Edmonton — With the convergence of initiatives like the EXPO 2017 bid, China’s emerging tourism market, a revitalized downtown, and improved productivity and competitiveness, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Ron Gilbertson declared today that, with its unparalleled economic potential, Edmonton is on the way to meeting its goal as one of the world’s top five mid-sized cities.

“Though Edmonton was not immune from the 2009 global decline, our economic fundamentals remain strong. Few economies have as bright prospects over the coming decades as Edmonton and northern Alberta,” said Gilbertson.

Giving an A grade for the city’s long-term outlook in his state-of-the-economy remarks at EEDC’s annual luncheon attended by close to 1,000 people, Gilbertson said, “We are seeing a continued increase in the world’s demand for oil combined with a decrease in world oil supply. Alberta is home to the world’s largest politically stable source of oil. With increased value-added processing at home, and a continued focus on sectors that are key to our economy, I am bullish on Edmonton’s long-term prospects.”

University of Alberta President Indira Samarasekera spoke to one of those key sectors: advanced education. In her keynote address, the university’s 12th president spoke to its role in Edmonton’s economy and its goal of being one of the world’s top public universities.

Three Edmonton-based organizations were recognized with 2010 EEDC awards of excellence that reflect EEDC objectives: drive change through leadership, economic growth through innovation, and enhance Edmonton’s global stature and recognition.

• Leadership Excellence Award: In servicing its 600,000-customer base, EPCOR (www.epcor.ca) supports community youth, sports, and arts and culture activities. An official supplier to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics, EPCOR has paid more than $1.8 billion since 1996 to its shareholder, the City of Edmonton. Receiving the award was Don Lowry, EPCOR President and CEO.
• Innovation Excellence Award: Originally a spin-off company at the University of Calgary, Innovotech (www.innovotech.ca) relocated to the Edmonton Research Park for its state-of-the-art laboratory space. Through continued innovation in a risk-laden industry, Innovotech caters to a national and international clientele in medicine, agriculture and industry. Ken Boutilier, Innovotech President, received the award.
• Recognition Excellence Award: The Art of Gallery of Alberta’s (www.youraga.ca) January opening attracted coverage from local, national and international media. Over 12,000 visitors took in the architectural landmark’s celebratory four-day opening weekend. Receiving the award was Allan Scott, AGA Chair.

As an organization, EEDC recorded a $276,984 operating surplus in the year ending December 31, 2009. EEDC’s 2009 annual report was made public at the luncheon. The report is available at www.edmonton.com or by calling 780-424-9191.

Media contact:
Bin Lau
External Relations
Phone: 780.969.0463 or 780.719.1351
E-mail: blau@edmonton.com

Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) provides leadership in economic development, markets Edmonton as a must-see destination, manages the Shaw Conference Centre and Edmonton Research Park, and acts as a stakeholder in TEC Edmonton, a joint venture with the University of Alberta. For more information, visit www.edmonton.com or www.edmontonstories.ca.