The Economic Developers Association of Alberta (EDA) presented its annual Awards of Excellence during the Minister’s Dinner & Awards Banquet at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge. These awards honour Alberta communities and individuals for excellence in business attraction, retention, expansion and marketing.
A new award was introduced this year. The Outstanding Young Professional Award celebrates an EDA member under the age of 35 who demonstrates impressive professional achievements to date and future promise. The inaugural award was presented to Mr. Jordan Rumohr, Manager of Industrial Development, Strathcona County.
The association’s most prestigious honour, the Economic Developer of the Year Award, was presented to Ms. Bev Thornton, Executive Director, Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance. The award recognizes a member’s significant contribution to economic development in Alberta.
The Alex Metcalfe Award acknowledges individuals or agencies for excellence in economic development relating to the attraction, expansion or retention of business in Alberta. The 2013 Alex Metcalfe Awards went to:
Calgary Economic Development (Large Community category) for its Ireland-Scotland Labour Attraction Mission
Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance (Medium Community category) for the Alberta SouthWest Regional Business License Program
The Marketing Alberta Awards showcase outstanding marketing initiatives that support economic development. This year, 19 awards were presented to:
Website:
(Large Community) – Calgary Regional Partnership, www.explorecalgaryregion.ca
(Medium Community) - City of Leduc, www.1calendar.ca
(Small Community) - Woodlands County. www.albertaicons.com
Special Events, Programs or Campaigns:
(Large Community) - Strathcona County, Savour Strathcona County
(Medium Community) - Town of High River. “High River - Home of Heartland” Street Party Launch
(Small Community) - Town of Bon Accord, Summer Skies Equinox
Creative Innovations – Video:
(Large Community) - Central Alberta: Access Prosperity, Access Prosperity Animated Promotional Videos
(Medium Community) - Rocky View County, The Rocky View Advantage
(Small Community) - Town of Vegreville, Why Vegreville?
Brochure:
(Large Community) - Calgary Economic Development, Energy Sector Profile
(Medium Community) - Town of Okotoks, Okotoks Visitor Guide
(Small Community) - Town of Vermilion, New Business Development Incentive Program
Advertising (print or electronic):
(Large Community) - Calgary Economic Development, Advertorial with Inbound Logistics Magazine
Creative Innovation - Promotional Item or Giveaway:
(Large Community) - Calgary Economic Development, Advertorial Newspaper Wrap for CAPP Symposium
(Small Community) - Town of Vermilion, Vermilion's Map & Business Guide
Social Media in a Marketing Campaign:
(Small Community) – Woodlands County, Alberta Community Icons
Branding-Destination Marketing:
(Large Community) - Calgary Economic Development, Calgary “Be Part of the Energy” Marketing Campaign
Medium Community) - City of Fort Saskatchewan, Downtown Branding & Wayfinding Project
(Small Community) - Town of Vermilion, New Ideas for Living!
Finally, the President’s Award recognizes an individual in the Association that has made a significant contribution to the organization. This year’s Award was presented to Ms. Deana Haley, Calgary Economic Development.
