Is it time GROWTH Alberta to fade into oblivion?
That is a question County of Barrhead Coun. Darrell Troock posed during the Dec. 15 council meeting.
More specifically, Troock asked if it had run its course. He inquired about the organization during an update on the organization by Coun. Walter Preugschas — council's representative on GROWTH's board.
GROWTH Alberta is one of the province’s nine Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDA). In the mid-1990s, the Alberta government decided there needed to be more coordination between several ad hoc community alliances. Its purpose is to create economic growth through marketing.
Its website lists 10 members, however, Preugschas said the number currently sits at seven.
REDAs are funded through a combination of provincial funding and membership fees.
The provincial contract expired in March and GROWTH had been running solely on its membership money. When those funds were in October, they shuttered their doors until a new three-year contract was signed, providing $50,000 annually. Although the contract and its associated funding have come through, GROWTH is still basically in hiatus until its board can come to an agreement to bring back former executive director Troy Grainger.
"[GROWTH] is so small … compared to some of the other REDAs with many more members and which have much more outside involvement including [Chamber of Commerces] and businesses, so maybe you're right," Preugschas said, adding the organization's budget is roughly $80,000 annually. "Maybe there is a way to amalgamate with somebody else."
Some of the members of the organization since its inception at one time or another have included the likes of the Pembina Hills School Division, the Evergreen Separate Catholic School Division, Thorhild County, Woodlands County, Swan Hills, the Town Westlock, Westlock County, Clyde, Lac Ste. Anne County, Mayerthorpe, Alberta Beach, the Village of Wabamun and the Town of Barrhead.
Noting that at one-time GROWTH's membership was about double that it is now, Troock said it is time for the organization to grow its numbers, win back former members and attract new members.
"I look at the [WildAlberta (GROWTH's tourism brand) and use it as leverage. Push the tourism angle, go to hotels, golf courses, et cetera and say 'if you don't set up and get involved, become a member, it will disappear," he said, adding it might be difficult to get municipalities involved. "[Municipalities] all have economic development committees ... maybe it has just run its gambit."
Coun. Dennis Nanninga noted it seemed like they had been trying to come to terms with Grainger for some time, and suggested they might want to look further afield.
Troock agreed, saying sometimes a different perspective and leadership can be helpful.
"When they first started they had [Jodi Goebel] and her strength was getting people involved," he said.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
