Thursday April 11, 2013
11:30 am – 1:15 pm
Marriott Hotel
110 9th Avenue SE

Battles are not won by generals who fight “by the book,” and success in the business world depends on the ability to identify and implement new strategies. That means today’s leaders need to know how to persuade people to do unfamiliar things and do so quickly.

Through his focus on such great military strategists and business leaders as Alexander the Great and the brains behind Google, Eric Beaudan, author of the renowned book Creative Execution, offers an in-depth look at the audacious acts that led to stunning victories – whether they’re on the battlefield or in the world of commerce.

Join us as Beaudan unveils the secret sauce behind successful leaders.

The province brought down its budget on March 7, 2013. This was one of the most anticipated budgets in years – with anywhere from $2 billion to $6 billion in shortfalls predicted, the spectre of a “bitumen bubble” being a lively topic of conversation and the first operating deficit in 20 years.

The budget did not disappoint. It had a little bit of everything in it and implemented several Calgary Chamber recommendations, including a new legislated approach to fiscal management and improved criteria for saving when resource revenues return.

Learn more about the Chamber suggestions that have been adopt in the 2013 provincial budget.

Wednesday March 20, 2013
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Jones New York, Willow Park Village
10816 McLeod Trail South East, Suite 488

Business After Hours is one of the best networking opportunities in the city. These events create the perfect opportunity for you to discover new businesses and potential clients while networking with other people in Calgary’s business community.

Join us at clothing boutique Jones New York in Willow Park Village for a fashion presentation for men and women by retail style expert Farrah Fagen. This presentation is not just for the ladies, but will also include tips about business attire for men. Plus, enjoy an exclusive shopping night with special offers – just for you!

Enjoy free appetizers and a complimentary drink with the purchase of your ticket.

Business After Hours is a casual evening networking event co-hosted by the Calgary Chamber with interested members – to members. Depending on what the host is comfortable with, we welcome anywhere from 40 to 200 Chamber members to these events. If you’re a Chamber member you can be a venue host for a Business After Hours.

It is an excellent way to establish bonds and promote your business to Chamber members. Of course, you are welcome to recruit your own sponsors and partners for the event and invite your personal VIP guests. Your reception will be promoted on our website and through our e-blasts (which are sent to our members that have opted to receive them).

Learn more about hosting a Business After Hours.

The Calgary Chamber is proud to announce a new partnership with The Business Link which gives Chamber members a 20 per cent discount on dozens of learning workshops that can be used to grow and build their business.

These sessions are ideal for start-ups and small businesses looking for insights on every stage of developing a business.

Learning Sessions Schedule – March

• Help Wanted! Hiring the Right People - March 13
• Negotiating Commercial Leases and Renewals for Dummies - March 14
• How to Structure your Business to Maximize Your Tax Effectiveness - March 19
• Supercharge your Facebook Marketing - March 21
• How to Tailor your Business to Market Trends - March 27
• Creating Engaging Online Content - March 28
• QR Code Secrets - March 28

Download the registration guide with necessary promo code to get your discount.

In June, PROFIT will release its inaugural ranking of Calgary’s Fastest-Growing Companies, to be featured in a special Calgary issue of the magazine. It’s all part of the 25th annual PROFIT 500 ranking, which celebrates Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies.

Businesses that make either of these prestigious lists will receive local and national media exposure that has been known to attract new customers, employees and business partners – and lead to higher sales. They also receive a pass to the invitation-only to the PROFIT 500 CEO Summit, the exclusive conference of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies. Calgary alumni of the PROFIT 500 include such homegrown standouts as the Original Joe’s restaurant franchise, DECO Windshield Repair and, yes, WestJet.

If you know a business that has grown by 50 per cent or more over the past five years, they could be a contender – encourage them to apply before March 31.

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Our 167,000 people are united by our shared values, which inspire our people worldwide and guide them to do the right thing, and our commitment to quality, which is embedded in who we are and everything we do.

Ernst & Young is committed to doing its part in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

Learn more at EY.com

Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart. Competition is fierce and small to mid-sized businesses often find themselves competing with larger companies when it comes to attracting and retaining employees. Finding the right benefits to offer your employees is key if you want to hold on to your staff and stay competitive.

If you’re a Chamber member with three or more employees you can take advantage of the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, which lets you choose the coverage you want – from life and disability to health and dental – all at a price you can afford.

Find the perfect plan for you business.

US consulate introduces E-visa processing for Alberta businesses
A new E-visa process makes it easier for executives, supervisors and skilled employees in Alberta to travel to the U.S. for trade and investment activities.

Doctors say “huge challenges” ahead in settling long-standing contract dispute
The head of the Alberta Medical Association warns there are challenges ahead in resolving a contract dispute with the Redford government.

Oilsands crude a greener alternative
The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association believes the Conservative government’s heavy US lobbying is likely tilting the Obama administration in Keystone XL’s favour.

It’s time to rethink our attitudes toward charitable fundraising
The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations will be holding a conference April 29 to 30 at Mount Royal University that looks at issues impacting the not-for-profit sector.

Pipeline Association says new report shows diluted bitumen not corrosive
A new report by Penspen Integrity, a division of the U.K.-based Penspen Limited, reveals diluted bitumen is not more corrosive than conventional crude.

Fast-rising American rock act to headline the first night of the Calgary Folk Music Festival
One of the headliners for this year’s Calgary Folk Music Festival has been "leaked" – Alabama Shakes will take the stage this summer.

Wednesday March 13, 2013
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
DeVry Institute of Technology – Room 201
2700 3rd Avenue SE

For networking to be effective, you need to meet the right type of people who will grow and connect your business.

That’s where Connect for Lunch comes in. The format for this event is simple and efficient. During the first 30 minutes you get to meet new people in a speed networking format. In the second 30 minutes you get to sit down for lunch with those people you are interested in getting to know better.

This – quite simply – is focused business networking at its best!

Only 30 spots are available. Hurry and book today.