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.

1. Sign-up to join a workshop: Are you available on Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.? Sign up here to be part of a creative workshopping exercise. Activities will inspire conversations about Sylvan Lake as a place to live, work and play – as it is now, and as you imagine it to be in the future. Lunch will be provided.
2. Email your feedback
   Share your thoughts and ideas by emailing tourism@sylvanlake.ca.
3. Find our team at a local community event: Be on the lookout for the Town's consulting team at  Winterfest x The BIG JIG on Sat., Feb. 18. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you know who you’re looking for – Terrilyn and Brie are hoping to chat with as many people as possible throughout the days.

HOW TO STAY UP-TO-DATE

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. LEARN MORE 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. LEARN MORE 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. LEARN MORE 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. LEARN MORE

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. REGISTER NOW 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...

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

• Sara Brozer, Bukwildz
• Alex Chong, Sylvan Auto Parts
• Shannon Fiedler, Lodge 43
• Ernesto Ortiz, Sun of a Beach
• Kelly McQueen, Re+Active Physical Therapy & Wellness

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

• Cody Borek, Sweet Home on the Lake
• Tyson Czuy, Adrenalin Motors
• Connor and Kory Goossens, Flying Goose Media Inc.
• Chris Jervis, Crucial Diesel

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

• Kjeryn Dakin, Bukwildz
• Heather Jones, Lodge 43
• Leigh Ostiguy, Snap Fitness
• Sarah Barnes, Central Alberta Security & Automation
• Lisa Leschert, Knot Just A Box

BUSINESS PHILANTRHOPY AWARD

• Crucial Diesel
• Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
• Knot Just A Box
• Lodge 43
• Murdoch D'Mello Insurance & Financial Solutions

BUSINESS RESILIENCY AWARD

• Barbershop Etcetera
• Sylvan Auto Parts
• The Launch
• The Maby Studio
• Wood Shed Axe Throwing

CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE

• A to Z Blinds
• Adrenalin Motors
• Central Alberta Secruity & Automation
• Maid to Shine
• Trybe Fitness Bar

MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD

• Adrenalin Motors
• Bukwildz
• Central Alberta Security & Automation
• Lodge 43
• Red Neck Wear n Tear

VISITOR FRIENDLY AWARD

• Barbershop Etcetera
• Chief's Pub and Eatery
• Lodge 43
• Red Neck Wear n Tear
• Sun of a Beach

HOME BASED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

• A to Z Blinds
• Maid to Shine

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

• Bonefish Marine
• Kickin' Candy
• Mainstreet Eatery
• Sweet Home on the Lake
• Re+Active Physiotherapy & Wellness

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

• Adrenalin Motors
• Canadian Tire Sylvan Lake
• Lodge 43

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

• Central Alberta Security & Automation
• Knot Just A Box
• Mackie Valuations Inc.
• Sylvan Lake Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic
• Snap Fitness

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

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Federal Government Announced changes to the program that make it more accessible to a number of employees. >Learn More

The Alberta Jobs Now Program

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

New Funding for Women Entrepreneurs in Alberta

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

Student Work Placement Program

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

Work-Sharing Program

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

Jobs and Growth Fund

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

Canada-Alberta Job Grant

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:

• You do not need to be a Chamber Member to book this trip - so feel free to join us with your nearest and dearest.
• Find the itinerary using the link below.
• The cost of our Irish Adventure is $4099 and includes flights from Calgary, Hotels, Tours, 10 Meals and much more.
• To book, you just need to make a deposit, with the final payment due 90 days before our departure.
• You can learn more at our upcoming information webinar.
• AND through our partnership with Sylvan Lake Community Partners you can also enter to win a trip for two for this 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:

• Hosting a member mixer at your business to promote your products and services.
• Including an ad in our weekly newsletter (we only include one ad per week)
• Sharing your expertise with a member sponsored newsletter (we only book one per month)
• and of course, listing your business on the Sylvan Lake Town App.

For pricing, see below.

The Sylvan Lake Chamber is bringing "The Oscars" to Sylvan Lake for our upcoming 2021 Business Awards Event to be held on November 19th at our local theatre. Expect to be entertained!

We have some excellent sponsorship opportunities available that are outlined below.

If interested, contact the Chamber at info@sylvanlakechamber.com