Harvest Sky Region Economic Development & Investment Attraction

Client: Harvest Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

Project Scope: Regional Assessment, Investment Attraction, and Economic Development Strategy

Over a four year period, SUMMIT72 partnered with Harvest Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to support business investment attraction in the Harvest Sky region of Alberta. This engagement focused on identifying economic opportunities, assessing regional strengths, and implementing targeted investment attraction strategies to drive economic development in the region.

Regional Assessment & Market Research

To establish a strong foundation for investment attraction, SUMMIT72 conducted comprehensive regional assessments, which included:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Consultations with local stakeholders, including business owners, agricultural producers, and government officials, to understand regional dynamics and priorities.

• Economic Analysis: Evaluated labor force trends, industry strengths, and regional economic diversification to identify key growth opportunities.

• Comparative Market Research: Analyzed successful strategies from similar regions to inform a tailored investment attraction strategy.

• Sector Identification: Pinpointed key industries best positioned for business expansion and investment.

Investment Attraction & Business Case Development

Building on the regional assessment, SUMMIT72 developed and executed strategic initiatives to support economic growth and business investment, including:

• Harvest Sky Agricultural Centre: Developed a business case and operating plan for a new agricultural hub, aligning with regional agricultural strengths and market demand.

• Value-Added Agriculture Study: Conducted a detailed feasibility assessment for expanding agricultural processing, considering infrastructure, supply chain logistics, and market demand.

• Sheerness Industrial Park: Led a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI), managing the marketing, submission process, and proposal evaluation to attract potential investors.

• Targeted Investment Marketing: Engaged businesses and investors within key sectors to promote opportunities in Harvest Sky.

Economic Impact Analysis & Community Engagement

To demonstrate the potential economic benefits of new investments, SUMMIT72 conducted an economic impact analysis for the proposed Harvest Sky Agricultural Centre. The study estimated the project’s contribution to GDP, job creation, and wages, highlighting its value to local municipalities and stakeholders. The findings were presented in a clear, accessible report designed for a lay audience.

Strategic Impact & Expertise

Through this project, SUMMIT72 reinforced its expertise in regional economic development, investment attraction, business case development, and economic impact analysis. The methodologies and strategies refined through this engagement continue to support Harvest Sky’s long-term economic growth objectives.

Read the Agricultural Centre Business Case here: Harvest Sky Region Agricultural Business Centre Case

Read the Economic Impact Assessment report here: Harvest Sky Agricultural Centre Economic Impact Assessment