EDA News Centre

Economic Developers Alberta's (EDA's) Annual Conference and AGM held April 9-11, 2014 at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge is coming up fast! It is now just 4 weeks away and we'd like to remind you of a few things to check off your to-do list:

1. Registration. The deadline for registration is next week, March 21. So register now! EDA is celebrating 40 years of advancing the economic development profession by providing information, networking and educational opportunities. Join us for this anniversary event.

2. Hotel. You will be staying at the beautiful Delta Kananaskis Lodge. Book your hotel room now as rooms are subject to availability. Click here to see the room categories, rates, and to reserve your spot.

3. Bonus Sessions. There are informative Conference Bonus Sessions to register for. You must register for these separately from your Conference registration:

April 9, 9:00-11:30: "Economic Disaster Recovery Workshop." This session will focus on what some communities have done to rebuild and restore their economies after a disaster. Panelists will speak about EDA's Economic Disaster Recovery Project (EDRP). You will also participate in a mock disaster. Read about the session and register here.

April 10, 3:15-4:45: Back by popular demand; "Lets Make a Pitch." This fun, interactive session, based on the hit television show “Dragon’s Den,” will teach you how to “pitch” your project to corporate partners. Read about it and register here.

4. Transportation. EDA members, you have an extra perk: If you need a ride to the Conference, can offer a ride, or want to car pool, you can make arrangements on our members only blog. Post your information to arrange for transportation.

5. Silent Auction. Remember to pack a few items for our silent auction; a piece of art that represents your region, or a round or golf are just a couple of ideas. The money raised goes to EDA Scholarships. Read about our scholarship program, and past recipients here.

6. Conference Agenda. EDA is continuously updating its Conference agenda. See the most recent updates including the keynote speakers and panelists by clicking on this link.

See you at the Conference!

@edaalberta #EDA2014

www.edaalberta.ca

A reminder that two weeks from today; Friday, March 21 is the registration deadline for EDA's Annual Conference held April 9-11 at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge in Kananaskis Alberta. This year is a milestone event for Economic Developers Alberta as we are celebrating our 40th anniversary.

Be part of our anniversary event. 

Rooms at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge are subject to availability. Click here to see the categories, rates and to reserve your room.

Our theme is: "Promoting Commitment, Community and Collaboration for 40 Years."
Follow us on Twitter: @edaalberta #EDA2014

See you at the Conference!


*No refunds will be issued after March 22

Economic Developers Alberta's (EDA's) Annual Conference and AGM held April 9-11, 2014 at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge is coming up fast! It is now just 5 weeks away and we'd like to remind you of a few things to check off your to-do list:

1. Hotel. You will be staying at the beautiful Delta Kananaskis Lodge. Book your hotel room now as rooms are subject to availability. Click here to see the room categories, rates, and to reserve your spot.

2. Bonus Sessions. There are informative Conference Bonus Sessions to register for. You must register for these separately from your Conference registration:

April 10, 3:15-4:45: Back by popular demand; "Lets Make a Pitch." This fun, interactive session, based on the hit television show “Dragon’s Den,” will teach you how to “pitch” your project to corporate partners. Read about it and register here.

April 9, 9:00-11:30: "Economic Disaster Recovery Workshop." This session will focus on what some communities have done to rebuild and restore their economies after a disaster. Panelists will speak about EDA's Economic Disaster Recovery Project (EDRP). You will also participate in a mock disaster. Read about the session and register here.

3. Registration. If you haven't registered for the Conference do so here. EDA is celebrating 40 years of advancing the economic development profession by providing information, networking and educational opportunities. Join us for this anniversary event.

4. Silent Auction. Remember to pack a few items for our silent auction; a piece of art that represents your region, or a round or golf are just a couple of ideas. The money raised goes to EDA Scholarships. Read about our scholarship program, and past recipients here.

5. Conference Agenda. EDA is continuously updating its Conference agenda. See the most recent updates including the keynote speakers and panelists by clicking on this link.

See you at the Conference!

@edaalberta #EDA2014

EDA members you have an exclusive offer. EDA's next online course Business Investment and Attraction is eligible for a scholarship. That means you could receive a 50% rebate on your tuition fee. To be eligible you must register by Friday, February 28 and send your receipt to admin@edaalberta.ca.

Business Investment and Attraction
March 4 - April 5, 2014

Register Now

This course, offered through the University of Calgary, will provide you with the basic concepts to conduct business investment and attraction strategies for your community. 

Planning is in full swing for Economic Developers Alberta's (EDA's) Annual Conference and AGM held April 9-11, 2014 at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge and we'd like to remind you of a few Conference items:

1. There are a couple of informative Conference Bonus Sessions to register for:

April 10, 3:15-4:45: Back by popular demand; "Lets Make a Pitch." This fun, interactive session, based on the hit television show “Dragon’s Den,” will teach you how to “pitch” your project to corporate partners. 

April 9, 9:00-11:30: "Economic Disaster Recovery Workshop." This session will focus on what some communities have done to rebuild and restore their economies after a disaster. Panelists will speak about EDA's Economic Disaster Recovery Project (EDRP). 

