Monday November 26, 2012
11:30 am – 1:15 pm
Hotel Arts
119 12th Avenue SW

Engaging in Aboriginal economic development can’t be done by using a one-size-fits-all mindset, since the needs and situation from one community or organization to the next can differ greatly from one another.

Join us as Calvin Helin, the bestselling and multi-award winning author of Dances with Dependency and the Economic Dependency Trap, shares his insights for enabling economic self-sufficiency in First Nations communities. Helin will also touch on the policies and approaches to Aboriginal economic development that business leaders need avoid.

Following Helin’s keynote presentation, there will be a panel workshop comparing band-owned development corporations with privately run Aboriginal enterprises. 

Join us for this first event of Aboriginal-Business Connection Series 2.

The Calgary Chamber is launching the second installment to its popular Aboriginal-Business Connection series, which shares insights on how these two groups can build successful working relationships, particularly as it relates to developing Alberta’s abundant natural resources.

The first Aboriginal-Business Connection series, which ran during 2011 and 2012, was the most popular event series ever held by the Chamber – with each event selling out in a matter of weeks and attendance throughout the series surpassing more than 1,200 people. Building on this success, the Chamber is launching the second installment of the Aboriginal-Business Connection series to provide more in-depth and robust discussions on the subject.

For the first time ever, the Chamber is selling a series pass that guarantees you’ll have a spot in all the upcoming Aboriginal-Business Connection series events and workshops. Learn more about the events we have planned or call Jennifer at 403 750 0432 to buy your series pass before it’s too late.

After a month of voting, the election of the Calgary Chamber's 2013 Board of Directors finally closed on Thursday, November 15.

This year, we had 13 highly skilled candidates running three positions. The Chamber’s board is now ratifying this year’s winners, which will be announced later this week. So, watch your email for the official announcement.

Thursday December 6, 2012
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
McLeod Law, Centennial Place West Tower
2110, 250 – 5th Ave SW

If you run a business or manage people, you need to have a good understanding of employment law.

That includes understanding the implied terms of an employment contract, causes for dismissal and what constitutes a wrongful dismal, the obligations of an employer after termination,  as well as the responsibilities of an employer according to the employment standards code and humans right act. 

Get the answers to all your business questions relating to employment law from two lawyers with McLeod Law during this informative lunch-time presentation.

Azuridge is a luxury boutique hotel and conference centre situated on 13 acres of park-like grounds by the Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. The resort has a 13-suite guest residence, alongside a separate building for socializing that has such features as a private dining room, an open concept kitchen, a cocktail bar and a number of meeting spaces which are perfect for Christmas parties, and available for a whole range of events and functions, including corporate retreats, meetings, workshops or seminars and weddings.

Learn more at Azuridge.ca

Wednesday December 12, 2012
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hotel Arts
119 12th Avenue SW

Alberta is now in the process of revising its First Nations Consultation Policy, which establishes the consultation requirements for industry when working with an Aboriginal community to develop a natural resource project.

Among the issues that are currently being ironed out by the Government of Alberta is how to lay out a clear process that clarifies the rights and duties for both industry and Aboriginal communities when working together on a development project. 

Join Western Canada’s leading consultation experts for a panel discussion that examines several issues involving Alberta’s current consultation process, which will help to provide input into the current review being undertaken by the provincial government.

Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary Chamber, and REAP Business Association are interested in better understanding the social and environmental contributions of the business community in Calgary.

This six-minute survey will gather information on the social and environmental initiatives your business is engaged in. All participation is collected anonymously, and if you submit your email address at the end of the survey you will be entered into a series of draws to win gift a certificate from Boxwood Café, Big Fish Oyster Bar and Lounge, Calgary Co-op, Community Natural Foods, Cookbook Company Cooks and SwizzleSticks Salson Spa.

Take the Measuring Social and Environmental Impact survey.

The final Business After Hours of 2012 was held at Centini Restaurant & Lounge last week, with nearly 40 people showing up for an intimate networking event to kick off the holiday season.  A warm thank you to Centini Restaurant (a member of the Calgary Chamber since 2006) for hosting an evening that everyone is raving about.

• “I made some great connections” – Tanya MacIntosh, manager, John Fluevog Shoes
• “The exchange of business cards, ideas, and giggles is a welcome change from the daily grind” – Daniel Lozinik, CEO, RMO Group Inc.
• “Great social gathering” – Brandon Lau, director of sales, Print Calgary

The next Business After Hours will be on January 24, 2013 at DIRTT Environmental Solutions. Get your tickets online today or call Jennifer at 403 750 0432.

Last week, the Calgary Chamber held its first annual advocacy day at the Alberta legislature.

Throughout the day, Ben Brunnen, chief economist with the Calgary Chamber, and two members from our policy and government affairs met with 15 provincial ministers and government officials to discuss the concerns of Calgary’s business community. These discussions will help to ensure that both policy makers and government officials are aware of the issues that businesses in the city have identified as being of significant importance.

Learn more about how the Chamber represented the interests of business.