EDA News Centre

If you are involved in economic development in Alberta and would like to have meaningful one-on-one conversations with senior provincial and federal government officials, then plan to attend the: 

2024 Annual EDA Ministry Dinner

Thursday, October 24, 2024

 Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA, 10155 105 Street NW, Edmonton, AB

Reception begins at 5:00 PM followed by dinner at 6:00 PM

The dinner features a dynamic format where government officials rotate between tables to enhance networking. This arrangement provides delegates with the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and explore potential partnerships with federal and provincial Ministers and senior leadership.

Delegates should also plan to attend the pre-event cocktail reception with GOA/GOC program staff beginning at 5:00 PM.

Each year this event sells out quickly, so be sure to register now to avoid disappointment. 

Please log in to the EDA website with your EDA Member user email and password to receive the discounted member pricing on registration.

Register

EDA Xperience 2025 Leaders' Summit and Conference

April 9-11

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

As an EDA member, you have an exclusive opportunity to register for EDA Xperience 2025 before the general public. This "skip the line" privilege is available only until this Wednesday, June 19.

In addition to early registration, members can also book accommodation at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and the Stony Nakoda Resort and Casino. 

Accommodation details will be provided in your registration confirmation email. 

Ensure you are signed in with your EDA member email and password to access this exclusive opportunity and your discounted member pricing.

EDA Xperience 2025 is expected to sell out quickly, so we strongly encourage our members to take advantage of this early access.

The early bird registration rate is available for both members and non-members until September 1.

Skip the Line Registration 

Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Recognizes Excellence in Economic Development in Alberta

Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) presented its Annual Awards of Excellence during EDA Xperience 2024 Leaders' Summit and Conference at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge April 10 - 12. 

The 2024 Annual Awards of Excellence honour Alberta individuals for their contribution to the profession, as well as Alberta communities for excellence in the following categories:

• Economic Development Renewal Project
  
• Innovative Approach to Economic Development Project
  
• Regional Collaboration and Partnership Project
  
• Marketing for Economic Development Outcomes Project  
  

 The winning communities and organizations and the names of their initiatives are: 

Economic Development Renewal Project  

• Large Community/Region: City of Edmonton - Corner Store Program
  
• Medium Community/Region: Parkland County - Explore Parkland
  
• Small Community/Region: Leduc County - Leduc County Business & Entrepreneur Centre
  

Innovative Approach to Economic Development Project

• Large Community/Region: Energy Futures Lab - Alberta’s Electricity Future
  
• Medium Community/Region: Airdrie Economic Development - Discover Program
  
• Small Community/Region: Mountain View Regional Film Office - Make it Reel BIG in Mountain View!
  

Regional Collaboration and Partnership Project

• Large Community/Region: Community Futures Lethbridge Region - Blackfoot Signage Project
  
• Medium Community/Region: Town of Taber - Taber Regional Immigration Initiative
  
• Small Community/Region: Town of Strathmore - Lead by Example Powwow
  

Marketing for Economic Development Outcomes Project

• Large Community/Region: Southern Alberta Investment & Trade Initiative - SAITI 2024 Global Awareness Campaign
  
• Medium Community/Region: County of Grande Prairie - Quality of Life Campaign
  
• Small Community/Region: MD of Willowcreek - The Last Best West 
  

The Alex Metcalfe Awards

These awards celebrate the "best in show" in each community size: 

• Large Community/Region Project: Community Futures Lethbridge Region - Blackfoot Signing Project
  
• Medium Community/Region Project: Town of Taber - Taber Regional Immigration Initiative 
  
• Small Community/Region Project: Leduc County - Leduc County Business & Entrepreneur Centre 
  

The Individual Awards

EDA Public Private Partnership Award : ATCO

Inclusive Community Award: Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism

First Nation Partner: Cando

Economic Development Champion:  Jennifer Jabs, Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade; Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade

Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award: Mary Lee Prior, Manager Economic Development Town of Vermilion

 

Emerging Talent in Economic Development: Jamieson Brown Community Engagement & Economic Development Manager Town of Vegreville

The President’s Award: Tammy Powell Senior Director, Regional Economic Development Services at Government of Alberta

 

The Economic Developer of the Year: Angela Groeneveld Economic Sustainability & Investment Officer Town of Strathmore

Thank you to everyone who submitted their projects for consideration. Our 2025 Annual Awards of Excellence will be presented at EDA Xperience 2025 at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

This email is being sent to all delegates of EDA Xperience 2024 Leaders' Summit and Conference and contains important information to navigate our 50th Anniversary event. 

First things first.

It is essential you set yourself up on Whova, our conference platform. (If you've used the Whova platform in the past simply sign in and look for EDA Xperience 2024.)

