Calgary Economic Development

Across industries, Calgary’s growth is being shaped by organizations that are laser focused on strengthening the communities they serve. Discover how leaders creating jobs and championing new initiatives to position the Blue Sky City for what comes next in the Calgary Herald ➤ https://lnkd.in/gFHHYsns. • Bow Valley College is scaling innovation in education, with plans to significantly expand health programming and train the workforce needed to meet growing demand. • Calgary Airports is advancing YYC AeroNex, a series of aviation projects that will create jobs, strengthen local supply chains and anchor Calgary’s role in global aerospace. • Stone-Olafson is creating space for new perspectives, empowering emerging talent to challenge assumptions and help organizations make smarter decisions. Through #TeamCalgary, these leaders are turning strategy into action, strengthening collaboration, expanding opportunity and helping shape what’s next for the Blue Sky City. Learn more about Team Calgary ➤ https://lnkd.in/gBwTg9mu. Calgary Economic Development | Brad Parry | Kysha Moradel-Takaguchi | Bow Valley College | Mehdi Sheikhzadeh, PhD. PEng. | Calgary Airports | Chris Dinsdale | Stone-Olafson | Kim Griffin 

Calgary’s growth runs on talent, and Calgary Economic Development is helping companies access the people they need to scale, expand and compete. As global firms land in Calgary and local companies grow into international players, that support is becoming a key part of how the city continues to evolve. Read how in our Newsroom ➤ https://lnkd.in/g-ybUqvw. The opportunity is here, but companies need the right talent to unlock it. That’s where Calgary Economic Development comes in, working directly with employers to turn talent gaps into hiring strategies through targeted attraction, real-time labour insights and strong local pipelines. “The most effective support is targeted, responsive and built around the needs of the companies or sectors we’re working with — and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Megan Zimmerman, Vice President of Trade and Investor Experience at Calgary Economic Development.  Access to talent is shaping what comes next for Calgary. Ensuring companies can find and build the teams they need will define how far that growth can go. Learn more about how our Investor Experience team helps local and global companies grow in the Blue Sky City ➤ https://lnkd.in/gBc2h5NW. Brad Parry | Megan Zimmerman | Ryan Hughes | Sharmin Surani | Sara Tokhanbeigi | Zachary Friesen | Doya (Ichue) Adewumi | Alfredo Valecillos  

Trade diversification isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s how Calgary stays competitive in a world defined by volatility. Join us on April 8 at Report to the Community 2026 to hear how local companies are expanding into new markets and positioning the Blue Sky City for long-term economic resilience ➤ https://lnkd.in/g5-ygcj5. From persistent geopolitical tensions to shifting trade policies and slowing global growth, today’s economic environment is a reminder that relying on a single market carries real risk.  Calgary businesses are responding by expanding strategically – securing trade relationships across Europe, Asia and beyond to unlock new growth opportunities here at home. When local businesses go global, Calgary sees: • Stronger, more resilient industries  • New investment driven by expanded international market access  • More stable, long-term growth for businesses  • New career opportunities for professionals At Report to the Community, we’ll explore what trade diversification looks like in practice — and how Calgary is positioning itself for what comes next. Thanks to our sponsors: WestJet | TELUS Business | Encore | Aspen Properties | Calgary Herald | Calgary Hotel Association | University of Calgary | Alberta Blue Cross | Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) | Calgary Arts Development | Calgary TELUS Convention Centre | Mount Royal University | Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) | Stone-Olafson Brad Parry | Navin Arora | Geraldine Anderson | Megan Zimmerman | Shona Reilly | City of Calgary | Jeromy Farkas | WestJet | Steve McLellan | TELUS Business | Katherine Emberly | Carlo Dade | Matthew Lowe | Gitane De Silva, ICD.D   #BlueSkyCity #LimitlessTogether 

Calgary’s role in global trade is growing, and it’s creating real opportunities here at home. 🌐 Watch the video below to hear from our Report to the Community hosts on how local businesses are expanding into new markets and why it matters for jobs, industries and the future of the Blue Sky City. Join us on April 8 ➤ https://lnkd.in/g5-ygcj5. As global markets shift, Calgary companies are building new partnerships across Europe, Asia and beyond. This year, we’re bringing that story to life at Report to the Community through the people leading the work and the businesses making it happen. From small and medium-sized companies scaling internationally to industry leaders shaping new trade relationships, you’ll hear how Calgary is competing — and winning — on the world stage. Thanks to our sponsors: WestJet | TELUS Business | Encore | Aspen Properties | Calgary Herald | Calgary Hotel Association | University of Calgary | Alberta Blue Cross | Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) | Calgary Arts Development | Calgary TELUS Convention Centre | Mount Royal University | Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) | Stone-Olafson Want a deeper look at Calgary’s long-term economic vision? Explore Uplook ➤ https://lnkd.in/e2YMiyxE. Calgary Economic Development | Brad Parry | Geraldine Anderson | Megan Zimmerman | Shona Reilly #BlueSkyCity #LimitlessTogether 

