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.

 Learn More

This summer has found all of us at the chamber office immersed in developing a new website for our members. This website will offer an online business directory, giving all businesses a web presence with high search returns. Members will be able to manage their own listings. As well online registration for events will be easier and streamlined. We will announce the official unveiling date very soon.

Business Education
Fall Series

Education sessions offered on Temporary Foreign Workers (September 11), Business Sucession Planning(September 16), and Productivity 101(September 18). Early Bird Registration ends September 1, so register soon and save money. Limited seating available. Email Bonnie to register or for more information. See also our website: Register

We are conducting member surveys to ensure that we are meeting your needs as members. We thank you for your participation and we are entering all respondents in a draw for 50% off of their 2015 Stony Plain & District Membership fees!! The survey takes approximately ten minutes to fill out. You can respond over the telephone when our friendly staff calls you or by clicking on the link below:
 Member survey

The Stony Plain & District Chamber of Commerce is offering a $3000 scholarship to a post-secondary student who has successfully completed first, second, or third year of study towards a business degree, diploma, or certifificate. Applicants must have resided in the Tri Municipal Region while attending high school. Deadline for applications is September 11, 2014. For full details:
Scholarship application

2014 Chamber Awards Gala 

October 18, the River Cree Marriot will be host to the Annual Chamber Awards Gala.
Know a business that has exceptional service? Please nominate them. Nomination forms are available here: Stony Plain Chamber

 

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has announced a new initiative, the Partnership for Resource Trade, which seeks to engage Canadians in the important national discussion about the key role that natural resources play in our success as a country. The Partnership believes that the responsible use of Canada's abundant natural resources is an important source of pride, opportunity and social and economic benefit to Canada. The Stony Plain & District Chamber of Commerce is supportive of this initiative and we encourage our members to inform themselves and support the initiative as well.

The Partnership began a public advocacy campaign earlier this year. To learn more and to show your support for this initiative, please visit the  Partnership for Resource Trade website.

 

 

Tailored benefits to suit the needs of our members. Coverage available for one member businesses and up, comprehensive options include dental, prescriptions, life, and critical illness insurance. Please request a quote:

Friday, August 22, 2014, Pineridge is offering 9 holes of free golf to chamber members from 8 am to 3 pm. Tee times must be booked by August 20 by calling 1-877-321-7322. Limited to one foursome per company. Please present chamber card at check in.

Dates to Note 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

Support Parkland Food Bank

Due to increased demand for services the Parkland Food Bank is needing to expand their facility. They are planning on building a new facility to serve their clients in the Tri-Region area, but are $256,000 short. To help fulfill this goal they will be hosting a golf tournament August 25, 2014 at the Links Golf Course in Spruce Grove.
Breakfast and registration @ 7 a.m.
Shotgun Start @8 a.m.
The cost is $250/person
Please register with angela@parklandfoodbank.org or call (780)962-4565.

Funders Forum
The Tri-Municipal Region Community Development Committee, a partnership between the City of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain FCSS, Parkland County and Community Futures Capital Region, is presenting a Funders Forum this fall.

Workplace Wellness Summit 2014
September 9
Red Deer, AB Black Knight Inn

• Learn practical tips for your workplace to create a healthier, happier more productive culture
• Learn how to support positive mental well-being and minimize stress so the workplace is an environment where everyone can flourish and reach their potential
• Learn best practices from award winning organizations in Alberta
• Make meaningful connections

Register Now! 

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has compiled a list of volunteer opportunities in the local area. There are many worthwhile organizations that rely on active volunteers. Please check the list out here: Volunteer Opportunities

Victim Services
Golf Tournament
Victim Services offers counseling and support to those in crisis situations. Please consider joining them for their golf tournament August 18, 2014 at the Links, Spruce Grove. Please call (780)968-7272

Parkland Turning Points (a not-for-profit organization; their mission is to stop family abuse and create safer communities by doing so) is hosting Family Movie Night in the Park September 19 at 6:30. The evening begins with a community picnic and the movie starts at 6:30. Admission is by donation with proceeds benefiting Parkland Turning Points.For more information, please call: Sandi Olsen (780)963-8774
or Caeleigh Shier (780)235-8627

STAY CONNECTED