2023 - 2024 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2023-24

Message from the Chair

Thank you to our members, both municipal, corporate, and agencies, who continue to support CAEP and recognize the opportunity we have before us to drive economic development in central Alberta. Also, I cannot thank our Board members enough. I am blessed to work with a great group of people who are committed to CAEP. Rather than meeting quarterly, we have been meeting monthly and I know this is a huge time commitment for all in addition to their busy schedules.

The organization continues to strive for improvement and is focusing on the core of the business. Priorities include upgrading our website and ensuring the information provided on the site is attractive and relevant to our audience, and administration of the site is efficient for our administration team.

We recently awarded our marketing and communications portfolio to Cinch Marketing. Lindsey Loring, Owner and Creative Director presented at our last Board meeting to introduce herself and discuss the website. This is a work in progress, and we know there is an urgency to getting this complete.

New committee opportunities have been introduced to our membership. CAEP identified seven growth sectors in 2022 in the Central Alberta Regional Economic Growth Strategy. The purpose of introducing committees is to bring more people to the table and help drive the important work we do forward. Our region is very large with a variety of interests and by identifying sector clusters for each committee it gives people an opportunity to choose the best fit. At the Board meeting today, we will be approving appointments.

The Government of Alberta announced in 2023 $150,000 for CAEP to update the Howse Pass study that was previously completed. This work will be tasked to the Transportation and Logistics Committee to develop a path forward. Additionally, the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, and Trade have announced and provided training on a new suite of tools to support regional economic development alliances, including a new site selector tool. There will be more support coming and we appreciate our relationship with Minister Jones and his team.

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The Business Support Network workshops are continuing.

These are focused on the labour force strategies as we know labour is top of mind for all in central Alberta.

In May CAEP hosted a dinner with Premier Smith and central Alberta MLAs. The evening included an address to the audience by Premier Smith followed by the hot stove lounge with Premier Smith, Minister Jones, Minister LaGrange, and Minister Dreeshen, and moderated by MLA Nathan Cooper and our Executive Director Tracy Gardner.

Moving forward this year we are continuing to focus on the core of our business ensuring our marketing, communications, and social media presence provides the content needed to attract and expand central Alberta economic development opportunities. We need to tell our story, My hope is, the work each committee will undertake results in ideas and direction for continued economic regional growth.

In 2025 CAEP will be hosting SiteLink which is a global site selector conference. SiteLink has been delivering these conferences in other areas of Alberta such as Woodland County and in 2024 will be in Bonnyville/Cold Lake region and Wood Buffalo/Fort McMurray. This is an exciting opportunity for each of our member communities who want to participate to meet site selectors from North America over a three-day period. More details will be coming in the months ahead.

Our Board of Directors are focused on ensuring we deliver value to our membership and all the stakeholders we engage with. There has been much accomplished, but still so much to do. Alberta is seeing record population growth and businesses from across Canada and globally are looking to call our province home. Central Alberta needs to be front and centre in these decisions marketing our attributes, including location, competitive land costs, competitive tax rates, competitive utilities, home of the best entrepreneurs who are innovators and visionaries, a talented work force, and most importantly our quality of life.

Jean Barclay Annual Report 2023-24

2023-24 Board of Directors

Jean Barclay Chair Mayor, Town of Innisfail

Lawrence Lee Vice Chair Councillor, City of Red Deer

Rhonda Hunter Treasurer Mayor, Town of Didsbury

Faye McGhee Secretary Councillor, Kneehill County

Leonard Standingontheroad Director Chief, Montana Nation

Brenda Knight Director Councillor, Lacombe County

Barry Kletke Director Mayor, Town of Trochu

Chris Vardas Director Councillor, Town of Sundre

Pieter Broere Director Business Representative, Ponoka County

Lesley McMahon Director Business Representative, Red Deer County

Megan Hanson Director Mayor, Town of Sylvan Lake

Jim Wood Director Mayor, Red Deer County

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Dean Billingsley Director Councillor, City of Wetaskiwin

Annual Report 2023-24

Greetings From The Executive Director As I reflect on the last year, I am humbled by the significant amount of support that CAEP has received. We celebrate individuals, municipalities, members and partners that are collectively dedicated to lifting CAEP to new and innovative levels. It is this sense of pride in economic development that makes this region so strong and vibrant. It is also the reason CAEP plays an important role in government awareness and advocacy to ensure that Central Alberta remains a focus and is a destination of choice!

