Chamber News & Updates
ADP CANADA HAPPINESS@WORK INDEX INDICATES CANADIAN WORKERS FELT HAPPIER IN MAY
May 31, 2023
The ADP Canada monthly Happiness@Work Index for May 2023 reveals Gen Zs are bouncing back from their lowest score to date in April. Those located in Alberta, on the contrary, are showing the steepest month-over-month decrease in their Work Happiness Scores.
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ROYAL REGINA RIFLES PUT PLANS IN MOTION TO COMMEMORATE THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
May 24, 2023
The Royal Regina Rifles have initiated Operation Calvados, a detailed schedule of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2024. The Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest air and seaborne invasion of the Second World War, on June 6, 1944, in a bid to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation and create a path for the defeat of the Axis Powers.
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CHAMBER CEO TONY PLAYTER DISCUSSES BUSINESS ISSUES ON CTV MORNING LIVE
May 18, 2023
Tony Playter, the CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, was a guest on CTV Morning Live on Thursday, talking with senior anchor Darrell Romuld.
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DECLINING INFLATION RATE MAY BE HAMPERED BY HIGH WAGE GROWTH
May 12, 2023
High wage growth could be bad news when it comes to lowering the inflation rate. Wages for Canadians are now growing faster than inflation but economists are concerned the wage growth might hamper further reduction of the inflation rate.
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THE CANADA DIGITAL ADOPTION PROGRAM OFF TO A SLOW START
May 3, 2023
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) was created by the federal government to help small businesses upgrade their digital technology. However, in its first year the $4-billion program spent just three per cent of its budget on grants and loans.
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GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN CANCELS SASKENERGY RATE INCREASE APPLICATION
April 27, 2023
The Government of Saskatchewan announced today that it has cancelled the SaskEnergy rate increase application.
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RIDERS HAVE A PLAN TO MEET THEIR BUSINESS CHALLENGES
April 21, 2023
Craig Reynolds, President and CEO of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, shared information and insight on Thursday as the keynote speaker at the latest event in the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce’s Luncheon Series.
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CHAMBER CEO TONY PLAYTER STOPS BY CTV MORNING LIVE
April 14, 2023
Tony Playter, the CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, was a guest on CTV Morning Live on Friday, talking with senior anchor Darrell Romuld.
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AND THE PARAGON AWARD GOES TO . . .
April 6, 2023
Thursday evening marked the 24th Annual Paragon Awards which are presented by the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce to recognize and celebrate Regina’s most outstanding businesses.
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DETAILS AND ANALYSIS OF THE 2023 FEDERAL BUDGET
March 29, 2023
The Government of Canada released its budget for 2023 yesterday, six days after the Government of Saskatchewan released its 2023-24 budget. The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, provided a foreward was released with the budget details.
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MINISTER BOISSONNAULT ANNOUNCES INVESTMENTS FOR TOURISM IN SASKATCHEWAN
March 16, 2023
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, today announced a federal investment of $5,814,879 for 14 Saskatchewan tourism operators.
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LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD: REGINA NEEDS A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN
March 16, 2023
As a business leader in our community, you have the opportunity to make a difference and play a part in shaping and revitalizing Regina’s downtown. A multi-purpose entertainment complex located in Regina’s downtown would be a catalyst for economic growth and generate profound and lasting future benefits for our community.
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COMMISSIONAIRES CELEBRATE 75 OF EMPLOYING VETERANS & SERVING SASKATCHEWAN
March 10, 2023
On March 2, 2023, the South Saskatchewan Division of Commissionaires received a certificate commemorating 75 years of service to Saskatchewan from Regina & District Chamber of Commerce CEO Tony Playter. Commissionaires were founded in 1925 by veterans of the First World War to provide meaningful employment to those returning from the war effort. In 1948, Saskatchewan veterans of the Second World War founded a new division in our province.