The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), Government of Alberta and Prairies Economic Development Canada are investing in Mount Royal University (MRU) to establish the Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence (ALCoE). Read more ➤ https://lnkd.in/gFgxjmNu. This investment will strengthen Calgary and Alberta’s transportation and logistics network by bringing industry, government, academia and talent together to address industry ecosystem fragmentation, trade disruptions and workforce shortages. “Calgary’s global connectivity, skilled workforce and large‑scale distribution capabilities position our region to lead in building resilient supply chains and generate opportunities in emerging areas like advanced manufacturing.” - Brad Parry, CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development. "ALCoE will help local companies solve industry-relevant challenges, strengthen our talent pipeline and accelerate innovation in the sector — driving long‑term economic growth and diversification for our province." Over four years, this investment is expected to train 150 individuals, create 80 high-skilled jobs and support 75 companies in Calgary. Learn how OCIF’s strategic investments are helping secure a resilient economic future for Calgary ➤ https://lnkd.in/gUnSBEHT. Brad Parry | Dan Balaban | Angie Petretta | Crystal Phillips | Government of Alberta | Joseph Schow | Prairies Economic Development Canada I Développement économique Canada pour les Prairies | Eleanor Olszewski K.C., P.C., M.P. | Corey Hogan | City of Calgary | Jeromy Farkas | Nathaniel Schmidt | Mount Royal University | Timothy Rahilly | Chad London | Kelly Williams-Whitt | Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence | Tom McCaffery | Glenda E. #BlueSkyCity #LimitlessTogether #OCIF

Calgary brings the right people to the table. This week, we convened business and community partners alongside the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions), to focus on how companies of all sizes can expedite research projects and the scaling of innovative solutions. At a roundtable discussion, the conversation centred on Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentives — Canada’s largest R&D support program, with $4.5B in tax credits administered annually to help businesses invest in new technologies and growth. If you’re investing in new technology, product development or process improvements, there’s a strong chance support is available. Not sure where to start? Our Business Development team can help you navigate the opportunity. Connect with us ➤ https://lnkd.in/epau_gUw  Learn more about the SR&ED tax incentives here ➤ https://lnkd.in/g_damrt. Calgary Economic Development | Brad Parry | Lee Todd | Government of Canada | Wayne Long

Calgary’s innovation ecosystem is entering its next chapter. Congratulations to Jennifer Lussier on being named CEO of Platform Calgary.  As Calgary’s central hub for startups, Platform is often the first stop for founders looking to access the resources, mentorship, capital and community needed to turn ideas into scalable companies. It plays a key role in Calgary’s Innovation Strategy — as a key resource for the next generation of high-growth companies in the Blue Sky City. We look forward to working together to keep building momentum for Calgary’s founders and companies. Brad Parry | Calgary Economic Development | Jennifer Lussier | Platform Calgary

Calgary — and much of southern Alberta — are back on screen. 🎬 Releasing in theatres today, Reminders of Him, based on the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover, was filmed across southern Alberta. Watch the trailer here ➤ https://lnkd.in/dNAUqGwz.  Production made use of a range of locations across the region, including Nanton, Longview, Fort Macleod, Didsbury and Bragg Creek, with additional scenes shot in Calgary’s Chinook Park neighbourhood and at the iconic CB Drive Inn. “Calgary offers filmmakers unmatched range — from diverse urban backdrops to quintessential small towns to expansive landscapes — all within reach and supported by world-class crews who deliver,” said Calgary Film Commissioner Adnaan Wasey.  Projects like Reminders of Him highlight the versatility of the Calgary region while supporting local crews, businesses and communities across southern Alberta. Discover why filmmakers choose Calgary as the location to bring their visions to life ➤ https://lnkd.in/gRJUZCuj. Calgary Economic Development | Brad Parry | Adnaan Wasey | Lissa Craig | Derek Moser | Lisa Webber | Anna Lopez | Celina Vides  Photos: Universal Pictures

Calgary businesses are increasingly exploring how artificial intelligence can improve productivity and unlock new opportunities. TalentED Greater Calgary has partnered with Skills for Change to provide a free practical training session to support employers across the region adopt AI in the workplace . Register for the one-day virtual AI training for employers on March 25 ➤ https://lnkd.in/gENAeGvq. Participants will: • Learn the fundamentals of AI prompting and the ethics of using AI in the workplace • Build a custom AI-powered solution to take back into their organization • Collaborate with peers on real-world business challenges • Receive a certificate of completion This foundational session is designed for organizations with introductory or limited AI experience looking for practical ways to start using AI. As part of the broader TalentED model, participating employers may also be matched with a youth participant after the training — creating opportunities for hands-on project experience while helping strengthen Calgary’s future workforce. 📅 March 25 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 💻 Virtual session Reserve your spot today and learn more about how TalentED Greater Calgary is strengthening youth workforce pathways across the region ➤ https://jointalented.com/. Skills for Change | Calgary Economic Development | TalentED Greater Calgary| Deana Haley | Tang Choy, MBA | Cassandra Hui (She/Her)

In today’s economy, staying competitive means staying globally connected. Join us at Report to the Community 2026 to explore how trade and partnerships are strengthening Calgary’s economy and opening new opportunities for businesses across sectors ➤ https://lnkd.in/g5-ygcj5. What’s on the agenda? Swipe below for three things to expect. 👇 From leadership insights to real-world stories of local companies expanding internationally, we’ll dive into how Calgary is diversifying markets, attracting investment and building long-term resilience. Thanks to our sponsors: WestJet | TELUS Business | Encore | Aspen Properties | Calgary Herald | Calgary Hotel Association | University of Calgary | Alberta Blue Cross | Calgary Arts Development | Calgary TELUS Convention Centre | Mount Royal University | Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) | Stone-Olafson Discover how trade and global connection fit into Calgary’s long-term strategy in Uplook ➤ https://lnkd.in/e2YMiyxE.   Brad Parry | Navin Arora | Geraldine Anderson | Megan Zimmerman | Shona Reilly | City of Calgary | Jeromy Farkas | WestJet | Steve McClelland | TELUS Business | Katherine Emberly | Carlo Dade | Matthew Lowe | Gitane De Silva, ICD.D #BlueSkyCity #LimitlessTogether