Edmonton Economic Development Corporation

About EEDC


Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) is wholly owned by the City of Edmonton.

About EEDC:

EEDC was established as an independent corporate entity by the City in 1993. EEDC was assigned management responsibilities for:

  • Promotion of economic development
  • Promotion of tourism development
  • Management and development of the Shaw Conference Centre
  • Management and development of the Edmonton Research Park

The intention was to have one management organization dedicated to these responsibilities and to orchestrate the natural synergies between them.

Divisions of EEDC include Edmonton Workforce Development and Edmonton Tourism, which includes the Edmonton Film Office.

EEDC is also part of a joint venture with the University of Alberta called TEC Edmonton, which opens doors for local entrepreneurs, investors and the U of A research community.

In working to fulfill its goals, EEDC is guided by a volunteer, 15-person Board of Directors comprised of Edmonton business leaders. EEDC often works jointly and cooperatively with the City of Edmonton, other levels of government, and the business community.

EEDC Mission

To promote the economic growth and development of Edmonton.

EEDC Vision

To ensure Edmonton is recognized as one of the world’s leading mid-sized cities.

Key Initiatives 2011

  • Promote economic growth through innovation and a focus on knowledge-based industries.
  • Develop a regional financial services industry strategy.
  • Plan for the future growth of the Edmonton Research Park.
  • Continue to address workforce and productivity improvement.
  • Create a long-term strategy to increase the capacity of the Shaw Conference Centre.
  • Attract targeted conventions to Edmonton.
  • Enhance Edmonton’s global recognition through an awareness campaign with the City of Edmonton.
  • Contribute to the development of a quality of life strategy for Edmonton.
  • Continue to build a strong tourism industry.

Social Responsibility

EEDC is committed to innovation in its social and environmental practices and plays a leadership role in initiatives such as FRESH, Homeless Connect Edmonton, and the Food Bank's Second Helping program.  As an employer, EEDC actively supports the United Way with staff raising money year-round and has a corporate responsibility policy that provides time off for employees to volunteer at a charity of their choice.





Festivals

"The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is the gold standard for such events in Canada. Often sold out well in advance, the festival has attracted such diverse talents as Joni Mitchell, Elvis Costello and K.D Lang. It also has a great venue: a grassy hillside overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley and the city’s downtown that acts as a natural amphitheatre". Edmonton Unplugged, Macleans