The Voice: May 5th, 2026
Celebrating Economic Development Week, Nominate an Outstanding Immigrant Today, Next Phase of Tech and Innovation Strategy, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
CELEBRATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK
May 4th - 8th is Economic Development Week, a North America‑wide celebration led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recognizing the professionals and organizations working every day to strengthen local economies and communities.
AND this year celebrates 100 years of impact!
“Economic development is foundational work. It helps to create jobs, support businesses, and improve the quality of life in communities large and small. This week validates the importance of the work economic developers carry out in their communities every day.”
- Economic Development Alberta
Across Southeast Alberta, economic development takes many forms—from business attraction and workforce development to tourism promotion, downtown revitalization, and entrepreneurship support.
We’re proud to work alongside a network of incredible partners who provide vital support—from funding and workforce development to business advisory services and advocacy. Here are some Southeastern Alberta resources:
NOMINATE AN OUTSTANDING IMMIGRANT TODAY
Do you know someone who has made a difference in the community? Nominate them for the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards. The Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards celebrate the incredible accomplishments of immigrants in the province. They honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their schools, workplaces and communities through volunteer activities, leadership, innovation in business, achievements in their professional or academic field, or by creating more welcoming and inclusive communities.
To be eligible, a nominee must have been born outside of Canada but are now a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and currently residing in Alberta. They can have resided in Canada for many years, or just a few. Nominations are being accepted through an online portal until noon on May 12, 2026:
Step 1: Review the nomination guidelines to ensure you have all the information you need, including the nominee’s consent and letters of support | Step 2: Complete the nomination form
NEXT PHASE OF TECH AND INNOVATION STRATEGY
The new and improved strategy builds on three years of progress under the original Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy (ATIS), targeting three outcomes: more jobs, greater access to homegrown capital and faster pathways from research to market.
ATIS 2.0 enables co-investment through Alberta Innovates and the Alberta Enterprise Corporation. Legislative amendments will allow both agencies to take minority equity stakes in Alberta-based technology companies, giving Alberta startups access to provincial equity investment and reducing reliance on out-of-province capital.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Momentum Kick-Off Grant application window open
The City of Medicine Hat has created a new, one-time grant funding opportunity to support projects that help advance strategic objectives in the Community Well-Being Plan.
The City of Medicine Hat is invested in supporting innovative, organization-led projects that advance the goals of Momentum: Medicine Hat’s Community Well-Being Plan, and create measurable improvements in the health, social, cultural, and economic well-being of Medicine Hat residents. The Momentum Kick-Off Grant window is open for applications until June 5, 2026 at 3 p.m. Read the full news release to learn more about the grant.
Read this article on their website. | To apply, and for more information on the Momentum Kick-Off Grant and the application process, visit medicinehat.ca/grants
LAND USE BYLAW REFRESH
The City of Medicine Hat is nearing completion of the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Refresh, a multi year project to modernize land use rules and align them with the City’s long term vision set out in the myMH – Medicine Hat Master Plan. The refresh focuses on clearer rules, better organization, and more predictable planning outcomes for residents, businesses, and developers. Rather than a full rewrite, the final phase consolidates targeted improvements, addressing key land use issues raised through extensive public and stakeholder engagement.
A public hearing to review the draft bylaw is scheduled for Monday, June 1 in Council Chambers. To learn more about the City's public hearing process, check out our public hearings information. A time for the hearing will be available when the Council agenda is set on Friday, May 29. You can learn more about the Land Use Bylaw Refresh by visiting the Shape Your City webpage.
Brooks-Newell News
City of Brooks Appoints Michael Derricott as Chief Administrative Officer
The City of Brooks is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Derricott as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective May 19, 2026.
Derricott brings extensive municipal leadership experience to the role. Most recently, he served as Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Cochrane. He has also held the CAO position with the Town of Edson and the Town of Picture Butte. In addition to his municipal experience, Derricott holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Royal Roads University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Lethbridge.
Mayor Norm Gerestein welcomed the appointment, highlighting the value of Derricott’s experience.
“Michael brings a strong track record of municipal leadership and administration,” said Mayor Gerestein. “His experience and strategic approach will be a great asset to the City of Brooks as we continue to move forward with our priorities and long-term planning.”
City Council thanks Interim Chief Administrative Officer Doug Lagore for his leadership, dedication, and service over the past year. The City of Brooks looks forward to welcoming Derricott to the community and working together to support effective governance and service delivery. Read the release here.
City of Brooks Approves New Public Works Facility
Brooks City Council has approved the acquisition and redevelopment of a site for a new Public Works Facility that will meet the City’s long‑term operational needs while delivering significant cost savings for taxpayers.
The decision was made at Council’s April 24, 2026 meeting, with a total projected project cost of $7.9 million.
Council recently approved the capacity to borrow up to $14.49 million through debenture financing for the project. The final plan reduces the required borrowing to $3.6 million, with the remainder funded from non-debt sources. This approach results in estimated overall capital savings of approximately $6.6 million and significantly reduces the City’s long-term debt requirements. Read the news release here.
