The Lesser Slave Lake Economic Alliance elected its executive for 2016-17 June 28. Left-right are Erica Jagodzinski, first vice chair, representing KTC Child and Family Services, Atikameg; Debbie Rose, secretary – treasurer, Town of High Prairie; Barry Sharkawi, chair, High Prairie and Area Chamber of Commerce; and Leo Alook, second vice chair, M.D. of Opportunity.

SPN Staff

On June 28, the Lesser Slave Lake Economic Alliance held elections at its annual general meeting at the Eagle Point Golf Course in Wabasca.

The following board members were elected for the 2016-17 term:

* Chair, Barry Sharkawi, High Prairie and Area Chamber of Commerce;
* First vice chair, Erica Jagodzinski, KTC Child and Family Services, Atikameg;
* second vice chair, Leo Alook, M.D. of Opportunity;
* Secretary – treasurer, Debbie Rose, Town of High Prairie.

Also at the meeting, a revised strategic plan was approved. The alliance’s vision is ‘Economic Inclusiveness’.

LSLEA is dedicated to becoming a region which strives to improve the economic development opportunities for any and all communities within its geographic area. To achieve this vision, LSLEA will provide progressive and focused opportunities that facilitate collaborative economic development planning and success for its member communities, industries, entities and businesses in the region.

There are currently 11 members in the organization: two municipalities, three Metis Settlements, one First Nation, two educational organizations, two chambers of commerce, and one non-government organization.

The alliance is shifting some of its focus toward regional aboriginal community economic development, working with communities who have traditionally not been included in the LSLEA region.