CAEP Announces New Executive Director

Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Salvatore as its new Executive Director.  Mr. Salvatore brings more than 20 years of economic development and public-private partnership experience to the organization.  Paul, in concert with CAEP’s Board of Directors, will lead CAEP’s efforts to attract investment, foster innovation, and strengthen the economic vitality of Central Alberta communities.

“I am honored to join CAEP at such an exciting time,” said Paul Salvatore. “Central Alberta has always had location advantages as a hub on Alberta’s busiest highway corridors and is poised for significant growth, I look forward to connecting with municipal, industry, and Indigenous partners to build on our region’s strengths—with great emphasis on energy, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and logistics - to drive new opportunities for job creation and sustainable prosperity.”

In this role, Salvatore will work with communities in the region to implement CAEP’s strategic approach that includes stakeholder engagement, economic development project delivery, including investment attraction programs, site selection support, and facilitating workforce development initiatives.

Previously, Salvatore and his firm Municipal Experts Inc. have delivered projects on behalf of Regional Economic Development Alliances (North West Alberta) and in municipalities that include the Town of Penhold, Lacombe County, The City of Lacombe, Rockyview County, in addition to his career which includes Calgary Economic Development the town of Drumheller and the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

“Paul’s proven leadership and deep understanding of economic development makes him the ideal candidate to guide CAEP through our next phase of growth,” said Jean Barclay, Chair of CAEP’s Board of Directors. “Their track record of fostering collaboration among government, industry, and community stakeholders aligns perfectly with our mandate to champion Central Alberta on the national and global stage.”

As Executive Director, Salvatore will also champion CAEP’s upcoming projects that include:

1)Connections Corridor - an economic update of the 2005 pre-feasibility study on the Howse Pass transportation link;

2) Community Profiles - in partnership with McSweeney & Associates Consulting Inc., CAEP, and participating members, comprehensive community profiles are being developed to support investment readiness.  McSweeney & Associates Consulting Inc., is an industry leader in community and economic development; and,

3) Site Link Conference - CAEP will be hosting the Site Link Conference with Global Webster, bringing international site selectors to central Alberta September 3-5.

About Central Alberta Economic Partnership Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) is a regional economic development alliance empowered by its member communities and regional stakeholders. CAEP’s mission is to attract investment, support business growth, and collaborate with community leaders to create a vibrant and diversified Central Alberta economy. For more information, visit www.investcentralalberta.ca.

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Media contacts: Paul Salvatore, CLGM Executive Director (incoming) Central Alberta Economic Partnership Phone: 587-447-2237 Email: psalvatore@investcentralalberta.ca

Board Chair: Jean Barclay Phone: 555-987-6543 Email: jean.barclay@innisfail.ca