Strathcona County receives international economic development award

Strathcona County received a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award for its Strathcona County Economic Development and Tourism, YOU CAN Print Promotion, in the category of General Purpose Print Promotion from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The honour was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 2, at the IEDC Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We are pleased to see international recognition for our economic development and tourism marketing campaign. Our goal is to showcase Strathcona County to the world,” says Strathcona County director of economic development and tourism Gerald Gabinet.

The marketing materials for the economic development and tourism campaign convey the County’s vision of being Canada’s most livable community - in every aspect, be it for business, tourism, or quality of place. The simple phrase You Can is paired with engaging local photography: you can start a business in Strathcona County. You can kayak in Strathcona County’s Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere. You can grow in Strathcona County.

The campaign showcases the County as a thriving, successful and vibrant community; as home to Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing area; and as a community distinguished by its “can do” spirit. It is a community uplifted by the presence of ‘movers, shakers, and doers’ who are fierce pursuers of success.

"This year our judges reviewed some extraordinary projects that advanced both communities and businesses. We congratulate all the award winners, and thank everyone who nominated their projects for sharing their success with fellow IEDC members. What we learn from each other helps us to grow and advance as a profession. We look forward to even greater participation from economic developers across the globe in the 2019 awards program.” - Craig Richard, CEcD, FM, President and CEO, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation located in Tampa, Florida, and 2018 IEDC Board Chair.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world's largest membership organization for economic development professionals. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life in their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, our members represent the entire range of economic development. Learn more at iedconline.org.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595