Lethbridge, AB…Building on the success of the inaugural Brighter Together Food Journey in August of 2022, Tourism
Lethbridge, Lethbridge & District Exhibition and Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) are hosting the 2nd edition of the event. The Food Journey will take place tomorrow (August 24) and once again highlight the people, producers and passion of southern Alberta farmers and food processors. This years’ journey will see attendees visit Farming Smarter, Thrive Honey, Perry Farms and the Coulee Plant Walk at Lethbridge College. The day will start with a tour of the brand new Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre at Lethbridge & District Exhibition.

“We can’t wait to welcome the world to this new state-of-the art venue, and this event will help highlight the role the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre will play in showcasing our region when it comes to agriculture, agri-food processing, tourism and meetings and events,” says Lethbridge & District Exhibition, CEO, Mike Warkentin. “The combination of an event like this, taking place during Whoop-Up Days will give visitors to our region a better understanding of the collaboration and potential for economic growth in Lethbridge and the surrounding region.”

The Brighter Together Food Journey will see attendees from local organizations and businesses tour Canada’s Premier
Food Corridor (CPFC) with guests from various government agencies, site selectors, meeting/event planners as well as
local and external media and social media influencers. The guided tour will showcase locally grown products while
highlighting some of the innovative food processing techniques and strategies from local farms and businesses.

“The power of the Brighter Together Food Journey is twofold,” says Erin Crane, CEO, Tourism Lethbridge. “It’s a chance to show off our region and truly demonstrate how southern Alberta feeds the world, and just as important, connect local businesses to a new audience. The conversations taking place on the bus as we weave our way down the highways and gravel roads can lead to new ideas and opportunities for growth in our region in a multitude of ways.”

After attendees have toured the new Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre, and completed the food tour, they are invited to attend a VIP reception and networking event in the Lakeview Salon at Lethbridge & District Exhibition. This event will feature food and drink sampled throughout the day, which will be incorporated into the menu for this portion of the Food Journey. Each organization will showcase the work they are doing independently and collaboratively to truly help Lethbridge live up to its community brand statement, Lethbridge, Brighter Together.

Economic Development Lethbridge recently received funding from all levels of government for their Agri-Food cluster
development initiative to help promote investment in and awareness of Canada’s Premier Food Corridor. The initiative was
made possible with the support of a federal investment of nearly 700 thousand dollars over 3 years through the Community
Economic Development and Diversity (CEDD) Program. The CEDD program supports economic development initiatives
that help communities grow and diversify. PrairiesCan administers the CEDD program in the prairie provinces.

“The tremendous collaboration within southern Alberta’s agri-food industry – be it through this food journey event, the
newly constructed Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre, or Canada’s Premier Food Corridor – is helping to better promote
awareness of and investment in communities, farms and businesses across the region,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “We will continue to remain a strong partner and work with agri-food business to grow an industry that continues to help feed the world and supports good jobs across southern Alberta.”

Economic Development Lethbridge, CEO, Trevor Lewington, commented, “Funding from our government partners
combined with contributions from each of the 4 other CPFC members (Lethbridge County, Town of Coaldale, MD of Taber and Town of Taber) will make sure we promote the message that if you’re in the business of food, you need to be here, in southern Alberta to a global audience.”

Media are invited to the VIP Reception & Networking portion of the event, being held from 5-7PM in the Lakeview Salon at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. Representatives from each organization will be on hand for comment. Parking will be extremely limited for this event, media wishing to attend can reach out to the contacts below to make arrangements.

For more information, contact:
Mark Neskar | Director Marketing & Communications | Economic Development Lethbridge
403-393-6376 | mark@chooselethbridge.ca

Paul Kingsmith | Sr. Manager, Marketing & Communications | Lethbridge & District Exhibition
403-915-1115 | paul.kingsmith@agrifoodhub.ca