Economic Developers Alberta
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Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E)

Core Course – EDA Institute

In this course, you’ll gain a practical understanding of how to support and strengthen your local business community through effective BR&E strategies.

You will:

  • Explore BR&E as a key driver of economic growth and sustainability.

  • Learn how research, data analysis, and Business Visitation Programs (BVPs) help inform meaningful strategies.

  • Examine different types of BR&E initiatives — including Import Replacement Programs (IRPs), Home-Based Business (HBB) initiatives, and downtown revitalization efforts.

  • Understand how to create a supportive environment that encourages business retention, growth, and innovation.

  • Build your ability to measure economic development success using both qualitative and quantitative Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

  • Discover how BR&E activities contribute to community resilience, including preparation for and recovery from economic disruptions or disasters.

Host: Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration – Laura McGown, REDS Team
Trainer: Natalie Gibson


 
more info...		1/14/20269:00am to 3:30pm

Specifically designed for elected officials and local leadership.

Provides theory, fundamental economic development applications, and examples of best practices.

This "30,000-foot view of economic development helps you align your mandate and projects with the current economic development situation. 

This is a core course in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP).  
 

 Hosted by the County of Grande Prairie No. 1.
more info...		1/16/20269:00am to 3:00pmJordan Tidey

Join EDA Past President and current EDA Institute Instructor Trevor Lewington for an informative webinar designed to introduce you to EDA’s Economic Development for Elected Officials course.

Just months after Alberta’s municipal elections, this session is especially timely for those looking to equip local leaders with the knowledge and tools to champion economic development in their communities.

Whether you're interested in hosting this course locally or exploring the flexible online option, this webinar will walk you through what to expect — and give you a chance to ask your questions directly.


more info...		1/21/202612:00pm to 1:00pm

Get the inside track on EDA's Community Investment Readiness Tool! 

Join EDA and special guest Guillermo Mazier, SVP of Global Business at FT Locations, for a FREE webinar that dives deep into the groundbreaking CIR Tool helping Alberta communities boost their investment readiness.

Our CIR Tool is a first-of-its-kind self-assessment designed to help communities evaluate where they stand — and make more strategic decisions about attracting and sustaining investment.

Developed in collaboration with FT Locations, the CIR tool is available through EDA’s Community Investment Readiness Course through the EDA Institute. (Completion of EDA’s Business and Investment Attraction (BIA) course is a required prerequisite for accessing the full course and tool.)


 
more info...		1/28/202612:00pm to 1:00pm

Economic Development – Establishishing the Foundation (ETF)

Your journey starts here.

This introductory course provides a solid grounding in the principles and practices of economic development. As the first course in EDA’s Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP), it helps learners understand the field, the role of economic development professionals, and the strategies that drive strong, resilient communities.

Course Outcomes

Participants will learn to:

  • Understand key economic development concepts, including Community Economic Development (CED).

  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of Economic Development Officers.

  • Develop strategic plans using SMARTER goals, data, and local economic analysis.

  • Explore core strategies such as BR&E, BI&A, workforce development, tourism, and marketing.

  • Recognize the importance of collaboration, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

  • Evaluate economic development activities using KPIs and performance measurement tools.

  • Understand how to build community economic resilience and support long-term sustainability.

    Course Date: February 3rd, 2026 10am to 4pm
    Host: Brad Hestbak, REDS Team
    Trainer: Holly Sorgen
    Coffee, tea and lunch will be provided


more info...		2/3/202610:00am to 4:00pmJanice Grant

Economic Development for Elected Officials

Economic Development 101! - Designed specifically for elected officials and community leaders, this foundational course offers a clear, big-picture understanding of economic development and how it connects to local mandates and priorities. Participants gain practical tools for strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and understanding the role of local government in community progress. The course explores core economic development strategies, target market identification, and effective value-proposition building. It also highlights the importance of collaboration, funding mechanisms, and performance measurement using KPIs. Finally, attendees learn how to support community economic resilience and their role in helping communities prepare for—and recover from—disruptions.

Location - EverGreen Park 55051 Township Rd 710, Grande Prairie, AB T8W 5A7

Location website https://evergreenpark.ca

The conference website is https://growingthenorth.com

 Hosted by Grande Prairie County
Trainer: Mark Morrissey
Friday February 20th from 9 am to 3 pm - Cost $150 pp

 


more info...		2/20/20269:00am to 3:00pmHetti Huls

Fundamentals of Rural Economic Development (RED)
Designed for those working in rural and remote communities, this course focuses on building effective, collaborative economic development strategies tailored to local realities.
Participants learn how to assess community needs and assets, identify opportunities, and develop targeted Rural Economic Development Plans. The course explores key rural strategies, creative resource alignment, and practical tools such as CNAs, asset mapping, and gap analysis. Learners gain skills in community engagement, partnership development, and navigating conflict. The session also highlights rural leadership, governance models, and the role of economic development officers in advancing long-term growth

Location - Ever Green Park 55051 Township Rd 710, Grande Prairie, AB T8W 5A7

Location website https://evergreenpark.ca

The conference website is https://growingthenorth.com

 Hosted by Grande Prairie County
Trainer: Holly Sorgen
Friday February 20th from 9 am to 3 pm - Cost $150 pp

 
more info...		2/20/20269:00am to 3:00pmHetti Huls

Leading Through Challenging Times: Mental Well-Being for Community Leaders (MW)

This course supports leaders who shoulder responsibility during crises; community leaders in public-facing roles—economic developers, elected officials, municipal staff, and nonprofit directors, helping them maintain their own well-being while guiding their teams and communities. Participants learn practical strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity in uncertain situations. The training explores how to build resilience, foster psychologically healthy teams, and create a culture of mental well-being. It also provides tools and resources to support community mental health and navigate high-pressure environments with confidence. Leaders leave with strengthened skills and a network of peers facing similar challenges.

