November 7th, 2024 (Edmonton Metropolitan Region) – Forward/Slash began as an event that focused on aligning the Edmonton Region behind a unified vision for where we were headed as a community. It led to business leaders gathering at tables to do the big thinking to refine this bold vision for our region.
One year ago, over 280 leaders from the Edmonton Region’s business, community, and institutional leaders came together to have some important conversations. The discussions centred around the current state of the business community in the Edmonton Region. There was a general consensus that through COVID, social and safety concerns took priority, with many organizations and businesses understandably reverting to focusing on their own well-being and business priorities. 2023 was a time in which we could again turn our attention to community building and collaboration within the ecosystem.
A year prior to this, Edmonton Global launched the Forward/Slash initiative as a rallying point to reengage, realign and reactivate the Edmonton Region’s business community towards a unified and aligned vision for our region’s economic future. By hosting two Forward/Slash events (one in 2022, and the second in 2023), Edmonton Global sought to inspire the community to work together to support a shared vision for what we were collectively building as a community. With that shared vision established, the next step was to further engage with the business community.
Edmonton Global engaged a third-party consultant, Optimus SBR to facilitate collaborative sessions with community and business leaders to begin to map out a series of actions that would support a compelling vision for our region’s future. The community came together in an amazing fashion with business leaders agreeing to step in and support the initiative. Angela Fong, Chair Alberta Health Services and Board member of Edmonton International Airport amongst a number of other corporate boards, Joan Hertz, Chair of ATB Financial and the Business Advisory Council of Edmonton International Airport, and Brian Vaasjo, former president and CEO of Capital Power, all agreed to sit on the Forward/Slash steering committee. Through the various engagements, a strategic framework was established that was built around four goals that would align the efforts of both public and private sector organizations. The goals were aimed at making the Edmonton Region:
Over the past year, we have seen this shared vision and collaborative spirit reflected in numerous community-driven projects, including:
As the initiative moves into its next phase, Forward/Slash will continue its natural evolution into a business-led movement, with the community’s economic vision driven by local leaders and organizations. As projects and initiatives evolve organically, the business community will be encouraged to pursue opportunities and collaborative efforts that align with the strategic framework established by Forward/Slash. This will allow public and private sectors to converge around shared goals and drive positive impacts for the Edmonton Region. Edmonton Global remains committed to supporting these community-driven projects, while encouraging regional leaders to take leadership roles in championing the future of the Edmonton Region.
“It has been an honor to witness the momentum Forward/Slash has created in such a short period,” said Angela Fong. “This transition signals the beginning of an era in which our businesses lead the charge in shaping an economically vibrant and resilient Edmonton Region. The relationships and trust built through this initiative have set a strong foundation for ongoing success and meaningful growth.”
“Forward/Slash has always been business leading business. We now have a shared economic vision,” said Joan Hertz. “Passing the torch to the business community is the next natural step. Together, we are fostering a legacy of collaboration and opportunity that will benefit our region for years to come.”
“Forward/Slash has proven the power of collective action, inspiring us to look beyond our individual goals and focus on what’s best for the Edmonton Region,” said Brian Vaasjo. “As we continue to transition to a business-led model, it is invigorating to see the spirit of this initiative live on through community-driven projects, championed by local leaders who are deeply invested in our region’s future.”
“We know that sustainable economic progress must be led by business for business,” said Malcolm Bruce, CEO at Edmonton Global. “The Forward/Slash initiative serves as a beacon of collaboration for the Edmonton Region. As the business community takes the reins, I am confident that the groundwork laid over the past years will continue to empower local leaders to drive innovative, community-focused economic progress. Our success here showcases what is possible when we come together for a shared vision.”
“The response from the Edmonton Region was inspiring. Business, community, and institutional leaders stepped up, embraced the strategy, and took ownership of initiatives that aligned with their own ambitions,” said Brad Ferguson, Senior Vice President at Optimus SBR. “This kind of collective commitment is what has always made our region strong. Moving forward, we’re encouraging all businesses and leaders to get involved through their local Chambers of Commerce. Advocacy through these channels can become the action needed to keep the Edmonton Region growing and thriving. In the coming weeks, look to the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce feed for an exciting new initiative that emerged from the community’s collaborative efforts.”
About Edmonton Global:
The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping regional businesses export with the world, enhancing our region’s global competitiveness, and bringing our region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over.
Contact Edmonton Global
Sherri Bouslama
Sr. Manager, Brand & Communications
sbouslama@edmontonglobal.ca
780-996-1524
