DIDSBURY - Town council has recently approved a $500 contribution from the economic development promotions/public relations budget in support of the upcoming second annual Didsbury Chamber of Commerce Women in Agri-Business conference.
The 2024 conference will be held at the Didsbury Zion Church on March 19, with about 125 participants expected, an increase of 25 per cent from the inaugural conference in 2023.
“The conference aims to recognize the vital role women play in agri-business, while providing information on improving leadership skills and providing network opportunities that can help women to succeed in the industry,” the town's chief administrative officer, Ethan Gorner, told council during a January meeting.
The town’s economic development department is in support of the conference as local and regional business owners will be in attendance, he said.
“It is important to show our commitment to our businesses. Furthermore, agriculture plays an important role in Alberta’s economy with the world’s food security at stake and our region is considered a breadbasket area,” he said.
The conference will also help “shine a spotlight on Didsbury and potentially increase interest in doing business in Didsbury and/or visit our town,” he said. “It also offers the opportunity for current businesses to connect, network and expand their offerings, including value-added to agriculture.”
Helping sponsor the conference will also allow the town’s logo to be used on advertising material and daily radio mention of sponsorship, council heard.
Mayor Rhonda Hunter attended the 2023 conference and she said it is a worthwhile initiative.
“It’s important to me that it is Didsbury,” said Hunter.
