Debbie Dalen, proprietor of the boutique clothing, furniture and antique store Pretty Little Things, has been fortunate. Her Inglewood business was right in the heart of the flooding that ravaged neighbouring businesses but was miraculous spared any damage.

But that doesn’t mean it is business as usual for Dalen. When she did open her doors again after being closed for six days she found that traffic to her shop was next to none existent. And Dalen isn’t alone.  A number of flood-affected businesses have said they need customers to come back before it’s too late.

Learn what the Chamber is doing to help businesses impacted by the flood.

Tuesday July 16, 2013
7:15 am – 9:00 am
Calgary Chamber
600, 237 8th Avenue SE

The Calgary Chamber’s breakfast networking events are designed to help grow your business through a community effort.

Come build relationships with other businesses in Calgary and use these connections to increase your client base and vice versa. Think of it as an extension of your marketing team stretched across the city, working to drum up leads for your business. 

This is a member only event. If you are a member who would like to attend, get your tickets today.

If you are a non-member who is interested in attending, please contact membership services at 403 750 0416 or membership@calgarychamber.com

Thursday July 18, 2013
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Bite Groceteria & Caffe
1023 9th Avenue SE

Wondering how membership to the Calgary Chamber can benefit your business? Interested in learning how our business programing can help you overcome your toughest business challenges while simultaneously saving you money? Curious what exciting events and keynote addresses we’ve got planned for the fall?

Get the answers to all your Chamber-related questions over a cup of coffee with the Chamber’s membership services team. This is a great way to discover what the city’s leading business organization can do for your business in a friendly and laid back setting. And the best part? The coffee is on us!

Hurry up! Space is limited. If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP to membership@calgarychamber.com

Aboriginal communities continue to play a critical part in Alberta’s economic growth, particularly as the province faces the challenge of growing labour and skills shortages. According to Alberta Human Services, the province is forecast to experience a shortfall of 114,000 workers in the coming decade, primarily in trades, science and technology, business and healthcare.

Businesses and employers can respond to this challenge by attracting and retaining labour groups such as the Métis. The Métis are a growing pool of skilled labour which can be better engaged to solve the province’s ongoing labour challenges.

To explore the occupational profile and career advancement dynamics of the Métis population, the Calgary Chamber recently released Building the workforce of tomorrow: Employment and career directions for the Métis.

Learn more about the Chamber’s work on this important topic.

Burnco Rock Products Ltd. is a fourth generation family business established in Calgary in 1912. Today, Burnco is Canada’s largest independent supplier of ready-mix concrete, a major supplier of asphalt and aggregate products, and operator of a network of landscape centres in Western Canada. Our quality products, corporate image, and community profile are never sacrificed. Friendly, dependable, customer service is also important and we’ve been developing strong customer relations for more than 100 years. At Burnco, attention to the customers’ needs continues to be the engine that drives our company.

For more information, visit Burnco.com

It’s time to pay less at the pump. As a member of the Calgary Chamber, you have the opportunity to enroll in the Esso Business and Fleet Card program offering member fuel rebates.

This program from Imperial Oil is a convenient and secure way to control and manage fuel expenses for your company vehicles with fuel rebates of 3.5 cent per litre.  It doesn’t matter if you have one company vehicle or 1,000, finding the right fleet card can save your business a bundle.

Learn how you can take advantage of this opportunity and save money.

Island parks dealt heavy blow
Completion of the St. Patrick’s Island pedestrian bridge is likely a year away, according to the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

Population growth will change Alberta forever
ATB’s chief economist says if Alberta’s population growth continues at its current rate, the province will surpass British Columbia’s population of 4.6 million people by 2020.

Professional help in restructuring your debts
Dominion Lending Centres offers tips on how to develop a savings plan that pays down debt and the bills.

Generosity continues to build for aid of flood victims
Cenovus, ATB and a number of other companies offer assistance to the flood relief.

$400-Million Telus tower project reaches for sky
The Calgary Downtown Association says the recently announced Telus Sky project is part of the ongoing regeneration of the east side of downtown.