News Release

September 8^th, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

(Red Deer) – Red Deer Regional Economic Development (RDRED) and Central Alberta Economic Partnership Ltd. (CAEP) have unveiled two new initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment into the region.

The first initiative was to create a recognizable, compelling and competitive brand for Central Alberta that will be used in marketing the region internationally. The new brand was developed to build a strong identity for the region and resonate with investors in the United States and Europe. The Central Alberta: Access Prosperity brand represents the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, authentic work ethic, ambitious attitude and accessiblity.

“Having a new brand is pivotal to ensuring our region stands out with a consistent message that will help us broaden our business and industry base and stabilize our economy over the long term for Central Alberta,” Erin Gates, RDRED’s spokesperson for the FDI project explains, “As we continue our investment attraction efforts in international markets using the Central Alberta: Access Prosperity brand, foreign investors will begin to associate the region as a place to access success, markets and talent.”

Dale Barr, spokesperson for the FDI project adds, “Central Alberta’s new brand leverages our region’s greatest strengths and assets as viewed through the eyes of the potential investor.” Barr continues, “Embracing the regional collaborative approach of the FDI project, the brand can be used by any Central Alberta community or business marketing internationally or seeking international partnerships.”

The second initiative is the creation of the International Ambassadors Program (IAP). The IAP is a network open to local business leaders interested in actively promoting international trade and investment in Central Alberta. The International Ambassador’s role is to act as a maven, promoting the region and its opportunities during business travel abroad. Additionally, International Ambassadors can support international business expansions into the region by connecting foreign companies with local networks.

As a champion and supporter of the IAP, Scott Wakefield, the General Manager of Red Deer’s Finning facility says, “The IAP will fill a current gap in our area by providing a common gathering for foreign-owned companies and importing/exporting companies to unite and share ideas, while RDRED And CAEP continue efforts to establish a global presence for Central Alberta.”

Though IAP members are volunteers, they do receive access to networking and business development opportunities with international delegates, trade commissioners, organizations, subject matter experts and thought leaders. The IAP will also be offering value-added meetings and business development workshops.

The IAP is expected to be an integral part of international investment attraction, as these International Ambassadors have a wealth of knowledge to share with potential investors. “International Ambassadors create an opportunity for potential investors to learn about the region’s business resources, as well as Central Alberta’s quality of life for their employees,” Gates announces.

Interested Central Alberta businesses are invited to visit www.AccessProsperity.ca for more information about the International Ambassadors Program.

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Contact Information:

Erin Gates

Economic Development Specialist

Red Deer Regional Economic Development

Office: 403-356-4864

e-mail: Erin.Gates@rdc.ab.ca

Scott Wakefield

General Manger of Operations

Red Deer Equipment Services – Finning Canada

403-358-3200

e-mail: SWakfield@finning.ca

Dale Barr
Mayor of Rimbey

Central Alberta Economic Partnership Ltd

Phone: 403-704-4266
e-mail: Dale@rimbey.com