MEDIA RELEASE—February 19, 2020
For immediate release
Investing in economic development a priority for Alberta business
Despite current economic challenges, recent Alberta Chambers of Commerce market research reveals Alberta businesses do not support further cuts to economic development fundingan important consideration ahead of the provincial government's spring budget.

Six in ten respondents (59 per cent) to a recent Alberta Chambers survey were either unsure about or did not support reducing or eliminating funding for economic development agencies—even if this reduction in funding meant a corresponding tax cut for their business.
This finding is made even more significant considering most businesses access funding through traditional sources and have little contact with economic development agencies.
"These numbers show that the business community recognizes the value of continued funding for economic development, even in tough financial times," says Ken Kobly, Alberta Chambers of Commerce President and CEO. "After the ministry responsible saw an 18 per cent cut in last year's fall budget, these survey responses send a clear message to government that Alberta's business community needs sustained, predictable funding for economic development—not further cuts."

These findings are part of the Alberta Perspectives market research program—a multi-phase market research initiative conduced by the Strategic Counsel on behalf of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. Survey two of the program garnered 1,028 business responses between October and November 2019. Survey three is currently live, focusing on skills, training, and Alberta's labour market.
The final market research report for survey 2 is available here .

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For comment, please contact: 

Ken Kobly
President and CEO
Alberta Chambers of Commerce
(M) 780.975.1659
(P) 780.425.4180 Ext.5
kkobly@abchamber.ca

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is a federation of 124 community-based chambers of commerce representing more than 25,000 job creators.


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