Innovation, creativity highlighted during recent awards

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“Presentations and sessions cover numerous topics and sectors and provide attendees insights from business and industry, local and provincial government, and of course the economic development community in Alberta.”

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In all, five operations from our area were singled out for their efforts and presented with an award. They were:

• Innovative Approach to Economic Development – Large Community. Recognizes projects that used a new, creative and distinctive approach to economic development in their communities. Winner – Economic Development Lethbridge – Quantum Super Hub

• Regional Collaboration and Partnerships – Large Community. Recognizes projects where regional collaboration and/or strategic partnerships were the key success factor for the project. Winner – Alberta Southwest Regional Economic Development – Blackfoot Signage Project

• Marketing for Economic Development Outcomes – Large Community. This category highlights economic development marketing and/or promotional campaigns with demonstrated and measurable outcomes. Winner – Southern Alberta Investment and Trade Initiative (SAITI) – Economic Development Lethbridge, SouthGrow Regional Initiative, Alberta Southwest Regional Economic Development, Lethbridge County – SAITI Global Marketing Campaign

• Marketing for Economic Development Outcomes – Small Community. This category highlights economic development marketing and/or promotional campaigns with demonstrated and measurable outcomes. Winner – Town of Taber (Celebrate Taber)

• Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award. This Award recognizes an Economic Development Professional who has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring others in the profession. Gerry Gabinet was a giant in economic development in Alberta and across Canada and this award so fittingly recognizes others who give back to the profession through mentorship and leadership. Winner – Bev Thornton – Executive Director, Alberta Southwest Regional Economic Development

A sixth accolade was given to Economic Development Lethbridge and Southern Alberta Investment and Trade Initiative, the Alex Metcalfe Award for Best in Show of all the entrees.

The former vice-president of EDL’s entrepreneurship, Renae Barlow, said her group has always been a champion for new technologies and innovation.

“And, the Quantum Super Hub in partnership with SuperQ Quantum is a shining example of how the organization can implement tools to help solve real world problems, not just in our community but on a global scale.”

Barlow believes the quantum super hub will change the landscape by opening new doors and opportunities for business, industry, and entrepreneurs.