November 6, 2023 (Edmonton Metropolitan Region): On November 2nd, the second annual forward/slash event brought together nearly 1,000 decision makers and leaders to announce the launch of the forward/slash movement —a grassroots initiative aimed at accelerating economic growth, competitiveness, and wellbeing across the Edmonton region. Four industry-led task forces were announced – all focused on themes that will establish the Edmonton region as a global destination for investment.  

Each forward/slash task force will be working to capitalize on opportunities, address challenges, and implement strategies that will make the Edmonton region Canada’s:

1. fastest growing and most resilient economy;
2. most attractive and affordable region;
3. smartest working and most adaptable workforce; and,
4. most connected and respected business community.

These industry-led and outcome-focused task forces are being led by an advisory committee comprised of business leaders from the Edmonton region. Over the coming days, sub-committee working groups will be formed within each of these task forces and there will be many opportunities for people to become involved.

Optimus SBR, the largest independent consultancy firm in Canada, has taken a special interest in advancing forward/slash in the Edmonton region. Through an in-kind partnership with Edmonton Global, Optimus SBR is providing the implementation capacity needed to fully activate the movement. Optimus SBR will be supporting the task forces by providing project management and secretariat support.

“Last night, we witnessed the energy and commitment that the Edmonton region has towards this shared vision for our economic future,” said Edmonton Global CEO Malcolm Bruce following the event on Nov. “forward/slash is a force to inspire change, innovation, and community development. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and work together to accelerate economic growth, competitiveness, and well-being across the Edmonton region. I have no doubt the forward/slash task forces will create a lasting impact over the next year—and beyond.”

The event also included the first forward/slash awards ceremony, celebrating organizations that exemplify the pillars of forward/slash: forward/thinking, forward/together, and forward/momentum. The recipients of the three newly established awards were Air Products, Entos Pharmaceuticals, and The Edmonton International Airport. To learn more about the award winners, click [here](insert link to article).

About forward/slash

forward/slash is bringing together regional leaders from across the Edmonton Metropolitan Region to unite behind a shared vision and work together to accelerate economic growth, competitiveness, and well-being across the Edmonton region. It is industry-led, and outcome focused. With all of us rowing in the same direction, with all of us working in unison, forward/slash is creating an energy and pace that will be hard to beat in Canada – or anywhere.

About Edmonton Global

The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping regional businesses export with the world, enhancing our region’s global competitiveness, and bringing our region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over.

For more information contact:

Sherri Bouslama

Senior Manager, Brand & Communications

[email protected]

780-996-1524