The success of the first "Let's Talk Economic Growth" forum in Lac La Biche will pave the way for more opportunities to bring ideas, collaborations and growth to the region, say organizers.Â
The panel discussion, held in partnership with Lac La Biche County, Portage College and Alberta's Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean, took place on February 27 in the McGrane Theatre at the Lac La Biche Portage College campus. The forum brought together panelists from the provincial and municipal governments, industry, education, and the regional business sector to discuss topics key to the continued economic growth of the region. Discussion topics included industry driving productivity, the boreal forest and other unique assets, and overall community growth in northeastern Alberta.Â
Full Event Video Â
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The panelists:Â
- Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov Â
- Portage College President and CEO Dr. Stephen Price Â
- Alberta's Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean Â
- Alberta's Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd LoewenÂ
- Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLAÂ Tany YaoÂ
- Kendall Dilling with Oils Sands AllianceÂ
- Caddie Blood with Tribal Chiefs / TEAMS AlbertaÂ
- Brent Rabik with Alberta Pacific Forest IndustriesÂ
- Travis Henson with International Petroleum CorporationÂ
- Lisa Roper from Lisa Roper OutdoorsÂ
- Bob Bezpalko with Alberta HubÂ
"The opportunity to bring together leaders from the province, local government, and industry to engage in conversation at Portage College has added a spark to the entrepreneurial movement in Lac La Biche County and northeastern Alberta," says Portage College President and CEO Dr. Stephen Price. Â
That spark, says Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov, will ignite economic and social growth for the community.Â
"Our "Let's Talk Economic Growth" Forum helped us imagine how we can make our County and the northeastern region a home for even more families, bringing together industry, businesses, and the general public to imagine what our future looks like if we all work together," said Reutov. "Our industrial sector is the economic engine that powers our community, providing family-supporting careers."Â
During the two-hour session, representatives from the tourism industry, forestry, and oil and gas made presentations and answered questions from the audience about future economic potential. The idea of working together was a common thread.Â
The collaborative spirit is something Brian Jean has championed in his two decades as a government representative for the region, the province and the country.Â
"We need to work together to find ways to have people move here and live here, and be educated here, and have their kids raised here," said Jean, during the forum. "Do we have opportunity here? We have so much opportunity here there is no better place."Â
Approximately 200 community members attended the forum. Former Portage College President and CEO Nancy Broadbent was the moderator for the event.
Organizers of the "Let's Talk Economic Growth" forum are committed to hosting more public events related to the region's growth and economic development. Updates from this forum and details about upcoming events will be posted to the Portage College and Lac La Biche County websites.Â
