Huge applause go out to our incredible finalists for the highly-anticipated 2023 Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce Business Awards! Your hard work, innovation, and sheer determination have propelled you into the spotlight, and we couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate your outstanding achievements.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
BUSINESS PHILANTRHOPY AWARD
BUSINESS RESILIENCY AWARD
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE
MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD
VISITOR FRIENDLY AWARD
HOME BASED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Get ready for a night of glitz and glamour! We can hardly contain our excitement as we gear up for the most spectacular event of the year: The Mermaid Ball and Business Awards, set to take place on Saturday, October 21st. It's going to be a night to remember with a dinner, dance and a comedian to keep us laughing.
But that's not all – we will reveal the award winners during this unforgettable evening.
Stay tuned for the big reveal of event details, coming your way very soon! This is an event you won't want to miss.
As you may have heard, the Town of Sylvan Lake is in the process of developing a new 10-year Tourism Destination Management Plan! The long term strategic plan is focused on how Sylvan Lake can leverage tourism to be a major contributor to positive community development and sustainable tourism growth and management. This Plan is being developed by the community– which means Sylvan Lake wants to hear from you!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Hospitality Industry Night! Feb. 9 at 5:30 pm:
Anyone who works in hospitality & tourism industry is invited to Industry Night at Wood Shed Axe Throwing, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. Only 25 tickets are available, and participation is free.
Click here for more details and to register.
Residents, business owners and past & prospective visitors are encouraged to partake in this survey. Residents & visitors will be asked questions about perceptions of Sylvan Lake and opportunities for improvement. Business owners will have an opportunity to share insight about the local labour market. Participants will be entered to win one of six $50 gift certificates. Click here to get started.
Updates will be regularly posted on Instagram and Facebook. You can also check-back for news by visiting the dedicated webpage. Have questions, or something to say? E-mail tourism@sylvanlake.ca.
CHAMBER NEWS
NOW ACCEPTING BOARD OF DIRECTOR APPLICATIONS
Small business owners and managers, we invite you to consider applying for a position on the Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. As a member of the board, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the business community in Sylvan Lake and make a meaningful impact on the local economy. You will also gain valuable board experience and network with other business leaders in the area. Don't miss this chance to make a difference.
APPLY TODAY!
2023 CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
Get ready for a hole-in-one opportunity for your business! The 2023 Chamber Golf Tournament is officially booked for Friday, June 16th, and we are excited to announce that sponsorship opportunities are now available. Not only will you get the chance to support your local community, but being a sponsor at the tournament is a great way for small businesses to gain visibility and make valuable connections. Sign up for a sponsorship today and drive your business to success!
LEARN MORE/BOOK NOW
PASSPORT TO WINTER
We're trying something new...something to help support local business AFTER the Christmas season with an iniative that any business in Sylvan Lake can participate in by either signing up as a participating business or supporting the local businesses that are registered. For every $10 spent, shoppers get a stamp in their passport and are entered to win prizes of local gift cards and gifts. January - March is a slower time for local business, and we're trying to help.
We're grateful to our sponsors: Sylvan Lake News, Bonefish Marine, Sylvan Auto Parts and The B Nest Floral Design and Studios.
Where to get your passports stamped: Canadian Tire, Knot Just a Box, Lago Pizza & Pasta, Lodge 43, Party Chef Market and Kitchen, Pet Planet, Phamasave, Snap Fitness 24/7, Sylvan Auto Parts, Salon Chateau, Sylvan Lake Pharmacy, The B Nest Floral Design and Studios, Lakeway Liquor, Sylvan Auto Parts.
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS TO PARTICIPATE TODAY
NEED HELP WITH HR SOLUTIONS?
The Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce is a proud supporter of the Workforce Strategies Summit and we encourage you to purchase Early Bird tickets before January 31. Tickets are $159 (+gst and fees) and include light breakfast and lunch. The event includes panels on embracing the “new workforce” and using automation and technology for efficiencies. Keynote Speakers include economic development entrepreneur Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band and social entrepreneur and author Matt Tenney. Research shows more than 82% of businesses are experiencing a labour shortage on some level; this summit could be a transformative day for your business.
