September 29, 2026
The Economic Developers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDANL) held its annual conference in Burin this past week.
The event featured participation from economic developers from across the province, working in a variety of different sectors.
“In whatever context an economic developer is working, and however they define the ‘community’ that they serve, the same general principles of the practice apply,” said Kieran Hanley, EDANL’s President. “This conference allows for the sharing of ideas, experiences, successes, and failures – it’s an event that raises the tide and with it … all ships.”
The conference opened with Mayors and senior staff from the Towns of Burin, Marystown, Fortune, and St. Lawrence who provided important local context which helped set the tone for the two days which followed.
The event included tours of local industry (Oceanic Releaf) and attractions such as Burin’s Heritage Square and Cooke’s Lookout Trail. Conference sessions were held at Smuggler’s Cove in its brand new conference facility.
“We were so lucky to have been welcomed so warmly by the Peninsula,” said Hanley, “We had record-breaking participation at the event this year – and every one of our attendees left with a greater appreciation of the Burin Peninsula’s past, present, and future.”
The event also focused on sharing information on key topics to the benefit of all economic developers – such as labour market and productivity, rural revitalization, and industrial opportunities presenting opportunities for growth province-wide.
EDANL’s 2026 Conference was supported by Keyin College (Title Sponsor), the Department of Jobs, Growth, and Rural Development (Mission Partner), and the Atlantic Chapter of the Certified Management Consultants (Networking Partner).
About EDANL
The Economic Developers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDANL) is a not-for-profit with a mission to build the capacity of those engaged in economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador and advance the practice as a distinct and recognized profession.
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