EDA News Centre

5 Factors of Psychologically Safe & Healthy Workplace (Self Directed - Virtual) This self-paced e-learning module will provide foundational knowledge on fostering a psychologically safe and healthy workplace culture, guidelines for navigating employee mental health, and proactive strategies for integrating concepts that promote mental health into your organization’s occupational health and safety policies and practices. Pricing Per Participant: $100 per participant for EMC members, $120 per participant for future members. Take Control of Your Time in 3 Steps - e-Learning (Self Directed - Virtual) This self-paced e-learning module will showcase improvements made by leaders in other industries, including tools and methods displayed with sample content included from actual workplace improvements. Note that participants who have completed this e-learning module can advance their skills further by registering in the Workshop, or Workshop series, as these formats expand on what is learned within the e-learning module. Pricing Per Participant: $100 per participant for EMC members, $120 per participant for future members. AODA Customer Service Standards - e-Learning (Self Directed - Virtual) The AODA module is designed for all Ontario workers who serve the public, in the course of their work duties, with goods or services. These workers are required to have taken this training prior to, or as soon as possible when hired or moved into a position requiring the training. When completed, they will understand the different types of disabilities, how to serve people with disabilities, the role of assistive devices, support persons and service animals. Pricing Per Participant: $50 per participant for EMC members, $75 per participant for future members. Violence, Harassment & Bullying (Generic) - e-learning (Self Directed - Virtual) The Violence & Harassment & Bullying in the Workplace module is designed for virtually all workers, whether they are in industrial, service or institutional workplaces. The course defines Workplace Violence and differentiates it from Workplace Harassment & Bullying. It teaches the Participant how to recognize each and what to do in the event of an occurrence. Upon conclusion, Participants will be able to identify potential dangerous situations, warning signs and how to defuse Workplace Violence within the context of the law and their Company procedures. Pricing Per Participant: $50 per participant for EMC members, $75 per participant for future members. Loading Dock Safety - NEW - e-learning (Self Directed - Virtual) The Loading Dock Safety training module is designed for all personnel who perform work on loading docks or have their work take them onto the loading dock area. Participants will learn about the common hazards of a loading dock and what they need to do to prevent being injured. Pricing Per Participant: $50 per participant for EMC members, $75 per participant for future members.  MEC - Leadership - September 27, 2023 Enhance leadership in manufacturing and increase performance of your workforce with EMC's MEC Leadership Certificate Program. Participants will gain knowledge and skills to lead engaged, high-performing teams and become leaders of organizational culture. Pricing per participant. MEMBERS: $3,000 Mental Health in the Workplace: The Essentials – ½ day workshop – September 27, 2023 This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to the relevance and importance of understanding mental health in the workplace.  Participants gain confidence in navigating situations involving mental health at work sensitively and effectively and learn the vital role they can play in making the workplace a psychologically safer and healthier place to be.  For more information, or to register, click here.   TO REGISTER, contact EMC's Learning Centre: learningcentre@emccanada.org or call 1-866-323-4362

EMC Programs & Resources of Interest EMC Member Spotlight - Mauser Packaging Solutions Mauser Packaging Solutions is another long time Western Canadian EMC member. Mauser Packaging Solutions is a packaging industry leader with over $4B in US sales, over 11,000 employees and over 180 facilities in 20 countries and 5 continents.    If you are interested in developing your EMC Member Spotlight Page or joining the EMC family of companies, please contact me.   Manufacturing Masters - On Demand Video Learning Library In partnership with Manufacturing Masters, this on demand video library is available on mobile devices and computers so your team can access it from anywhere and anytime. Your team can learn from the best in the world without ever leaving your factory.​ Manufacturing Masters is included in your EMC membership - at no additional cost! LOGIN TO MANUFACTURING MASTERS   Future Members If you would like to take a look at the platform, please visit www.emcmasters.ca to register for a 2-week trial!   State of Canada’s Manufacturing Sector Report EMC is pleased to share the results of our recent Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) research study - State of Canada's Manufacturing Sector: A Map of the Manufacturing Workforce 2022-23. In the report, you will find information related to workforce demographics, wages and salaries, hiring and recruitment, skills development, and more.  To access a copy of the full report, please click here.

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 you need to attend the: 

2023 Annual EDA Ministry Dinner

Wednesday October 18, 2023

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 dynamic format of the dinner involves rotating table visitations to maximize networking during the meal. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and explore potential partnerships with specific federal and provincial government Ministers and senior leadership staff.

More than 75 percent of the tickets have been sold, so be sure to register now to avoid disappointment. 

Register here 

If you practice economic development in a rural or remote community in Alberta and you are looking to attract workers, then you will want to attend this upcoming webinar in EDA's "Ask An Expert" webinar series: 

Attracting Remote Workers: Why and How

Wednesday, September 13

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Free

The experts are from Yolo Nomads. They'll discuss how now more than ever is the greatest opportunity for small towns to promote their local tourism, attract new residents, and grow the local economy.

You'll hear how those small communities who are actively working to attract remote workers stand to gain the most.

Join the discussion in September.

Register here 

EDA Members, this is your last chance to register for the EDA Ministry Dinner before we open up registration to the general public. 