PUBLIC HEARING ANNOUNCED ON DATA CENTRE USE BYLAW
The City of Brooks has announced a public hearing at the end of May as it looks to change its Land Use Bylaw to include data centres. According to the proposed bylaw, a data centre is a development housing computer equipment as its principal use, and includes the collection, storage, procession, management and distribution of digital data.
Council is seeking to include data centres as permitted development on districts such as industrial light, industrial general and industrial heavy, and is also seeking to include ‘Business Support Service” to be constructed on commercial central, commercial general, as well as industrial light and industrial general.
The hearing is scheduled for May 25, with written submissions accepted until May 22. New data centres would be required to submit a water consumption and disposal plan. Read More
Advocacy in Action
Reinvesting in Low-Emission Energy
The Future Fuels Challenge, administered by Emissions Reduction Alberta, will allocate federal fuel charge revenues to projects advancing low-emission fuel technologies, including refinery efficiency, carbon capture, biofuels, and hydrogen. By reinvesting in industry-led innovation, the program aims to reduce emissions while strengthening Alberta’s competitiveness in the energy sector.
This approach aligns with ACC's Striking a Balance Between a Healthy Economy and Low Carbon Emissions policy by supporting cost neutrality, reinvesting carbon pricing revenues into industry, and enabling market-driven adoption of low-emission technologies.
Highway 3 Twinning Moves Forward - What the 2026 Update Means for Business
The Chamber of Commerce was able to attend the Public Information session on April 27 at the Medicine Hat College to review the Government of Alberta’s 2026 update on Highway 3 twinning. The Government has confirmed its multi-year capital commitment and continued design engagement, reflecting meaningful progress, and showing that regional voices are being heard.
For years, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce has consistently advocated for the full twinning of Highway 3, recognizing it as one of southern Alberta’s most critical economic corridors. Read about the 2024 recap, the 2026 update, and why this all matters to businesses in our Advocacy Insights article.
What the 2026 Federal Economic Update Means for Business
The federal government’s 2026 Economic Update reinforces a message many businesses already understand: costs remain high, labour remains difficult to secure, and uncertainty is part of the environment business needs to navigate. For businesses in Southeast Alberta, the takeaway is practical rather than political: planning for resilience matters more than waiting for relief.
Read more about why this matters and what businesses can do now in our Advocacy Insights article.
Canada’s Global Tourism Moment - What It Means for Southeast Alberta Businesses
Canada’s tourism sector is entering a pivotal growth phase, and the opportunities for Southeast Alberta businesses are significant.
According to Destination Canada’s Canadian Tourism Outlook 2026–2035, tourism is set for a record-breaking year in 2026, with projected visitor spending of $140.9 billion, a 6 percent increase over 2025. Over the long term, tourism revenue is expected to reach $216.3 billion by 2035, making it one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most resilient service exports.
This matters locally because tourism is not just a hospitality story. It is an economic driver that benefits the full business ecosystem in Southeast Alberta.
Tourism spending flows well beyond hotels and attractions. Visitors support restaurants, retailers, fuel stations, construction trades, professional services, transportation providers, and local producers.
As visitor numbers from the United States and overseas continue to grow, regions that are ready to welcome them can capture new customers and longer stays. For Southeast Alberta, this creates opportunities for Main Street businesses, rural operators, and service providers who may not traditionally view themselves as part of the tourism sector.
A smart trade diversification strategy
Tourism is increasingly recognized as a tariff-free, fast-return export. Destination Canada forecasts that tourism could contribute 9 to 10 percent of Canada’s $300 billion non-U.S. trade diversification goal by 2035. For Southeast Alberta businesses navigating global trade uncertainty, tourism offers a way to grow revenue that is less exposed to tariffs, supply chain disruptions, or border volatility. Experience-based businesses, service providers, and locally rooted enterprises all stand to benefit.
Canada currently holds the world’s top global reputation, giving destination communities a powerful competitive advantage. International travellers are seeking authentic, uncrowded, and meaningful experiences, and that aligns strongly with what Southeast Alberta offers. Our landscapes, cultural heritage, Indigenous tourism opportunities, community events, and affordability position the region well to benefit from shifting travel preferences away from over-saturated destinations.
Local growth, workforce attraction, and investment
Tourism often serves as the first connection to a community. A positive visitor experience can lead to repeat travel, seasonal residents, workforce attraction, and even investment. Strong tourism performance also supports the case for improved infrastructure, air access, downtown revitalization, and community amenities, all of which directly impact business competitiveness and quality of life.
The opportunity ahead
The projected growth will not benefit every region equally. The communities that collaborate, align with national marketing efforts like Canada, naturally., and ensure businesses are ready to welcome visitors will see the greatest returns. Even capturing a small share of this national tourism surge can translate into meaningful, long-term economic gains for Southeast Alberta businesses.
Tourism is no longer a side conversation. It is a strategic opportunity for our region’s economic future.
