Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood (left) and Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston (right). (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

bonne journée

Red Deer & Red Deer County mayors headed to France to showcase economic opportunities

Jun 16, 2023 | 3:03 PM

The mayors of Red Deer and Red Deer County — Ken Johnston and Jim Wood — are jet-setting to France next week.

Their trip is to showcase economic opportunities in the central Alberta region.

The trip’s cost is being funded partially by the City and County, as well Red Deer Regional Airport and Government of Alberta, who are also sending one representative each. The two mayors are also personally covering a portion of the expense.

According to the City, Mayor Johnston’s flight is $2,722, half of which he’s personally paying, while the other half is covered by conference fee allocations each member of council gets to use yearly. Johnston is also covering personal expenses. The County notes that while Mayor Wood’s flight is the same, a portion of his yearly conference fee allotment of $9,000 will cover the trip.

In a joint media release, the City and County say the mayors will head to a part of the Paris region called Le Bourget, with the aim of highlighting their own region as one which is open and ready for business on the global stage.

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The trip will include a chance to attend the Paris Air Show and showcase central Alberta as a competitive aerospace sector, continuing to evolve and highly regarded in the global aerospace industry,

“Mayor Wood and I will be planting seeds that central Alberta is the preferred place of doing business in Alberta, that we are an emerging logistics hub, and we are preparing Red Deer for an exciting future,” said Mayor Johnston.

“Paris, with its vibrant economy and position as a global business center, provides an ideal platform for us to share the unique opportunities and advantages central Alberta offers. By participating in this economic development trip and attending the airshow, we aim to foster new relationships, explore investment prospects, and attract global enterprises to our doorstep.”

Wood says his 19 years at the County has allowed him to see tremendous growth and development, fueled by dedication and innovation of local businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Central Alberta has become a hub of economic activity, attracting investments, and creating jobs,” said Wood. “We are now taking the next step to highlight the immense potential of our region to international partners and the partnerships forged during this trip will pave the way for increased trade, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, leading to mutual benefits for all involved.”

The pair will also engage in productive discussions and meetings with government officials, industry leaders, and potential investors, highlighting the strategic advantages of the region, including central location, skilled workforce, diverse economy, and a welcoming business environment.