Chamber Voices

Chamber Voices is back! For episode 13, we spoke to Luca Jungen, Program Manager with the Energy Savings for Business (ESB) grant program now being offered through Emissions Reduction Alberta. Part 1: Jungen details the ESB program, its purpose, and how Fort McMurray businesses can access some of the $55 million in funding that has been made available to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve their bottom line. Part 2: Jungen provides some examples of Alberta businesses that have successfully implemented the program, including right here in our community! eralberta.ca/energy-savings-for-business/ Twitter: @ERAlberta_

On this episode of Chamber Voices, we have the pleasure to connect with Alethea Austin, CEO and Co-Founder of Achieve Wellness Spa, a business on the cusp of major growth! Part 1: We begin by hearing Alethea’s story. How the question of what her and her husband wanted to do with the rest of their lives turned into the launch of a successful business. We also learn what drives Alethea to grow Achieve Wellness into one of the premier spa experiences in Canada. Part 2: With the launch of a new Calgary location in 2021 and plans for expansion into three more territories within the next year, Alethea is quickly becoming an authority on the science of business franchising. We discuss first steps for other entrepreneurs ready to take that next big step, and talk about what it takes to become an Achieve Wellness Spa franchisee.

For episode 11 of Chamber Voices, we’re taking a trip downtown to speak to Mya Khan, Principal Dreamer and head visionary behind Project Clothing. Mya is a savvy business leader with more than two decades of experience in the luxury clothing industry. She arrived to Fort McMurray in 2015 with one goal; to provide the same high-end clothing items found in the big city, with a personal touch. Part 1: Mya discusses her background, the launch of Project Clothing on April 13th 2015, and it’s closure and restart eight months later as a result of the wildfire. We discuss what truly sets Fort McMurray apart from other larger centers and explain why—despite relaxed COVID-19 restrictions—we all need to continue showing kindness to each other. Part 2: Mya shares her e-commerce philosophy, and why high-level customer service is a cornerstone of the Project Clothing buying experience. We cap our conversation off with an incredible story of how one small act of kindness here grew into a massive outpouring of support for a school library in Calgary. Find Project Clothing Downtown: 107 - 108 Riverstone Ridge facebook.com/Welcome2Project twitter.com/welcome2project instagram.com/welcome2project

Welcome to episode ten (yes, TEN) of Chamber Voices! This time, we’re headed to Earls Kitchen + Bar to speak to Operations Partner and Manager Stu Wigle. Since arriving to Fort McMurray over a decade and a half ago, Stu has applied his strong work ethic, and unique leadership philosophy to transform Earls from worst to first! Part 1: Stu talks about arriving to Fort McMurray with a “three-year plan”, and what it is that keep him, his wife, and their four sons here. He also discusses why allowing your team the freedom and ability to lead is one of the most important things you can do as a business owner. Part 2: We discuss Earls’ social media marketing strategy, why it’s important to recognize the people behind your business, and why community service should carry as much weight as revenue to a business owner.

Episode 9 of Chamber Voices features a person who literally helped build Fort McMurray into the community it is today! Gene Dobie came to Fort McMurray in 1976 with the same “five-year plan” that many of us had when we arrived. Nearly five decades on, the President and General Manager of Genron Enterprises has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience about what it takes to be a successful operator. Part 1: We talk about what kept Gene and his family here in Fort McMurray all these years, and what still motivates him to go into work each day. We also hear about some of Gene’s passions and learn why a worldly perspective is so valuable for any leader. Part 2: Gene shares some of the biggest challenges in doing business today and discusses collaborative business solutions. Finally, Gene explains why being based in Northern Alberta gives Genron a competitive advantage. www.genron.ca

Episode 8 of Chamber Voices features someone who is ALL about helping local business find success through social media! You may know Melanie Galea as a Sales Associate with RE/MAX Fort McMurray, you may not know her are the architect behind Discover Fort McMurray, as well as several other YMM-centered social media resources. Part 1: Melanie shares a bit of her personal background with us and explains how Discover Fort McMurray came to be. Timing is everything! Part 2: We do a little name dropping as Melanie shares some of our local social media success stories. We also discuss some of the keys to business longevity in a post-COVID world, and where businesses can start. www.soldbymelanie.ca www.discoverfortmcmurray.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieGaleaFortMcMurrayRealtor https://www.facebook.com/discoverfortmcmurray https://www.facebook.com/groups/DiscoverFortMcMurrayBusinessSupport https://www.facebook.com/groups/ishopymm4bizowners/?multi_permalinks=2839397412977757 Instagram: www.instagram.com/melaniegalearemax www.instagram.com/discoverfortmcmurray Twitter: www.twitter.com/melaniegrealtor www.twitter.com/discoverfortmac