GET YOUR TICKETS
IN OTHER NEWS
OHS UPDATES - JANUARY 2023
The Government of Alberta announced a number of upcoming changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Code (HS Code) which will be taking effect on March 31st, 2023. Resources describing the highlights of the OHS Code changes are available now, and more resources will be added as they become available.
LEARN MORE
INFLATION RELIEF PAYMENTS COMING SOON
Alberta's economy has recovered strongly, but many people are struggling to heat their homes and feed their families. Alberta's government as responded with the largest inflation relief package in Canada, with significant broad-based and targeted supports. Starting this month six months of affordability payments will begin for Albertans through an application and distribution system that is fast, effective and safe.
HAVE YOUR SAY: MODERN DIGITAL SERVICES
Albertans are invited to share their opinions about their needs, expectations and priorities when accessing online government services in an online survey. The government will also reach out to technology industry leaders, post-secondary institutions, health organizations and Indigenous communities to hear their thoughts on how they can better interact with Alberta's government departments. Insights gathered will help shape Alberta's Digital Strategy.
MAXIMUM PENSIONABLE EARNINGS FOR 2023
The maximum pensionable earnings under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for 2023 will be $66,600 - up from $64,900 in 2022. The new ceiling was calculated according to a CPP legislated formula that takes into account the growth in average weekly wages and salaries in Canada.
BILL TO CREATE EI BOARD OF APPEAL INTRODUCED
The Employment Insurance (EI) program prvides crucial temporary incoe supports to Canadians in need. When Canadians identify potential discrepancies made recarding their claims or benefits, it's important they have access to a clint-centric appeal process. That's why today, the Government of Canada introduced a bill to amend the Department of Employment and Social Development Act and make consequential changes to other acts to enable the creation of the new EI Board of Appeal.
2023 TOURISM MARKETING RESOURCES
TOURISM TOWN HALLS - SURVEY OPEN TILL JANUARY 31ST
The teams at Travel Alberta, Indigenous Tourism Alberta, and the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta are on the road this month, visiting communities across the province to learn more about the challenges and opportunities in each region and how we can all work together to grow Alberta’s visitor economy. Do you have questions or ideas about the future of tourism in Alberta? Complete this survey by January 31, 2023.
TAKE THE SURVEY
FREE INDIGENOUS TOURISM TRAINING
Indigenous Tourism Alberta invites you to attend its upcoming Cultural Awareness Training. This free, full-day immersive workshop takes participants through aspects of history and cultural understanding, with a focus on Indigenous tourism and responsibility in the promotion of authentic Indigenous tourism experiences. Upcoming dates: Jan. 17 & 19 in Calgary and Feb. 7 & 9 in Edmonton
REGISTER NOW
The Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA) invites you to attend the Alberta Tourism Advocacy Summit, February 27-28 at the JW Marriott in Edmonton. The event features an inspirational keynote speech from Doug Lansky, tourism thought leader and world-renowned destination advisor. Have your say about the challenges and opportunities for Alberta’s visitor economy with elected officials and government. Register by January 31 to take advantage of early bird rates.
MAP OF SYLVAN LAKE - BOOKING DEADLINE IS MARCH 30TH
If you own or operate a business that visitors to Sylvan Lake should know about, it is important to make sure that you are visible to the nearly 1 million visitors that come to the area each year. One effective way to do this is by placing your business on the Map of Sylvan Lake. This map is widely distributed to visitors and serves as a valuable resource for them to find local businesses and attractions. Not only will being featured on the map increase your visibility and reach, but members of the Sylvan Lake Chamber enjoy discounted rates when advertising on the map. Hurry though, space is limited.
