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ECONOMY: Cleland appointed new executive director for Alberta Economic Development Authority

          (AlbertaIndex, May 10, Thursday) --- James Cleland, a veteran of the metal fabrication industry, has been selected as the new executive director for the Alberta Economic Development Authority (AEDA).

      The agency, a partnership between Alberta’s private and public sectors, provides an opportunity business and academic leaders an opportunity to advise government on business and economic development issues to help shape policies and strategies for the economy. The executive director advises the board on policy and helps facilitate strategic linkages with government.
        

"Today’s announcement of our new executive director, along with our recently reorganized committee structure, has created an exciting new era for the authority," said Authority Chair Terry Gomke. "James’ experience will help support our organization as we work to make a major contribution in advancing the priorities set out by the Premier for our province."
         Cleland brings a unique blend of private and public sector experience to the position. Since 2004, he has been the director of Metal Fabrication for Investment and Industry Development within government's economic development portfolio. In this role he led a successful initiative to enhance Alberta’s manufacturing capacity by building partnerships with leading Canadian manufacturers.
         In the private sector, Cleland gained his expertise in business growth as vice-president and general manager of a Calgary-based custom metal manufacturer that he successfully grew from 4 to more than 140 people in less than 10 years. He also served on the board of directors with the Alberta chapter of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. Cleland begins in the executive director position May 14.
         As co-chair of the Authority, Employment, Immigration and Industry Minister Iris Evans said: "The Alberta government’s partnership with the Authority is essential to the province's growth, since it is a very important voice for businesses when economic strategies are being developed."
         Gomke and Evans both expressed their appreciation for the contributions made by out-going executive director Doug Neil, who provided sound advice and support to the Alberta Economic Development Authority for the last 10 years.



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