July 2014 - In This Issue:
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Alberta Government Raises Minimum Wage
As of September 1, the general minimum wage will rise from $9.95 to $10.20 per hour; the minimum wage for liquor servers will rise from $9.05 to $9.20 per hour. This wage increase will directly impact 1.5 percent of Alberta's workforce. The wage increase will put Alberta at second place for the highest minimum wages, but only when factoring in the high personal exemptions and low tax rates enjoyed by Albertans.

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Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program

In an effort to curb alleged abuses to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the Canadian government has overhauled the program. The changes are intended to ensure that all Canadians have an opportunity to be employed and treats the use of Foreign workers as a last resort. The onus will be on the employer to follow a stringent process that ensures all possible steps have been taken to employ Canadians first. The moratorium on foreign workers in the food services industry is ended immediately.

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Lunch & Learn

The Stony Plain Chamber is looking for a number of businesses interested in hosting "Lunch & Learn" sessions.   Hosting business will have the opportunity to showcase themselves in front of a small audience of chamber members (max 10-12), attending the Lunch & Learn session for free.   The chamber will advertise the available sessions, accept registrations from chamber members, and provide the light lunch, boardroom and AV equipment.  All Lunch & Learn sessions will run from 12:00-1:00pm on the day chosen by the business in consultation with the chamber.  The hosting business will be responsible for preparing the presentation, including the promotional advertising content, in addition to paying the hosting fee.  Interested businesses can contact Bonnie at 780-963-4545 or email at bonnie@stonyplainchamber.ca for further information

2014 Chamber Awards Gala 

October 18, the River Cree Marriot will be host to the Annual Chamber Awards Gala.
Nomination forms are available here: Stony Plain Chamber
Picnic in the Park
July 15, 2014

Come join us for our annual BBQ at Dog Rump Creek Park, July 15. Drop in from 11 am to 2 pm, enjoy some food and some networking with your fellow chamber members. Another benefit of belonging to the chamber.
New Members
Welcome!

Action Coach
#200, 93 McLeod Avenue
Spruce Grove, AB
T7X 2Z9
 (780)967-4275
 www.actioncoach.com/garthmcdonald
Canada's Wild Outdoor Expo
July 25 - 27
Heritage Park

Canada's Wild Outdoor Expo featuring Huntfest is the must see event of the year! Canada's largest outdoor show has everything in one place for all outdoor enthusiasts- hunting, fishing, motorsports and extreme adventure as well as live music and entertainment daily.
 More here
Stony Plain Cowboy Gathering Society
August 9th & 10th

Stony Plain Cowboy Poetry Festival will be at the Stony Plain Heritage Park Pavilion and the Pioneer Museum Church. On site dry camping for RV's and tents.
The line up includes: Gary Fjellgaard, Allen Christie Band, The Command Sisters and many more.
The Stony Plain Cowboy Gathering Society is also looking for sponsors. Please consider becoming a sponsor. More information available here.
 Learn More
Dates to Note

Jul  15 -    Picnic in the Park
Jul  25-27  Canada's Wild Outdoor Expo
Aug 9 - 10 Cowboy Poetry Festival
Sep 11 -    Business Education - Temporary Foreign Workers
Sep 16 -    Business Education - Business Succession Planning
Sep 17 -    General Meeting - Guest Speaker Brad Ferguson, Edmonton Economic Development
Sep 18 -    Business Education - Productivity 101
Oct 18 -    Chambers Award Gala, River Cree Marriott
Oct 22 -    Small Business Week - joint breakfast with the Rotary
Nov 19 -    Board Elections/ guest speakers: Town and County Economic Development Update
Nov 20 -    Christmas Light Up




Stony Plain and District Chamber
of Commerce
4815-44 Avenue
Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1V5

P (780)963-4545
F (780)963-4542

www.stonyplainchamber.ca

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