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Explore What's Inside
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The Voice of Business In Action
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Back in Action for 2025: New Year, New Updates! |
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We hope you had a fantastic holiday season filled with joy, relaxation, and maybe a little too much eggnog. Now that the confetti has settled, we’re thrilled to announce? we’re back in action for 2025 and ready to make it an amazing year together!
But wait?there’s more! We’ve got some exciting updates to share:
Office Hours Update
During these hours, our phones will also be live and ready for your calls. So, whether you’re looking to chat about an upcoming event, ask a question, or just say hi, we’re here for you.
Need us outside of walk-in hours? No problem! We’re still available for booked appointments and emails during our regular business hours. No matter when or how you reach out, our priority is YOU?our amazing members. Everything we do is centred around making your business thrive and creating a strong, supportive community.
Need to connect with a specific team member? We’re so excited to continue serving you and making 2025 the best year yet for local businesses in Fort McMurray. Stay tuned?there’s more exciting news and events to come!
Here’s to a year full of success, collaboration, and community, |
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Working Towards Shaping a Stronger Business Community in 2025 - A Message from Our ED Dianna de Sousa |
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Dear Chamber Members and Community Leaders,
Happy New Year! As we reflect on the milestones of 2024, we look forward to partnering with you to make 2025 a year of strategic growth and resilience for your business. We understand that while opportunities abound, some challenges remain. Rest assured, the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce is here to provide expertise, advocacy, and solutions to support you every step of the way.
This year presents a pivotal opportunity with both federal and municipal elections on the horizon. These elections will shape the business landscape, and we are optimistic about electing leaders committed to fostering an environment where businesses like yours can thrive. To amplify your voice, we are actively drafting policy recommendations for provincial and federal networks. We encourage you to share your insights to help shape these strategies.
We’re proud to report that the Chamber grew significantly in 2024, reaching 643 members strong. This growth enhances our capacity to advocate for your needs and create impactful programs.
Our commitment to representing your interests continues as we collaborate with the Municipality, Keyano College, and other partners to address issues critical to our community, including:
We have also taken decisive steps to strengthen our advocacy efforts and messaging. And we continue to support our local businesses through various shop local campaigns and initiatives, one is the launch of a limited edition of Wood Buffalo Bucks, designed to welcome new residents to our region while driving revenue for local businesses. Reach out to us if you would like to have your business join the program.
Mark your calendars for January 29 as we host the Mayor’s State of the Region luncheon. This event will feature a panel discussion with the Mayor, the President and CEO of Pathways Alliance, and an SVP from Suncor, offering a comprehensive update on our region’s future.
Networking and collaboration remain at the heart of our initiatives. In 2025, we’re bringing you opportunities to connect and grow through:
In response to the upcoming federal and municipal elections, we will be hosting election forums to ensure you have the information needed to make informed decisions. Additionally, our Spring Job Fair, to be announced soon, will further support workforce development in our region.
We are also excited to announce the Workforce Development for Small Business Leaders in Northern Alberta workshops, funded through a recent grant. These sessions are tailored to equip small business owners with actionable strategies to overcome growth barriers, enhance leadership, and optimize operations. Each workshop will provide practical tools such as EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Value Builder diagnostics, and Ninety.io, along with workbooks for ongoing implementation.
As we embark on 2025 together, our focus remains on driving progress and delivering value to you, our members. Thank you for your trust in the Chamber’s purpose and advocacy. We look forward to connecting with you at our events and working together to seize the opportunities this year brings.
Warm regards,
Dianna
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Your Voice Matters to Us |
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At the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, advocacy is at the heart of our mission. As the unified voice of business, we tirelessly represent your interests on the issues that impact our vibrant business community.
Whether you need support, have concerns, or wish to contribute to our advocacy efforts, we invite you to reach out through our advocacy page submission.
Alternatively, you can connect directly with our dedicated Executive Director, Dianna De Sousa, at ed@fortmcmurraychamber.ca.
Our Business Advocacy Committee plays a crucial role in engaging with all levels of government to influence policies, regulations, and decisions that foster a favorable business environment for success and growth in the Wood Buffalo region.
Your insights are invaluable, and we encourage you to share any issues or barriers affecting businesses in our region, be they municipal, provincial, or federal. Together, we can shape a thriving business landscape. |
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Upcoming Events
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2025 State of The Region Address by Mayor Sandy Bowman |
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Join us Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM MST at the Fort McMurray Golf Club for the State of the Region Address featuring Mayor Sandy Bowman.