If not, you must create an account by signing up using the email you used to register for the conference!  

Also, go to the App Store, be sure to download the Whova App on your phone or mobile device. You can create your account from there, and have access to EDA Xperience 2024 at your fingertips. 

This is a critical task you need to complete to navigate the conference during the event in April. Plus you can start networking with fellow delegates right now. Kick off your conference experience instantly!

Need help? Read the step by step guide to accessing Whova.  

Why is this important? This platform is the hub of all conference communications.  

Be sure to fill out your profile to make it easy to engage with others. Upload a photo so delegates can recognize you!

Cruise around the platform to see features like:

• a community board where you can "break the ice" and introduce yourself
  
• upload photos
  
• share articles
  
• arrange rides 
  
• read our working agenda
  
• and learn about our top-notch speakers 
  
• and much more..

As you know in person registration is sold out. But there is no limit to our online registrations.

The Whova platform is the online location for EDA Xperience 2024. Online delegates get front-row access to the same amazing content as our in-person attendees.

We're live streaming the sessions, evening celebrations, and the Annual Awards of Excellence extravaganza. Delegates can enjoy the experience on their laptop or phone from the comfort of their home or office.

Plus, there's an exclusive "Backstage Pass" for our online delegates! Curious? We have a thrilling announcement coming up – stay tuned for the big reveal!

Help us make this virtual experience legendary.

Share this link with your colleagues and urge them to register for EDA Xperience 2024 Online. 

The Social Impact Lab Alberta has been working on designing community solutions in the rural community of Athabasca and beyond. 

About the Event:

The Social Impact Lab Alberta is an initiative that seeks to accelerate innovation and drive change in communities by building capacity and enabling cross-sector collation across the non-profit sector and beyond. In an increasingly fragmented and transactional world, how might we co-design solutions for communities by enabling and empowering those most affected to envision a different possible future? 

In this session, we will explore two case studies to demonstrate how The Social Impact Lab Alberta utilizes a human-centered design approach to solve real-world problems in relationship with communities, harnessing their collective power and unique insights. This approach not only leads to better, more sustainable, and more effective solutions, but also increases connection, collaboration, and community care.

When:

January 23 @ 9:30 am MST

To Register: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqd-2hqzwrG9dTiI84TdF-vKXz_dPWSTWv

Unlock valuable insights and boost your expertise by joining EDA's 2 FREE upcoming webinars. 

Over the next two Wednesdays, these informative sessions are tailored to provide the insights necessary for excelling in your role, contributing to your community's growth, and staying ahead in your field. 

During the sessions, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and share your insights with the presenters.

 Impact of Housing on Rural Economic Development

Wednesday, January 10

12:00 - 1:00 PM 

Free

This the final webinar in our "Ask an Expert Webinar Series." Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of housing on rural economic development.

This series has been supported by the Government of Alberta.

Register

Insights from the Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade

Wednesday, January 17

12:00 - 1:00 PM 

Free

Connect with these representatives as they share valuable information about their new programs, organizational structure, and dedicated staff.

Discover how their initiatives can empower you to succeed in your professional journey.

Register

Membership in Economic Developers Alberta (EDA): 

At EDA we champion the transformative power of collaboration and information fuelling economic development. 

By becoming an EDA member, you gain access to our leadership initiatives complemented by a range of exclusive benefits. 

Join us! In 2024 we celebrate our 50th anniversary! 

If you're already an EDA Member, unlock the member section of our website with your user email and password to see exclusive programs.

Get ready to shine!

We invite you to submit your entry for an EDA Annual Award of Excellence.

Don't miss this golden opportunity to showcase your outstanding contributions and celebrate your best practices!

The submission deadline is March 13 at 4:00 pm.

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in style, we're making history with a two-night Awards of Excellence Extravaganza during EDA Xperience 2024 Leaders' Summit and Conference. The extended celebration means you can fully appreciate and enjoy each moment as we recognize the diverse range of achievements.

Can't make it to our sold-out in-person conference? Don't worry, we've got you covered with a real-time broadcast of our Annual Awards on both nights. 

Your achievements deserve to be recognized, no matter where you are.

And here's an extra dash of excitement – if you have a colleague attending the conference in person, simply fill out their name in the submission form. They can pick up your award on your behalf! 

The EDA Annual Awards of Excellence Program is a perk exclusive to EDA Members. 

Please read the award categories and submit your entry:

Categories

• Community Awards:
  

1. Economic Development Renewal Project
   
2. Regional Collaboration and Partnerships
   
3. Innovative Approach to Economic Development
   
4. Marketing for Economic Development Outcomes
   

• Economic Developer of the Year
  
• Emerging Talent in Economic Development 
  
• Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award

Apply EDA Awards of Excellence: You must be signed in with your EDA user e-mail and password. 

