Airdrie Economic Development works with the Airdrie business community to generate projects, activities and resources that will build the local economy. This includes working one-on-one with new and expanding businesses.
Sara brings 20 years of experience in economic development and communications to her role, having served the City of Airdrie since 2007. Sara has managed numerous successful projects including Airdrie’s Economic Strategy, the SMARTstart entrepreneurial training program, and award-winning communications initiatives. She has developed positive relationships with many community organizations and business owners. She holds national and international designations in economic development, and is one of 40 in Canada to have earned a Fellowship designation. She was a volunteer board member with Economic Developers Alberta for six years, including serving as President of the association.
Chad worked in the private sector (human resources and health care) for 20 years before becoming an entrepreneur, owning a successful downtown retail store for five years in Morden, Manitoba. Like many in the profession, he stumbled into economic development, working as a Business Development Specialist for three years in Morden before relocating to the City of Grande Prairie where Chad’s role was to attract new investment. Over the years, Chad has served on several boards including a chamber of commerce and sports organizations. He’s excited about volunteering and working in Airdrie. Chad’s role is to support local businesses and attract new investment to our city.
Chelsie is committed to delivering exceptional customer service to Airdrie residents, visitors, businesses and colleagues. She holds a university-level Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) designation, and a journalism diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Her diverse experience spans print media, commercial construction, healthcare, transportation and logistics and oil and gas, providing her with valuable insights into customer needs. Chelsie excels in strategic communication and is skilled in developing efficient business processes. Passionate about community and connection, she enjoy collaborating with like-minded individuals to support businesses in the community she has proudly called home for over 20 years.
Jessica is an award-winning entrepreneur and strategic marketing manager with a passion for building relationships, programs and ventures. In addition to having 15 years experience as a marketing/business development professional, Jessica was a successful entrepreneur running (and selling!) a storefront clothing business in Saskatchewan, plus she’s worked in developing courses and programs for two post-secondary institutions. Most recently, she was with Bow Valley College Airdrie working to research and begin developing the focus of the Airdrie Entrepreneur Centre. Jessica lives in Airdrie and is excited to continue her work with entrepreneurs in our community.
Lauren’s diverse background includes community economic development, marketing, air service development, and journalism. Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Nipissing University and a certificate in Economic Development. Lauren began her career in North Bay and eventually moved west to Grande Prairie where she worked with the airport followed by the City of Grande Prairie (events, marketing and economic development). Most recently she was with Community Futures Centre West. Lauren thrives on identifying and nurturing partnerships and works closely with Airdrie's downtown revitalization coordinator executing downtown priorities, supporting businesses, attracting new business and investment, and increasing activity and vibrancy in downtown Airdrie.
Shauna brings a wealth of experience to her role as Tourism Development Officer. For 10 years she worked with various government bodies around the globe, who acted as host communities for the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games. After these adventures and before joining the team in August 2018, she produced major events, festivals and strategic initiatives in downtown Calgary. Shauna specializes in place making, public domain management and event production and was the Chair for the successful 2020 Alberta Winter Games, in Airdrie.
Tara has been with the Economic Development department since April 2011. She holds a Diploma in Administrative Information Management from SAIT and has earned her Economic Development Certificate from the University of Waterloo. She is passionate about working with the Airdrie business community and helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. Her responsibilities mainly fall within the Business Development core service helping with business retention and expansion along with entrepreneurial support services. Tara was born and raised in Airdrie and has no plans to leave.