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FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 PARAGON AWARDS
March 3, 2023
Finalists for the 2023 Paragon Awards have been announced.
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CATALYST COMMITTEE REPORT TO BE PRESENTED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
March 1, 2023
Regina’s Catalyst Committee is hoping its final report, which is to be presented to Executive Committee today, will prompt private investment for the proposed projects.
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KINSMEN FOUNDATION PLEDGES $1 MILLION PLUS FOR NEW HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT
February 23, 2023
The Kinsmen Foundation – Saskatchewan’s Charity – today announced a pledge of $1 million dollars plus to invest in new health care equipment for the people of Saskatchewan. This pledge is possible due to the record-breaking total of more than $8 million raised at TeleMiracle 46 in 2022.
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TONY PLAYTER DISCUSSES BUSINESS ISSUES ON CTV MORNING LIVE
February 23, 2023
Tony Playter, the CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, stopped by CTV Morning Live on Wednesday to chat with senior anchor Darrell Romuld.
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PROJECTED RECESSION MAY NOT BE AS SEVERE AS PREVIOUS DECLINES
February 17, 2023
In an appearance before the House of Commons finance committee, Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem indicated the forecasted recession for Canada is not expected to be as harsh as those experienced over the past few decades.
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CITY COUNCIL APPROVES INDIGENOUS PROCUREMENT POLICY
February 9, 2023
Regina city council approved an Indigenous procurement policy at Thursday’s council meeting. Passed unanimously, the policy has set a goal of 20 per cent of procurement contracts being awarded to Indigenous-owned businesses.
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CITY BUILDING SPEAKER SERIES OPENER FOCUSES ON CITY REVITALIZATION
January 30, 2023
The Regina Downtown Business Improvement District, in partnership with the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce and Regina Warehouse District, presented the first event in its City Building Speaker Series on Fri., Jan. 27.
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REGINA CHAMBER & FHQ DEVELOPMENTS LTD. SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
January 25, 2023
The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce (RDCC) and FHQ Developments Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today at the Queensbury Convention Centre. The signing was held during the FHQ Developments’ Business Development Day — “A World of Opportunity.”
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JASON DITTMANN INAUGURATED AS 137TH CHAIR OF THE CHAMBER
January 25, 2023
Jason Dittmann of MicroAge Regina was inaugurated as the 137th Chair of the Regina & District Board of Directors on Fri., Jan. 20.
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FHQ DEVELOPMENTS AND REGINA CHAMBER TO SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
January 24, 2023
FHQ Developments Ltd. and Regina & District Chamber of Commerce (RDCC) will be holding a press conference on Wednesday, January 25 at 12 p.m. at the Queensbury Convention Centre during the FHQ Developments’ Business Development Day “A World of Opportunity”.
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REGINA CHAMBER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGINA ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP, NEW EVENT SERIES
January 19, 2023
With Regina’s economy reaching a vital juncture, two of the region’s preeminent agencies are joining forces to ensure businesses, investors and workers have the information they need to grow their world in Regina.
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TONY PLAYTER DISCUSSES BUSINESS ISSUES ON CTV MORNING LIVE
January 11, 2023
Tony Playter, the CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, stopped by CTV Morning Live today to chat with senior anchor Darrell Romuld.
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CANADIAN TAXPAYERS FEDERATION REPORTS ON 2023 TAX CHANGES
January 9, 2023
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation recently released its annual New Year’s Tax Changes report which highlights the major tax changes in 2023.
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STATISTICS CANADA SURVEY INDICATES EMPLOYMENT GROWTH IN DECEMBER 2022
January 6, 2023
Statistics Canada released the results of its Labour Force Survey for December 2022 today and the numbers indicate that employment rose by 0.5% while unemployment declined 0.1 percentage points.
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BMO BELIEVES INFLATION, RATE HIKES & FALLING HOME PRICES TO CONTINUE IN 2023
January 4, 2023
Bank of Montreal economists believe Canada is likely facing another year of inflated inflation with at least one more interest rate hike.
