The CAEP SPARK - April 2026
- CAEP Author
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
ACCOUNTABILITY
CAEP is no stranger to the challenges that our members face. We have an intimate understanding of what it feels like to have grant funds slashed while trying to deliver quality outcomes for the 25+ municipalities that we serve.
This is why CAEP’s Board of Directors is setting clear objectives for the next 3 years – through our Business Plan that we will unveil at our Annual General Meeting on May 8th at Wolf Creek Golf Resort (see details below).
Another key deliverable for us is the launch of our new Investor Driven Data Platform, at the EDA Conference on April 16th in partnership with CityViz. Investors need high quality data that answers the question “Why should I locate here?” We’re thrilled to pass this on to all CAEP members. The new platform features custom features that you will only receive if you are part of the CAEP family.
This new data platform will equip all of our members with the ability to run custom reports at the press of a button. These custom reports can take the form of Community Profiles, Quarterly Reports to Council. Members will be able to update community information as it becomes available: for example, development approvals, permits and other important data you want to communicate. Stay tuned for future training sessions where you can learn how to get the most out of the platform.
We have also been working with Red Deer’s DRIVE initiative—the City of Red Deer’s new economic development organization—to define the activities each of us will focus on to avoid overlap and share resources. Our goal is to save costs for our members by avoiding duplication and pooling our efforts for great outcomes together.
We continue to be thankful for the support of our 25+ member communities. And we continue to work closely with regional partners such as Red Deer DRIVE, Red Deer Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Central Alberta to define roles and responsibilities while ensuring that CAEP is strongly positioned to deliver valuable services to our members.
CAO ROUNDTABLE LUNCHEONS
CAEP is hosting CAO Roundtable Luncheons to gain feedback from municipal administrative leaders on CAEP’s future goals and deliverables, including CAEP’s Three-Year Business Plan.
The next luncheon is:
Wed, April 22 at 12:00 pm – Innisfail
To receive an invitation please contact me at
REGISTER NOW! CAEP Annual General Meeting
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Wolf Creek Golf Resort, Ponoka, AB
Join us for Central Alberta Economic Partnership's Annual General Meeting—an opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of shaping the region's economic future.
This year's AGM will unveil CAEP's new 3-year business plan, outlining our vision and strategic priorities for strengthening economic growth across Central Alberta. Attendees will also get an exclusive look at the exciting projects and initiatives planned for the coming year.
The meeting will include two additional sessions that explore emerging economic opportunities in Central Alberta. Expert speakers will offer important regional insights relevant to businesses, municipalities, and community leaders alike.
Deadline to register: Friday, May 1
REGISTRATION FEE (includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch):
CAEP Members: $55
Non-CAEP Members: $125
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Date (rescheduled): Wednesday, April 29
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Blackfalds Civic Cultural Centre, 5018 Waghorn St, Blackfalds, AB
This one-day course will help you craft, execute, and refine effective rural economic development strategies. Participants will learn how to identify and leverage economic opportunities specific to the context of your rural community.
REGISTRATION FEE:
CAEP Members: Free (up to 2 individuals per organization)
Non-CAEP Members: $350
Deadline to register: April 22, 2026
Paul Salvatore, BA, ALUP, CLGM
Executive Director
Phone: 587-447-2237
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