Alberta – Construction Overview: March 24 at 1:30 p.m.
Temporary Foreign Worker and Employer Rights and Responsibilities: March 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Profitability, Retention, and the Rise of AI
Food and beverage operators across Canada are navigating a rapidly changing landscape. On March 17, 2026, industry peers join a live, operator-led conversation to share practical shifts driving profitability, retention, and clearer day-to-day decisions with AI.
INDUSTRY MEET AND GREET: SCHOOL OF TRADES
CAREERS and Prairie Rose Regional School Division are hosting an Industry Meet & Greet for students in the Prairie Rose "School of Trades" dual credit program in partnership with Medicine Hat College. Lunch will be provided for all students and industry participants.
This informal event helps students practice key communication and employability skills beyond their hands‑on trade training. In small groups, industry professionals will ask questions, share insights, and offer feedback in a low‑pressure setting.
Your participation—whether you’re hiring or simply interested in supporting future trades talent—helps students build confidence while also giving you the chance to connect with motivated students and fellow professionals.
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 Blush & Ivory Bridal and Pump it up Concrete Jacking 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!
Whitehorse Rider Launches Teepee Project: Building Community and Indigenous Culture Together
Brenda Mercer, Indigenous knowledge keeper, advocate, and founder of Whitehorse Rider, is proud to announce the launch of a significant cultural initiative that will see the creation of seven new teepees in Southeast Alberta. This project builds on the momentum and community response to the first teepee she completed in 2025, which has become a symbol of healing, education, and reconnection to her Dakota-Sioux culture and in honour of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Safelink Alberta: Building Bridges Community Education
Join the SafeLink Alberta on Thursday, March 12th for coffee and some sweet treats. This informal, come-and-go gathering is an opportunity to learn more about substance use debris, naloxone, STBBI testing, and the work the SafeLink team and community partners are doing in the area.
This event is designed specifically for local business owners and staff who would like to ask questions and connect directly with the team in a welcoming and informative setting. No registration is required; simply drop in at your convenience.
Home & Leisure VENDO Contest
Chamber Members! Enter for a chance to win a FREE Digital Billboard Advertising Campaign valued at over $5000! Promote your business on 6 Medicine Hat Digital Billboards for 6 weeks with VENDO Media.
Enter now here | Contest closes March 13th, 2026.
Elavon March & April Promotion
During March and April, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $150 statement credit. This exclusive offer is available for a limited time! How Members Can Participate:
- Submit a web inquiry through the Elavon Chamber landing page: https://join.paymentstart.com/cachamber
- A dedicated Elavon sales representative will contact them within 24–48 hours.
- Complete the sign-up process by April 30, 2026 to qualify for the $150 statement credit. Click the link for full details.
Fill Up On Funding
GENDER-RELATED INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM (GRIIPP) GRANT
Apply for research funding to support broader investigations into preventing gender-related workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. There is evidence of gender disparity in workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities; however, there is little information indicating the root cause of this disparity. Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Prevention Initiative places a strong emphasis on supporting workers with vulnerabilities to enhance outcomes.
The Gender-Related Injury and Illness Prevention Program (GRIIPP) Research Grant presents an opportunity to explore various aspects of gender disparity, and address knowledge gaps related to gender impacts and issues in OHS. Deadline: March 16, 2026 at 11:59 pm | More information or to apply
Get $100,000 Worth of Grants for Your Business
Strengthen Canada’s internet with CIRA Net Good Grants. Applications are now open for 2026, supporting community-led projects that close digital divides in connectivity, online safety and internet policy. Each year, CIRA invests over $1 million to help nonprofits, charities, academics and Indigenous communities build a resilient, trusted and secure internet for all Canadians. If you’re working to improve digital infrastructure, advance online safety or shape internet policy, this is your opportunity to bring your project to life.
Apply before March 18, 2026. Check out all the details here
Mastercard Small Business Fund
Calling all female small business owners! Applications for the Mastercard Small Business Fund are now open. Now in its fourth year, this initiative is part of Mastercard’s ongoing support of the small business community in Canada and is designed to support female entrepreneurs by offering ten grants of $10,000 CAD each, along with tailored mentorship and access to business growth resources. Selected recipients will also receive mentorship from industry experts, digital tools to support growth, and an in‑person Priceless Experience in Toronto. Applications are open until March 24.
INVESTMENT AND GROWTH FUND
Investment and Growth Fund webpage provides a program overview, eligibility criteria, how to apply – including a list of designated Intake Organizations with contact information. Stakeholders and investors are encouraged to contact an intake organization to learn more about the program, determine their eligibility and to initiate the application process. The Investment and Growth Fund (IGF) was originally launched in 2021 and to date has attracted 16 successful new and expansion investments to the various regions in Alberta supporting over 1,375 permanent full-time jobs and over 1,650 temporary jobs, with total private capital investment of more than $1 billion. IGF has leveraged approximately $29 in private investment for every $1 in IGF funding.
Deadline: Ongoing | More information and to apply
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the March 3rd 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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The Voice: March 10th, 2026
Another Tradeshow Done, Spotlight Alberta Excellence, Alberta Nuclear Energy Survey, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Another Home & Leisure Show Complete! That is a wrap on the 2026 Home & Leisure Tradeshow! Thank you to all our exhibitors who helped make it happen, to the attendees who joined…
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