[Next week] Last chance for tickets to Energy Future: 2017 global outlook!

📅 January 18, 2017   🕒 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm    📍 Calgary Petroleum Club

In the first edition of our Energy Future series of the year, we've brought together two of the very best energy experts on earth to lead an energy market outlook for 2017: Eurasia Group CEO Dr. Robert (RJ) Johnston, and Chief Energy Economist and Managing Director at ARC Financial Corp, Peter Tertzakian.

They will unpack the geopolitical and economic impacts, as well as the risks and opportunities sector changes may bring to Canada's industries, within energy and beyond. 

Property tax and carbon levy: Tell us how your business has been affected

Property tax assessments came out last week, as did new costs to your business like the carbon levy. We know this has put additional pressure on many business leaders. If either of these (or both) have significantly affected your business, we want to hear from you.

Fast-Growth Champions: Transitioning your business

📅 January 31, 2017    🕒 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm    📍 The Commons Calgary

There comes a time for every business owner when they need to either transition out of the company or prepare it for sale. But a business transition is a very complex and personal process with many factors to consider, so what's the right approach?

The new year is a great time to make plans for the future, and this Fast-Growth Champions is all about helping you think ahead. Come learn insights from a dynamic panel of local leaders who have gone through a transition first-hand. You'll hear from: 

• Chris Prefontaine, Owner, Fratello Coffee Roasters
• Jeff Robson, President & CEO, Vada Capital
• Alina Martin, President & COO, Danatec Educational Services Ltd.

🆕Business After Hours at National on 8th

📅 February 8, 2017   🕒 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm     📍National on 8th

Beer and networking, a classic combination. At our next Business After Hours, you get to experience just that but with craft beer, made by entrepreneurs just like you.

It all starts with a beer "passport". As you travel through the Tap Room at National on 8th, you'll have the opportunity to mingle, build connections, learn about the space, and sample four different types of beer.

Join us for a chance learn about the local craft scene, and stay for the best networking of your month.

Tips to grow your business

Nominate your business for the next round of the Chamber’s Innovation Accelerator Program

As part of our Onward initiative, the Calgary Chamber has launched Ignite: the Innovation Accelerator Program to help companies dramatically ramp up their innovation game—fast. Led by international quality experts, this 90 day program digs deep into everything from change management and mind mapping to leadership for innovation and risk assessment, to help you transform your business and accelerate your company’s growth.

We are looking for senior representatives from small- and medium-sized businesses to be part of our first cohort starting in February.

Contact us if you are looking to learn more about taking a two-year leap forward in innovation in only three months!

Digital tip: What LinkedIn's changes in 2017 could mean for your business

Microsoft recently bought LinkedIn and they are setting about to make some changes. In 2017 the platform will become a “pay to play” environment for advanced LinkedIn features, such as LinkedIn search.

The changes won't impact a casual user but if your business uses LinkedIn for generating leads or recruit, it could affect you. Fortunately your fellow Chamber member, LinkedIn expert Dave Byrnes from Linking Leads, has unpacked what the changes will look like in his latest article.

What we're reading, watching, and listening to...

• Property tax hikes mean 'difficult decisions' for Calgary businesses, Chamber of Commerce warns
• Video: The ingredients of great leadership
• Podcast: Learn negotiation superpowers [Scroll down to Ep 24]
• Five networking opportunities hidden in your average workday
• How virtual reality is starting to be useful to business

Member insights

Chamber Member: ACAD

Since 1926, ACAD has inspired thousands of students to pursue their dreams.

As Alberta's only dedicated art, craft and design college, they are proud to play an important role in nurturing creativity and driving innovation in our province and around the world. From academic programs to grass-roots community partnerships, there's a lot going on at ACAD.

Members save time and money with G Suite

The G Suite gives your business an all-in-one suite to communicate, store and collaborate. Whether you need to work on the go, have more productive meetings or sync projects in real-time, the G Suite help ensure that no matter where your team is, everyone is on the same page.

As a Calgary Chamber member, you can get 20% off your first year of G Suite.

From our community partners

The Future of Canadian Oil & Gas 2017

📅 January 17, 2017   🕒 8:00 am – 5:00 pm     📍 Hyatt Regency

Innovation, commercialization, and productivity—join some of Canada’s forward-thinking energy leaders to chart the industry’s course through the global energy transition. The day's out-of-the-box keynotes, top-class speaker lineup, and in-depth breakout sessions will all inform a post-event recommendation report for governments, industry and stakeholders.

Don’t miss the live interactive Artificial Intelligence session with IBM Watson on its outlook for the industry’s future.

Use promo code CalgaryChamber to save 25% on your ticket.

New realities: Climate change and social media

📅 January 18, 2017     🕒 7:15 am – 9:00 am     📍 Calgary Petroleum Club

Join the Institute of Corporate Directors, Calgary Chapter at the beginning of a new year to discuss two significant challenges that organizations will be facing in 2017: the implementation of climate change policy in our economy and organizations; and social media’s influence and role.

Community leaders