Location website https://evergreenpark.ca

The conference website is https://growingthenorth.com

 Hosted by Grande Prairie County and Economic Developers Alberta
Trainer: Leann Hackman-Carty and Joile Wills
Friday February 20th from 9 am to 3 pm 
 
more info...		2/20/20269:00am to 3:00pmHetti Huls

Economic Development for Elected Officials

Economic Development 101! - Designed specifically for elected officials and community leaders, this foundational course offers a clear, big-picture understanding of economic development and how it connects to local mandates and priorities. Participants gain practical tools for strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and understanding the role of local government in community progress. The course explores core economic development strategies, target market identification, and effective value-proposition building. It also highlights the importance of collaboration, funding mechanisms, and performance measurement using KPIs. Finally, attendees learn how to support community economic resilience and their role in helping communities prepare for—and recover from—disruptions.

Location - Flagstaff County Office, 12435 Twp Rd. 442, Sedegewick, AB T0B 4C0

 

 Hosted by Caroline McAuley, BRAED
Trainer: Trevor Lewington
February 26th from 9 am to 3 pm

 


more info...		2/26/20269:00am to 3:00pmCaroline McAuley

Business Investment & Attraction (BIA) ls a Core Course with the EDA Institute

During this in-person session you will;
  • Understand the role of economic development and the importance of implementing a BI&A strategy.
  • Assess community investment readiness, leverage competitive advantages, and build capacity.
  • Develop a comprehensive BI&A strategy, conduct market research, and select appropriate marketing tools.
  • Cultivate relationships with investors and entrepreneurs, identify investment projects, and establish protocols.
Hosted by: Jennifer Hartigh, Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
Trainer: Trevor Lewington
Tea, Coffee and Lunch will be served
Location: Reynolds Museum 6426-40th Ave., Wetaskiwin
more info...		3/11/20269:00am to 3:00pmJennifer Hartigh

All EDA members are invited to attend however, only Full members in good standing are eligible to vote at  the AGM.

At the AGM we will be electing our 2026-27 Board of Directors. 

All documents required in advance are available on our website, under the members-only section. 


more info...		3/26/20269:00am to 10:30am

Coming to the conference early?

Kick off your conference experience at our exclusive pre-conference mixer! Connect with new and familiar faces over drinks and delicious snacks.

Our annual Kickstart in Kananaskis will be held at Woody's Pub & Patio at the conference site. To attend, you must register in advance, and conference registration is required before registering for this event.

Enjoy tasty snacks and a complimentary beverage (wine, beer, highball, or soft drinks) as you mingle.

Dress: casual
more info...		4/14/20266:30pm to 8:30pm

EDA Xperience 2026 Leaders' Summit and Conference attracts more than 400 economic development experts and elected officials from across Alberta, Canada and around the world.

 
more info...		4/15/2026
-4/17/2026		12:00pm to 12:00pm

Year 1 Waterloo Course offered in Edmonton.
more info...		6/8/2026
-6/12/2026		3:00pm to 6:00pm

NWER's 2026 Annual Summit will be held July 19 - 23, 2026 in Edmonton, Alberta at the JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District

Legislators, business leaders, academics, and policymakers from the U.S. and Canada will gather in Edmonton, Alberta for PNWER's 35th Annual Summit from July 19 - 23 to discuss regional economic best practices and trade concerns.  It will be an opportunity to engage with our region's key decision makers on both sides of the border. â€‹
PNWER is recognized as the model for regional and bi-national cooperation, providing a platform for collaboration among public, private, academic, and non-profit stakeholders to work together as a region in pursuit of common goals. â€‹ 

The PNWER Annual Summit is the leading forum where people in the policy world and the business world come together to figure out solutions to regional challenges.


more info...		7/19/2026
-7/23/2026		9:00am to 4:30pm

Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Conferences bring together community leaders, economic development professionals and entrepreneurs from across the country. These professionals attend EDAC Conferences to participate in sessions, network and listen to speakers sharing their innovative ideas and solutions to national and local challenges.

EDAC 2026 will be held in Moncton, New Brunswick at the Delta Hotel Beausejour.

For more information, go to www.edac.ca.


more info...		9/14/2026
-9/17/2026		1:00pm to 10:00pm

SAVE THE DATE

The purpose of the Annual EDA Ministry Dinner is to bring together EDA members and stakeholders with specific Ministers and senior staff from the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, to network, share information about programs and explore potential partnerships. 

The dynamic format of the dinner involves rotating table visitations to maximize networking during the meal.

Spaces left: 118

Registration
  • Non-Member – $165.00
    $165 + GST

more info...		10/22/20265:00pm to 9:00pm

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