Staff

STAFF

Palliser Economic Partnership is staffed by

Tracey Kipta , Director

As Acting Director for the SE Alberta Regional Economic Development Branch, Tracey brings a wealth of knowledge spanning over 20 years with both the Federal and Provincial Government. Previous ministries she has been a part of include: Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development, Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Human Resources Development Canada and currently, Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry.

The Regional Economic Development Branch provides support to the Palliser Economic Partnership through shared support staff and office space. Tracey also supports the role of Manager for the Palliser Economic Partnership Board through a Memorandum of Understanding between PEP and Alberta Employment Immigration and Industry.

Although new to the Palliser Economic Partnership and the SE Economic Development Branch, Tracey has worked with many economic development practitioners within the region through her previous role as Business and Industry Liaison. This work primarily involved supporting economic development practitioners with community and industry workforce development needs as well as supporting business attraction activities.

Managing and developing many successful contracts within Government provided Tracey with an opportunity to formalize strategic partnerships with business and industry within various industry sectors. Many of these successful partnerships continue to exist within the SE Region such as the Oil and Gas Class 1 Transportation training program. This successful training intervention was developed through a formal industry partnership led by Tracey and supported by local industry representatives.

Tracey also brings many years of experience in the field of human services through her role as a career development practitioner. As a certified facilitator in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Personality Dimensions and True Colors Personality Indicator, she has supported many individuals in understanding their strengths, qualities and abilities to support their career decision making process. She believes this insight into individuals’ personality traits and innate qualities, has contributed to her success in working with the public.

Tracey looks forward to supporting the Palliser Economic Partnership and its member communities with regional economic development needs and contributing to the economic prosperity in the region.

Tracey's term will end on October 1, 2008.

Elvira Smid, Director

Elvira Smid is Director- Regional Economic Development for the Medicine Hat Region in Alberta . Medicine Hat is one of eleven regional offices that deliver economic development services in Alberta 's regions. Through a Memorandum of Understanding she also acts as Manager for Palliser Economic Partnership.

Elvira has worked in economic development for the Government of Alberta for nine years. She is a strong believer in the value of strategic partnerships and good communication. Successful strategic partnerships include: Palliser Economic Partnership involving 18 municipalities, Defence Industry Development project,

with 2 other alliances and 3 Community Futures, Growing in Southeast Alberta - with two other ministries and Business Succession projects with Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development Centre and Community Futures Meridian Region.

In addition to existing partnerships, Palliser Economic Partnership has begun a collaboration with Alberta Employment Immigration and Industry, Delivery Services Division and Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development Centre to build a comprehensive Southeast Alberta Workforce Development Strategy and with three other Regional Economic Development Alliances, Alberta Film, Travel Alberta and Community Futures Chinook to build a Southern Alberta Movie Map to encourage additional tourism traffic in all of southern Alberta.

Elvira as on secondment with the Alberta Economic Development Authority until October 1/08.

Gloria Filgas, Client Services Representative

Gloria is a Client Service Representative for Employment Immigration and Industry. As a long time employee of the government of Alberta , Gloria began assisting Palliser Economic Partnership during its conception in 2001. Gloria assists the manager of Palliser Economic Partnership with administration duties and various projects. While not at work, Gloria enjoys spending time with her family.

Selena McLean-Moore, Regional Projects Officer

Selena is a Regional Projects Officer for Palliser Economic Partnership. Among various other duties, Selena coordinates a variety of projects, manages events, creates the quarterly newsletter and updates the website. She has been working in the field of economic development for eight years. Before joining Palliser Economic Partnership in 2004, Selena worked for the Community Futures Network of Alberta as the Provincial Coordinator for the Alberta Community Access Program Youth Initiative. Selena holds a Business Administration diploma from the Medicine Hat College . In her free time, Selena enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

Selena is currently on maternity leave until February, 2009.

Louise Holmes, Regional Projects Officer