Episode 7 of Chamber Voices is something special. Today we’re speaking to Nicole Bouchier, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner of Bouchier, a company that has been a fixture within Fort McMurray since its founding in 2004. Part 1: We begin by getting the full story of Bouchier, from its humble beginnings—including some tough lessons learned early on—to the organization it has become. Nichol also shares about her passions, both personally, and in leadership. Part 2: Nicole speaks to how Bouchier has dealt with the challenges faced by our region in recent years, discusses her leadership style, and shares some hard-earned advice for other business leaders. Website: www.bouchier.ca Facebook: @BouchierGroup

For episode 6 of Chamber Voices, we speak to Jason Desaulniers, Certified Financial Planner, and the exclusive Chamber Plan Group Benefits Advisor for the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce. Part 1: We learn more about Jason, his resume, and his long background helping Chamber members navigate their Chamber Plan Group Benefits. Part 2: We discuss the realities of building one-on-one relationships with his clients in the time of COVID. Jason also clears up some current misconceptions about Employee Benefits. Email: [email protected] Website: www.excaliburplanning.com, www.bpgs.ca www.linkedin.com/in/ExcaliburPlanning www.facebook.com/ExcaliburPlanning www.twitter.com/excaliburplan

For episode 5 of Chamber Voices, we take a trip downtown to speak to Jessica Dubeck, Co-owner, and visionary mind behind Mindful Elevation Float Space. Part 1: Jessica shares her story, her inspiration for launching Mindful Elevation, and extols the virtues and benefits of going for a float. Part 2: Jessica takes us through the events of the past year and shared some sage advice for overcoming obstacles as a business owner, including the value of having a strong support network. Website: www.mindfulelevation.ca Facebook: @mindfulelevationfloatspace Instagram: @mindfulelevationfloatspace

We head to Eagle Ridge for episode 4 of Chamber Voices to speak to Mike Lambert, Owner and Operator of East Village Pub and Eatery. Part 1: Mike shares his story of professional development from a twelve-year-old learning the ropes of the restaurant business to running his own place. We also discuss the growing reliance on technology in the present day, and why successful business owners need to adapt with the times. Part 2: Mike talks about the importance of caring about people, both his customers, and the staff at East Village. He also reflects on the past couple years to share some advice for new business owners trying to make it work in 2021. Website: www.eastvillagepub.com Facebook: @EastVillagePub Instagram: @eastvillagepubandeatery

For Episode 3 of Chamber Voices, we’re speaking to Melanie Ference, owner of Chocolates & Candlelight. Part 1: Every small business superhero has an origin story. We begin our conversation learning about the humble origins of Chocolates and Candlelight as a home-based business more than 2 decades ago. Part 2: Melanie shares her strategies for growth, even during adversity, and explains why the “personal touch” is still so important in all aspects of her business. Here’s where to find Chocolates and Candlelight: Website: www.chocolatesandcandlelight.com Facebook: @chocolatesandcandlelight Twitter: @Chocolatey73 Instagram: @chocolatesandcandlelight

For Episode 2 of Chamber Voices, we speak with Colin Hartigan, Broker and Owner of Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray. Part 1: We begin this episode by getting to know Colin’s story. What brought him to Fort McMurray, what kept him here, and what gets him up in the morning. Part2: We discuss the challenges and successes our region has experienced in recent years. Colin shares his insight about or community as a realtor and business owner including e-commerce and municipal red tape. Here’s where to find Colin: Website: colinhartigan.com Facebook: @CBFortMcMurray Twitter: @cbfortmcmurray

The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring you the first episode of a brand-new Podcast series! Chamber Voices is a show focused on sharing the stories of the people that drive local business in Fort McMurray. Rob Rice, Owner of Fort McMurray Home Hardware Building Center has enough stories from the past year to write a book! Part 1: We begin the first half of our first episode reflecting on the year that was, discuss what is at the core of Rob’s business, and how E-Commerce is changing the game for local brick-and-mortar retail. Part 2: During the second half of our conversation, Rob tells us what running a longstanding local family business means to him, what make him optimistic for the year ahead, and shares some amazing advice for new businesses in our community.

The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring you the first episode of a brand-new Podcast series! Chamber Voices is a show focused on sharing the stories of the people that drive local business in Fort McMurray. Rob Rice, Owner of Fort McMurray Home Hardware Building Center has enough stories from the past year to write a book! Rob will be our very first guest for Chamber Voices, which premiers Monday, February 15th!