EEDC Corporate Key Messages
About EEDC Key Messages This document is a tool you can use when communicating about Edmonton and EEDC. Use of these messages in a consistent, purposeful way is the first step in promoting EEDC’s mission of Edmonton becoming one of the world’s leading mid-sized cities by 2030. To achieve the goal of creating a world-class city by 2030, EEDC has outlined two significant areas of focus: enhancing income growth and improving quality of life.
The Purpose The integrity of the messages we send out is essential for those we are in contact with to immediately recognize and understand Edmonton and EEDC. The aim of this guide is to assist you in the consistent use of messages related to realizing our objectiv es. It contains details to which you can refer to for all elements of communication. The following sections provide messages specific to EEDC’s three main divisions, Economic & Tourism Development, Edmonton Research Park and Shaw Conference Centre. Messages supporting EEDC’s vision and strategic objectives can be found in the Long Term Strategic Goal and Strategic Objectives and Priorities chapters.
EEDC Corporate Overview: Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) provides leadership in economic development, markets Edmonton as a mustsee destination, manages the Shaw Conference Centre and Edmonton Research Park, and acts as a stakeholder in TEC Edmonton, a joint venture with the University of Alberta. EEDC is wholly owned by the City of Edmonton and is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of local business leaders. 13/07/2010 INTERNAL DOCUMENT
Not intended for external audiences. EEDC Key Messages are created for internal communication management purposes. For updates, please contact the Communications Coordinator in External Relations 780.969.0495
Economic Development Key Messages Overview: Edmonton Economic Development Corporation’s (EEDC) Economic Development Division drives long-term sustainable income growth for the region by serving as a cross-industry advocate, liaison and strategist.
Role: Business/Industry
Markets Edmonton's business-friendly environment Builds relationships and facilitates connections within and across industries Engages organizations to support business growth and retention Executes sector-specific initiatives, in conjunction with industry Assists companies with site selection Matches business opportunities with local and foreign companies Promotes Edmonton's role as a transportation centre Supports targeted sector trade missions (to foster awareness and attraction) Facilitates information sharing to enhance business productivity Participates in regional and provincial activities to enhance industry development and diversification
Investment:
Maintains a database of investment opportunities in the region Attracts investment to the region (for specific, targeted projects) Provides information and introductions vital to investment decisions
General:
Increases awareness of Edmonton as a great place to do business, invest and live Evaluates issues and opportunities critical to the region's economic development
Workforce:
Understands current and projected workforce requirements Anticipates shifts in supply and demand, and initiates appropriate strategies Develops an effective local workforce through skills attraction, retention and development
13/07/2010 INTERNAL DOCUMENT
Not intended for external audiences. EEDC Key Messages are created for internal communication management purposes. For updates, please contact External Relations at 780.969.0495
Economic Development’s Key Sectors: 1. Advanced Education Edmonton’s world-class educational institutions produce a well-educated, capable workforce with a positive, entrepreneurial work ethic. EEDC leverages industries and post-secondary institutions to increase the levels of student retainment while also raising the quality of education offered. 2. Advanced Technologies Edmonton is an established leader in developing advanced technologies in education, information communication technology, manufacturing, medicine, nanotechnology and transportation. EEDC collaborates with other technology incubation facilities in the region to enhance the growth of these sectors while also marketing the advantages of our region to attract investment and entrepreneurs. 3. Energy Edmonton’s energy infrastructure is built on a legacy of over six decades in bitumen, conventional oil, gas and petrochemical industries. EEDC continues to build for the future by contributing to the planning, development and promotion of a world-leading, eco-industrial petrochemical sector for Greater Edmonton. 4. Financial Services Already a strong regional financial centre, Edmonton is home to Alberta Investment Management Corp. (AIMCo), two regional banks and one of Canada's top credit unions. EEDC acts as an industry liaison while aiming to raise Edmonton’s profile as one of North America’s key financial service sectors. 5. Life Sciences The University of Alberta is a world leader in medical research and attracts world-leading innovators, while Edmonton’s health facilities such as the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine, the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Mazankowski Heart Institute are internationally recognized. EEDC supports these efforts by working with partners to attract more research and venture capital funding to develop and market products. 6. Tourism * See the Edmonton Tourism Key Messages
Economic & Tourism Development’s activity is broad in scope and as such key messages are contained throughout the EEDC Corporate Message Map, Edmonton Research Park Message Map and Shaw Conference Centre Message Map.
13/07/2010 INTERNAL DOCUMENT
Not intended for external audiences. EEDC Key Messages are created for internal communication management purposes. For updates, please contact External Relations at 780.969.0495
Edmonton Tourism Key Messages Overview: Edmonton Tourism, a division of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC), promotes Greater Edmonton as the destination of choice for tourism, conventions, major events and film production.