From the 2023 AGM, I spoke about “Bringing It Forward” and being optimistic about building relationships and partnerships. Actively listening to the membership and working on collaborative solutions to real issues. So we have continued to work on workforce development by leading Business Support Network Workshops which offer relevant and accessible training for urban and rural business owners. The cooperative nature of this project has reinforced the importance to work with partners that deliver elevated educational content that really delivers a regional workforce competitive advantage.

We listened to CAEP Members who desired more time with elected officials so we hosted the Dinner with the Premier featuring four Ministers, Speaker Cooper and two local MLA’s. Being able to interact with officials and ask questions relevant to each community was valuable.

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We also took advantage of the opportunity to challenge elected officials on their commitment to economic development and how CAEP can deliver enhanced communications sharing the vital work that is happening in the region. This ROI reminds departments that the investment in REDA’s is essential to rural vibrancy.

The “Coffee with CAEP” initiative proved to be extremely valuable for me to get to know our membership, actively listen to opportunities to improve and how CAEP can deliver value by remaining focused on regional economic benefit. Assuring that all members have access to tools that prepare them to be informed and as investment ready as possible.

As the Board continues to focus on the Regional Growth Strategy, it is exciting to resurrect committee work that will keep actionable items at the forefront and assure that we are accountable to our stakeholders on funding and projects. Get involved on any of these committees to enable your community is connected and ready for economic possibilities.

Again, I thank you, each and every one of you. I continue to work for your trust and respect and am confident that if we all collectively focus on a bright regional future, the sky will be the limit for Central Alberta!

Tracy Gardner Annual Report 2023-24

Strategic Vision

Value ~ Results ~ Impact

On behalf of the CAEP Board of Directors, we are excited to invite your Nomination to one of four CAEP Committees that reinforce the Regional Economic Growth Strategy! We are committed to establishing and enhancing assets in the community/region and there is no question that the intellectual capital in the region is all together high! Thus, working together to create conversation, workplans, advocacy and outcomes seems logical!

We also encourage you to engage with your EDO’s and CAO’s who may have a vested interest, skill set or talent for contributing to these committees that enhance the growth and positioning of our region. And as Brad Parry said, “we MUST work together, it is our only option for a strong and vibrant region!”

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Transportation & Logistics

Manufacturing, Emerging Technology & Natural Resources

Agribusiness

Tourism

CAEP

Annual Report 2023-24

Regional Membership

Municipalities - 34

Associate Members - 29

Businesses - 10,542

Homes - 516,820

People - 912,775

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Annual Report 2023-24

Current CAEP Projects Workforce Development Building a Strong and Engaged "Workforce Development" through the Business Support Network Grant which shares expertise on strong HR Toolkits that set your business apart from the pack

Greatest Pitch The "Greatest Pitch" Site Selector readiness for all CAEP members as we prepare for SiteLink 2025.

Refreshed Branding CAEP "Refreshed Branding" delivers a modern look and updates website functionality with logical navigation and access to timely and relevant information. See page 8 for a sneak peak of what you can expect to see from our new brand.

Advocacy Ongoing municipal and provincial "Advocacy" that reinforces the return on economic development investment assuring that we are greatest together celebrating communities of all sizes.

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CAEP

Annual Report 2023-24

We’re Re-branding!

The rebranding initiative for Central Alberta Economic Partnership signifies our dedication to fostering change and embracing innovation within Central Alberta. The logo reflects our diverse community and our steadfast collaboration to realizing our vision, mission, and values.

C O L O R

#8EBE4A

#1CAEA0

P A L E T T E

#31A5DD

#1175B8

#838485

F O N T S

M O O D B O A R D

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I N S P I R A T I O N

Annual Report 2023-24

Successes Business Support Network

Economic Development In Central Alberta: An Evening With Premier Danielle Smith The Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) held an exclusive evening that ignited conversations and fostered connections among the region’s most influential economic minds.

This unique gathering featured a “hot stove lounge” discussion with none other than Premier Danielle Smith and Minister Matt Jones, among other notable figures. It was an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights from top leaders on the economic strategies and opportunities that will shape Central Alberta’s future.

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Annual Report 2023-24

Successes Leadership Lunch & Learn: Kicking it Beyond the Goalposts

2023 General Meetings

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Business & Blue Jeans

Annual Report 2023-24

Financial Statement

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Annual Report 2023-24

CAEP Thanks Our 2023-24 Partners

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Annual Report 2023-24