DIDSBURY - People multiplied by the process of preparing, strategizing and economic doing equals the power of economic development.
That's the formula for economic development success, according to Todd McSweeney of McSweeney and Associates.
McSweeney was at the Didsbury town office on Nov. 15 to give that message to town councillors, administration and board members from the Didsbury and District Chamber of Commerce at an economic development workshop.
McSweeney was brought to town at the request of Didsbury council through the Central Alberta Economic Partnership.
At the workshop, McSweeney talked about different approaches to economic development (ED); community and investment readiness; the aforementioned formula for ED success; site location selection process; investment readiness; strengths, challenges, aspirations and opportunities for Didsbury; and action planning and priorities.
Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter said she felt the workshop was very beneficial.
"I had the opportunity to participate in the economic development investment readiness workshop in Red Deer on November 14," said Hunter. "Between that full-day workshop and the November 15 evening workshop, I definitely strengthened my understanding and perception of the big picture of a community's success in economic development and sustainability.
"We must create a strategy for a plan, direction and focus of priorities for our community."
Some of the challenges for the town that were brought up at the workshop were the lack of shovel-ready industrial land and the lack of online presence with an economic development website.
The positive attributes for the town were the location, available retail space, beautiful neighbourhoods and landscaping, and the great care and attention towards town facilities and green space.
Hunter said that the presentation left participants ready to "think outside the box."
"We got to envision Didsbury potential for change and growth through a first-time visitor's eyes," she said. "Never say never. Change is good and keeping an open mind to ideas and options is important to point us in the right direction in forging a trail for the successful future of our community.
"Build on the past but don't be afraid to create a new vision."
