Wednesday June 6, 2012
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Calgary Chamber - Room 205
100 6th Avenue SW

The economy has been a hot topic of conversation since 2008, with events such as the subprime mortgage crisis and now the European debt crisis sending many economies throughout the world into uncertainty.

Given the far reaching impact of these events, it should come as no surprise that many businesses in Calgary remain unsure of how Alberta’s economy will hold up throughout 2012 and what they can do – if anything – to navigate the treacherous economic waters that may lie ahead.

Join us for a conversation with Ben Brunnen, chief economist with the Calgary Chamber, as he looks at the leading economic indicators from the beginning of this year, and provides insights into what these numbers mean for the rest of 2012.

After listening to our member and engaging in much deliberation, the Calgary Chamber has decided to put its building up for sale and close its café and restaurant.

“When we looked at our business it became clear that over the years, slowly, we had lost focus on what we should be doing,” says Adam Legge, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber.  “Owning a building and running a restaurant wasn’t helping to make our members’ business more successful.”

So, the Chamber is realigning its direction as an organization to create better programs and networking opportunities that help our members grow their business and overcome the major business challenges they face every day. 

Learn more about these initiatives [VIDEO]

Wednesday June 13, 2012
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
DeVry Institute of Technology
Room 201
2700 3rd Avenue SE

The format for this groundbreaking event differs dramatically from other networking events. Before each event, attendees are encouraged to contact us to tell us about their business, their challenges, and the type of people they’d like to connect with to overcome these problems and grow their business. With this information, we get to work placing people at each attendees table who will meet their networking needs.

Ranil Herath, president of the DeVry Institute of Technology, will also share insights on everything from how to properly pitch yourself at a networking event to how to use social media networking tools and how to build business relationships that last for life.

Register for focused business networking at its best.

One of the top CEOs in the world had an important message for Calgarians: “Agriculture is just as important as fuel.”

Speaking to the Calgary Chamber on June 1, Sandra Peterson, CEO of Bayer CropScience, noted that both the energy industry and agricultural sector are going to be vital to human development in the coming years. Peterson pointed to UN estimates that the world population will surpass nine billion by 2050, requiring innovations in crop production and seed development in order to double crop yields within the next 30 years to feed all of these people. 

Read Peterson’s speech to learn more about the latest innovations in agriculture.

Thursday June 14, 2012
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Calgary Chamber
100 6th Avenue SW

Few companies – small or large – can successfully drive rapid, comprehensive change – even when the organization finds itself in an urgent situation that necessitates a major makeover in company-wide behavior. While leaders may understand the recipe for change, they struggle with the most important part of the process – getting their people on board.

Join us for a breakfast talk with Eva Klein, professor of human resources and organizational dynamics with the Haskayne School of Business, which touches on the key points of successful change management.

The Canadian economy didn’t grow as much as expected in first quarter of 2012, according to recently released GDP numbers.

This means interest rates will likely remain on hold for the time being.

Find out how businesses can take advantage of this development and learn how recent employment insurance reforms will bring more workers to Alberta from Ben Brunnen, chief economist with Calgary Chamber.

Thursday June 21, 2012
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Kensington Riverside Inn
1126 Memorial Drive

Meet new clients and make new business connections in the friendly and casual atmosphere of the Kensington Riverside Inn.

The award-winning restaurant Chef’s Table will be serving hors d’oeuvres and providing a wine tasting throughout the evening so invite a client and get to know him or her better over the exceptional food and drink, or mix and mingle with entrepreneurs and business professionals from Calgary’s business community.

Sign up today.

Thursday June 21, 2012
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Fairmont Palliser Hotel - Crystal Ballroom
133 9th Avenue SW

For the last three years, Laura Lochman, U.S. consul general for Alberta, has played a vital role in managing Canada-U.S. relations as issues surrounding the oilsands and pipelines south of the boarder have taken centre stage. Lochman will leave Alberta for a new posting in Colombia in July, but much of her work will continue to effect companies in both our two countries.

Join us to learn more on the key developments in Canadian-U.S relations over the last three years, and what these changes mean for the future of Alberta’s energy industry.

Thursday June 7, 2012
11:30 am - 1:15 pm
Westin Hotel - Britannia Ballroom
320 4th Avenue SW

Premier Alison Redford has signaled that one of her government’s first priorities will be to finish review of the First Nations Consultation Policy, which establishes the consultation expectations and requirements for industry when working with Aboriginal communities to develop natural resource projects.

This policy has been under review for some time and both industry and Aboriginal communities have voiced concerns over the existing guidelines. But very rarely have these two groups come together to provide their comparative perspectives, and share insights for engaging with one another throughout this process.

Join us for an informative panel discussion with representatives from these two sectors which will be led by Chuck Strahl, former federal minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.