Katlin Ducherer builds relationship bridges Lloydminster's economic development straddles Alberta/Saskatchewan border Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature From an education in events and tourism, Katlin Ducherer is building a bridge-building career as an eco- nomic development officer for Lloydminster. “I applied for a different job with the city back in 2008,” she said. “They were looking to expand their economic development department at the time, suggested I con- sider giving it a try and sent me on training. From the start I loved it.” Describing economic develop- ment as being about “building bridges and making connections that wouldn’t otherwise be made or made as quickly,” she has spent the past several years building and facil- itating those relationships and help- ing develop a regional picture. Lloydminster is unique in that it straddles the border between Al- berta and Saskatchewan so is con- sidered both and is connected to several regions on both sides of the border. This is both an opportunity and a challenge in the economic de- velopment world. Another challenge that Ducherer has dealt with is her gender. “When I started the job and would go to events or into meetings, the majority of my peers were men and in partic- ular older men. Now I’m seeing more women in the field and people younger than me getting involved.” She says she realized early on that she had to be con- fident and show others that she knew what she was doing. Having an outgoing and energetic personality helps she says and adds these qualities are important for any- one considering the profession. A challenge she has yet to face and has concerns about is how a future family might fit into her hectic and de- manding schedule. “In economic development you have to be available 24/7,” she said. “There are challenges in the size of the team you work with and all that needs to happen and I can see balancing that and a family as being difficult.” That being said she loves her job and says she would absolutely recommend this as a career. “I love developing and maintaining relationships, enjoy helping people and being part of someone’s suc- cess.” Ducherer says the training she has taken and continues to take along the way has been important, in part because of what she has learned from conversations and stories from experienced instructors. A member of the Saskatchewan Eco- nomic Development Association (SEDA) and Economic Developers Alberta (EDA), Ducherer is also a member of the MPI (Meeting Professionals International). “With economic development it can be years until you see the fruits of your labour,” she said. “Without the bridges we build though a lot of businesses and or- ganizations would not have the opportuni- ties they do.” The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Winter 2015 – 19 EDO