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REGINA BUSINESSES OPEN FOR LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING
December 23, 2022
As Christmas Day quickly approaches, retail outlets in Regina have been busy with shoppers looking for last-minute gifts. Despite the challenges caused by Canada’s high inflation rate, Regina residents are supporting local businesses.
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A HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM CEO TONY PLAYTER
December 22, 2022
The magic of the holiday season provides us with additional quality time to connect with family and special friends. While the last few years have changed some of our holiday traditions, it has also created an increased appreciation for what is truly important in our lives.
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EMPLOYERS CAN BOOST WORKPLACE WELL-BEING WITH THE RIGHT PLAN
December 21, 2022
Businesses are finding that employees are dealing with social anxiety which impacts their work performance. There are ways for employers to boost the well-being of their employees but they must be careful when implementing new strategies for mental and physical well-being.
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SURVEY INDICATES MANY CANADIANS LOOKING TO CHANGE JOBS IN 2023
December 15, 2022
A recent survey by Robert Half, a business consulting firm, indicates many Canadians are looking to change their job in 2023.
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WHY WORKPLACE DIVERSITY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS
December 14, 2022
By having a diverse workforce, businesses can improve its recruitment, international sales and boost profits.
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BOC INCREASES POLICY INTEREST RATE BY 50 BASIS POINTS, CONTINUES QUANTITATIVE TIGHTENING
December 7, 2022
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4¼%, with the Bank Rate at 4½% and the deposit rate at 4¼%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
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INFLATION IS HAVING A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON HOLIDAY SPENDING
December 5, 2022
Given the detrimental effects of inflation, the holiday season isn’t quite as jolly this year. The Angus Reid Institute, a national not-for-profit public opinion research organization, released a report this morning indicating that inflation is not only curbing Christmas spending but also harming charitable donations.
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ECONOMISTS OPTIMISTIC INFLATION WILL SLOW DOWN IN COMING MONTHS
November 25, 2022
With one final policy rate to come this year, economists believe that Canada’s inflation rate with begin to decline in the coming months. The Bank of Canada has delivered six consecutive rate hikes this year, all done with the goal of bringing inflation under control. It’s expect the Bank of Canada will deliver its final policy rate on Dec. 7.
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GET READY FOR THE 2022 GREY CUP FESTIVAL
November 9, 2022
While we don’t know who will be playing in the Grey Cup game on Sunday, November 20 at Mosaic Stadium, we do know what will be going on in Regina during the Grey Cup Festival.
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PROCUREMENT PROCESS DIRECTION DELIVERED AT INFORMATION MEETING
November 8, 2022
SaskPower and the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement (SBP) recently held an informational meeting regarding the procurement process for businesses.
Hosted by the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, the event was conducted by John Lax, Director of Industry and Stakeholder Relations for SBP, and Rhea Brown, Director of Procurement and Contract Management for SaskPower.
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NEW OHS AMENDMENTS TO HELP MEET THE NEEDS OF MODERN WORKPLACES
November 3, 2022
On November 3, 2022, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced Bill 91 The Saskatchewan Employment (Part III) Amendment Act, 2022. The amendments come after engaging stakeholders in a review of the occupational health and safety provisions of the Act.
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BUSINESS GROUPS WANT GOVERNMENT ACTION ON CREDIT-CARD SWIPE FEES
November 2, 2022
A number of business groups are calling for government action on credit-card swipe fees which has become a hot button issue across Canada.
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2022 SPEECH FROM THE THRONE
October 26, 2022
A new session of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly opened today (October 26) with the Speech from the Throne, delivered by Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty. Premier Scott Moe said Saskatchewan is currently enjoying record new investment and is leading the country in economic growth, while the province’s population is on track to reach 1.2 million people this year.
