Lethbridge, AB… It was a banner year for economic development in Southern Alberta in 2025, and the efforts of numerous organizations were recognized for their work at the Economic Developers of Alberta (EDA) Conference held last week in Kananaskis. The annual 3-day conference shines a spotlight on economic development in the province and part of the festivities are the EDA Awards of Excellence.
“The EDA conference is an opportunity for economic development professionals from across the province to gather and celebrate the important work they do in each and every corner of Alberta,” says Ben Young, Interim CEO, Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) and Past Chair of the EDA Board of Directors. “Presentations and sessions cover numerous topics and sectors and provide attendees insights from business and industry, local and provincial government, and of course the economic development community in Alberta. It’s great that EDL and other Southern Alberta economic development organizations were recognized for the work they do to an audience of our peers.”
The EDA Awards of Excellence Program celebrates the outstanding economic development programs, partnerships, and professionals in Alberta, acknowledging their significant contributions to the field.
Southern Alberta award winners at the 2026 EDA Awards of Excellence include:
• Innovative Approach to Economic Development – Large Community. Recognizes projects that used a new, creative and distinctive approach to economic development in their communities.
o Winner – Economic Development Lethbridge – Quantum Super Hub
• Regional Collaboration and Partnerships – Large Community. Recognizes projects where regional collaboration and/or strategic partnerships were the key success factor for the project.
o Winner – Alberta Southwest Regional Economic Development – Blackfoot Signage Project
• Marketing for Economic Development Outcomes – Large Community. This category highlights economic development marketing and/or promotional campaigns with demonstrated and measurable outcomes.
o Winner – Southern Alberta Investment and Trade Initiative (SAITI) – Economic Development Lethbridge, SouthGrow Regional Initiative, Alberta Southwest Regional Economic Development, Lethbridge County – SAITI Global Marketing Campaign
• Marketing for Economic Development Outcomes – Small Community. This category highlights economic development marketing and/or promotional campaigns with demonstrated and measurable outcomes.
o Winner – Town of Taber – Celebrate Taber
• Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award. This Award recognizes an Economic Development Professional who has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring others in the profession. Gerry Gabinet was a giant in economic development in Alberta and across Canada and this award so fittingly recognizes others who give back to the profession through mentorship and leadership.
o Winner – Bev Thornton – Executive Director, Alberta Southwest Regional Economic Development
In addition to these awards both Economic Development Lethbridge and SAITI were awarded the Alex Metcalfe Award for Best in Show of all the entrees in a particular category.
“EDL has always been a champion for new technologies and innovation, and the Quantum Super Hub in partnership with SuperQ Quantum is a shining example of how the organization can implement tools to help solve real world problems, not just in our community but on a global scale,” says Renae Barlow, former VP, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Economic Development Lethbridge. “It’s encouraging to see this project recognized for how monumental it is. The accessibility of the world’s first Quantum Super Hub, located in Tecconnect, will open new doors and opportunities for business, industry and entrepreneurs in Southern Alberta and save them all time and money through the power of quantum computing.”
For more information, contact:
Mark Neskar
Director, Marketing & Communications
Economic Development Lethbridge
403-393-6376
mark@chooselethbridge.ca
