As historic events create continued uncertainty in financial markets around the world, local business leaders are increasingly concerned about how Greater Edmonton, Alberta and Canada may be affected.

Local business leaders offer insights into how the global crisis may hit home

Will we avoid a recession? How will the U.S. market meltdown affect Alberta’s energy industry? What industries in the Greater Edmonton area are most likely to be affected? What effect might the election of President-elect Obama have on this crisis?

On Monday, Nov. 24, Edmonton Economic Development Corp. (EEDC) hosts a first-of-its-kind event in our city since the financial crisis began. The EEDC Economic Outlook 2009 Luncheon brings together Edmonton’s most respected business leaders for a panel discussion on how this uncertainty could affect the local economy and the rest of the world in 2009.

“For the last month, the global economic crisis has been a non-stop topic of discussion among senior executives in our city,” says Ron Gilbertson, EEDC President and CEO. “This is an exceptional opportunity to get a much better understanding of the state of the economy and what the future holds for all of us.”

Members of the panel of the panel include some of the best business minds in Greater Edmonton, each offering a different perspective on the current state of the economy: 

• Hon. Iris Evans – Minister of Finance & Enterprise, Government of Alberta 
• John Ferguson – Chairman, Suncor 
• Dr. Mike Percy – Dean, School of Business, University of Alberta 
• Larry Pollock – President, Canadian Western Bank 
• Angus Watt – Managing Director, Investment Services, National Bank Financial

The EEDC Edmonton Outlook 2009 Luncheon will be hosted by EEDC President & CEO Ron Gilbertson, with a question-and-answer discussion moderated by EEDC Director of Media Relations, Lesley MacDonald. It will be held at the Shaw Conference Centre. For further details visit: www.edmonton.com/outlook2009. The demand for this event is evident with brisk ticket sales. A media table is available. Please confirm your attendance.

Edmonton Economic Development Corp. (EEDC) is a not-for-profit company owned by the City of Edmonton that is responsible for regional economic development, regional tourism marketing, the Shaw Conference Centre and Edmonton Research Park. Visit www.edmonton.com/eedc-corporate.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lesley MacDonald, Director, Media Relations
TEL 780-969-0463 / CELL 780-884-7972
EMAIL lmacdonald@edmonton.com