Role:
Attracts conferences, business travel, sports and cultural events Builds global recognition Works to leverage greater international access to the region Supports members of the Tourism Industry Partnership by offering professional development, networking opportunities, assistance with marketing and business recognition Promotes regional festivals, cultural events and visitor attractions Manages Edmonton’s Visitor Information Centres Promotes Edmonton leisure travel to airlines, tour operators and consumers Provides film production location scouting assistance and budgeting breakdown Ensures film-friendliness and cost effectiveness
Edmonton Tourism Key Sectors: ➦ Business Travel By attracting conferences, business travel, sport and cultural events to the region, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation draws tens of thousands of people to the city each year. ➦ Event Attraction Edmonton Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to positioning Edmonton as one of the world's most desirable event host cities by reaching out to all local, national, and international cultural and sport organizations, ensuring the optimum setting for prestigious events. ➦ Film The Film Commissioner promotes Greater Edmonton as the choice location for movie and television productions, further diversifying the local economy and placing Edmonton on the world-stage.
13/07/2010 INTERNAL DOCUMENT
Not intended for external audiences. EEDC Key Messages are created for internal communication management purposes. For updates, please contact External Relations at 780.969.0495
➌ Leisure Travel Edmonton Economic Development Corporation teams up with airlines, tour operators and Industry partners to promote Edmonton as an exciting and culturally diverse destination in the global marketplace.
Economic & Tourism Development’s activity is broad in scope and as such key messages are contained throughout the EEDC Corporate Message Map, Edmonton Research Park Message Map and Shaw Conference Centre Message Map.
13/07/2010 INTERNAL DOCUMENT
Not intended for external audiences. EEDC Key Messages are created for internal communication management purposes. For updates, please contact External Relations at 780.969.0495
Edmonton Research Park (ERP) Overview: Managed by Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC), the Edmonton Research Park (ERP) houses dozens of researchoriented companies in high-opportunity sectors and is designed to maximize synergy and collaboration among these knowledgebased firms. The ERP has a role in the execution of the provincial technology commercialization strategy and is a stakeholder in TEC Edmonton, a joint venture with the University of Alberta, which also supports technology start-ups. ERP is a proud member of the Regional Alliance, a group that allows companies to gain insight and value from institutions such as TEC Edmonton, novaNAIT, Northern Alberta Business Incubator (NABI), Business Link, the National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) and the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).
Role:
Provides space and entrepreneurial support services to Edmonton’s start-up technology companies. Helping emerging companies succeed by reducing risk and providing connections to business mentoring, equipment, facilities, funders, marketing and other services Maximizes the potential success of businesses involved in technology commercialization, specifically in the areas of biotechnology, clean technology, nanotechnology, energy extraction and process support services Positions ERP tenants and other local innovative companies to maximize their probability of success through more efficient interaction with the provincial and federal research and innovation systems, and other like-minded companies Works collaboratively with other incubation facilities in the region in the implementation of a technology commercialization strategy Secure tenants for the development of the remaining lots at ERP and advance the completion of the proposed Southlands development Participates in an EEDC focused information campaign to tell the world about the advantages of the region Attracts investment and smart people to build next-generation technology, enhancing Edmonton’s global recognition and quality of life.
Note: These messages are also contained in the Edmonton Message Map.
13/07/2010 INTERNAL DOCUMENT
Not intended for external audiences. EEDC Key Messages are created for internal communication management purposes. For updates, please contact External Relations at 780.969.0495
Edmonton Research Park... An Incubator for Start-Up Companies
Fostering Diversity
A World-Class Centre for Innovation
Encouraging Intellectual Excellence in Edmonton
The successful Biotechnology Lease Program at the ERP helps to stimulate the development of early stage technology companies by offering affordable, flexible lease space.
More than 1,500 people work for nearly 55 companies in the Edmonton Research Park. They are engaged in advanced research in medicine, biotechnology, software, petroleum research, cold-climate engineering, 1 lifesciences and nanotechnology.
The ERP provides easy access to resources and world-class facilities. Edmonton is home to a skilled workforce, a world-class technology community, superior facilities and a business environment that values technology and progress.
The Edmonton Research Park, TEC Edmonton, novaNAIT, NINT (National Institute for Nanotechnology), NABI (Northern Alberta Business Incubator), The Business Link and NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) formed the Regional Alliance Group to further establish Edmonton’s wellfunded infrastructure for technology development and commercialization.
The Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) is a high-technology incubator facility with an award winning design, showcasing distinctive architecture and offering a campus-like community.
Total research & development spending in Alberta for 2008 was approximately $137 million and projected to reach $154 million in 2 2010.
Products and processes developed 3 in the ERP are sold around the globe. Companies at the ERP such as Schlumberger, a major international oilfield services company and Sinoveda, a producer of health remedy products are investing and relying heavily on their operations at the ERP to help drive international growth of their products and services.
Growing nanotechnology in Edmonton. The ERP is home to the Alberta Centre for Advanced Microsystems and Nanotechnology Products (ACAMP, Mircoline NanoFab, 4 & MIMS), a $11.5 million facility.
To ensure the continued growth of innovation and ideas, the ERP will be researching a long-term strategy to expand the south area of the park.
Housing outstanding organizations. Operating out of the ERP, C-FER won the 2009 ASET Technical Employer of the Year Award, for their outstanding contribution to technology and an organization that excels at supporting, promoting, utilizing and rewarding technicians and technologists.
