The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awarded Calgary Economic Development with a gold rank for its Calgary sector videos and a bronze rank for its New Economy LIVE event series at its annual conference and awards ceremony Oct. 5.
“At Calgary Economic Development we are storytellers positioning Calgary as the destination of choice for business investment, trade and talent,” said Brad Parry, Interim President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development. “These awards speak to the passionate work of our team who are proud of the city we live in and are excited to contribute to its path forward as an inclusive, opportunity-rich city with shared prosperity."
The IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders, with 25 award categories to honour organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Calgary Economic Development received gold in the Multimedia/Video Promotion category for its seven sector videos, which are regularly used by the Business Development team and at signature events. They continue to be effective vehicles to market the city to the world and have amassed over 6,000 views on YouTube. They include:
- Calgary. Where your great ideas can become billion dollar businesses.
- Calgary. Bright minds and bright companies in Life Sciences live here.
- Calgary. Hardwired for a future in creativity.
- Calgary. The engine of the agriculture industry.
- Calgary. A global aerospace powerhouse.
- Calgary. Canada's energy and clean tech city.
- Calgary. Western Canada's inland port.
New Economy LIVE won Calgary Economic Development a bronze rank in the Special Events category. The event series first launched in February 2020 and grew from 80 attendees to over 250 at the final event of the year. It brought together community members to learn about the economic strategy, Calgary in the New Economy, at complimentary events which showcased leading research commissioned by Calgary Economic Development on the strategy’s key pillars: Place, Talent, Business Environment and Innovation.
The IEDC awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers, following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries.
For more on Calgary’s economic strategy, visit the Calgary in the New Economy page and register for our signature Economic Outlook event Oct. 27. Stay tuned to the events page for news on the next New Economy LIVE.