Our History
Our History
A Strong Foundation. A Bright Future.
EDA proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, marking five decades of supporting economic development professionals and communities across Alberta.
What began as a small network of practitioners has grown into Alberta's leading economic development association, connecting professionals, building capacity, and advancing the practice of economic development throughout the province.
Early Years
The roots of EDA can be traced to the 1960s and early 1970s, when a small group of industrial commissioners from across Alberta met regularly to share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from one another's experiences.
Recognizing the value of collaboration, the group began exploring the creation of a formal professional association. In 1973, representatives from municipal economic development, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, utilities, transportation companies, agriculture, consulting, media, advertising, and provincial government were invited to help shape the future of the profession.
On February 15, 1974, 32 founding members gathered to formally establish the organization. Alex Metcalfe, Economic Development Manager of Calgary Power Limited, was elected as the first Chair. The organization's purpose was simple but powerful: to promote collaboration among economic developers across Alberta.
The name chosen unanimously was Economic Developers Alberta (EDA).
Later that year, the first Annual General Meeting was held in Red Deer, attracting 45 attendees and laying the groundwork for what would become a province-wide professional network.
Today
Today, EDA serves as a trusted resource and professional home for economic development practitioners, community leaders, organizations, and partners working to strengthen Alberta's economy.
Through training, certification pathways, conferences, events, resources, publications, and peer learning opportunities, EDA helps practitioners stay informed, build capacity, and adapt to a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Our membership reflects the diversity of the economic development profession and includes municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, regional economic development alliances, Community Futures organizations, tourism organizations, businesses, utilities, financial institutions, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, government agencies, students, consultants, and economic development professionals.
As we look to the future, EDA remains committed to supporting the people and organizations helping Alberta's communities grow, innovate, and prosper.