G.R.O.W. E.A.S.T

Growing Rural Opportunities and Workforce

through empowering

Entrepreneurs Attraction, Strategy and Training

A foundation for Opportunity

Discover a region ready to Grow your future. Spanning 127,411 square kilometers, our thriving economy is powered by 5614 businesses, robust oil and gas production, and a dynamic labour force of 88,605. Agriculture thrives with 5,810 farms, 1 million cattle, and 4.5 million acres of cropland. Our skilled workforce includes 1,928 apprentices and over 57,000 post-secondary graduates, while residents enjoy clean air, an 80.4-year life expectancy, and a high quality of life.

Elevate your vision and join a community where opportunity, innovation, and progress come together. Let our region be the foundation for your success.

Driving Growth:

Key Industries of the Eastern Route

The Eastern Route is the backbone of economic vitality in Eastern Alberta, connecting thriving industries that fuel growth and innovation. Our region’s key sectors include:

  • Transportation: A vital highway corridor connecting Northern Alberta to Southern Alberta, the U.S., and down to Mexico, enabling efficient trade and travel across borders.

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food: With fertile cropland and extensive livestock farming, we are a hub for agricultural production and value-added food processing.

  • Forestry: Eastern Alberta’s forestry sector plays a crucial role in the regional economy, with logging, timber processing, and wood-based industries contributing to local employment and exports. The region’s forests provide sustainable resources that support both domestic and international markets.

  • Education and Skilled Trades: Training centers and a skilled workforce drive innovation and meet the needs of growing industries.

  • Entrepreneurial Supports: Resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities empower small businesses and startups to innovate, grow, and thrive in the region.

  • Energy: Leading oil, natural gas, and renewable energy production power the region’s economy.

  • Manufacturing: A growing manufacturing sector produces goods that serve local and international markets.

  • Construction and Infrastructure: Dynamic development projects shape the landscape, creating opportunities for businesses and communities.

Together, these industries create a foundation for success. Join us to live, work, and elevate your opportunities in this vibrant and diverse region.

Advocating for a Stronger Highway Network

The Veterans Memorial Highway is more than a road—it’s a vital corridor connecting communities, fostering economic growth, and driving progress throughout Eastern Alberta. Our advocacy efforts focus on ensuring this essential route meets the evolving needs of the region. Key priorities include:

  • Infrastructure Improvements: Advocating for enhanced highway maintenance, upgrades, and expansions to improve safety and efficiency for all travelers and industries.

  • Transportation Innovation: Supporting initiatives that optimize trade routes, reduce transportation costs, and ensure seamless connections throughout Alberta and beyond.

  • Safety Enhancements: Promoting the installation of critical safety measures, including better signage, rest stops, and advanced traffic management systems.

  • Cross-Border Trade Support: Collaborating with the Ports-to-Plains Alliance to strengthen transportation links that connect Alberta to the U.S., creating vital trade opportunities.

  • Economic Growth: Working with governments and stakeholders to prioritize infrastructure investments that create jobs, attract businesses, and support key industries.

  • Promotion and Tours: Representing the Veterans Memorial Highway at tradeshows, touring industries and communities, and showcasing opportunities to investors and stakeholders.

  • Honouring Veterans: Advocating for projects and partnerships that honour the contributions of veterans, keeping their legacy central to the highway’s mission.

  • Environmental Responsibility: Encouraging sustainable transportation solutions, from renewable energy integration to minimizing the environmental impact of highway operations.

    Through our relentless advocacy, we aim to elevate the Veterans Memorial Highway into a world-class corridor that supports vibrant communities and thriving economies while honouring those who served. Join us in championing the future of transportation in Eastern Alberta.