Location: Calgary Chamber - ENMAX Ballroom
Address: 100 6th Ave SW
Date: Friday, February 10, 2012 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Fresh from delivering the 2012 provincial budget, Alberta’s Finance Minister Ron Liepert, will be offering extended views on the government’s budget position.  Join us for the inside story on what this budget means for your business.

Click here to reserve your seat or table.

Nearly every day we hear someone protest their lack of time, so for the first iF series event of 2012, we are exploring the question: iF you had an extra day, how would you use it?

Imagine the possibilities of what you might do, or achieve. Would you use it to explore – physically or intellectuality – something you have always wanted to do? Or would you live that extra day like it was your last day – reaching out to make the world a better place?

We hope you will all join us for what will be another inspiring afternoon of conversations and creativity as a number of prominent people from the Calgary business community explore this question on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Calgary Chamber.

Click here to book your tickets.

Location: The Westin Hotel - Ballroom
Address: 320 4th Ave SW
Date:  Thursday, March 1, 2012 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

National Chief Shawn Atleo is a hereditary chief from the Ahousaht First Nation. In July 2009, he was elected to a three-year mandate as National Chief to the Assembly of First Nations. 

Please join the Calgary Chamber for the fourth event in our Aboriginal Business Connections Series, “Renewed Relationships for Success,” as we equip businesses and aboriginal communities with the knowledge and tools to build successful working relationships.

Click here to register.

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce, along with the City of Calgary and a number of local business advocacy organizations have joined forces for Phase Two of Mayor Nenshi’s Cut Red Tape initiative. We are aiming to collect and implement solutions that will make it easier for citizens and businesses to interact with the City of Calgary.

Starting December 8, 2011 and running until February 17, 2012, we are asking all members of the Chamber, local entrepreneurs, and business representatives to submit their suggestions on how we can control red tape at a municipal level.

Your contributions and suggestions will ensure that Phase Two of the Cut Red Tape initiative can successfully find and deliver lasting solutions to Cut Red Tape in the City of Calgary.

To learn more about the Cut Red Tape initiative, visit www.cutredtape.ca

Submit your suggestions on how we can Cut Red Tape in our city.

Tell the world about your business

We’re looking to hear from you – our members – to find out what you do and how the Calgary Chamber has helped you grow and succeed as a business. These short stories can include everything from how a Chamber connection provided you with the business intelligence needed to overcome a problem, to how a Chamber event helped you connect with a new customer that’s benefited your business. 

If you’ve got a good story to share, please contact Jesse Semko at jsemko@calgarychamber.com. This information may be featured on the front page of our newly designed website – which we are now in the process of designing – or some of our other marketing materials scheduled to come out later this year. 

Small business tip: How to test your product for cheap

Any successful business owner will likely tell you that the most important thing for a small business startup is to build a product that will be embraced by your customers. This is obviously easier said than done, but there are ways to nail down a product that will make your customers go gaga.  Here are 10 easy ways to test and improve your product that won’t break the bank.

University of Calgary Presents: Fridays with the Faculty -  Dr. Eva Klein talks about Competing for Global Talent

Location: Petroleum Club
Address: 319 5th Ave SW
Date: Friday, February 24, 2012, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Cost: $25 (Muffins, pastries, and coffee available)

While rampant unemployment is impacting much of the Western world, many companies in western Canada are experiencing labour shortages. These skill shortages have resulted in companies seeking temporary and permanent workers from abroad. Canada has always welcomed immigrants to complement its small population. However we have not often used immigrants to their full potential or to Canada’s economic benefit. This has resulted in frustration and disappointment both amongst employers and the immigrant population.

This seminar will address the main issues many employers face in attracting and retaining immigrant employees, including the issue of credential qualifications. What are the expectations of potential employers? How can new Canadians aim to fulfill these? How can Canadian employers compete effectively for the global talent they need to help make Canada thrive?

Register now.

2012 Human Resource Institute of Alberta (HRIA) Conference, Early Bird pricing and award nominations

Location: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
Address: 20 Roundup Way SE
Date: April 24-25

“Inspire - Innovate - Evolve” - is a call to action. It’s a reminder to forget the “same old, same old” approach and think from an open creative mind to seek the best for a positive and prosperous future. Come, be inspired, think how you can bring innovation to your workplace and evolve your future. Scheduled Keynotes: Richard Florida, Michael Kerr, Simon Sinek and Jann Arden

Early Bird pricing closes on February 15th!  Register now for the chance to be entered into a draw for one of four professional development bursaries of $500 each to use towards the 2012 HRIA Conference fees. Details online at www.hriaconference.com

Recognize Human Resources Excellence. Human resources professionals across Alberta are accomplishing amazing work in challenging workplace environments. Nominate a HRIA member whom you feel demonstrates the criteria found in our prestigious award categories.

Do you know someone who is a leader, an ambassador, an evolutionist or a humanitarian?

Nominate them today.

Institute of Corporate Directors Seminar

Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
Address: 319 5th Ave SW
Date: Thursday, March 8, 2012 Breakfast: 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., Seminar: 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

The purpose of this session is to assist not-for-profit/crown corporation directors in understanding their key accountabilities and responsibilities. The discussion will focus on the role of board members, governance models, responsibilities, expectations of board members, and principles needed to build an effective board and governance process. Please join us for a presentation which will address the following topics:

• Best practices in not-for-profit/crown corporation governance
• A comparison with governance practices in the corporate sector; and
• Practical tips and recommendations for directors in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities on not-for-profit/crown corporations boards
• Panel with Dave Mowat, Stephanie Felesky, Ann Lewis-Lupp

Register today.