Celebrating 50 Years of Economic Development Leadership

A Message from Shane Olson, EDA President 

Happy New Year!

As you open your 2024 calendar, take a moment to contemplate the possibilities the next 12 months will bring. In 2024, Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) celebrates a significant milestone — its 50th anniversary!  

As we explore the potential of the upcoming year, let's draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of EDA, which over the past half-century, has empowered communities, and contributed to the economic prosperity of Alberta. 

At the heart of our achievements are professionals like you who work tirelessly on the frontlines of economic development.

EDA remains unwavering in its commitment to provide the essential tools and resources needed for your crucial work, ensuring the ongoing prosperity of communities across our beautiful province.

As we enter this significant year, we encourage you to embrace the benefits of our wide-ranging programming such as:

The Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Program will help propel your career; the EDA Annual Awards of Excellence Program provides a platform to celebrate your accomplishments and share your best practices; and, launching soon, a revised online platform for our award-winning training delivering cutting edge content and and real world applications. 

Plus, EDA members are eligible for discounted pricing on our world-class events and programs.

Your continued support is deeply appreciated, and we pledge to reciprocate by consistently demonstrating economic development leadership and exploring innovative ways to assist your efforts in creating thriving communities.

Amidst the celebration of this significant milestone, it's crucial to recognize the dedicated EDA staff. The tireless efforts of these individuals have been instrumental in the organization's success.

The strength, energy, and passion of the economic development practitioners within the EDA community reaffirm our confidence that Alberta is in capable hands. Here's to a year of success and good health as we navigate the opportunities and challenges that 2024 brings. 

On behalf of the EDA Board of Directors and myself, thank you for being an integral part of the EDA community. Together, let's make this anniversary year memorable with shared achievements and continued growth.

Shane Olson, EDA President and Economic Development Officer, Lamont County.

Please read  -  several EDA initiatives to ear-mark for the beginning of 2024. 

Ask an Expert: Impact of Housing in Rural Economic Development 

This is the final webinar in our "From the Ground Up" Program. 

Jan 10

12:00 - 1:00 PM

FREE

Register

Alberta Jobs, Economy and Trade Partner Profile Webinar

Explore the new structure and programs. 

Jan 17

12:00 - 1:00 PM

FREE

Register

Community Economic Development Training Program

Business Retention and Expansion

Jan 30 - March 4

Online through the University of Calgary

Register

Exciting news as we mark EDA's 50th anniversary in 2024.

For the first time in our history, our Leader's Summit and Conference is SOLD OUT before Christmas!

The overwhelming response speaks volumes about the enthusiasm within our community, and we are truly grateful for your support.

For those who were unable to secure an in-person registration, you are able to join our first-come, first-served waitlist.

Or, register for our virtual conference experience!

Our online platform delivers the same exceptional content as the in-person event, with added features like unique storytelling and enriching material.

Plus, EDA Members can join us online at a reduced cost. Just make sure you are signed in with EDA user email and password. 

Join us virtually in 2024 to access a full spectrum of insights, connect with industry leaders, and expand your network. Whether you participate in person or online, EDA remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and growth.

Let's make our 50th-anniversary celebration unforgettable together!

Register for ONLINE  Conference 

Registrations for the EDA Xperience 2024 Leaders' Summit and Conference are filling up rapidly, and we anticipate reaching full capacity in the next few days!

Currently, the majority of single rooms at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, the conference site, are already booked.

However, we have two solutions to enhance your conference experience:

1. Onsite Option:

• A short, 20-minute drive from the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is the Stoney Nakota Resort and Casino, providing an affordable and convenient accommodation option.

• Additionally, EDA has organized a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Stoney Nakota. The shuttle will operate four times daily, providing flexibility for your conference activities, with two morning and two evening runs. We will share the schedule closer to the event date.

• To reserve your accommodation at the Stoney Nakota in the EDA block, please contact Vikki Ellis directly at 403-881-2853.

• Choosing the Stoney Nakota as your accommodation not only guarantees a comfortable stay but also ensures a seamless journey to and from the conference site, allowing you to fully concentrate on the event.

• EDA will be once again utilizing a conference app. Powered by Whova, this app will enable all delegates to network and make arrangements to share rooms or rides. 

• The App will be live in January.

2. Virtual Option:

• EDA is creating an unforgettable virtual experience, so consider attending online.

• It is affordable and convenient as it eliminates travel and accommodation costs.

• Expect additional content, unique storytelling, and enhanced networking opportunities available from the comfort of your office or kitchen!
  

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make the most of EDA Xperience 2024.

See you at the Conference!  In person or online.

#EDA2024 #EDA50thAnniversary #EDAXperience2024