By rdnewsNOW Staff

Unique-To-Lacombe

Economic development strategy accepted by Lacombe city council

Mar 26, 2021 | 1:38 PM

Lacombe city council has given its approval for a unique-to-Lacombe economic development strategy.

The 2021 Community Economic Development Strategy, developed by the Echo Lacombe Association (Echo), was approved by council on Mar. 22.

City officials say this inaugural strategy allows the organization to act as an economic development agency for the City.

“Lacombe city council is pleased to see this strategy put forward by the Echo Lacombe Association – an organization which has a proven track record of economic and social good in our community. By further enhancing the reach of Echo, the City can further highlight Lacombe as business-friendly and community-focused,” says Mayor Grant Creasey, in a press release.

The strategy is said to be centred on four strategies – promoting economic growth, advancing Lacombe’s economic diversity, maintaining Lacombe’s high quality of life standard and stimulating business resiliency, in addition to being benchmarked with 15 new or continuing actions.

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Highlights include promoting Echo Internet service, supporting DARP project priorities, and further developing strategies to limit the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on area businesses and non-profit groups.

Ongoing initiatives include managing the City’s energy retailer, Echo Energy; administering two City grant programs (Storefront Enhancement and Business Initiative); and maintaining Echo’s Community Economic Development Microsite.

“It is important to take this next step as an organization,” added Echo President Jared Reich. “This strategy demonstrates alignment with city council priorities and ensures we are delivering programs in a coordinated and responsible fashion.”

Officials note, the strategy was preceded by the approval of the City’s Community Economic Development Bylaw (Bylaw 480), which empowers Echo to:

• Manage the City’s energy retailer, Echo Energy
• Offer a range of community economic development and other programs and projects
• Advance grassroots community economic development in Lacombe

Echo, in the future, is anticipated to present their updated strategy and priorities on an annual basis to council.