Not only is Rosebud Theatre an Alberta cultural icon and economic force, but its people are being recognized for their leadership and contributions to the province’s regional economic development.
This is exemplified by the fact that Rosebud’s Executive Director, Bob Davis, is a featured panelist and speaker at the Alberta Regional Economic Development Conference in Sherwood Park May 12-14.
Hosted by Alberta Finance and Enterprise, the conference will cover a range of topics including provincial strategies to sustain the Alberta economy, economic development projects such as green building products and initiatives in the agri-food sector and rural manufacturing.
Davis will build on attributes of successful communities by presenting a profile of Rosebud Theatre as an Alberta tourism development success story and the lessons Rosebud has learned that can benefit others.
“There is a lot of interest in what Rosebud has done to re-invent itself,” explains Davis. “Making a remote, rural community viable is an on-going challenge. Economic ups and downs come and go and Rosebud is living proof of what it takes to not only survive, but actually thrive with economic and social engines of tourism, culture, arts, hospitality and education. If the lessons Rosebud has learned along the way can help others in Alberta, we’re happy to share our experiences.”
Joining Davis on the discussion panel is moderator Louise McGillivray from Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, who will introduce the concept of the strategic importance of tourism to economic development planning, and why tourism should be considered as an integral part of these plans. Also, participating is panelist Jan Bloomfield from Strategy Plus. Bloomfield will help participants understand some of the fundamentals of tourism product development and how different regions can get involved to help facilitate success.