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BANK OF CANADA INCREASES POLICY INTEREST RATE BY 50 BASIS POINTS
October 26, 2022
The Bank of Canada increased its target for the overnight rate to 3¾ per cent today (Oct. 26) , with the Bank Rate at 4 per cent and the deposit rate at 3¾ per cent. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
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2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS — EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
October 17, 2022
The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce is currently inviting expressions of interest for volunteers to join our 2023 Board of Directors.
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CCEC HONOURS JOHN HOPKINS WITH COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
October 13, 2022
John Hopkins, the long-time CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, was honoured with the CCEC Council Award of Excellence on Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada annual meeting in Ottawa.
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CANADIAN BUSINESSES CHALLENGED BY WORKFORCE “SKILLS GAP”
October 12, 2022
The Conference Board of Canada is reporting that Canada’s labour force is facing a large skills gap that was widened during the pandemic. CTV News delved into the report which indicated Canada is in a critical time that requires an investment to create a more skilled work force to remain competitively globally.
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LEARN HOW CPP INVESTMENTS IS INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE
October 6, 2022
CPP Investments is the organization responsible for investing CPP contributions not immediately needed to pay benefits. The meeting will be an opportunity for people to hear directly about how the CPP Fund is doing.
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AN INTRODUCTION TO WORKING WITH SASKATCHEWAN’S PUBLIC SECTOR
October 5, 2022
SaskPower and the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement will present on the ins and outs of doing business with Government of Saskatchewan ministries and Crown corporations on Tuesday, October 11.
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CARBON RX PARTNERING WITH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN CARBON CAPTURE PROGRAM
October 4, 2022
Regina’s Carbon RX is looking to partner with Indigenous communities to naturally sequester carbon, providing economic and environmental benefits.
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EDDIE LEMOINE TO SERVE AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT SHOWCASE
September 29, 2022
The All-Nations Career & Business Showcase, which will be held on Thursday, October 20, will feature keynote speaker Eddie Lemoine. The best-selling author will share his expertise and experience with attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. His audiences represent 83 countries and his speeches have been translated into five languages.
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SASKATCHEWAN TOURISM SECTOR STILL GRAPPLING WITH STAFF SHORTAGES
September 27, 2022
While many industries in Saskatchewan have regained their market place after dealing with the challenges of the pandemic, tourism-linked business are still feeling the impact. Employers are finding it difficult staff their businesses and are still in a self-described “survival mode.”
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DONATION DRIVE IN REGINA FOR JAMES SMITH CREE NATION
September 14, 2022
The Leadership of James Smith Cree Nation, including Chiefs and Council, have tasked Warriors of Hope with organizing a donation drive in Regina to assist with the difficult times that it is facing. We ask for your support, in any capacity, may we all come together as one.
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JOHN HOPKINS HAS LASTING LEGACY AT REGINA SOUNDSTAGE
August 25, 2022
“John would be honoured and extremely humbled to know that the Regina soundstage is being renamed in his memory.”
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CHAMBER WELCOMES PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT’S FOUR-POINT AFFORDABILITY PLAN
August 25, 2022
Earlier this week the Government of Saskatchewan’s released its four-point affordability plan which provides continued tax relief for small business while reducing the operating debt by $1 billion. The four-point affordability plan will also help residents and businesses address inflation and the rising cost of living.
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CYBERSECURITY THE FOCUS OF LUNCHEON SERIES EVENT
August 3, 2022
The Chamber’s 2022 Luncheon Series continues on Thursday, September 29 with “Is Your Business Ready?”
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WILKINSON ADDRESSES WORLD, NATIONAL & PROVINCIAL ISSUES
July 13, 2022
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, was in Regina on Tuesday and among his stops was an appearance at an event co-sponsored by the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.
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TONY PLAYTER NAMED CHAMBER CEO
July 5, 2022
The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Tony Playter as its new CEO. Playter is a proven leader in the community who has the vision, knowledge, and ability to lead the Chamber forward.