This exclusive event includes:
Tickets: $75 (Members) | $85 (Non-Members)
Don’t miss out?register now! |
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Economic Update with Phillip Petursson ? Networking Luncheon |
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Join us for an engaging Economic Update Luncheon featuring Phillip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management.
Gain valuable insights into market trends, economic forecasts, and investment strategies while connecting with fellow community members.
Event Details: Why Attend?
Tickets: $75 (Members) | $85 (Non-Members) Seats are limited?register now to secure your spot! |
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Chamber Calendar
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Stay in the know and join the fun at our exciting events! |
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Chamber Insights |
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Canadian Chamber Shares Insights on the 2024 Fall Economic Statement |
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"Canada needs to prepare for the challenges ahead posed by Trump’s tariff threats. This is the number one issue facing Canadian businesses ? it endangers our economic stability, jeopardizes our jobs, and undermines our global competitiveness."
~ Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce. |
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Decreasing Water Use in Energy Production |
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Alberta’s government is investing nearly $2.7 million into three new projects that are developing technologies to help reduce water use while growing responsible energy production; two new water filtration technologies led by Aqua Pure Technologies and Eximius Environmental Solutions, and helping Canadian Natural Resources Limited test a new chemical makes heavy oil and bitumen flow faster and more easily toward the production well, reducing the demand for steam.
Alberta companies now recycle about 80 per cent of the water used in their operations, reducing the need for freshwater, and using advanced filtration systems to treat wastewater. |
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Resource and Learning Hub
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Digital Marketing Assistance Program (DMAP) |
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The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce is here to help you thrive in the digital world.
Introducing the Digital Marketing Assistance Program (DMAP), available exclusively for all Chamber members. This program offers up to 8 hours of FREE digital marketing support tailored to your business's unique needs. Whether it’s social media strategy, website optimization, SEO, or content planning, we’ve got you covered! Let us help you take your online presence to the next level. Sign up now at rebrand.ly/DMAPsignup and start boosting your business’s digital footprint today! |
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What Can Canadian Entrepreneurs Expect for 2025? - BDC |
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What can you expect for 2025? Tariffs, immigration and interest rates will shape the business environment for the year. Learn what you can do about it. |
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Member Benefits
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FREE Community Training - Cultural Awareness by The Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo and The RMWB |
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Date & time: January 21, 2025, 9:00am-12:00pm Location: Room 1311 - Syncrude Sports and Wellness Centre (9908 Penhorwood St.) Cost: FREE Description: Don't miss this FREE opportunity to enhance your cultural competency and learn valuable insights into navigating our diverse world. This workshop is perfect for individuals in the community looking to expand their current knowledge on cultural diversity, or for professionals looking to meet their Workplace Inclusion Charter goals.
To register for this workshop, email marie.weavers@rmwb.ca. |
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Maximize Your Exposure: Showcase Your Business with Chamber Newsletter and Social Media! |
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Did you know that one of the fantastic benefits of being a member of our Chamber of Commerce is the opportunity to showcase your business or organization to our extensive audience?
Whether you have a promotion, event, announcement, press release, job posting, or any other exciting news to share, you can now easily do so through our newsletter and social media platforms! With over 2500 weekly readers, your submission could reach a wide audience, potentially driving more traffic and engagement to your endeavors.
To get started, simply use the convenient submission form available on our website under the "Members" section (or simply click on the link provided below) and share your news with us! Our webform allows you to submit newsletter entries, updates, announcements, and community information seamlessly.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to amplify your voice and reach within our Chamber network. We look forward to helping you share your news and achievements with the wider community!
***Please keep in mind that all submissions are subject to approval. We reserve the right to edit or decline entries to ensure coherence and appropriateness for our audience. By submitting, you acknowledge our discretion in managing content for the benefit of our community.
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Promote YOUR Business with Member-to-Member Deals |
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Here's a little insider tip: You can enhance your business presence and connect with fellow members by creating Member-to-Member Deals.
It's easier than you think!
Just follow these quick steps:
By doing this, you can:
Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to expand your network and grow your business. |
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New Chamber Member Feature |
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Monumint Media |
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Welcome to new Chamber Member, Monumint Media!
Re-design or just starting out online, we'll launch your professional website in a snap. Every website we create incorporates eye-catching aesthetics with seamless functionality, perfectly reflecting your brand's identity and goals. |
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MCsquared |
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Welcome to new Chamber Member, MCsquared!
At MC2 we work with growth-oriented owners to streamline operations, enhance financial outcomes, and scale up. All the while growing the value of your business. |
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Shop Local Marketplace |
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YMM Chamber Website |
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Fort McMurray Trade Shows |
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