2026 Individual Award Winners

EDA Annual Awards of Excellence

Individual Awards

Recognize individuals and organizations that make a significant contribution to economic development and support communities across Alberta.

EDA Awards of Excellence Photo Album

Partner of the Year

This award recognizes an organization that operates across the province and shows a real commitment to economic development in every corner of Alberta, from rural to urban

Winner: Invest Alberta

They’ve supported the international distribution of the Invest in Alberta / Xperience Alberta magazine, helping tell Alberta’s story beyond our borders. They’ve also taken the time to engage directly with our members, hosting sessions focused on collaboration and strengthening investment attraction efforts across the province. They stepped up for the EDA Invitational Golf Tournament last year and continue to show up in meaningful ways including our lead sponsor of the always sold-out Ministry Dinner. This is what strong partnership looks like. Consistent, collaborative, and invested in the success of this profession. This is also not the first time we’ve recognized this organization. They were selected last year for stepping up in a meaningful way and demonstrating what strong partnership with EDA can look like. And this past year, they’ve built on that. Expanding their support, deepening their engagement, and continuing to show up across the province.

Award Partner:

Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award

This Award recognizes an Economic Development Professional who has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring others in the profession. Gerry Gabinet was a giant in economic development in Alberta and across Canada and this award so fittingly recognizes others who give back to the profession through mentorship and leadership.

Winner: Bev Thornton, Executive Director of Alberta SouthWest Regional Economic Development

When Bev was nominated, something unexpected happened. Letters of support started pouring in - over 20 letters from colleagues, partners, and leaders across Alberta, across Canada, and even internationally. People felt compelled to speak up; to share their experiences, their respect, and the impact Bev has had on their careers and their communities. That kind of response doesn’t happen by accident. It speaks to a career built on genuine mentorship, leadership, and showing up for others again and again. Bev is a leader who has spent more than two decades building not just projects, but people; someone who has guided EDOs, supported councils, advised organizations, and helped communities navigate challenges with confidence. Bev is a mentor who meets people where they are, sees their potential, and helps them move forward, often before they see it in themselves. And what stood out most is that much of this work happens quietly, behind the scenes, without looking for recognition.

Award Partner:

Emerging Talent in Economic Development

This award recognizes an EDA member that demonstrates notable professional accomplishments to date with less than 5 years experience as EDO.

Winner: Maven Boddy, Tourism & Marketing Coordinator at the City of Camrose

With less than five years in the profession, Maven has already gone well beyond the scope of her role and become a key part of her organization’s success, taking on projects across investment attraction, tourism, community engagement, and strategic initiatives. From developing major strategies, to building tools and resources from the ground up, to representing her community at conferences across Canada and internationally; her impact is both broad and measurable. What stands out most is Maven's initiative. She consistently steps forward, takes ownership, and delivers work that exceeds expectations. She shows up for her community, builds strong relationships, and brings people together to make things happen. Maven, this award recognizes not just what you’ve accomplished so far, but the incredible potential ahead of you.

Award Partner:

Economic Developer of the Year

Recognizes an EDA member who has made a significant contribution to economic development in Alberta this year.

Winner: Shane Olson, Economic Development Manager at Lamont County

Shane leads work that spans communities, sectors, and partnerships across Alberta. From supporting rural entrepreneurs and innovators, to advancing regional collaboration, his work shows up in very real and practical ways. He has helped strengthen mentoring services across regions, worked with partners to tackle complex challenges like regional health issues, and supported projects that create opportunity on the ground. But what stood out most in the nominations was the consistency. Across multiple letters, the same words kept coming up: a connector, collaborator, dedicated, and community impact. Shane has spent more than two decades building communities, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the people around him. He is a leader who brings people together, creates opportunities, and consistently looks for ways to move communities forward.

Award Partner:

EDA Chair's Award:

This award is presented by the EDA Chair to recognize a member that has made substantial contributions to EDA and to the profession of economic development.

Winner: Eleanor Miclette - Manager of Economic Development at Town of Canmore

Eleanor consistently shows up for EDA—actively engaged at our events, generous with her time, and always willing to support others. She has been a mentor to many, particularly those newer to the profession, offering guidance, insight, and encouragement along the way. Her perspective at the EDA Board table was always thoughtful, measured, and grounded in a genuine commitment to the organization. More recently, she stepped up as part of EDA’s Jasper Region Technical Assistance Team, supporting a community through recovery by working closely with businesses, municipal leaders, and local organizations. Simply put, Eleanor's dedication to this profession and to EDA has made a lasting impact.

Award Partner:

Alex Metcalfe Awards - Best in Show

Alex Metcalfe was one of the founding leaders of economic development in Alberta. In 1974, he served as the first Chairman of what would become the Economic Developers Alberta (EDA), helping bring together professionals from across industries to formalize and strengthen the field. At a time when economic development was still emerging as a profession, he played a key role in building connections, creating structure, and setting a shared purpose for collaboration across the province. His leadership helped lay the foundation for the network, partnerships, and professional standards we continue to build on today.

The Alex Metcalfe Awards are given to the project from all the community awards of excellence submissions in each of the four award categories with the highest overall scores.

Regional Collaboration and Partnerships

Winner: Explore Northwest Alberta