Edmonton Airports and CN Canadian Women’s Open win EEDC awards

A sold-out crowd of 1,100-plus business and political leaders attended Edmonton Economic Development Corp.’s (EEDC) 13th Annual Luncheon today to hear a very candid and thought-provoking presentation by keynote speaker Chief Clarence Louie, chair of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board and leader of the Osoyoos Indian Band in BC’s south Okanagan — one of the most successful aboriginal communities in Canada.

Here are some other EEDC Annual Luncheon highlights: 

• EEDC president and CEO Ron Gilbertson presented a long-term economic growth strategy with four key elements. “Whether measured in terms of GDP growth, per capital income, levels of employment or new investment, Edmonton clearly continues to rank among the top echelon of mid-size cities around the globe. A prime objective of EEDC is to help the community establish a clear vision of Edmonton’s potential as a truly world-class city and region, and to put in place a plan for achieving that vision.” 
• Edmonton Airports won EEDC’s prestigious Company of the Year Award in recognition of Edmonton International Airport’s impressive development and growth in passenger traffic — especially a record-breaking 6.1 million passengers in 2007, the second-consecutive year EIA has led all major Canadian airports in passenger growth. 
• All volunteers involved with last year’s CN Canadian Women’s Open LPGA tournament in Edmonton were recognized with EEDC’s Edmonton Image Award for presenting an outstanding event to an international audience — and establishing new records for attendance, corporate hosting and money raised for charity. 
• Peter Silverstone, Biovail Corporation’s senior vice-president of Medical and Scientific Affairs, officially joined EEDC’s volunteer Board of Directors today. 
• EEDC’s 2007 Annual Report — Great Economy, Great Partners, Greater Edmonton — was released at today’s luncheon. It is available online at www.edmonton.com/eedc-corporate or a hard copy can be obtained by calling 424-9191.

Edmonton Economic Development Corp. 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.

Notes: 

1. Chief Louie’s entire presentation and Ron Gilbertson’s entire presentation will be available as a video podcast on www.edmonton.com/eedc-corporate tomorrow (March 20). 
2. A booklet of Edmonton facts was distributed at today’s luncheon. Visit www.edmonton.ca/walletcard for more information.

Media Contact:
Kenn Bur, Director of Communications
(780) 917-7659 / kbur@edmonton.com