BOOK NOW
EXPLORE SYLVAN LAKE - WHERE TO EAT, STAY, PLAY AND LIVE
If you own or operate a business that visitors should know about, make sure your listing on the Explore Sylvan Lake App is up-to-date. Discover all of the best local businesses in Sylvan Lake with our new app. Explore Sylvan Lake prioritizes supporting our local economy by highlighting the unique and diverse offerings of businesses in our community. By choosing to shop, dine and do business locally, we can help our community thrive and grow.
The Explore Sylvan Lake App can be downloaded free in app stores, OR scan QR Code below.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Sylvan Lake Business Awards!
We're so excited to announce the FINALISTS for the 2022 Sylvan Lake Business Awards!
On September 17th we celebrate the Finalists at a formal business awards celebration to take place at the NexSource Centre "Under the Big Top", and can't wait to reveal each of our award winners for the first time.
Please join us in congratulating this year's finalists...
JOIN US UNDER THE BIG TOP ON SEPTEMBER 17TH!
The business awards will be held on September 17th at the NexSource Centre (Curling Rink) with a formal dinner, dance, awards ceremony, along with plenty to keep you entertained for the evening.
Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can download the sponsorship information here.
For tickets, visit our event page. The deadline for tickets is August 30th.
Your voice matters...
The Alberta Chambers network has partnered with industry partners and the Government of Alberta to identify hiring challengest that employers may be facing. The research is incredibly timely as the labour market and economy heat up. If you are a business operator, this is your chance to have your voice heard.
The survey will take 2-3 minutes to complete and is open until 5:00 pm on July 15th.
Take the Survey
Digital Adoption Grant
How Canadians do business has changed. To stay competitive and grow, small and medium-sized businesses need to adopt new digital tools.
In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada announced the $4 billion Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) to help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost or help digitalize your business's operations.
CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians. >Learn More
The Federal Government Announced changes to the program that make it more accessible to a number of employees. >Learn More
There have been significant changes made to the program, including opening the program to Alberta businesses and non-profits that have been incorporated or registered than less than a year. Third intake launched June 3, 2022. >Learn More
Loans of up to $75,000 will soon be more accessible to women entrepreneurs than traditional bank loans. Women who want to start or grow a business can apply for the funds, which can be used to pay employees, purchase equipment, and buy merchandise. >Learn More
The student work placement program partners with employers, and post-secondary insitutions to create and deliver work-learning opportunities for post-secondary students. Wage subsidies are available to help employers bring on young talent and new hires. >Learn More
This program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in the normal level of business activity, and the decrease is beyond the control of the employer. The employer and the employees involved must agree to participate in a work-sharing agreement. >Learn More
This provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. The fund, which is delivered by Canada's regional development agencies, provides $700 million nationally over 3 years. This includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses that were created after January 2020 that meet eligibility criteria. >Learn More
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant helps to cover training expenses for existing employees and new hires. If you are hiring and training an unemployed Albertan, up to 100% of training costs could be covered to up to $15,000 per trainee. >Learn More
If Ireland is on YOUR bucket list, READ ON...
Join us when we embark on a 10-day tour departing from Calgary on April 23, 2023! Read on for more information about the trip as well as details on how to win a trip for two.
Book the tour:
Learn More / Itinerary
Free informational webinar:
Get the scoop on the trip at our upcoming webinar with Indus Travel on June 29, 2023 at 12pm. Those who attend will get in on a special announcement and incentives, so be sure to register to attend.
Sign Me Up
Win a Trip for Two
The Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Sylvan Lake Community Partners in support of their Women in the Workplace Workshop initiative. You can buy raffle tickets for just $20 for this tour - and only 1000 tickets will be sold!
And don't worry...if you make a deposit/book a trip, if you are the lucky winner, we will refund any payments you have made OR, you can transfer the trip to family, friends or colleagues!
Get Your Tickets!
Come Discover Ireland with the Sylvan Lake Chamber!
Besides sponsorship opportunities, there are a few other perks that come with membership that are JUST for chamber members, such as:
For pricing, see below.
ABOUT US
CONTACT
info@sylvanlakechamber.com 403.887.3048
201, 110 Pelican Place
Sylvan Lake, Alberta
CONNECT
APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP