By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Economic Development Week, may 9-13

Innisfail wants public’s input on economic strategy

May 6, 2022 | 11:14 AM

The Town of Innisfail is set to mark its very own Economic Development Week, May 9-13.

The occasion is for celebrating the importance of the community working together to shape a strong and prosperous economy, the Town says in a release.

According to the Town, Economic Development Week was developed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2016 to promote awareness of local programs that stimulate economic growth and, in turn, improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.

The Town’s proclamation aligns with council’s recently adopted Community Economic Development Strategy — Power of Place — which focuses on deeply engaging the community to boldly lead the development of local markets for property, goods, services, labour, and energy.

“The success of a community is built on the power of place, defined by the synergies of the community, economy, and capacity. This synergy is able to produce results greater than the sum of the individual parts,” says Mayor Jean Barclay.

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“Leadership requires an open mind, the willingness to collaborate, the ability to build relationships, and having respect for others.”

Since adopting its new strategy, Innisfail has, through the newly-formed Community Economic Development Advisory Committee, has begun to tackle investment readiness, met with industry leaders and forged a partnership with the Innisfail & District Chamber of Commerce.

“The Power of Place strategy is an important first step in aligning the values of residents, businesses, community organizations, town staff and elected officials,” says Pat Bourne, committee chair. “The next step is working together to improve the quality of life here in Innisfail.”

The Power of Place strategy says that the role of community economic development is to identify local market challenges and opportunities, and then rally the community around local solutions. This means, the Town explains, taking action to connect the forces of supply and demand like connecting electrical wires. The result is the power to change the future to reflect the aspirations of local residents.

The Town’s success depends on public engagement and feedback. To find out more about getting involved, contact Gordon Shaw, the Town’s community development manager, at gordon.shaw@innisfail.ca.