Next Level Events
Grand Openings GALORE
Book Launch with Wesley Paterson
May 5 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Chamber Boardroom
Safe Dog Encounters Program Ribbon Cutting
May 6 | 8:10 AM - 12:30 PM | MHC Brooks Campus
Daniel's Dip Storefront Grand Opening
May 8 | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | #2 1302 Dirkson Dr NE
Quesada Grand Opening
May 9 | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM | 102 6 Ave SE
OTR Meats Season Opening
May 28 | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | One Tree Ranching Co.
Sip and Learn - Resilience Coach
Sharpen your skills in this one-hour Sip & Learn session. You’ll get a taste of the Resilience Coach course, a Medicine Hat College Extended Learning Course that equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to support others in their recovery journey, focusing on brain development, resilience, and practical coaching techniques.
Happening May 12th from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Appetizers are included in the price of admission, and a cash bar is available.
City Insights & State of the Region
Join us for a Business Round-Up with the City of Medicine Hat to discuss plans, progress and improvements within City departments and learn about the 2026-2027 capital budget and strategic plans recently adopted by City Council. This will also be an opportunity to view some changes and to participate in a roundtable discussion with the Chamber on some of the advocacy efforts.
Business Round-Up | May 14th | 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Register here
Afterwards, stay for the 2026 State of the Region - hear each council’s vision across the Medicine Hat–Cypress region, following the creation of each of their respective strategic planning sessions, and highlight the path forward for Southeast Alberta.
State of the Region | May 14th | 11:00 AM - 1:15 PM | Register here
Connecting for Opportunity: Powered by REDI
Join us for an engaging and meaningful afternoon at REDI Enterprises, in partnership with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
This event brings local businesses together with the REDI team to connect, learn, and explore new collaboration opportunities, and to highlight the all of the ways REDI can save you time and money in your business.
Thursday, May 21st from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | REDI Enterprises | Please Register by May 19th
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 Duchess Golf Course, Daniel's Dill Dip, and Canalta Brooks 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!
Red Rock HR Welcomes New HR Consultant, Christine Hornung
We’re excited to share that the Red Rock HR team is growing once again. Please join us in welcoming our newest HR Consultant, Christine Hornung.
Christine is an experienced Human Resources professional with more than 15 years of practical, people-centred experience. Her background includes supporting organizations across post-secondary education, public education, and healthcare. She partners closely with leaders and teams to deliver practical, people‑centred HR solutions.
She brings a strong focus on employee and labour relations, workplace investigations, employee engagement and wellbeing, and navigating complex organizational change. Christine is known for her collaborative approach, sound judgment, and commitment to helping organizations build healthy, inclusive, and sustainable workplaces.
Outside of her professional work, Christine is a proud wife and mom to her three children. We’re thrilled to have Christine join our growing team. To learn more about her and our services, please visit our website.
Partek IT Solutions Named MSP of the Year at Global Kaseya Connect Conference
Partek IT Solutions, a locally owned and operated Managed Service Provider (MSP) based in Medicine Hat, has been named MSP of the Year at the 2026 Kaseya Connect Global Conference, held in Las Vegas.
The award recognizes a managed service provider that demonstrates outstanding leadership, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to customer success. Kaseya serves more than 40,000 customers worldwide, making this recognition a significant achievement on an international stage. Congratulations to Partek IT Solutions on this achievement! Read their announcement here.
Fill Up On Funding
Expand into new markets: tools and support for Canadian exporters
Finding new markets for your products is a great way to grow your business. Relying on one or two countries for international sales can expose your company to risks like shifting economic conditions, currency fluctuations, and evolving regulations or standards.
Expanding into new markets can help your business:
- increase sales and connect with new customers and partners
- introduce products and services to fast-growing and emerging economies
- reduce dependence on markets that may be more vulnerable to economic shifts, geopolitical events or supply chain disruptions
We and our partners provide guidance and resources to help you navigate these risks and support your global expansion. This step-by-step toolkit outlines the practical resources, funding programs and expert support available to help your business expand into new markets.
Zensurance Small Business Grant
Zensurance is celebrating their 10-year anniversary by offering Canadian small businesses a chance to win one of two $10,000 grants or one of eight $1,000 grants to thrive and grow. Here’s how to enter:
- Complete the online application for a free insurance quote (unless you’re already a Zensurance customer)
- Submit a grant application. Tell them your story and how $10,000 would help your business grow
- Follow on one social channel: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn
Only companies that are actively operating and registered in Canada are eligible for a grant. If you’re a Canadian small business owner, freelancer, contractor, or sole proprietor, don’t let this opportunity slip away!
Enter your small business before June 3, 2026, at 8 a.m. ET. Learn more and apply here.
Rural Community Attraction, Integration & Retention Grant
2026 Grant Applications are now open. Apply Early!
Rural Alberta Attraction & Retention (A&R) committees are invited to apply for RHPAP’s Rural Community Attraction, Integration and Retention Grant. This $1,000 grant is designed to support local AIR Committees in their efforts to attract, integrate, and retain health professionals in their regions.
Whether you’re planning a welcome event for a new healthcare provider, developing a local marketing initiative, or launching a community integration project, this grant can help bring your ideas to life. Apply Now
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the April 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.
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The Voice: May 5th, 2026
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