Over the past two years, we have faced unprecedented challenges. While the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is still rippling around the world, there is hope. Here in this province, hope has been derived by the Albertans who are rising to these complex challenges by rolling up their sleeves, re-inventing their best practices and working together to reposition this province for the opportunities that lie ahead. Alberta has a strong and diverse economic base, and our citizens are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience — characteristics that are shining brightly as we steer the province from underneath the cloud of COVID-19 to position it for a radiant and prosperous future.

We invite you to explore the pages of Invest in Alberta/Xperience Alberta magazine. Building on the massive success of our 2021 edition, we are continuing the two-magazines-in-a-single format in 2022. Showcasing Alberta’s abundant appeal, Invest in Alberta/Xperience Alberta looks at the province through dual yet complementary lenses.

One half of the publication, the Invest in Alberta portion, offers a keen and compelling exploration of investment opportunities within the province, while also highlighting the people and organizations that are making economic diversity and resiliency a reality. You’ll read valuable information about the province’s robust economic regions, as well as compelling stories: How the expansion of an airport right in the middle of the province will improve access to low-cost transportation and how investment in solar and wind power projects has taken off, now that geothermal producers are getting in on the act.

The other half, Xperience Alberta, delves into the province’s tourism and lifestyle offerings, exploring the myriad of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities that make living, working and playing in the province compelling. You’ll learn how Alberta’s thriving film industry has touched every urban centre, how the craft beer scene is poised to underpin a new kind of tourism business and you’ll read about banking and financial solutions tailored to Alberta’s Indigenous-owned businesses that are positively impacting the province.

Economic development is often referred to as a team sport and that is true now more than ever. Economic Developers Alberta has a long history of innovative responses to contemporary challenges. For nearly 50 years, we have had a proven track record of providing our members with leading edge professional development programs, sharing best practices, network-ing opportunities and other valuable tools to help create thriving communities. We are a member-driven organization working to elevate economic development as a profession and, at the same time, support practitioners in their critical roles to promote sustainable long-term growth that benefits all members of our society.

The theme that underpins our work in 2022 is “renew, rise and reposition,” highlighting our commitment to equip our members with valued expertise to ensure their communities are emerging from the pandemic disruption poised and ready to offer the best business environment for the next generation of entrepreneurs. EDA will continue to be dedicated to meeting the needs of our members while at the same time building strong communities — together.

— Trevor Lewington, President, Economic Developers Alberta
— Leann Hackman-Carty, CEO, Economic Developers Alberta