President’s Message – January 9, 2023

NOTE: This event has already taken place.

Happy new year!

And what an exciting year it will be for EDANL. Following years of planning, later this month we are unveiling our first training courses that are customized and specially crafted to meet the needs of economic developers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Theses courses are already sold out, and we’ll be looking to deliver them again later in 2023 (let us know if you’re interested). Meanwhile, we will be working throughout the year to round out our training program – an array of resources and offerings that our members will be able to rely on year after year.

Equally anticipated is that, after 3 years, we will finally be able to return to an in-person conference. The event will be taking place May 24-25, so hold those dates in your calendar. The EDANL conference has proven to be one of the most valuable networking events in my own career – and I suspect for others as well! It’s a great forum for learning from peers and networking with new colleagues. The location will be announced in the days ahead.

Speaking of networking opportunities, later this month on the 26th we will be hosting our Awards Night. Here we will highlight the winners of our Economic Development Awards of Excellence. Tickets are limited, so if you’re interested in joining us be sure to register right away. Throughout the year we will continue with our Member Meet-Ups with some subject matters and speakers already lined up. Stay tuned!

With lots of momentum building for 2023, as a volunteer-run organization we are cognizant of the fact that an outfit that relies entirely on the free time of a few busy people is not going to make it in the long run. So, with our training program now up and running, we will be actively exploring how we can ensure that EDANL itself remains a sustainably active organization into the long term. We will keep you updated.

If you have thoughts or ideas on any of the above, be sure to reach out to me or any of your board members!

Economic developers are helping Newfoundland and Labrador through challenging economic times each and every day. Arming practitioners throughout the province with the tools, experiences, and networks that they need to succeed will help ensure we make the most of the vast opportunities that we have before us in the years ahead. A rising tide raises all ships, and this is the mission of EDANL.

Thanks to each of you for your membership and support – we are sure that there will be lots of value for your membership through 2023.

// Kieran