An Update On BC Fires: 

A Message From EDA CEO, Leann Hackman-Carty

No doubt, many of you are following the wildfire situation that is currently impacting British Columbia. While it appears at this time the situation is going to unfold differently than what we experienced in Fort McMurray, there will be a need for specific business and economic recovery efforts.

Last week, I had a chance to speak with our friends at the Canadian Red Cross. I was pleased to hear that once again, they are working hard to develop and implement a targeted response. As you know, they were a significant partner of ours in the Fort McMurray region, and am confident they will be able to respond in a timely, effective manner once again.

I also spoke with my counterpart Dale Wheeldon, with the British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA). He too is currently developing his organization’s response and garnering internal resources. We have provided him with copies of our Wood Buffalo Recovery Hotline Report, and Economic Opportunity Assessment that has over 50 business and economic recommendations for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Both of these documents should be great resources as they develop their response.

In addition, I advised him that I would be pleased to send information to our membership if they felt economic recovery teams would be required. That call has been issued. As many of you know, these teams are based on IEDC’s model of technical assistance teams. They were used after the 2013 floods and 2016 wildfire.

I know we are all concerned about our friends, family and colleagues in BC and hope that the wildfire situation will cease in the very near future. Albertans know all too well that disasters can, and do happen to us. As economic developers, being prepared is something we should all be making a priority so we can ensure our communities are better able to respond to and recover from disasters faster.

Sincerely, 

Leann Hackman-Carty, CEO

Read about EDA's EDRP Program

Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP) 

EDA Professional Development this summer:

In August, EDA is offering its Business Retention and Expansion course online through the University of Calgary. 

Register today to avoid the waiting list:

Business Retention and Expansion 
August 8 - September 11, 2017
Online

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Plan ahead the 2017 online course calendar is now posted.

These courses are eligible for credits towards the Management Certificate-Economic Developers offered through the University of Calgary in conjunction with EDA. It can also be applied to your Ec.D designation. Our next course is 

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