2010 Award Recipients

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

April 23, 2010

Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Recognizes Excellence in Economic Development

(Kananaskis, AB): Last night, EDA presented their Awards of Excellence at its annual Minister’s Dinner & Awards banquet. Guest speaker was the Honourable Ted Morton, Minister of Finance & Enterprise.

EDA Awards honour Alberta communities and individuals for excellence in business attraction, retention, expansion and marketing.

The Economic Developer of the Year award was presented to Marilyn MacArthur, Town of High River, acknowledging her significant contribution to the local economy and to the profession of economic development. Marilyn’s leadership and innovation has moved several projects forward including: the initiation of a public process to identify what makes High River unique by updating its logo; creation of a new Town float to showcase High River in the region; and moving towards an Open for Opportunity model.

The Alex Metcalfe Award acknowledges individuals or agencies for excellence in economic development relating to the attraction, expansion or retention of business in Alberta. This year, the award went to Rocky View County for its involvement with the Cross Iron Mills project. Although mall construction is complete, additional developments continue to be built such as a Cineplex entertainment facility, a Lowe’s Home Improvement store and a hotel. As of December 2009, there were over 3000 part and full time jobs created within this development.

EDA Marketing Alberta Awards were also presented to communities in the following categories:

• Website:
• Small Community- Brazeau County
• Medium Community- Airdrie Economic Development
• Large Community – Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta (presented by Williams Engineering Canada Inc.) 
• Special Events, Programs or Campaigns:
• Small Community- Brazeau County
• Medium Community- Town of High River
• Large Community- Edmonton Economic Development
• Creative Innovations (CD’s, videos, virtual tours):
• Small Community- Brazeau County
• Medium Community – Airdrie Economic Development (presented by CN)
• Brochure:
• Medium Community- Airdrie Economic Development
• Large Community- Edmonton Tourism
• Advertising (print or electronic):
• Small Community- Brazeau County
• Medium Community-Town of High River
• Large Community- Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta
• Creative Innovations (promotional items):
• Medium Community- Airdrie Economic Development
• Large Community- Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta
• Use of Social Media in a Marketing Campaign:
• Airdrie Economic Development
• Branding
• Destination Marketing- Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta (presented by Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines)

Finally, the President’s Award recognizes an individual in the association that has made a significant contribution to the organization, and is selected by the President of EDA.  This year’s award was presented to Richard Pauls for his outstanding contribution to the organization.  Richard has been on the EDA Board since 2008 and is currently serving as its Treasurer. “This year Richard stepped above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to his regular board and treasury responsibilities, he agreed to take on the Opportunity Alberta website project and a number of other significant initiatives,” states Kent Rupert, President, “He was a tremendous asset to the organization this year and most deserving of this award”.