About Us
About Us
Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) is Alberta’s leading professional association for economic development practitioners, community leaders, and organizations committed to building strong, resilient, and prosperous communities.
For over 50 years, EDA has been advancing the economic development profession by connecting people, sharing knowledge, building capacity, and fostering collaboration across Alberta and beyond.
Economic development is a team effort. Creating thriving communities requires partnerships among municipalities, businesses, Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government. EDA serves as the hub that brings these partners together, providing opportunities to learn, connect, collaborate, and lead.
Through professional development, certification pathways, networking events, conferences, resources, and peer-to-peer learning, EDA supports practitioners at every stage of their careers and helps strengthen the capacity of communities of all sizes.
As a member-driven, not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, EDA is committed to advancing excellence in economic development and supporting the professionals who help shape Alberta's economic future.
What We Do
EDA delivers programs, services, and experiences designed to help economic development practitioners stay informed, build skills, and achieve results in their communities.
Our work includes:
- Professional development and training through the EDA Institute
- Certification and designation pathways
- Conferences, summits, workshops, webinars, and networking events
- Industry resources, tools, and practical learning opportunities
- Research, publications, and information sharing
- Recognition programs that celebrate excellence in economic development
- Partnerships and initiatives that support community and economic development across Alberta
Signature events such as the EDA Xperience Leaders' Summit and Conference and the Annual Ministry Dinner bring together practitioners, elected officials, industry leaders, and partners to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen relationships.
Since 1974, EDA has continued to evolve alongside the profession, developing programs and services that respond to the changing needs of communities, organizations, and economic development practitioners.
Download our brochure to learn more about EDA's programs, services, and opportunities to get involved.
Our Members
EDA's members represent the diverse organizations, sectors, and individuals that contribute to economic development across Alberta and beyond.
Our membership includes municipalities, counties, towns and cities, Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDAs), Community Futures organizations, tourism organizations, Indigenous communities and organizations, utilities, financial institutions, businesses, post-secondary institutions, non-profit organizations, government agencies, students, consultants, and economic development professionals.
This diversity of perspectives strengthens our network and creates valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. Whether working in local government, business, community development, investment attraction, tourism, workforce development, or regional partnerships, EDA members share a common commitment to building vibrant, resilient, and prosperous communities.
Our Vision: Economic developers provide valued expertise that is integral to fostering an economically prosperous, diverse, sustainable Alberta.
Economic developers play a vital role in shaping Alberta's future. By helping communities attract investment, support businesses, develop talent, build resilience, and seize new opportunities, they contribute to stronger local economies and a higher quality of life for Albertans.
Our vision reflects the importance of economic development as a profession and recognizes the expertise practitioners bring to addressing complex challenges and advancing long-term prosperity.
Through their leadership, collaboration, and strategic insight, economic developers help create an Alberta that is economically vibrant, broadly diversified, resilient, and sustainable for future generations.
Our Mission: To provide leadership to advance economic development as a profession; enhance the professional development of its members; and support Alberta communities in fostering sustainable community economic prosperity.
EDA's mission reflects our commitment to strengthening the economic development profession, supporting the ongoing growth of practitioners, and helping communities create the conditions for long-term success.
We achieve this by providing education, professional development, resources, networking opportunities, and leadership that help economic developers and community leaders address challenges, seize opportunities, and build resilient local economies.
Through this work, EDA contributes to stronger communities, a more competitive Alberta, and sustainable economic prosperity that benefits current and future generations.
Our Strategic Priorities:
- Nourish mutually beneficial ALLIANCES and partnerships
- Promote quality, diverse EDUCATION and training
- Identify relevant INFORMATION, research and best practices
- Ensure ORGANIZATIONAL sustainability
- UNWAVERING commitment to leadership in the economic development field