Regional leaders set CAEP's economic development priorities

Municipal leaders from about a dozen Central Alberta communities met in Innisfail on 3 September to help set the direction of the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP).

They identified two areas where CAEP adds the most value: promoting Central Alberta to investors in Canada and abroad, and advocating to governments for regional projects, infrastructure and policies.

Team Central Alberta

Both run through Team Central Alberta, CAEP's industry partnership program and investment marketing brand. It brings municipalities, businesses, education institutions and regional organisations together to take the region's opportunities to market.

The three-year plan

CAEP's business plan focuses on building trust through visible wins, creating a regional data hub, investment attraction, strengthening members' economic development capacity and reaching financial independence.

"Every community is concerned about their viability and what they can do to retain business and attract business," said Paul Salvatore, CAEP's executive director.

Source: Red Deer Advocate, 4 September 2026.