Like business, over these past two years, the Leduc, Nisku & Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce has adapted and we will continue to do so. This has been an exciting new chapter for our Chamber and we thank all of our members for their continued hard work and engagement in our community!
Here are some ongoing Chamber initiatives:
The regional Job Connector exists to match local businesses with prospective employers to fill jobs and build our regional workforce. Employers, job seekers and students can use these free tools and resources below to find jobs, training, and financial supports.
The Opportunities and Listings online hub is a newsletter for local commercial real estate listings, businesses for sale, as well as local bids and tenders.
Policy and Advocacy
Our Chamber policy committee has been busy working with our transportation industry members, and others, to alleviate the dramatic shortage of Class 1 professional drivers in Alberta and Canada.
It is forecasted that Alberta will be short 3,600 Class 1A drivers in 2023. The nation is expected to be short 17,000 drivers.
We’ve proposed solutions in a policy we submitted to the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. This was passed, and will go to the Canadian Chambers’ Policy Conference October, 2022. The recommendations include classifying truck driving as a skilled occupation which will allow foreign workers a path to residency, making truck driver training eligible for student loans, and encouraging government to support mentorship programs to make our roads safer, and reduce insurance costs and increase women in the industry.
Last year, we wrote a policy on Employee Share Ownership Plans which was adopted by the Canadian Chambers of Commerce to help businesses access new capital during the Covid crisis.
Effective advocacy to government leaders is just one of the benefits of the Chamber. If you have an issue that’s affecting your industry, connect with the Chamber Team.
The Digital Economy Program is free digital support for small businesses. Once you apply, your student consultant can help you set up and improve your existing digital tools like: Google My Business, website, social media, e-commerce, and more. Apply at yourdep.ca.
And some upcoming Chamber events:
On September 8: Welcoming Workplace Series: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace
This lunch at the Best Western Wayside Inn (also a virtual event) will build a foundational understanding of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), how it impacts employers and employees, and create a business case for organizations to embark or continue on in their EDI journey. This session provides a high-level understanding of unconscious biases in our everyday lives that impact decision making as employers.
On October 22: Business Expo & Job Fair
For businesses: market your business, sell products/services, connect with the community, and hire new employees - all in one day at the Wetaskiwin Mall.
For shoppers and families, job-seekers and business people: come out for the day and enjoy free admission, a pancake breakfast, face-painting and balloon twisting, while perusing local businesses and jobs!
Please reach out to connect with Jamie, Membership Manager for the Wetaskiwin Region at the Chamber office, or visit youchamber.ca for all these events, initiatives, and more.