The Leduc Nisku Economic Development Association (LNEDA) presented to Leduc city council their first quarter report.
Leduc’s Economic Development Officer, Luke Pantin presented the report that began with a review of the three key goals for 2015. Goal one is to build capacity and ensure organizational sustainability. Goal two is to build collaboration and strengthen regional partnerships with the third goal to stimulate economic development in the region.
Mr. Pantin reviewed the highlights of the LNEDA’s activities to drive market opportunities, including the attendance of the World Heavy Oil Congress Exhibition held in Edmonton and the hosting of the 2015 Federal “Go” Global event in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs. The association also partnered with the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation for a Western Diversification Program Initiative Grant. The grant would allow the development of three initiatives that would allow the exploration of trade and investment with Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
LNEDA established a booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) at their conference in Whistler and at the Cargo Logistics Canada Show in Vancouver.
The association is currently working on a Workforce Action Plan for review, a retail market study, establishing quarterly collaborative meetings with all members, developing a project plan for a regional brand, and launching a number of projects to gain corporate members, an electronic “GIS” site inventory, and pages for Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
A review of website activity showed over 1,700 new visitors during the quarter with 680 returning for additional information. The newsletter showed an 8.9 per cent increase during the quarter and 51 companies became engaged within the region.
The LNEDA was formed in 1984 between the City of Leduc and Leduc County to formulate and lead strategies for sustainable economic growth. Since 1999 LNEDA has grown to include surrounding municipalities and has become Alberta’s international region. Several members of Leduc’s city council remarked that LNEDA’s growth over the last several years has been remarkable and credits past councils which had the foresight to work with the County of Leduc in establishing the LNEDA.