The People Behind the Progress: A Year Inside Medicine Hat Economic Development

Economic development is often measured in dollars, jobs, and investment pipelines.

But behind every strategy, proposal, and announcement are people – professionals building relationships, navigating complexity, celebrating entrepreneurs, and steadily advancing Medicine Hat’s future.

Here’s a look at 2025 through the lens of the team who made it happen.

Darren: On the Frontlines of Local Growth

For Darren, 2025 was defined by connection – both regional and local.

One highlight was serving as a panelist at the 4th Annual Economic Growth Forum during a session titled Tales from the Economic Frontlines. Sharing the stage with peers from across Southern Alberta, Darren helped pull back the curtain on the real work of economic development – the collaboration, the strategy, and the persistence required to move projects forward.

Closer to home, some of the most meaningful moments happened at storefront doors.

Attending business grand openings throughout Medicine Hat offered more than photo opportunities – they were reminders of why the work matters. A standout was the launch of Note: Comfort Food + Drink, where new owners reimagined a previously operated downtown space with their own creative vision. For Darren, it was a tangible example of resilience, renewal, and belief in the community’s future.

Between public events are countless one-on-one conversations – with entrepreneurs, business owners, and support organizations. Much of Darren’s year was spent building those relationships and connecting people to resources that help turn ambition into sustainable growth.

Lisa: A Marathon Year of Growth & Regional Alignment

When Lisa joined the department in May 2025 on a term contract, she stepped into what she describes as a “marathon” year – one defined by pace, sequencing, and continuous applied learning.

Supporting the Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Strategy quickly became a formative experience. Working with a Regional Steering Committee composed of six municipalities, Lisa was immersed in the careful, often complex process of alignment across jurisdictions. Municipal governments operate within layered policy and governance frameworks, and navigating those differences requires patience, clarity, and respect.

For Lisa, seeing candid yet constructive dialogue sustained across municipalities was a powerful lesson in what effective regional collaboration really looks like.

At the same time, she contributed to the City’s Aerospace and Defence Investment Attraction Strategy and the Regional Agriculture and Agri-food Investment Attraction Strategy. Being part of these initiatives strengthened her exposure to sector-based investment attraction and reinforced how important it is to align policy, market opportunity, and readiness before pursuing growth.

Tourism initiatives added another dimension to her year. In partnership with Tourism Medicine Hat, the team advanced a Producer Directory, explored a Unique Accommodations Opportunity Case, and supported efforts to strengthen commercial air service. Through this work, Lisa saw firsthand how tourism, infrastructure, and economic development intersect – and how progress in one area reinforces the others.

Al: Building Momentum, One Relationship at a Time

When Al stepped into his role, his mandate was clear: raise Medicine Hat’s visibility among investors, deepen relationships, and sharpen the region’s competitive story.

In 2025, that meant time on the road – conferences, trade shows, meetings – and steady work behind the scenes on proposals and negotiations. Investment attraction rarely makes headlines overnight. It’s incremental, disciplined work built on credibility and consistency.

The numbers tell one part of the story: nearly $4 billion in total project value moved through proposals, negotiations, or decisions this year, representing more than 650 potential jobs. Expansion proposals alone added $224 million and another 600 potential jobs to the pipeline.

But for Al, the deeper takeaway is momentum.

Transforming a regional economy requires persistence and patience. It means aligning messaging, preparing sites, working closely with the City’s Land and Real Estate department, and ensuring the right partners are at the table. Each meeting builds familiarity. Each proposal builds confidence. Over time, that compounds.

Tracy: Turning Data Into Understanding

For Tracy, one of the most rewarding moments of the year came during the Workforce Economics Workshop she organized.

As employers listened to presentations and case studies, something clicked. Broader workforce data began to explain day-to-day workplace realities – why certain employee behaviours occur, how generational shifts are influencing expectations, and what support strategies can make a measurable difference.

Hearing employers say they felt better equipped to support their staff – improving both well-being and operational efficiency – was a clear win.

Later in the year, Tracy attended the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Conference in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Connecting with economic development professionals from across the country reinforced that many of the challenges Medicine Hat faces are shared nationally – and that collaboration and shared learning are invaluable.

The conference also marked a personal milestone: after three years of dedication, Tracy received her Ec.D designation. It was a moment of professional pride and a reflection of her commitment to the field.

And, as she’s quick to point out, none of it happens alone. The strength of the team makes the work – work.

More Than Metrics

Behind every strategy document, workshop agenda, investment proposal, and ribbon cutting are professionals committed to thoughtful, long-term economic growth. 2025 wasn’t just about milestones – it was about learning curves, strengthened partnerships, disciplined messaging, and celebrating the people who choose to build their futures here. 

As the team looks toward 2026, the focus remains steady: collaboration, opportunity, and building an economy designed for resilience.

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