FMWBEDT Newsletter - March 2025

Here's how we're progressing economic development and tourism for FMWB this month

Lisa Sweet, Interim CEO, was in Fort Chipewyan to attend the Winter Carnival in February. It was a gorgeous weekend and an opportunity to meet and visit with people in the community. Lisa connected with Councilors from both ACFN and MCFN, met some Elders and enjoyed the festivities. Thank you Fort Chipewyan for such incredible hospitality!

Our team recently completed the Workforce Connection Series, combining speakers and facilitated workshops for local employers. We had to increase the registration capacity for these sessions twice, starting with 30 spots and ending with 50 spots. This was a clear value-add to local employers and the buzz during each session was infectious.

Congratulations to the team at the RMWB for putting together a committee and a successful bid to host the 2027 Alberta 55 Plus games. FMWBEDT was part of the bid committee for these provincial games. Sport tourism events have impressive community impact. These provincial games are estimated to bring $3.7 million into the local economy from visiting athletes, supporters, and spectators.

Yesterday FMWBEDT was one of two non-government organizations invited to travel to Edmonton to give remarks at a $5 billion Government of Alberta announcement involving multiple ministries. The announcement highlights their significant budget commitment to Northern Alberta over the next three years, including investments in roads, schools, healthcare, and Keyano College. Notably, the Northern and Regional Economic Development program (NRED) that funds key initiatives at Startup YMM got a major boost! Watch the announcement here.

We’re so grateful to Minister Brian Jean and MLA Tany Yao for their work advocating for FMWB. And a special thank-you to MLA Yao for a personal tour of the Legislature Building!

Exciting FMWB retail and industrial investment updates

Our team has been actively engaging with prospective investors, both virtually and in person, and providing familiarization tours to those visiting the region. It's exciting to see our marketing funnels doing their job in helping generate leads, combined with the Investment Attraction team’s commitment to nurturing those leads. We understand that the path from interest to investment requires ongoing engagement and personalized support. By staying connected and providing tailored information, we ensure that prospects feel supported and informed throughout the process. This, combined with the strong collaboration with the RMWB’s Planning and Development team, reinforces the message that our region is open for business and ready to welcome investment. Economic development is a true team effort! View FMWB Resident Survey

NAABA's upcoming Indigenous Business Summit

NAABA's Indigenous Business Summit will highlight the skills, capabilities and capacity of NAABA members, while providing the space for industry relevant discussions, brainstorming and critical thinking. Discussions, workshops, keynotes, Quick Connect and more the event will feature a new Corporate Networking Breakfast and Lunch and an Evening Quick Connecting Networking Reception. Get Tickets

National FMWB Tourism TV PSA

Broadcast in Canada has a mandate that a small percentage of airtime be allotted to Public Service Announcements (PSAs). You might recognize these in the form of Canadian heritage moments, the Canadian house hippo campaign, or numerous Health Canada commercials including the famous “What’s Your Thing?”. Because of the mandate, these commercials are extremely low cost with potential to reach 200,000 TVs/week across Canada. Ours will be airing from Feb 24 – May 4 (10 weeks).

Follow @ExploreFMWB on Instagram and Facebook

View the full FMWB Tourism TV PSA

FMWB Economic Dashboard - March 2025

"Our economy is well prepared for a year of uncertainty. Oil sands production is at record highs, and their operations are more efficient than ever. Employment has remained high while our community has welcomed new residents. The real estate market remains affordable, and a low inventory level should encourage new home building.

2025 may throw some curveballs but FMWB is resilient. We have the people, the land, and the resources to continue our economic growth."

- Lisa Sweet, Interim CEO

FMWBEDT Response to Tariffs

Tariffs are still a major headline. Check out a detailed breakdown of what tariffs mean to FMWB, actions FMWBEDT is taking, and suggested actions residents can take. Read the full article here

PrairiesCan Supports Big Ideas in FMWB

Wendy Lam, a senior business officer with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) visited Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo earlier this year. Wendy spoke about opportunities for companies in the region to benefit from PrairiesCan's Business Scale-Up and Productivity program.

"For me, what resonates and what I enjoy the most is having the opportunity to work with leading-edge Aberta businesses that are ready to grow rapidly—across numerous industries and sectors. I find it tremendously rewarding to help proven and passionate people behind these businesses to scale their big idea, whatever that may be."
Wendy Lam | Senior Business Officer, PrairiesCan

Intro to ChatGPT with Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network

We are hosting 4 workshops for you to increase your understanding of business technology including AI fundamentals, Instagram and Facebook (META) ads, and ChatGPT. In these sessions, you'll learn this technology to increase productivity.

2025 YMM Annual Public Meeting

"Did you know your airport is more than just your gateway to the world? It's a vital part of our region's economy, community, and future! The YMM Annual Public Meeting is your chance to connect with the team shaping the future of YMM, hear about the milestones we’ve achieved together, and learn about exciting plans for 2025 and beyond." Learn more and register

Proud to Serve

MLA Tany Yao has served as Chair of the Northern Alberta Development Council for the past year, working with communities to ensure our region’s priorities are heard in the Government of Alberta. We are excited to share that Minister Matt Jones has reappointed MLA Yao and FMWBEDT’s Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation to the NADC for additional terms. Read full article

Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce 2025 Job Fair

"Are you looking to grow your team with top local talent? The 2025 Fort McMurray Spring Job Fair is your opportunity to connect with hundreds of motivated job seekers ready to work!"

Attend the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce 2025 Job Fair Tuesday, March 25 from 11:30am - 7:00pm at Shell Place Grand Ballroom. Register and Learn More

Game schedules for Provincial Championships happening this weekend!

ASAA 3A Boys Basketball Provincials
Ticketed games | March 20 - 22 at Holy Trinity High School

U14A and U19B Ringette Provincials
Free attendance | March 20 - 23 at MacDonald Island and Centerfire Place

Men's and Women's Provincial Artistic Gymnastics
April 9 - 13 at MacDonald Island Park

View Tournament Game Schedules

Marketing Roundtables help local MarComm leaders collaborate and grow

An initiative started by our marketing and communications team in 2024 is opening to more local organizations. Regular marketing roundtables are an opportunity to share insights, best practices, and new developments. Fort McMurray International Airport is hosting the next session on March 26. CBC journalist Dennis Kovtun will attend and provide insights on how MarCom reps can better engage with media.

Are you a Marketing and Communications professional in FMWB? Email Media@fmwb.ca to attend these Marketing Roundtables!

Helping to retain Keyano business students post-graduation

Our team at Startup YMM and the WBRIN presented to Keyano College business students in early March, showcasing entrepreneurial supports we offer through Startup YMM and Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network (WBRIN). We believe that engaging students and providing clear guidance regarding their post-college journey is integral in retaining graduates and supporting our regional workforce. The more we can inform students on local opportunities and groups that they can align with, the more likely they will be to stay here post-graduation. It was a very engaging session with lots of interest from the students!

Are you an employer looking for skilled labour?

The WISP supports local employers experiencing ongoing labour shortages by providing a fast-track to permanent residency combined with newcomer support services. We host employer information sessions to answer your questions about the program.
Register here: WISP Employer Information Sessions - Virtual Option Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Upcoming dates:
April 16, 11:00am MDT
May 22, 11:00am MDT
June 9, 11:00am MDT
Virtual events with recordings will be available after each meeting.

More information can be found on our webpage: WISP - FMWB's Rural Renewal Stream program