The CAEP SPARK - February 2026
- CAEP Author
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
TEAM CENTRAL ALBERTA: Working Together for Results
Central Alberta is moving forward. Our 300,000 residents represent over 25 municipal members in Alberta’s 3rd largest regional economy.
As investors come calling, CAEP provides a bridge between industry and our communities as “the meat in the sandwich” between Calgary and Edmonton with access to over 4 million Albertans and world markets that are more important than ever before.
This month, we will be announcing the first of our TEAM CENTRAL ALBERTA partners. This is our way of connecting with industry and expanding CAEP’s relevance to the companies that make the largest contributions to our regional economy.
OUR FOCUS FOR 2026 AND 2027
CAEP is at the crux of a generational change. We are entering year two of CAEP’s three-year transition towards the elimination of provincial government funding. We’re listening to our members and making decisions that will define us for years to come. We know our members want to be more actively involved in the projects that make us all more competitive.
HOW ARE WE DOING THIS?
Adding Team Central Alberta partners.
Discussing Team Central Alberta’s participation in Team Canada International Trade Team delegations.
Telling the world about Central Alberta. Working with our partners to develop the messages and campaigns that attract interest in regional opportunities.
Building relationships and support from all levels of government.
Identifying the projects that act on the economic priorities in Alberta and Canada.
Providing opportunities for networking that matters. The Spring and Fall General Meetings, targeted Lunch & Learns, Economic Development Workshops, and a Fundraising Dinner that will mix advocacy with deal-making.
Project-based committees. Ad hoc, time-bound groups to move priority files faster.
Government relations + communications. A clear calendar, stronger advocacy, and consistent updates members can repurpose locally.
This work advances CAEP’s Strategic Plan goals—labour market, regional orientation, and organizational excellence—so members see value in their own communities and across the region.
WHAT MEMBERS GET:
Sharper first impression with investors and talent. Shared data, consistent branding, and smoother processes that reduce friction.
Sector traction where we win: transportation & logistics, agri-food and ag-tech, energy (including CCUS and waste-to-energy), tourism, advanced manufacturing, data centres and emerging tech.
A stronger bench. Training and peer exchange that build local capacity without extra headcount.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CAEP MEMBERSHIP:
Book a “CAEP Connector” check-in. Share near-term projects, land inventory, and workforce needs; we’ll align profiles and intros.
Nominate one practitioner + one elected official to a project-based committee where you want momentum.
Have a sector lead in agri-food, logistics, energy transition, manufacturing, data/AI, or tourism? Put their name forward for a project group.
Attend our networking events and sign up for CAEP workshops, courses, lunch & learn sessions
HOW WE'LL MEASURE PROGRESS - AND REPORT IT BACK:
Modest membership growth and stronger associate engagement.
A short member satisfaction pulse to guide next steps.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER NOW?
Regions that collaborate, build capacity, and market themselves well will capture more of the growth. Our investor-readiness work, training, and joint promotion put Central Alberta in that column.
We thank all Central Alberta communities for the work you’re doing locally. When we act together as Team Central Alberta, we turn individual wins into regional momentum.
SAVE THE DATE! TWO NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COURSES
CAEP is pleased to host two new economic development courses in March—free to CAEP members!
ESTABLISHING THE FOUNDATION
Tuesday, March 24
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Red Deer, Alberta
Economic development is the heartbeat of thriving communities. This session will offer participants a comprehensive overview of economic development concepts and provide guidance on developing strategic economic development plans.
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Monday, March 30
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sylvan Lake, Alberta
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
Registration details will be available soon.
Paul Salvatore, BA, ALUP, CLGM
Executive Director
Phone: 587-447-2237
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