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JOHN HOPKINS TO RECEIVE 2022 SASKATCHEWAN ORDER OF MERIT
June 28, 2022
Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty announced the eight newest recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the province’s highest honour. The list includes John Hopkins, the former CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.
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JAMES BOGUSZ IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE AIRPORT’S FUTURE
June 24, 2022
The latest edition of the Chamber’s Luncheon Series took place on Thursday with James Bogusz, President and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, providing an interesting and informative presentation on the challenges presented by the pandemic and how the organization is moving forward. During his 35-minute presentation, which was followed by a Q&A session, Bogusz touched on a wide array of subjects.
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PROJECT RESILIENCE CONTINUING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
June 23, 2022
Project Resilience is an initiative created by the University of Regina to support students affected by war or other forms of political violence in their home countries so they may continue their studies here. On June 1, the Chamber was proud to join forces with the U of R for a Project Resilience fundraiser which featured a virtual chat with former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney.
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A GREAT DAY NETWORKING ON THE GREEN
June 22, 2022
The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce held its annual golf tournament — Networking On The Green — on Mon., June 20 at the Wascana Country Club and it was a roaring success.
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LEARNING TO LIVE WITH THE RISING COST OF INFLATION
June 22, 2022
Canada’s inflation rate hit 7.7% in May — its highest point since 1983 — as prices continue to rise from the grocery store to the gas station. But what, exactly, is inflation and how long will it remain at record highs? A breakdown of everything you need to know.
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RESILIENCE PROJECT EVENT WAS AN INSPIRING SUCCESS
June 1, 2022
On Wednesday evening (June 1) the University of Regina and the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce hosted a fundraising event for the Resilience Project.
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RPS CHIEF EVAN BRAY SPEAKS TO POLICING ISSUES & STRATEGIES
May 17, 2022
Evan Bray, chief of the Regina Police Service, took part Tuesday in the Chamber’s Luncheon Series and provided an interesting look at policing issues and strategies in the Queen City.
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AND THE PARAGON AWARD GOES TO . . .
April 12, 2022
The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce Paragon Awards were presented Friday evening. Sponsored by Nutrien and now in its 23rd year, the prestigious award show honours and celebrates Regina’s most outstanding businesses.
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CONEXUS ARTS CENTRE ADAPTING TO THE CHANGING BUSINESS WORLD
April 9, 2022
For most businesses in the food or entertainment industry, the pandemic has changed the landscape of how they do business. The Conexus Arts Centre, which offers catering, convention and entertainment services at its facility, has experienced this first-hand.
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2022 PARAGON AWARD FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
April 9, 2022
The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2022 Paragon Award finalists. The Paragon Awards honour and celebrate the most outstanding businesses in Regina and the surrounding area.
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REGINA CHAMBER WELCOMING UKRAINIANS
April 9, 2022
As the inhumane crisis in the Ukraine continues, the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to work with all levels of government to ensure the safety of those fleeing from these brutal attacks.
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“BACK ON TRACK” BUDGET TO ASSIST BUSINESS GROWTH
April 9, 2022
Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade & Export Development, spent some time Wednesday afternoon with business groups identifying key economic points of the 2022-23 Provincial Budget.
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JOHN HOPKINS HONOURED BY THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
April 9, 2022
In the 2022-23 budget announcement on Tuesday, Finance Minister Donna Harpauer honoured John Hopkins, the longtime CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.
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A SUCCESSFUL WORLD JUNIORS BID HAS BENEFITS FOR REGINA & AREA
April 9, 2022
Last week the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce expressed its full support of the City of Regina in its joint bid to host the 2023 World Junior Championship.
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PANDEMIC AND INFLATION RATE CAUSING ISSUES FOR BUSINESSES
January 26, 2022
The combination of a low Bank of Canada interest rate and a high inflation rate is making things challenging for business owners throughout the country.
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