(Photo credit: Growing the North Conference)

By Nathaniel Leigh

Growing the North

Growing the North conference returns to Grande Prairie Feb. 18-20

Feb 12, 2025 | 12:32 PM

The largest economic development conference in northern Alberta returns next week.

The 16th annual Growing the North conference, organized by the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, the City of GP, County of GP, MD of Greenview, Community Futures GP & Region, GP Regional Innovation Network, GP Regional Tourism Association, Northwestern Polytechnic, Farm Credit Canada, and GP Friendship Centre, aims to help municipal leaders and entrepreneurs innovate and explore opportunities in our region.

Tom Pura with the Chamber says the conference involves all local municipalities, Northwestern Polytechnic, and many other local stakeholders.

“It’s become an event where people from all over the region, all over Northwest Alberta can come together,” Pura says. “Meet face-to-face, shake a hand and say ‘Hey! What’s happening in your area?’ and exchange challenges and exchange successes and hopefully make the entire region better.”

Pura says attendees will be able to network with municipal leaders and businesses and hear from a selection of guest speakers on a variety of topics.

“Jackie Forrest from the Energy Industry, Mark Parsons an economist,” he says. “Edward Olsen, I heard him speak at an event last year. He’s a dynamite speaker and just a really good guy. And Waneek Horn-Miller we’re really excited to bring. She’s an Indigenous former athlete and we’re so looking forward to seeing her as well.”

He says this year, attendees will have the new option to register for just Day One of the conference, which will feature sessions dedicated to innovation, industry trends, and growth.

“Day One is a little more business-focused,” he says. “It’s difficult for businesses, especially small businesses sometimes to put two days aside to come to a conference. But if you can put one day aside and come visit with us, you might get the urge to sign up for two days next year.”

Growing the North goes February 19-20 at the Tara Centre at Evergreen Park, with a pre-mixer event February 18.