In today's episode, Ryan and Mariah talk to Puneeta McBryan the Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association. Downtowns have been hit hard over the pandemic and Ryan and Mariah get Puneeta's insight into what is currently happening to activate our downtown and what essential steps need to happen next. Spoiler Alert, there is no silver bullet. Events, infrastructure, tax structure, housing, offices, transit, our local businesses, a downtown park, and the playoffs (Go Oilers!) are all core ingredients to creating an amazing ecosystem. 

Puneeta McBryan is Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, where she is working hard to secure the ongoing and renewed vibrancy of Downtown Edmonton, having taken on the role in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic as downtowns across North America grappled with the new realities and challenges ahead. Prior to joining the EDBA, she served public and private sector clients across Alberta as a business strategist and consultant specialising in marketing, communications, and stakeholder & community engagement. A transformational leader and a connector by nature, Puneeta is working to support Edmonton’s economic recovery and resilience through innovative new initiatives & community collaborations with downtown stakeholders, the business community, and all three levels of government.