Economic Developers Alberta

What makes people choose Alberta?

It’s not just our energy sector (that remains the backbone of the provincial economy) or the rapidly expanding tech sector......

Those stories matter.

But so do the communities, attractions, events, culture, and people that shape how Alberta is experienced.

That is why the Xperience Alberta section of EDA’s Invest in Alberta/Xperience Alberta magazine is so important.

It helps complete the Alberta story and gives communities and organizations a platform to showcase why our province is the best place to invest, work, visit, and return to.

Have a story idea for the 2027 Xperience Alberta section?

Click the link: https://odvod.com/editorial-ideas-edas-invest-in-alberta-xperience-alberta-2027/

And contact Anita McGillis to get your community profiled: [email protected]

Another reason to celebrate today!

Please join us in congratulating: Bo Antal for earning our Community Economic Development (CED) Certificate through the EDA Institute.

Thank you for your commitment to the economic development profession!

Earning this credential takes time and effort! And a genuine dedication to strengthening your community and organization.

Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development?

Learn more about earning your CED:https://www.edaalberta.ca/community_economic_development.php

EDA is on the road! This time in Westlock County.

Today, EDA CEO Leann Hackman-Carty is facilitating a workshop with the Westlock County team: "Building Internal Capacity: Strategic Doing for Rural Economic Development."

The session is focused on why rural capacity building matters, how internal strength means external success, and moving from ideas to action.

Thank you to Westlock County for hosting EDA and for investing in the conversations, tools, and strategies that help communities build capacity from within.

Do you know an Alberta business that should be in the spotlight?

At this year’s EDA Invitational Golf Tournament, we're shining a light on local businesses through something brand new:

The Fairway Partner Village.

Think of it as a mini Made in Alberta market before tee-off, giving businesses a chance to display their products, share samples, and connect with economic development and investment professionals, business leaders, and community leaders from across Alberta.

If you’re an Alberta business with products to sample, we encourage you to apply.

If you know a standout small business in your community, send this opportunity their way.

Participation in the Fairway Partner Village is free of charge, but space is limited, so apply today!

https://www.edaalberta.ca/eda_invitational_golf_tourname.php

The EDA Invitational Golf Tournament takes place September 24 at the Broadmoor Golf Course in Sherwood Park.

EDA Institute trainer Trevor Lewington travelled to Rocky Mountain House to deliver our Business Investment & Attraction course.

Thank you to James Tessier with Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration for hosting and helping bring this session together.

Trevor noted that what made the day especially rewarding was the diversity of perspectives in the room. Participants included elected officials, municipal administrators, chamber representatives, economic development professionals from the Town of Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County region, and representatives from several other organizations and communities.

These are exactly the kinds of conversations the EDA Institute is designed to support: practical learning, shared insight, and stronger economic development capacity across Alberta.
Host a course in your community. Visit: https://www.edaalberta.ca/training.php

The 2027 edition of Invest in Alberta/Xperience Alberta magazine is taking shape.

As EDA’s official publication, the magazine brings Alberta’s investment, tourism, business, and community stories together all in one platform.

From investment attraction to destination storytelling, the magazine helps share the complete Alberta story with audiences across the province, across Canada, and around the world.

The 2027 edition is produced by EDA in collaboration with Invest Alberta.

Be part of the story Alberta shares with the world!

Ad sales are open. To learn more, contact Anita McGillis: [email protected]
visit: www.edaalberta.ca

EDA members, this exclusive opportunity is for you!

Member-only registration for EDA Xperience 2027 closes June 15.

As you know, our annual conference sells out every year, so now is your chance to be among the first to secure your spot before registration opens to the public.

After June 15, registration will be available to everyone.

Register now and dive in early: https://www.edaalberta.ca/eda_xperience_2027.php

EDA Xperience 2027 is being held in Kananaskis April 14-16.

The theme: Diving Into Alberta’s Next Economic Frontier

Accommodation booking codes are included in your registration confirmation email.

This week, Alberta celebrates Seniors’ Week (June 1–7) a time to recognize the experience, leadership, and community-building contributions of seniors across our province.

At EDA, we know strong communities are built through collaboration, shared knowledge, and networks.

And seniors are an important part of that ecosystem, contributing as business owners, mentors, volunteers, community leaders, investors, and so much more.!

Economic development involves attracting investment and growing businesses, and it is also about building communities where people of all ages can contribute, belong, and thrive.

For more than 50 years, EDA has supported Alberta’s economic development profession by providing professional development, best practices, connections, and world-class events that help our members strengthen the communities they serve.

If you are involved in community economic development, or want to be part of a province-wide network of professionals working to build stronger Alberta communities, become an EDA Member! https://www.edaalberta.ca/join.php

As a member, you gain access to:

An engaged community of economic development professionals; learning opportunities through the EDA Institute; resources such as our Invest in Alberta/Xperience Alberta magazine; and discounts on EDA events, including the EDA Xperience Annual Conference, our Annual Ministry Dinner, and the upcoming EDA Invitational Golf Tournament.

So, join us! and let’s continue to build Alberta communities that create opportunity for every generation!
https://www.edaalberta.ca/

EDA members: your early bird deadline is coming up fast.

June 15 is the deadline for EDA member-only registration for EDA Xperience 2027, our annual conference in Kananaskis.
https://www.edaalberta.ca/eda_xperience_2027.php

This is your chance to register before the conference opens to the general public ... and don’t wait, our conference sells out every year.

EDA Xperience 2027: Diving Into Alberta’s Next Economic Frontier is designed to be an expedition into Alberta’s next frontier, bringing together economic developers, elected officials, industry leaders, investors, Indigenous partners, innovators, and community builders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the next decade.

We are also accepting workshop proposals now. Share your expertise, ideas, and success stories with Alberta’s economic development community.
https://www.edaalberta.ca/eda_xperience_2027.php

Not an EDA member? Join us! https://www.edaalberta.ca/join.php

This is just one more reason to become a member and get early access to key opportunities like this.

Sponsorship budget to spend? Put your brand in the middle of conversations with Alberta’s economic development professionals.

At the EDA Invitational Golf Tournament, sponsorship is much more than your logo on a sign.
It’s a chance to build recognition among a group of leaders who are building our communities and advancing our economy.

We’re building on the energy of last year’s EDA Invitational with a new 9-hole Executive Experience at the The Broadmoor Golf Course in Sherwood Park on September 24.

The event combines golf, Alberta-made products, executive networking, and direct access to an engaged audience of professionals and community builders.

Invest Alberta is the Title Sponsor! And members of their team will be on hand, adding another high-value networking opportunity for sponsors and attendees.

The day will also feature the new "Fairway Partner Village," showcasing local products and creating even more ways to connect throughout the event.

So, become a sponsor and keep your brand top of mind with Alberta’s economic development community.

https://www.edaalberta.ca/golf_tournament_sponsors.php