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Economic developers gather in Newfoundland
to focus on new ideas and creativity
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EDAC annual conference:
Innovation on the Edge
Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
Economic Developers Association of
Canada (EDAC) members from across the
country gathered in St. John’s Newfound-
land for the association’s annual conference
Sept. 21 to 24. This year’s theme: “Innova-
tion on the edge,” focused on new ideas and
creativity. The association, which represents eco-
nomic development professionals in munic-
ipal, regional, provincial and federal
economic development offices (and associ-
ated suppliers and services), reflects the in-
terests of officials in all levels of government
who spend much of their time connecting
with both elected officials and private sector
businesses to facilitate community eco-
nomic growth
The conference is hosted in a different
Canadian city each year. Last year’s event
took place in Iqaluit, and in 2010 delegates
gathered in Peterborough, Ontario (the
Kawarthas). EDAC president Cheri Kemp-Long says
venues are planned well in advance and are
awarded based on presentations from inter-
ested communities. “We look at accommo-
dation available and other hosting abilities
and these events are planned well in ad-
vance. Next year we’ll be in Calgary.”
This year’s conference follows the Re-
source Investors Forum, also in Newfound-
land, providing an opportunity for attendees
to attend both events. “One of the values of
the conference is networking, bringing peo-
ple of different geographies together, as well
as people from different interest groups.”
EDAC members, reflecting their mandate,
relate to entrepreneurs and developers as
44 – Fall 2013 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report
well as public officials. According to the
EDAC website, “Fostering greater innovation
requires the collaboration of all levels of gov-
ernment, economic development agencies
and the private sector. Innovation encom-
passes a wide range of activities in addition
to research and development.”
Kemp-Long indicates that Atlantic Canada
has experienced many changes recently,
with new industries and wealth, and the
Newfoundland setting provides an opportu-
nity for economic developers from across
Canada to learn about the Atlantic experi-
ence. The rotating regional conference
model also allows EDAC members in the At-
lantic provinces, who might not have the re-
sources to travel outside their own region, to
attend the national conference this year.
The conference is also the setting for the
association’s annual general meeting and
EDAC professional certification exams. As
well, awards ceremonies recognize mem-
bers for their economic development contri-
butions and marketing achievements.
Throughout the year, EDAC promotes and
advocates to governments and other re-
gional groups to enhance understanding of
professional economic development prac-
tices. The association also works with uni-
versities to develop programming and skills
to support members’ professional develop-
ment. “Economic development is about com-
munity development, quality of life, enhanc-
ing local environments for business
development and success,” Kemp-Long
says. “There is an ongoing need for under-
standing all that encompasses.”
For more information about EDAC, visit
edac.ca.