CAEP developing ‘Team Central Alberta’ strategy

Salvatore says that over the next three years, CAEP will concentrate on building a stronger regional investment proposition, improving investor readiness across member communities, and expanding government relations and advocacy, among other things.

He says these steps are a key vehicle for Team Central Alberta, which is the organization’s regional investment marketing brand.

“[This] conversation was valuable because our mayors and reeves were very clear about where CAEP can make the greatest difference,” said Salvatore.

“They want us promoting central Alberta, helping our communities become investment-ready and advocating for the projects and infrastructure that will move this regional economy forward. Those priorities are at the centre of our three-year business plan.”

The next stage, he added, will be to provide communities and stakeholders with measurable results.

“It was clear around the table today that our municipalities see value in having a strong regional voice,” said Mayor Barry Kletke of the Town of Trochu, CAEP vice-chair.

“Whether you are Red Deer, Sundre, Trochu or one of the many communities in between, we benefit when Central Alberta is competing successfully for investment. CAEP gives us a way to take that bigger regional story to market while ensuring individual communities can benefit from the opportunities it generates.”

Salvatore says the public should know that CAEP is reinventing the work it does, and wants to help assert the region as the third-largest economy in the province that it is.

He also noted that CAEP is discussing collaboration with Red Deer D.R.I.V.E., which is the economic development entity formed last year in the city.

All the while, the discussion continues around the U.S.-Canada trade war and its far-reaching effects; as well, the looming separation-related referendum is nearing and causing angst.

“In the conversation with the mayors, I said sometimes you need to have your back against the wall to come up with creative solutions, and I think that’s what both these things, the referendum and the tariffs represent,” he said.

“It forces us to be more creative, it forces us to work more collaboratively, and it forces us to partner and be more efficient at how we deliver our services, but also how we look at the world around us.”

Salvatore concluded, saying that CAEP has been around for 27 years and is excited about the months ahead.

by Josh Hall

CAEP developing ‘Team Central Alberta’ strategy

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