The
Way
At CAEP, we best serve our members by staying true to our Vision, Mission and Values.
Our Vision
Beyond ordinary, Central Alberta is a business-friendly, diverse, and welcoming region that provides optimal opportunity for all.
Our Mission
Convenes businesses, communities, and people to foster local success and advance Central Alberta’s regional competitive advantage.
Our Values
CAEP puts communities first, is open and inclusive, acts with integrity, and provides leadership.
Regional Economic Growth Strategy
Strategic Plan 2025-2027
In February 2025, CAEP set a bold direction for the next two years with a new 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan identifying three clear organizational goals:
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Community Investor Profiles
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Regional Investor Profiles
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Networking
At the heart of the strategy is a powerful new impact statement: Empowering Investment Attraction in Central Alberta. This vision supports local economic development and positions CAEP as a key connector in the investment ecosystem.
It also reflects CAEP's commitment to deliver regional promotion strategies and partnerships that elevate Central Alberta's competitiveness.
Read the 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan to learn more - available here.
Current Initiatives
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Regional Business Retention and Support Initiatives
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Business and Investment Attraction Initiatives
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Rural and Indigenous Broadband Connectivity
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Transportation and Logistics
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Regional Land Database
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Municipal Investment Attraction Readiness Program
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Economic Development Member Training
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Jean Barclay
Chair/Interim Treasurer
Mayor, Town of Innisfail
Ben Allan
Director
Associate Member Representative, Red Deer Polytechnic
Barry Kletke
Vice Chair
Mayor, Town of Trochu
Brenda Knight
Director
Councillor, Lacombe County
Chad Krahn
Director
Councillor, City of Red Deer
Amy Merrill
Director
Business Representative, Kneehill County
Jordon Northcott
Director
Reeve, Clearwater County
Chief Leonard Standingontheroad
Director
Montana First Nation
Joe Iwanicki
Director
Councillor, Sylvan Lake
Bob Murray
Secretary
Deputy Mayor, Didsbury
Justin Sinclair
Director
Councillor, Rocky Mountain House
Neil Young
Director
Councillor, Beiseker
Lee Girard
Director
Councillor, Red Deer County
Kevin Stalker
Director
Business Representative, Rocky Mountain House
Our Partners
Paul Salvatore
Executive Director
Central Alberta Economic Partnership
We acknowledge and honour that the land we work and live on is located in the Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 regions. This area is the traditional lands of the Cree, Niisitapi (Blackfoot), Tsuut’ina, Stoney Nakoda, Saulteax, and Métis peoples.