AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – Each year cities across North America spend the first week of May increasing awareness of the positive work economic developers do to enhance their respective local economies as part of International Economic Development Week.
The role that economic development plays in maintaining the well-being of our community by supporting the success of local economy, is critical during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“The economic development profession is intricately linked with business and economy. One of the most important roles we play as economic developers is to support entrepreneurs,” says Team Leader, Economic Development, Sara Chamberlain. “That’s why we are taking the time, during this very challenging period for businesses, to acknowledge Economic Development Week. It’s an opportunity to remind our community that local businesses are the backbone of our economy and it’s essential we provide support to help them weather this storm.”
Many local businesses are adjusting to the current social distancing measures and restrictions on social gathering. The scope of which have impacted an unprecedented number of businesses and organizations not just in Airdrie but all over the world.
The Economic Development team at the City has been actively support local businesses since the pandemic first hit mid-March.
Working with community and industry partners, Economic Development has been continually providing information for businesses about provincial and federal government programs as well as learning opportunities through a list of business resources on the City’s website.
Airdrie businesses were asked to participate in a survey conducted by Economic Development to gauge the most critical challenges and concerns businesses are facing during the pandemic. The results of the survey, which you can view here, will help guide the team as they continue to seek creative solutions to keep businesses operating in Airdrie.
One such solution, aimed at connecting Airdrie residents with businesses, is a new online portal called airdrie.thingsthatareopen.com. This centralized directory for all licensed businesses in Airdrie, offers residents an easy way of finding out which of their favourite providers are still open for business.
For more information on this and the other tools and resources Economic Development can provide to help support the local economy contact the team at economic.development@airdrie.ca or 403.948.8844.
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Media contact:
Sara Chamberlain
Team Leader, Economic Development
403.948.8800 ext. 8455