Page 21 - InvestAlberta-EDA-2025

SOUTHGROW
REGIONAL INITIATIVE
Driving Investment and Economic
Growth in Southern Alberta
THE SOUTHGROW REGIONAL Initiative is a key
player in southern Alberta’s economic development,
representing the interests of 30 communities and
numerous industry and institutional partners.
As a founding member of the Southern Alberta
Investment and Trade Initiative (SAITI), SouthGrow
works to promote the region’s diverse investment
opportunities on the global stage.
Since 2016, SouthGrow has been actively
building partnerships and relationships through
strategic initiatives like SAITI and collaborating with
Economic Development Lethbridge and Alberta
Southwest Regional Alliance. Together, these
organizations profile Southern Alberta’s potential,
attract international investment and support the
region’s long-term economic growth. With a focus
on agri-food, SouthGrow has spearheaded award-
winning marketing campaigns targeting markets in
Western Europe, United States and, most recently,
Southeast Asia. The efforts have generated millions
SOUTHGROW AT A GLANCE
Member
Communities
30
Area
34,310 km2
of views and created a surge of interest from
investors looking to capitalize on southern
Alberta’s agricultural potential.
SouthGrow’s efforts have been particularly
successful in fostering relationships with the
Trade Commissioner’s office in Ottawa, Invest
Alberta and Invest in Canada. Through these
partnerships, SouthGrow has helped local
communities respond to investor inquiries and
connect with the right opportunities. Notably,
SouthGrow facilitated the initial introductions
that led to a $200 million investment in a state-of-
the-art automated cold storage facility in Coaldale
— one of many recent successes in the region.
Looking ahead, SouthGrow and SAITI are
expanding their outreach to Southeast Asia,
aligning with national strategic goals. Planned
trade missions to Singapore, Australia and Japan
in 2025 will further position Southern Alberta
as a prime destination for global investment,
ensuring continued growth and prosperity for
the region and the province.
SouthGrow’s ongoing commitment to
building international relationships, cultivating
investment opportunities and showcasing
the unique assets of Southern Alberta plays a
vital role in the broader effort to attract global
investment to the province.
Population
97,157
Major
Projects Value
$3.8 billion
Number of
Businesses
3,168
Key Industries
Agriculture/Agri-foods,
Biotechnology, Energy,
Manufacturing, Tourism
Website
SouthGrow.com
Source: SouthGrow
PEP AT A GLANCE
Member Communities
19
Area
42,097 km2
Population
103,401
Major Projects Value
$5.3 billion
Number of Businesses
3,956
Key Industries
Aerospace,
Agriculture/Agri-foods,
Defence, Energy,
Manufacturing, Tourism
Website
PalliserAlberta.com
Source: Government
of Alberta, PEP
PALLISER ECONOMIC
PARTNERSHIP
Catalyzing Regional Economic
Growth in Southeast Alberta
PALLISER ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP (PEP) is a
non-profit organization Regional Economic Development
Alliance (REDA) comprising over 20 municipalities in
Southeast Alberta. Its mission is to promote economic
development through strategic initiatives, infrastructure
advocacy and support for new business ventures.
By promoting the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor,
PEP has attracted investments to the area in a variety
of sectors. Connecting trade up and down eastern
Alberta, the corridor is a valuable economic pathway for
all kinds of businesses, from agriculture to renewable
energy. The Foremost and Oyen rail projects have
brought increased investment interest to the region and
supported industries like energy that heavily rely on
rail access. Investment in transportation infrastructure
enables businesses in the region to grow beyond local
boundaries. By advocating for regional projects, PEP
helps connect southeastern Alberta businesses to the rest
of the province, Canada and the world.
Regional
economic
development
transcends
individual municipal
efforts, enabling broader
economic benefits
through collaboration.
PEP focuses on pooling
resources and expertise to
execute projects that individual
municipalities might find challenging.
Advocating for improved transportation, broadband,
utilities and rural housing infrastructure, PEP works to
attract businesses and improve residents’ quality of life,
ensuring sustainable community development.
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