Corporate
FMWBEDT Newsletter - January 2025
A look into the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism newsletter
Welcome back! Lots planned for 2025
Hello,
It's a busy start to the year for us at FMWBEDT. Our first Board onboarding session was a success. Each business unit shared 2024 highlights and 2025 projects, and we heard insightful questions from our new Board members.
We met with Chief Allan of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Chief Tuccaro, and Councilors McKenzie, Tuccaro, and Whitehead of Mikisew Cree First Nation for a discussion about economic development and tourism priorities in Fort Chipewyan.
I also recently met with the President & CEO of Fort McKay Business Investment Group. Synergies exist between our teams, and we have committed to continuing dialogue and getting our teams together to identify and partner on joint initiatives in 2025.
Social media lit up in December with news that Walmart Supercenter is anchoring the Parsons Creek development. Groundbreaking is expected this spring. Our Business and Investment Attraction unit worked with Walmart Canada providing local connections. Specially making the connection with the Fort McMurray Construction Association so they can ensure their members are ready for sub-contract work!
All of this and much more to share in this edition. Happy New Year!
- Lisa Sweet, Interim CEO,
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism
FMWB Economic Dashboard - January 2025
“Our January report is the sixth update to our economic dashboard. We're grateful to our stakeholders for sharing their feedback on other insights they'd like to see. In 2025 we're looking forward to continually improving this resource. High-quality data is a valuable asset -- and one that helps to tell important stories about the strength of our region.
Geoff Person, Manager, Marketing & Communications
**Read More and **View Full Dashboard
Mayor Sandy Bowman's State of the Region Address
The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 2025 State of the Region Address, featuring Fort McMurray Mayor Sandy Bowman. Sponsored by Pathways Alliance, this premier event offers an exclusive opportunity to network, enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by the Fort McMurray Golf Club, and gain insights into the future of our region. Mayor Bowman will outline Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo's advancements, challenges, and ambitions for the coming year. There will also be a panel discussion. Tickets Here
FMWBEDT onboarded new Board last week
Our first Board Onboarding session was a success. Each business unit lead shared 2024 highlights and 2025 projects, and we heard insightful questions from our new Board members. We have the full list of new Board members on our website. See Board Member List
Multicultural Expo event February 1st
The Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo is hosting their Multicultural Expo on February 1st, 11:00am - 6:00pm at Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre. Only $5 a ticket! Cultural performances, art and fashion, global cuisine, and family friendly activities. Get Tickets
Notable Retail Opportunities and ICSC 2025
We're currently booking meetings for the upcoming ICSC Dealmakers event later this month. Major national brands and commercial developers use ICSC events to help plan new store locations and development investments. It’s helped to attract companies to FMWB like Purdy’s, Sephora, Best Buy, and the Shoe Company to our community. Contact our Business and Investment Program Manager if you have any questions. Email Program Manager
Our Startup YMM Events Calendar
Lots of events happening this month out of StartupYMM! Customer service essentials, leadership, consumer product safety, and more. Check Events
Sport Tourism in Partnership with Wood Buffalo Sport Connection
Mark your calendars for these awesome sporting competitions coming to FMWB in the next few months
VEX Robotics Provincials
February 21 and 22 at Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre
Event Contact: holly.kalma@fmcsd.ab.ca
ASAA 3A Boys Basketball Provincials
March 20 - 22 at Holy Trinity High School
Link to volunteer
U14A and U19B Ringette Provincials
March 20 - 23 at MacDonald Island and Centerfire Place
Event contact: fmra.trevor.wakeling@gmail.com
Men's and Women's Provincial Artistic Gymnastics
April 9 - 13 at MacDonald Island Park
Keyano Huskies Composite Schedule
Provincial Business Awards - Nominate FMWB businesses
The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce Business Awards showcases the many successful businesses working hard to elevate the quality of efficiency of goods in the region. Consider nominating these businesses for awards at the provincial with the Alberta Chamber of Commerce. Nomination deadline is March 25, 2025. View Categories
The Little Kindnesses Blog Post
"As a business owner, I understand how challenging it is to start and succeed in business. The staff you hire to interact with your customers have enormous influence over whether your business thrives or not. I hope to instill a sense of pride in the hard-working customer service agents in our region about the importance of their work." Read Full Blog
Avatar Innovations Ignite Program 2025
The Avatar Ignite Program is designed to empower the next generation of leaders in the energy sector. The Wood Buffalo regional Innovation Network is proud to support up to 10 individuals from FMWB who are currently working in the Oil and Gas sector to join Avatar Ignite this February. Email Jennifer Warren at info@wbrin.ca to express your interest or learn more.
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