Join us at the Heritage Inn and Convention Centre for event registration and informal networking. 

Emcee Trevor Moore
Welcome speeches from Deputy Mayor & Reeve
Committee Introduction

Served by the Heritage Inn, enjoy the Bistro, a selection of meats, cheese, sandwich toppings & condiments with a variety of breads and rolls.  Served with soup.

Robert Roach, Deputy Chief Economist, ATB

Between high inflation, rising interest rates and the invasion of Ukraine, economies around the world are struggling to keep from slipping into recession. Alberta’s economy faces the same challenges but is on track to be one of the top performers in the country this year due to the offsetting boost it is receiving from strong commodity prices. Rob will unpack the current economic situation in Alberta, where we are headed over the next year or two and highlight some of the challenges we face over the longer term.

Timothy Spielman, 
Dean, Business and Continuing Studies, Medicine Hat College

The labour market has been evolving quickly over the past 4 years.  We have been inundated with many new concepts such as working from home due to the pandemic, the great retirement, and now quiet quitting.  In addition, there is a challenge in recruiting for some technical positions.  The Labor Market Project has gathered data on technical skills in our region and several sub-regions including Brooks. The project has looked at employer skill needs as well as skills possessed by employed, under-employed, and unemployed individuals.  The goal is to identify technical skill gaps so residents of the region can enhance their employability by pursuing those skills most in demand by employers.  Tim will share exciting findings from the project that will shed some light on jobs and recruiting in the region.

Break

Panel Host – Tracy Stroud, Manager, Apex Regional Innovation Network of SE Alberta

Hear from three experts on the growth in their industries, the innovation that is driving it, and the opportunities for businesses because of it. 

Hydrogen Opportunities – Randy Litun, President, Sky Point Resources
 

• This presentation will discuss hydrogen & energy transition opportunities for Brooks & SE Alberta.

Smart Manufacturing – David Rist, Program Integration Director

Drone Opportunities – Jeremy Patton, RPAS Project Officer, Medicine Hat College
 

• This presentation will discuss the rapidly growing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) industry and its impact on the Alberta industry. RPAS (often referred to as “drones”) have many important civil and commercial applications and have come a long way since their military roots. Southeast Alberta is a hotbed of RPAS activity and is home to several important companies and the Foremost UAS Test Range. Learn about the current state of RPAS in Alberta and what the future may look like.

Break

Kimberly Lyall

People often talk about recovery and resilience as ‘getting through' a crisis. True recovery and resilience are far more than that! They are about finding ways to move forward from crisis and challenges with strength, focus, and renewed energy.

Resilience done right can make you even more successful than you were before the crisis. In this keynote Kimberly will share her proven strategies to recover from tough times, and to develop resiliency in your business and in yourself.

Enjoy the opportunity to make new connections.