We chat with Evan Walker, a graduate student at the University of Alberta in the Department of Political Science, and a policy intern at Edmonton Global. Evan has been working on a research paper exploring global best practices in red tape reduction to support business investment and economic growth. We talk about what red tape is, what it isn't, and how it can improve economic competitiveness.

We talk with Dr. Stanford Blade, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta and professor in the Faculty’s Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science. We talk about the importance of building a strong talent pipeline, how innovation is enhancing the food and agriculture sector, and how the University of Alberta is partnering with industry to commercialize research. 

Dr. Stan Blade's Twitter: @DeanALES_UofA 
For more information on the faculty: https://www.ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/index.html 

We talk to Anna Look, owner and founder of Look Ahead Consulting. We talk about the role business events play in economic development and investment attraction, as well as the latest trends and shifts that are happening in the business events sector.

Anna's website: https://lookaheadconsulting.ca/ 
Anna's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-look/
Anna's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdMSDWV_nljoFh5Q5nPOA6Q 

We talk with Jerry Bouma, a local and well-respected consultant in the food and agriculture industry, who has consulted throughout the globe. He shares his insights as to why the Edmonton Metropolitan Region has so much potential in this sector, the current challenges, and where we go from here.

Jerry can be reached by email at: jerry (at) jerryboumaassociates.com

Sherri and Brianna chat with Dr. Leanne Hedberg, Director of the Social Innovation Institute and Associate Professor in MacEwan University's Department of Organizational Behaviour, Human Resources Management and Management. We chat about barriers to building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, social entrepreneurship, and how we can improve access and supports for underrepresented entrepreneurs. 

Brianna and Sherri chat esports with CK Dhaliwal and Madison Côté. What are “esports” and why are they an economic development opportunity for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region? On February 18 & 19, 2023, the Alberta Esports Expo is being held – free – at the Edmonton Expo Centre https://esportsalberta.ca/aee

In the final episode for 2022, Brianna and Sherri chat with the CEO of Edmonton Global, Malcolm Bruce, about the year's highlights in economic development for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.

Searle Turton, MLA for Spruce Grove-Stony Plain, talks about the Edmonton Metro Region Economic Recovery Working Group that he recently chaired. He shares his experience moving from municipal to provincial politics and some ideas for engaging more people in the trades.

Mark Nikota manages the economic development corporation for another region in Alberta: the Harvest Sky Region. Brianna and Sherri ask about some of the region's past economic challenges and current initiatives.

Learn more at: https://harvestsky.ca/ 

Sherri and Brianna talk with guests Sheila Chauvet and Ashley Clark about a program that connects small businesses in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region with a student consultant that helps the business develop an online presence.

To learn more about program, check out: www.yourdep.ca
To learn more about Sheila's business (and see the website she created with Ashley's help), check out: https://www.steppingforwardpsychology.com/
To learn more about the University of Alberta School of Business Consulting Group, check out: https://www.schoolofbusinesscg.com/