EDA News Centre

Are you attending the EDAC Conference in Edmonton? If so, we have an exclusive opportunity that fits right into your schedule!

Join us in Edmonton for an interactive session with Invest Alberta.

Learn about the organization’s priorities and contribute to the conversation on how we can coordinate and collaborate to make Alberta a top destination of choice for investment in North America.

Invest Alberta Stakeholder Roundtable: A Team Alberta Approach

Date: Wednesday, October 2

Time: 2:30 - 4:00 PM 

Location: 3rd floor Edmonton Tower, 10111-104 AVE. NW, Edmonton

Register

EDA members have the first opportunity to register for this event before we open it to the public on September 1. Space is limited, so secure your spot now!

Log in with your EDA user email and password to access your FREE registration. 

This event has been planned with the EDAC Conference in mind, ensuring there’s no conflict, so you can take full advantage of both.

Recent wildfires have deeply impacted businesses across the Jasper region, including Jasper, Edson, Hinton, and Yellowhead County.

As part of our commitment to supporting economic recovery, Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) is taking a leadership role together with Community Futures West Yellowhead, Prairies Economic Development Canada, Cando, and the Canadian Red Cross. 

A key part of this effort is a survey designed to assess the impacts on local businesses, helping us to develop policies and programs that address both immediate needs and long-term challenges. 

Recovery is more than a short-term response—it’s an ongoing process that requires input from those directly affected. Their insights are crucial to shaping the support needed to rebuild and thrive.

 If you know of a business that has been impacted, please share this survey link. This valuable input will significantly contribute to shaping a more resilient business environment and a dynamic economic future in the areas impacted by wildfires. 

Wildfire Survey 

To help your community prepare for economic disruptions such as wildfires, plan to take our Community Economic Resilience Course.

This is a core course in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP) and is delivered in an asynchronous (self-directed) learning format at the EDA Institute.

You can also arrange for an in-person course.  

EDA Members are also eligible for scholarships from our Professional Development Fund. 

Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity!

As an EDA member, you have the chance to reserve one of the last remaining spots for the 2024 Annual EDA Ministry Dinner before they’re gone. Act now, as registration opens to non-members on September 1.

To secure your spot and receive the discounted member pricing, make sure you’re logged in to the EDA website with your member email and password.

2024 Annual EDA Ministry Dinner

Thursday, October 24, 2024 

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

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

Register

The Ministry Dinner offers delegates the chance to engage in meaningful one-on-one conversations with federal and provincial Ministers and senior leadership.

The dynamic format, where government officials rotate between tables during the meal, enhances networking and allows delegates to ask questions, share ideas, and explore potential partnerships.

This event sells-out every year. 

To celebrate EDA's 50th Anniversary, please feel free to wear Gold attire. 

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

If you require accommodation in Edmonton, please refer to the information contained in the event registration confirmation email.

Our Gold Partner is the County of Grande Prairie. The 2024 EDA Ministry Dinner is also supported by the Government of Alberta.

The Government of Alberta's international offices play a crucial role in advancing a wide range of governmental objectives and priorities.

They offer support to various Alberta businesses and organizations in endeavors such as promoting trade, advocating for Alberta's interests, attracting talent, and facilitating investment in the province.

William Wang, Director of the Alberta China Offices, wants to remind EDA members that these offices are committed to promoting Alberta’s products and services, building connections between Alberta companies and Chinese buyers, and helping Chinese firms explore investment opportunities in Alberta.

They support entry into sectors like energy, agriculture, cleantech, life sciences, and more. The Alberta China Offices also assist with trade promotion events, market intelligence, and business leads.

If you're exploring expansion into China, William is ready to connect and offer his support.

Phone: 1-780-850-3894

Will.Wang@gov.ab.ca

Join us for our next free Wednesday Webinar on August 7 from NOON-1:00 PM.

ATCO Gas & Pipelines will be sharing more details about their Yellowhead Mainline Project. 

A few project highlights:

• $2.1B capital investment
• Pipeline construction will generate approximately 2000 jobs
• The proposed pipeline will significantly increase the resiliency of our provincial energy system, ensuring more reliable service across Alberta
• Upon completion, it will be a catalyst for further economic development and investment.

To register, click the button below.

Register

EDA is offering an exclusive FREE opportunity to our members in partnership with Invest Alberta. 

Join us in Edmonton for an interactive session with Invest Alberta. Learn about the organization’s priorities and contribute to the conversation on how we can coordinate and collaborate to make Alberta a top destination of choice for investment in North America.  

Invest Alberta Stakeholder Roundtable

A Team Alberta Approach

 Wednesday, October 2, 2024

 1:30 - 3:30 PM

3rd floor Edmonton Tower, 10111-104 AVE. NW, Edmonton

Exclusive Early Registration for EDA Members:

EDA members have the exclusive opportunity to register for this event now before we open it to the public on September 1. Take advantage of this early access to secure your spot because space is limited. 

Register Now - Its FREE:
Be sure to log in with your EDA user email and password to access your free registration.

Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a dynamic discussion and connect with key stakeholders. We look forward to seeing you there.

Register

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.