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By Justine Kelsie

Taste of Peace kicks off Growing the North

Feb 20, 2018 | 4:00 AM

Taste of Peace is set for tonight. It is held every year the evening before the Growing the North Conference gets underway. 

The event showcases local producers, growers, and food and beverage representatives.

“It’s all about economic development, community economic development, business development, industry development (as well as) growth, opportunity, and trends,” said Holly Sorgen, Community Futures Executive Director.  

“This is our way of being able to showcase one of those industries that have some growth and trend potential in our region.”

Sorgen says the evening at the Stonebridge Hotel sets the tone for the following two days.

“There is such a buzz that happens. For some of the individuals in that room, they don’t see each other very often and it is a reconnection. For some of the people, they have never met each other before so, it is a new connection. For a lot of people, it is just being able to associate with some of these producers.”

It is held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in a joint effort between Farm Credit Canada and Community Futures.

The Entrec Centre at Evergreen Park will be busy with conference goers Wednesday and Thursday as they attend various sessions.

The keynote speaker is Darby Allen, former Fire Chief for Fort McMurray. He will talk about facing community emergency and crises and overcoming them.

Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Deron Bilous will also be featured.

On top of the government officials, Executive Vice-President for Aurora Cannabis Cam Battley and President, CEO & Chair of Blackbird Energy Garth Braun will be hosting a session.

You can find the full list of speakers here. 

by Justine Kelsie