The 50, 000 square-foot Biotechnology Edmonton is home to 57 per cent of 5 Business Development Centre provides Alberta’s biotechnology companies. lab and office space to companies in the early stages of development of bio and nanotechnology research, products and services.
The ERP’s Research Centre One building has flexible lab and office space for second-stage companies. The facility is comprised of condo-style office space – each company has independent access.
Innovotech, a tenant of the ERP received the 2010 Innovation Excellence Award from EEDC for their continued innovation in a risk-laden industry. Innovotech caters to a national and international clientele in medicine, agriculture and industry. 29/05/2011
Shaw Conference Centre (SCC) Overview: The Shaw Conference Centre is Edmonton's flagship hospitality venue, managed by Edmonton Economic Development Corporation to provide economic and social benefits to the local community, while keeping Edmonton the centre of attention nationally and globally. Each year, the Shaw Conference Centre provides exceptional guest experiences and outstanding customer service to half a million guests, generating an estimated $47 million to the regional economy.
Role
Works in partnership with Edmonton Tourism and through direct sales, to secure international and national conventions that will grow the local economy. Delivers world-class facility and banquet services focused on top customer service standards. Manages the building to the highest industry standards for profitability, sustainability, and health and safety. Acts as a local catalyst, engaging community partnerships to grow social and economic benefits for the community.
Note: These messages are also contained in the Edmonton Message Map.
29/06/2012 INTERNAL DOCUMENT
Not intended for external audiences. EEDC Key Messages are created for internal communication management purposes. For updates, please contact External Relations at 780.969.0495
The Shaw Conference Centre… Economic Driver in Reducing Its Edmonton Environmental Impact
Culinary Excellence
Contributes to the Community
Iconic Venue in Edmonton
Provides HighQuality Service
SCC has reached capacity, and is building a strategy to accommodate the increased demand in the convention market.
SCC’s 2010 environmental efforts resulted in a diversion rate of 65% per cent.
Chef Simon Smotkowicz has won gold on the national and international culinary stage. Twice named Canada’s National Chef of the Year and is the 2012 Team Business Manager for Culinary Team Canada.
SCC is a founding partner of Homeless Connect, a broad-based community inspired initiative that provides a range of free services to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless. For its efforts, SCC received the 2012 “Partnership for Success” ROOPH award from Homeward Trust Edmonton.
Built into the side of the riverbank in the heart of downtown, SCC provides access to over 2,000 downtown hotel rooms plus shopping, entertainment, dining, and North America’s largest urban park system.
SCC is a one-stop shopping experience for meeting and convention planners. Event organizers can arrange everything from audio/visual to design and décor all in one place.
SCC’s economic impact for Greater Edmonton in 2011 was $47 million.
FRESH is an innovative program that supports conference and meeting planners in creating unique Edmonton experiences that are environmentally, socially and economically responsible. Clients can plan and evaluate events with the FRESH program allowing meeting organizers to reduce their environmental impact. www.edmonton.com/fresh
SCC’s Executive Pastry Chef James Holehouse is one of six chefs that represented Team Canada and won gold in the 2010 World Culinary Olympics.
The pARTnership Gallery is a joint initiative of the Shaw Conference Centre and Edmonton Public Schools to highlight the work of local student artists and promote excellence in public education at all grade levels.
The unique architectural design of the Hall D addition incorporates spectacular 30-foot high windows offering dramatic 270-degree views of Edmonton’s scenic river valley.
SCC provides on-site audio, visual and trade show equipment support services.
SCC’s mandate is to bring new spending into the regional economy by making Edmonton the destination for conferences and major events.
SCC’s Simple Steps initiative encourages participation in the creation of environmental and social sustainability practices throughout the facility. SCC is a partner in the FRESH program.
The chef integrates local Alberta food products into the centre’s menus.
In partnership with the Art & Design in Public Places program, SCC began showcasing yearlong exhibits by local artists in 2006. This program is designed to help revitalize Edmonton’s downtown core.
SCC hosted approximately 740 events in 2011 and attracted over half a million attendees per year.
SCC has experienced staff who delivers excellent service that is highly regarded by returning clients.
SCC received the award of Venue of the year from The Greater Edmonton Chapter of Meeting Professionals (MPI) in 2012.
In 2011, SCC received the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) BEST certification. .
In-house catering allows for customized menus that are suited to a client’s needs and budget.
The Canadian Culinary Federation, Edmonton School Boards and NAIT, the SCC created the High School Culinary Challenge to encourage high school students to pursue careers in the culinary arts. Greater Edmonton’s high school students compete for scholarships and apprenticeship placement with Edmonton’s leading chefs.
SCC received the Recycling Council of Alberta’s 2010 Corporate Leadership Award in recognition of its environmental initiatives.
SCC Sous Chef Serge Belair won the 2012 Canadian Culinary Federation’s Chefof-the-Year award. He is also a member of Team Canada, which will compete in the World Culinary Olympics in Fall 2012.
SCC was awarded a 2008 Human Rights Award for Excellence by Human Rights City Edmonton, a project facilitated by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights.
29/06/2012
SCC’s food and beverage service is housed under one roof.