News
The latest news, editorials, and conversations shaping Alberta’s business environment.
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Erika Barootes Appointed President of Alberta Enterprise Group
Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) has appointed Erika Barootes as President, positioning the organization for a new chapter of expanded influence and advocacy for Alberta’s business community. With extensive leadership, communications and government experience, Barootes will focus initially on listening to members and strengthening AEG’s role as a clear, credible and constructive voice for business.
Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) has appointed Erika Barootes as President, positioning the organization for a new chapter of expanded influence and advocacy for Alberta’s business community. With extensive leadership, communications and government experience, Barootes will focus initially on listening to members and strengthening AEG’s role as a clear, credible and constructive voice for business.
Rebrand Calgary? Why?
The push to rebrand Calgary is on the table again. Is the reason to appear more cosmopolitan, or is re-branding the same as changing the curtains in the office when new occupants move in? It was said that some feel the city is dominated by corporate and cowboy culture, and it is difficult to fit in if you do not identify with either of those segments. It is also difficult to have a vibrant city without corporate dollars invested. And when did 'cowboy culture' become shameful? I was under the impression people choose a city for more opportunity or a more desirable lifestyle, not to change it to something they left - otherwise why move? Being a lifetime Calgarian myself, I admit this did set my nerves a bit on edge.
The push to rebrand Calgary is on the table again. Is the reason to appear more cosmopolitan, or is re-branding the same as changing the curtains in the office when new occupants move in? It was said that some feel the city is dominated by corporate and cowboy culture, and it is difficult to fit in if you do not identify with either of those segments. It is also difficult to have a vibrant city without corporate dollars invested. And when did 'cowboy culture' become shameful? I was under the impression people choose a city for more opportunity or a more desirable lifestyle, not to change it to something they left - otherwise why move? Being a lifetime Calgarian myself, I admit this did set my nerves a bit on edge.
The AEG podcast, Episode 4: Scaling Up Innovation in Alberta: Navigating Barriers and Sharing Lessons with the World
This podcast discusses the work of ERA, an organization in Alberta that invests in technology and innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grow the economy. Justin mentions the benefits of their investments and highlights some of their funded projects, such as the hydrogen train and hydrogen semi-trucks. He also mentions the challenges of scaling up technology, including the lack of risk-taking capital and the importance of having a good business model and company management acumen. Justin emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences, both successes and failures, and mentions the efforts in environmental sustainability being made in Alberta. He also mentions the difficulty of finding help for innovators but encourages them to persevere and seek help from various sources.
This podcast discusses the work of ERA, an organization in Alberta that invests in technology and innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grow the economy. Justin mentions the benefits of their investments and highlights some of their funded projects, such as the hydrogen train and hydrogen semi-trucks. He also mentions the challenges of scaling up technology, including the lack of risk-taking capital and the importance of having a good business model and company management acumen. Justin emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences, both successes and failures, and mentions the efforts in environmental sustainability being made in Alberta. He also mentions the difficulty of finding help for innovators but encourages them to persevere and seek help from various sources.

