Invest Medicine Hat, City win Minister’s Award for Municipal Excellence

Medicine Hat – Invest Medicine Hat (IMH) and the City of Medicine Hat have been awarded the Innovative Approach to Economic Supports initiative to the Building Economic Strength category of the Minister’s Awards for Municipal Excellence. 

Commended on their efforts to support the local business community, the ‘City of Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant’ and the ‘Shop YXH Marketplace’ platform were highlighted as innovative initiatives which help to build strong, prosperous, and resilient communities. 

“In such turbulent economic times, this award is a great honor and reflection of the work that Invest Medicine Hat continues to deliver on behalf of the community,” says Jason Melhoff, Managing Director, Invest Medicine Hat. “Innovation and collaboration are instrumental as we find ways to support our local businesses, look to attract new industry, increase job opportunities for our residents, and advance our region through this pandemic.” 

The Minister’s Awards Review Committee reviewed 64 submissions across five categories in 2021 and the City of Medicine Hat was selected as the winner of this prestigious award. 

About the City of Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant 

To support local residents and businesses in coping with and recovering from the economic impacts of the pandemic, City Council approved an $8.2 million COVID-19 assistance package, of which, $2 million was to be reinvested into local businesses. Coined as the City of Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant (MHBIG), more than 150 applicants were awarded funds to purchase PPE and other safety equipment to ensure safe operations under COVID guidelines, as well as to create new revenue streams in order to remain open for business. Based on preliminary analysis, the vast majority of MHBIG funds were allocated to local contractors, creating significant support for local businesses and jobs during a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty. 

About the Shop YXH Marketplace

Shop YXH is a local Medicine Hat, Brooks, and Southeast Alberta marketplace that features creative products and services brought to you by local friends, neighbours, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike. Shop YXH makes it easy for consumers to find, discover and buy local while empowering local businesses by creating a competitive advantage online. To date, the site features over 150 local businesses, 9,000 products in the YXH region and has seen over 40,000 unique visitors. Shop YXH can be found online at ShopYXH.ca, Facebook and Instagram. A partnership between the Apex Alberta, Community Futures Entre-Corp, Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce, and Invest Medicine Hat. 

“Medicine Hat has a long history of success in business and the team at IMH remains committed to overcoming hurdles for investment and evolving relationships that benefit the community and region,” says Melhoff. 

For more information on the Minister’s Award of Municipal Excellence, visit https://www.alberta.ca. 

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