We're looking forward to big things in 2025!

Happy New Year!

Over the past few months I've shared some of the projects that are keeping our team at FMWBEDT busy. Programs, partnerships, and initiatives have been gathering steam. We're heading into 2025 with impressive momentum.

Today's newsletter is an opportunity for each member of our team to share what they're proud of from 2024 and what they're looking forward to this year.

I'm so very proud of our team for their hard work and dedication to economic development and tourism in our region. Every single person at FMWBEDT contributes to the success of our organization - and the growth of our region. I'm grateful for their commitment to a stronger Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

Last year was full of big changes, and we have even bigger plans for 2025. Read on to hear more.

- Lisa Sweet, Interim CEO,
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism

Jessica Pilgrim - Business & Investment Attraction

"Through the years of work exhibiting at ICSC, it’s been very exciting to see conversations with brands progress to the point of some ready to make a final investment decision and others breaking ground in 2025. Improving the retail selection in our region contributes to quality of life, resident retention, and creates employment opportunities.

In 2025, I am looking forward to shifting my focus onto the Industrial Investment Attraction program. We’ve identified opportunities that will diversify the local industrial economy, and the initiatives will contribute to creating jobs in emerging sectors and expand the municipal tax base. With the support of CanExport grant funding, the Industrial Investment Attraction program will play a key role in building a more resilient and sustainable economy."

Gale Williams - Corporate Services

"I am so very proud of our whole team. Through challenges and adversity, we have pulled together and kept moving forward with the important work that we do to make this a better community for all citizens.

I am looking forward to working with a new board of directors. 2025 promises to be a great year for our region and our team and the community will see the results of years of hard work and dedication."

Chelsea Gould - Corporate Services

"This year I am proud to have supported the WISP Program and Startup YMM, through adding more capacity to the workforce team and performing site visits. I also enjoyed working out of Startup more often this year and helping the E&I team. Being there on the front lines and seeing the future of our community hard at work.

In 2025 I am looking forward to working more closely with the Workforce Program, helping newcomers to our region set roots in our beautiful community."

Sherry Spencer - Corporate Services

"Looking back on this year and the challenges our organization faced I have to say I’m most proud of our team. We worked together and made the changes that were asked of us big or small and we did it with pride, knowing that the work we do here is for the betterment of the community.

Something I’m looking forward to in the new year is reviewing our processes and procedures to better fit the needs of the organization and how we align with the RMWB."

Melonie Doucette - Entrepreneurship + Innovation

"2024 was my first full year with the organization and I’m thrilled with how our E&I projects have come together. To see the work grow from conceptual, through execution, and now to success is motivating. I’m proud of the work of our team.

2025 will see the completion of our very first Regional Workforce Strategy. When building the strategy, we had such incredible community engagement that I feel confident that the resulting actions will continue to be meaningful to stakeholders and businesses across the region."

Jennifer Warren - Entrepreneurship + Innovation

"After years of effort, the WBRIN successfully partnered with the Mikisew Cree Education Authority to open the Fort Chipewyan Makerspace in September at Therese Tuccaro Secondary School, fostering innovation and creativity in the community.

2025 promises to be an exciting year for Startup YMM and the WBRIN. I am eager to strengthen our WBRIN partnerships, collaborate with community stakeholders and entrepreneurs, and continue to provide tailored support to businesses at every stage of their growth."

Rachel Wright - Entrepreneurship + Innovation

"This year, I’m proud to have supported over 120 local entrepreneurs through one-on-one consultations at Startup YMM, helping them access the resources they need to start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. In addition to that, many more have participated in our programs and workshops, resulting in new business launches, secured funding, expanded operations, and job creation —contributing to the continued economic growth of our region.

In 2025, I’m excited to launch a new Startup YMM service for the community and strengthen our partnerships to make it easier for entrepreneurs to access the resources they need. I’m also looking forward to expanding our programs to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. I’m passionate about seeing our entrepreneurs thrive, and I can’t wait to help them achieve even more in the year ahead."

Bret Klarenbach - Marketing + Communications

"This year we relaunched the corporate newsletter. We also started hosting marketing professionals from key FMWB nonprofits for roundtable discussions. The combination of these two has increased program sign-ups and organizational inquiries, broadened our reach on socials, and allows us to work more efficiently. Not only that, but we’ve also been able to cover many more of our partner events across all our channels because of these proactive relationships keeping us in-the-know. This benefits all organizations involved, and the community.

Our brand and marketing team is creative. However, our focus has been listening to the needs of the community and council to guide our efforts. In 2025, I know that those we serve are going to be pleased with our effectiveness in growing an FMWB they align with. One area I’m especially excited about is continuing my work with the ExploreFMWB brand in showcasing local businesses, experiences, and tourism operators for locals and visitors alike to engage with. We have so much to offer here!"

Geoff Person - Marketing + Communications

“I'm proud of how our team stepped up to keep things moving ahead whenever we encountered a hiccup this year - often finding silver linings in the process. From business visitations during the May evacuations to helping secure new film investment, the FMWBEDT team was there for each other.

The response to the new Mobile Visitor Information Centre has already been amazing! I can’t wait to see it out at more events in 2025!”