Out & About in Wood Buffalo

It was a busy week out in the community for the Chamber team, connecting with local businesses, members, partners, and community organizations across Wood Buffalo.

From celebrating local business and supporting community initiatives to participating in conversations about projects shaping our region, these opportunities help us stay connected to the people and organizations we represent.

Among the many places our team showed up this week, we were pleased to:

• Celebrate local business at Birch Mountain Enterprises’ Local Business Appreciation Event
• Support A&W Fort McMurray’s Burgers to Beat MS Show & Shine
• Attend a local grand opening and connect with another growing business in our community
• Participate in a community open house to hear perspectives and learn more about a major regional project
• Join the Fort McMurray Oil Barons Golf Tournament, with Dianna connecting alongside Chamber Board members and community leaders

And that’s only part of the week. Behind every event, meeting, and community connection is the ongoing work of supporting our members, strengthening relationships, and advancing the interests of our business community.

Strong relationships are built by showing up and staying connected, and we’re proud to be part of the community we serve.

Through our partnership with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, we're pleased to share a weekly roundup of resources, funding opportunities, and tools to support your business.

• Participate on the Canadian public market study
• Federal programs and services for your business
• EMC workforce programs for manufacturers: EMC’s Learning Centre offers fully funded or subsidized upskilling and hiring supports.
• Buy Local Alberta Toolkit
• WorkFirst Alberta Employer Toolkit
• Understanding CUSMA compliance - From Trade Commissioner Service
• Bursary programs to support northern Alberta’s workforce:
• For Students ? Northern Alberta Development Bursary (NADB)
• For Employers & Organizations ? Bursary Partnership Program
• Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant - funding to help employees and unemployed Albertans access training opportunities.

New Federal Infrastructure Funding Now Available

Applications are now open for the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong Fund, supporting eligible infrastructure projects across several priority areas, including housing, transportation, post-secondary and healthcare infrastructure, climate resilience, and community infrastructure.

The Direct Delivery stream is currently accepting applications for shovel-ready projects. Organizations with eligible projects are encouraged to review the program requirements and explore available funding opportunities.

Become Procurement Ready

Learn how to position your business for future procurement opportunities at this upcoming information session hosted by Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism. Connect with procurement professionals, gain practical insights into supplier requirements and procurement processes, and explore opportunities with municipal, federal, airport, defence, and oil sands organizations.

Alberta Trade Mission to NABOC

Alberta businesses are invited to explore an opportunity to expand their networks and build meaningful partnerships through an upcoming trade mission led by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce.

Taking place September 15 to 17 in Osoyoos, B.C., the mission will connect participants with Indigenous leaders and businesses at the National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference (NABOC), while highlighting emerging opportunities within Canada’s growing Indigenous economy.

Canadian Inflation Rises to 3% in July

Canadian inflation increased to 3% in July, up from 2.8% in June, driven largely by higher gasoline prices and summer travel costs.

Despite the increase, underlying inflation remained relatively stable. Inflation excluding gasoline held at 2.2%, while grocery and shelter inflation both eased. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce notes that one higher-than-expected reading is unlikely to shift interest rates on its own, but sustained energy costs and their potential impact on broader prices will be important to watch.

Deco Moon Glassworks brings the beauty of stained glass to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo through original window panels, wall art, sculpture, and meaningful custom pieces designed and handcrafted by local artist Nicole Wissman.

Nicole’s work ranges from one-of-a-kind commissions and memorial pieces to awards created for local organizations, with each piece showcasing the colour, light, and craftsmanship that make stained glass such a unique art form.

Through Deco Moon, she also shares her craft with the community by offering workshops that give others the opportunity to experience stained glass firsthand.

An award-winning local artist, Nicole continues to expand her practice through new techniques and collaborations.

We’re thrilled to welcome Deco Moon Glassworks to the Chamber and look forward to supporting Nicole as she continues creating, teaching, and bringing beautiful works of glass and light to our community!

Sybil Knight at Forbidden Chapters

Join Forbidden Chapters on August 22 from 12 to 4 PM for a special appearance by dark romance author Sybil Knight. Stop by to meet the author, explore her work, and celebrate independent books and authors right here in Fort McMurray.

Acden Show & Shine

Rev up your Sunday at the 6th Annual Acden Show & Shine on August 23 from 11 AM to 4 PM! Check out cars, trucks, and motorcycles from across the region while enjoying family-friendly activities, a BBQ, raffles, and more, all in support of the Centre of Hope.

20 Bigs in 20 Weeks Corporate Challenge

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo is calling on local businesses to help recruit volunteer mentors for youth in our community. With more than 40 young people currently waiting for a mentor, your organization can make a meaningful difference through the power of mentorship.

Learn how your business can participate in the 20 Bigs in 20 Weeks Corporate Challenge and help change a young person's life.