Vegreville Hosts ‘Local to Global’ Economic Development Forum

Vegreville Hosts ‘Local to Global’ Economic Development Forum

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Vegreville was the host site of the ‘Local to Global’ Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor (EATC) Forum from March 4-6.

Tom Koep, Economic Development Manager for the Town of Vegreville, said the town was chosen to host the conference after submitting its bid for consideration to the EATC board. He along, with councillors were more than happy to promote all the town had to offer delegates, about 80 in total during the three day event.

The forum kicked-off March 4 during a reception for the delegates at the Pomeroy Hotel. Vegreville Tom MacPhee welcomed everyone to the forum and expressed his hope that everybody would leave the conference with a better understanding of the new challenges in economic development they face today.

MacPhee spoke about some of the obstacles they are facing, stating: We seem to be facing a few obstacles. “The federal government demonstrates every day that our economy, which is traditionally supported by energy, agricultural and manufacturing sectors are not a priority anymore. There is a small minority of very vocal voices in this country that are making decisions for all of us, and it’s hard to get businesses going today because of this.

Today’s business plans the words diversity, sustainability, carbon emissions, climate change, consultation, broadband all play a very large role in the success of any new business today. So these conferences are important for us so that we can all learn some techniques and ideas and streamline some information; so everyone can understand and make a plan for this economy.”

County of Minburn Councillor Roger Konieczny also brought greetings, and said was there at the invitation of Alberta HUB Executive Director Bob Bezpalko. “I wasn’t aware what was happening here, but I did some research. It’s all about bringing the east side of our province more to the forefront, and hopefully, we can take some of that and maybe get some more economic growth out here.

Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk brought greetings from the province, and was proud to represent the best constituency in Alberta. She provided a brief overview of the EATC which representing 80 communities including Metis and First Nations, businesses and colleges that advance the economy in eastern Alberta and abroad through collaborative investment, marketing and diversification.

“When I look at all of you in attendance I see the possibilities the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor and for my constituency with the access to transportation and abundance of natural resources we can succeed in bringing new business and long term investment into our area and employment for our residents for a smarter better economy. Let the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor be the world leader in energy innovation and be a symbol for everyone who is willing to put in the hours that we can still be prosperous right here in Alberta,” stated Armstrong Homeniuk

Admittedly, Stubbbs said a lot of her time is devoted to natural resources as the Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, but she wanted the delegates to know, “I am equally committed to fight for the best interests of farm families and agri-businesses across Lakeland, in Alberta and around Canada.”

Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs addresses the delegates at the welcome reception.

She vowed to keep working on the issues around of transportation, market access, trade barriers, red tape reduction, and the removal of the carbon tax in the agricultural industry. Even though Stubbs said she wasn’t supposed to be ‘partisan’, she said Conservatives would continue to be “unapologetic champions” for rural communities, rural agriculture and the agri food industry. Agricultural producers generate $100 billion in economic activity every single year and employ more than two million Canadians, said Stubbs.“The importance of agriculture to Canada’s national interest can’t be overstated.”

Stubbs stated: “I want to make a couple of comments on your focus towards agriculture, and energy and your highlighting of investment opportunities; and importantly, I think about potential and the future of these sectors. Both the town and the county as a whole know that cooperation, diversification and innovation are the keys to success, and I know that every elected member here and in surrounding communities feel the same.”

After the forum concluded March 6, Koep said, “We continue to network with many of the people that attended, we follow up with a number of the Assistant Deputy Ministers that presented and we had discussions with, we will follow up on leads brought up in some of the presentations, and in general, we go about business to try and attract investment to Vegreville,”

Pictured from left to right are: Walter Valentini, Executive Director of the EATC Palliser Economic Parntership, Caroline McAuley, Vice Chair of Alberta HUB, Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk, Jay Slemp, Chair of EATC northern and southern regions, and Bob Bezpalko, Executive Director of Alberta HUB.