Take advantage of this exclusive access and claim your place at the table now. 

Based on the number of registrations so far, this event is on track to sell-out as it does every year.

Wednesday October 18, 2023

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. 

Please ensure you are logged in with your EDA user email and password to access registration and the discounted member rate. 

Register

EDA was pleased to host an Economic Development in Alberta Roundtable on June 12 as part of the IEDC Future Forum.  I had the pleasure of introducing a number of economic development partners from IEDC, the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, REDA's and smaller communities, to delegates participating in the 2023 Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conference. The goal was to provide an overview of how we collaborate with each other in order to achieve our goals.  It was an engaging discussion and excellent exchange of ideas.

Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Announces its 

2023-2024 Board of Directors

This morning, Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) via Zoom. EDA voting members elected the 2023-2024 Board of Directors as follows: 

2023-2024 EDA Board of Directors

Shane Olson - President (Strathcona County)

Amanda Mercer - Vice President (Sylvan Lake)

Eleanor Miclette - Past President (Canmore)

Hetti Huls - Secretary Treasurer (Grande Prairie) 

Ben Young - Director (Lethbridge)

Trevor Lewington - Director (Lethbridge) 

Amy Oshanyk - Director (Sturgeon County) 

Lisa Sweet - Director (Fort McMurray)

Lorie Watson - Director (Okotoks)

Kate Koplovich - Director (Calgary)

Kent McMullin - Director (Edmonton)

Message from the President: Shane Olson

I am looking forward to my term as President of Economic Developers Alberta. As a member driven organization we work tirelessly 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.

In 2024, EDA celebrates is 50th anniversary. This milestone will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate where we have come from, and to reinvigorate our work that provides economic developers with leading edge programs, best practice sharing, networking opportunities and other valuable tools to help create thriving communities.

 I appreciate the vision and leadership that has created an effective and admired organization at provincial, national and international levels. The success of our association can be attributed to our committed and talented staff, and also to the special contributions each President and board members have made over the years.

Thank you, EDA members, for your continued participation and enthusiasm in our professional community; and to our partners, thank you for your ongoing support. EDA will continue its dedication to meeting the needs of our members while at the same time, working with all Albertans to build strong communities.

The Honourable Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy & Northern Development is EDA's Honorary Patron. 

As you know, EDA Xperience 2023 is being held at The Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge which is located within the boundary of (the majestic and stunning) Kananaskis Country. Alberta Parks requires all vehicles parked at the conference site to have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.  To avoid a fine, please purchase this pass. It's easy to do by clicking this link.  Expect to pay about $15 a day.  This fee supports conservation efforts in the area. The resort does not charge for above ground parking.  See you at the Conference!

Message to EDA Members

Here is a reminder that the Match Factor Pilot Project is an excellent business retention and expansion, and investment attraction tool available to EDA Members.

As you know, this project involves Alberta businesses looking to sell their enterprises, matches those businesses with an investor buyer then offers job opportunities for Ukrainian people displaced by the war in their region.

Many of your know first-hand the high percentage of businesses looking to sell or exit a community in the next year or two, the economic impact to our communities will be profound. 

SuccessionMatching, our partner in this project, has given us helpful information that we would like to pass on to you.

By clicking this link, you will see a list of the types of businesses investor buyers are looking for in Alberta. In the same document is a list of key messages that will be useful.

Since you may know businesses are looking to transition or sell, please reach out to those that you think might be a good fit, and tell them about the project.

All you need to do is have your selected businesses go to the EDA website and apply for the project here: https://www.edaalberta.ca/match-factor.

SuccessionMatching reviews the applications, makes the match, and takes care of the details.

2023 Community Challenge in Alberta 

Help us to amplify the importance of economic development by taking part in the 2023 Community Challenge. 

For the third year in a row, Alberta Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of Alberta are joining EDA to encourage municipalities, large and small, to formally recognize and celebrate Economic Development Week.  

You can participate by having your community officially proclaim May 8 - 12 to be "Economic Development Week!"

Let's get it on your community's calendar now.  

Last year, more than 50 Alberta communities made the official proclamation.

It's easy, here's how: 

1. Customize a sample resolution.

2. Have your Council/Mayor officially proclaim the week in your community and sign the resolution.

3. Share the proclamation with local media, and on your social media pages. 

4. Don’t forget to tag us: Twitter: @edaalberta; LinkedIn: @Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) and Facebook: @EconomicDevelopersofAlberta 

4. Email us at admin@edaalberta.ca and it will be added to the EDA website.

EDA Annual General Meeting: Proxy Vote Deadline Friday, March 17

All EDA voting members in good standing are eligible to attend the EDA Annual General Meeting on Thursday, March 23, 9:00 AM.

If you cannot attend the AGM, you can vote by proxy. 

If you want to be represented by proxy you must visit the AGM webpage, download the proxy form located there and submit the form by Friday, March 17 at 4:30 PM.

To submit the form email: leann@edaalberta.ca        

Be sure you are signed in with your EDA user email and password to access the AGM webpage.

At the AGM, EDA voting members in good standing will elect the 2023-24 EDA Board of Directors.

Register here. You will be sent the login information. 

Please note, registration is restricted to voting members so please be sure you are signed in with the email and password associated with your EDA membership.