As we prepare to spend more time with our families and friends over the next few weeks, and close the chapter on 2023; I trust you will be able to embrace the hope this season brings.
For some of us, 2023 brought significant personal and professional challenges. For others, it brought much joy and success. For me personally, thankfully this year was much better than 2022. However, I am also aware this experience may not be the case for all of us. If that’s you, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself, and know: “this too shall pass.”
When we look at what’s happening around the world, we can get discouraged. So much division, hatred, and violence. Sometimes it feels hopeless. In times like this, I find it’s helpful to focus on things I can control. Where I can move the needle. Where I can make a difference. To me, part of that process involves simply being grateful for what I have.
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
— Melody Beattie
It’s amazing how much your mind shifts when you inventory the things you are grateful for. For example, I am grateful for my continued physical health; a supportive, loving family; a safe, warm, comfortable home; and a positive, fun circle of friends. I am also grateful to have meaningful work; dedicated co-workers; supportive board members; engaged members; and an increasing number of collaborative partners.
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Economic Developers Alberta as an organization. It will be a year of embracing the past, elevating the present, and envisioning the future. We have several in-person and online events planned, and a few exciting announcements forthcoming.
Personally, I believe the best is yet to come for EDA!
To our members, partners and friends, I sincerely thank you for your continued support and active engagement this year and look forward to achieving even greater things together in the future.
On behalf of EDA, I wish you and your families continued good health and prosperity.
Hope to see you in person in 2024!
Sincerely, Leann Hackman-Carty, CEO
