For Immediate Release – May 12, 2023 – Local economic development leaders meet to address labour challenges
For immediate release
Local economic development leaders meet to address labour challenges
Strathmore, AB – May 12, 2023
The Wild Rose Region east of Calgary is poised for economic development and prosperity as a result of major investments that will create tremendous opportunities for businesses and residents alike. However, success comes with challenges.
Across Canada, businesses are struggling to find the labour force they need in a dynamic and competitive global economy. A confluence of labour challenges, some a generation in the making, some emerging unexpectedly from the pandemic, are thrusting communities to the forefront to find solutions to problems that are complex and intertwined. From housing to labour force participation, inflation and demographic shifts, the challenges require broad community collaboration from the private, public and non-profit sector.
“Bringing community leaders together to tackle these challenges is the first step to building a sustainable and vibrant future for our businesses and residents”, says Wendy Gerbrandt, Community Economic Development Officer for Community Futures Wild Rose.
Community Futures Wild Rose is a non-profit organization based in Strathmore that’s dedicated to building an economically diverse future for the communities in the region, governed by a board of directors of elected municipal leaders from each community.
On April 28th, local economic development practitioners from communities across the region gathered at the Community Futures Wild Rose office to plan out a project to study the labour market and build a customized strategy for the region. The project is made possible with federal funding support and local contributions from the Town of Strathmore, Wheatland County, Kneehill County, Rocky View County, Prospect Human Services and Community Futures Wild Rose.
“Our team of experienced staff understand the challenges of owning a business, and are here to provide the resources, support and tools to help businesses succeed. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our communities, by being proactive, not reactive” says Community Futures Wild Rose Executive Director Chantale Sangster.
The first major milestone of the project is to rally volunteers from across the region to conduct business visits to gather critical information. Chamber of Commerce’s, elected officials, non-profit groups and employment agencies will all be encouraged to pitch in for a one-day business visitation blitz, to kick off a business survey that will inform the workforce strategy later in the year.
For more information on how to volunteer, contact Wendy Gerbrandt at wendyg@albertacf.com
Media Inquiries:
Chantale Sangster, Executive Director
Community Futures Wild Rose
P: 403.934.8888 ext. 1
Project Inquiries:
Wendy Gerbrandt, Community Economic Development Officer
Community Futures Wild Rose
P: 403.934.8888 ext. 3
Additional Information:
Community Futures Wild Rose (CFWR) office is a non-profit organization staffed by seasoned business professionals and guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. CFWR is dedicated to building an economically diverse future for rural communities.
CFWR has over 30 years of experience helping rural entrepreneurs grow and thrive as small business owners and provides access to capital, business counselling, training and community economic development projects.
CFWR is located in Strathmore and supports the following communities:
| • Village of Acme | • Town of Bassano | • City of Chestermere |
| • Village of Beiseker | • Town of Irricana | • Kneehill County |
| • Village of Carbon | • Town of Strathmore | • Rocky View County |
| • Village of Hussar | • Town of Three Hills | • Wheatland County |
| • Village of Linden | • Town of Trochu | |
| • Village of Rockyford | ||
| • Village of Standard |