In support of Central Alberta’s ongoing international investment efforts, Central Alberta: Access Prosperity (CAAP) and the Town of Ponoka are hosting an International Ambassador event March 17.
Launched in September 2010, the International Ambassadors Program (IAP) is a network of business leaders and decision makers who have an active interest in promoting international trade and investment in central Alberta.
“International Ambassadors act as a resource for inbound missions and familiarization tours, identify and facilitate new business development opportunities, and share best practices regarding doing business abroad,” said Erin Gates, CAAP spokesperson.
International Ambassadors benefit from the opportunity to participate in international business development presentations and networking events, develop expertise in expansion practices, and make connections with potential partnership and value chains.
“By hosting the IAP event, we anticipate our local businesses will build relationships with one another, and discover opportunities to actively promote trade and investment to our region,” said Sarah Kraft, economic development officer with the Town of Ponoka.
The March 17 event will feature Gusty Yaskowich who will discuss the value and best practices of professional networking. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the Ponoka Ag Event Centre, and a choice between Alberta Flares Energy Services Ltd. or Almita Manufacturing Ltd.
Kraft expects a crowd of more than 50 local business owners and believes the event should offer each a unique perspective.
“They’re (CAAP) a group that has been formed to stimulate foreign direct investment in central Alberta — within that mandate they have three focus areas which are; manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation and logistics — they connect individuals and business from Europe with business owners here, so it depends on what the business owner has for goals and what industry they are in,” said Kraft.
Interested Central Alberta businesses are encouraged to register for the IAP event by contacting Mandi Carroll at (403) 357.2395 or emailing MCarroll@RDCounty.ca. The event is free, however space is limited.