Posted
December 7, 2017

JEDI Supports the Region’s Business

Since 2003, the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) has been managing the economic road-map for central Alberta’s long-term growth.  It was established as an economic development organization between three municipal partners: the City of Wetaskiwin, the County of Wetaskiwin and the Town of Millet. The  JEDI region is near the province’s capital city, Edmonton, Canada’s fifth-largest municipality, and major economic centre for northern and central Alberta.

JEDI’s key objectives for this region, which covers an area of 3,380 square-kilometres (or 835,000 acres), are to expand its industrial development, attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and advance the growth of existing regional business. Since its inception, JEDI has been helping local businesses with their growth strategies.

One of the key employers in the region, Wetaskiwin CO-OP is the largest farm supply store in Canada.  Allan Halter, General Manager, Wetaskiwin CO-OP said, “We feel fortunate that we’re part of the JEDI area. There are a lot of things that get done behind the scenes that help our business.”

Despite central Alberta’s harsh, snowy winters, land transport is an important factor to the success of local businesses. The JEDI region is centrally located between Edmonton and Red Deer with four major high-capacity highway systems.

“100% of our volume is shipped out by land, so we really feel fortunate that the road network is solid. We believe that being in this part of the province has been beneficial to our success,” said Halter. The region is directly on the CANAMEX Corridor, the central highway corridor that connects Canada, the United States and Mexico.

From real estate information to market research to agricultural support, JEDI provides the resources necessary for local businesses to succeed.

In addition to the website, JEDI also shares resources through its Twitter and LinkedIn accounts and by using the #investJEDI hashtag. We encourage you to join in the online conversation or to reach the JEDI team directly.