2. Awards of Excellence. EDA's Awards of Excellence recognize excellence in economic development in Alberta and are presented at the Conference. The final deadline for submissions is next week; Friday, February 28. 

3. Registration. EDA is celebrating 40 years of advancing the economic development profession by providing information, networking and educational opportunities. Join us for this anniversary event.

4. Hotel. You will be staying at the beautiful Delta Kananaskis Lodge. Rooms are subject to availability so book now. See the room categories, rates, and to reserve your spot.

5. Conference Agenda. EDA has confirmed all its keynote speakers and most of its panelists for the Conference. We are continuously updating our Conference agenda. 

6. Silent Auction. Remember to pack a few items for our silent auction: a piece of art that represents your region, or a round or golf are just a couple of ideas. The money raised goes to EDA Scholarships. 

See you at the Conference!

@edaalberta #EDA2014

Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) has reached a milestone, 2014 marks the 40th Anniversary of providing information, professional development and networking opportunities to advance the economic development profession in the province.

“Our roots date back to the 1960’s when a few industrial commissioners from across Alberta gathered several times a year to discuss their profession and learn about each other's activities,” said Richard Pauls, EDA President. “Then on February 15, 1974 the founding meeting was held. Today, we remain the only professional organization of economic developers in Alberta and I am proud to usher in this milestone year as President. As we look to the future, we continue our commitment to providing opportunities to advance the economic development profession, which will ultimately ensure the sustainability of Alberta communities.”

Thirty-two people attended the founding meeting 40 years ago and Alex Metcalfe; Economic Development Manager of Calgary Power Limited was elected Chairman. The group's declared purpose: "to promote a liaison between economic developers within Alberta." Their unanimous name choice: "The Economic Developers of Alberta" or EDA. The first AGM was held in Red Deer that September with 45 registered attendees.

Today, EDA’s membership has grown to close to 300 individuals from a breadth of professions involved in or interested in economic development such as: municipalities; tourism groups; financial institutions; Crown Corporations; businesses; Regional Economic Development Authorities; government agencies; and students. EDA’s Annual Conference and AGM, held this year from April 9-11 in Kananaskis, has become a world-class event. Over 300 delegates from across North America are expected to attend.

Help us celebrate EDA’s Anniversary. Please share your insights and experiences with EDA by posting them on our Facebook page, Twitter or by emailing nancy.toombs@edaalberta.ca

We are less than one month away from the next Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Online course offered through the University of Calgary.

Business Investment and Attraction
March 4 - April 5, 2014

Register Now

This course will provide you with the basic concepts to conduct business investment and attraction strategies for your community. Here are some of the key outcomes:

You have just a couple of weeks to submit your entries for EDA's Awards of Excellence.

February 28, 2014 is the final deadline for submissions.

Every year, Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) is proud to present a number of awards that recognize excellence in economic development in Alberta.
To download the 2014 EDA Awards of Excellence Nomination Package click here.

Judging complete- March 21, 2014
Awards presentation- April 10, 2014

The following awards are presented at EDA's Annual Professional Conference:

Economic Developer of the Year Award: Presented to an outstanding professional practicing in the province of Alberta. Open to any EDA member in good standing.

Outstanding Young Professional Award: Awarded to a member less than 35 years of age who has demonstrated notable accomplishments to date and shows great future potential.

Alex Metcalfe Awards: Acknowledges individuals or agencies for excellence in economic development relating to the attraction, expansion or retention of business within Alberta. This award is not limited to the attraction, retention and expansion of "industry" alone and includes the development of new strategies, programs and/or developments that bring economic benefit to a community. EDA recognizes up to three economic development initiatives or projects each year with this award.

Marketing Awards: The Economic Developers Alberta Marketing Awards are open to all EDA members in good standing who undertake to promote and market, with a view to improving the economic well-being of their communities.

President's Award: Recognizes an individual or organization that has made a substantial contribution of time and talent to EDA in the past year.

Be part of our 40th Anniversary Conference and AGM, April 9-11 at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge in Kananaskis, Alberta.


Our theme is: "Promoting Commitment, Community and Collaboration for 40 Years."
Follow us on twitter: @edaalberta #EDA2014

See you at the Conference

Register Here"Business as usual" is derailed when a disaster strikes. Are you prepared?

Join IEDC's Restore Your Economy for a free Webinar designed to give you tips and tools to keep your organization functioning after a disaster.

"Preparing For The Unexpected: Is Your Organization Ready?"

Wednesday February 12, 2014
12:30 -2:00 MST (2:30- 4:00 pm EST)
Cost: FREE
Register Here

Attend this webinar to learn how to prepare your organization for a disaster including:

If you want to learn strategies to attract jobs and boost your local economy, then register for EDA's Webinar:

Attracting Foreign Direct Investment to Your Community
Thursday, January 23, 2014
12:00 PM- 1:30 PM (MT)

Register here

The first Webinar of 2014 in EDA's Marketing Masters Series will focus on how your community can more effectively attract FDI. In this session, we will discuss FDI trends, and research tools and data that can help you build a framework for creating a local strategy to attract foreign direct investment.