The Growing the North Conference has once again descended on Grande Prairie. The 9th annual event kicks off with Taste of the Peace at the Stonebridge Hotel, which is a showcase of local growers, producers and food and beverage industry representatives.
The conference itself begins Wednesday morning at the Entrec Centre at Evergreen Park. Over the next two days, municipal leaders and entrepreneurs will hear from speakers from a wide range of backgrounds on innovation and economic development opportunities in the B.C. and Alberta Peace region.
Highlighting this year’s list is retired Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen, who lead the community as the 2016 wildfire forced the evacuation of 90,000 people. He now offers help on how to be a leader in tough situations like emergencies and crises.
Attendees will also hear about geothermal energy from University of Alberta research associate Dr. Jonathan Banks, the cannabis industry from Executive Vice-President of Aurora Cannabis Cam Battley, and the future of agriculture from Farm Credit Canada Vice-President and Chief Agricultural Economist J.P. Gervais, among others.