Photo: Shane Clausing

By Abby Zieverink

Grande prairie Chamber of Commerce

Grande Prairie Chamber highlights local businesses resiliency moving into 2022

Jan 8, 2022 | 5:00 AM

The Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce say it is very impressed with how fellow chamber members have re-invented their business models during the pandemic.

Board Chair Tertius Genis says the resiliency and the entrepreneurial strength of the business community will push them forward in 2022.

“I also watched over the last two years with all our members reinventing their business models and they have created new initiatives from which to operate in the future and I think this is the strength of our business community that continues to be resilient, and the entrepreneurial strength and innovation will push them forward,” he explained.

With the COVID-19 Omicron variant adding challenges for residents and business owners alike, along with the recent round of provincial health restrictions put in place right before Christmas, Genus says the spirit of collaboration across the region has helped continue to tackle any challenges as a community.

“The fact that our community has done an incredible job stepping up to support local businesses. the timing is right, that we will continue to invest, we will continue to explore and we will continue to spend locally.”

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

With that, Genus explains the Chamber is hoping to address labour issues, which he believes is a key issue among all sectors.

“With labour shortages and businesses in the constant phase of planning, I think they really have to address this issue,” he said. “I think with our Northwestern Polytechnic Institution they will also work closely together and make sure they have the proper labour force for our future economy here.”

He adds in regard to the labour issues, the Chamber is hoping to finalize the Regional Workforce Development Strategic Action Plan, a plan which is in partnership with the City and County of Grande Prairie, MD of Greenview, Northwestern Polytechnic as well as the Alberta Government.

“Which is kind of a continuation of findings of our regional labour market needs assessment, and part of this action plan will address demands and training skill gaps and workforce development over the next few years,” Genus added.

Genus tells EverythingGP, continuing to diversify the local economy will also be a key point for the chamber this year.

“Our energy sector, specifically Alberta’s energy sector is continuously evolving and has the potential to develop and commercialize technologies as we know in hydrogen, the renewable electricity and geothermal,” he explained.

“That is also clearly visible with projects under development at this stage such as the Turpin Geothermics projects and petrochemical projects such as the Greenview Industrial Gateway with Northern Petrochemical as well as Nauticol Energy.”

Looking into 2022, the Chamber is hoping to strengthen their relationships with newly elected officials. Genus adds the board will continue to be a strong voice for members and businesses in 2022.