Name the campaign. EDA seeks public input on regional eat local initiative
Published on November 17, 2011
The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of Southeast Alberta is seeking public consultation to help name a regional eat local initiative. This project, once launched will help to link consumers to local food producers within southeast Alberta. The EDA is requesting individuals in the community to submit their ideas by November 28th, 2011 to namethecampaign@edalliance.ca.
A selection committee, following the deadline, will narrow the submissions down to the top five. These names will then go to a public vote on December 01, 2011 at www.edalliance.ca. The polls will remain open until December 09 at 12:00 pm. The first and second place winners will then be chosen on December 16; delicious prizes will be rewarded.
Tracy Heebner, associate director for the EDA explained that this was phase one of a larger campaign expected to be launched in 2012.
“There is an increased consumer interest in initiatives such as the 100 Mile Diet and Real Food Movement; campaigns that encourage local consumption, thus promoting healthy habits while also helping local businesses, “said Heebner. “We wanted to find a name that would easily be adopted by the community and tie everything together; what better way to achieve that than by asking the public directly.”
Economically, this project aims to grow industry success by offering innovative marketing methods to local businesses while also providing an opportunity for companies to diversify. As part of the project the EDA will be creating a database of producers and distributors located in southeast Alberta as well as launching a website and official marketing campaign.
“This project aligns with the EDA’s strategic directions, which are business retention and expansion, investment attraction as well as communications and marketing. It’s one way in which we can help improve our local economy. We are not only looking to increase local awareness but as well global understanding of the products found in this region,” said Heebner.
The EDA encourages the community to watch Hellmann Canada’s video to learn more about where Canadian’s food actually comes from and the advantages associated to supporting local. More information on this campaign as well as about southeast Alberta’s value-added agriculture businesses can be found at www.edalliance.ca.
Funding from the EDA and the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program (RCAP) a Government of Alberta initiative, made this project possible.
Interested in getting a companies perspective? Read a recent Q&A between Chris Deering, Co-owner of Deerview Meats and the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta.