
"The Community Ambassador
Program provides an important supplement to conventional
advertising."
Program Information
Ambassador Program Information
Ambassador
Nomination Form
Ambassador Program
The
Program | Results | Ambassadors In
Action
The Ambassador Program promotes the region in a unique fashion
by creating extensive word-of-mouth promotion from reliable sources
that have first hand knowledge of the region. Over 2,800
"Ambassadors" in countries all over the world spread the word about
the advantages of living, working and playing in Alberta's
International Region.
Being an Ambassador
Being designated an "Ambassador" of Alberta's International
Region signifies community support and commitment to the region. It
is how volunteers are thanked for the important contributions they
make and the welcoming environment they create.
Read more about the Program, its history and results in the Ambassador Program Information.
The Program
The Ambassador Program is a recognition program that
acknowledges the amazing contributions being made by individuals
across Alberta's International Region.
Any person in the community may be nominated by another citizen
to become an Ambassador. Each month, nominees are inducted
into the Ambassador Program during the Leduc-Nisku Economic
Development Association's Economic Partnership Breakfast,
where they are publicly acknowledged and thanked for their
efforts and deep commitment to the region.
Each Ambassador is presented with an official certificate signed
by the Mayors, a license plate for their vehicle and a personalized
lapel pin.
"The Ambassador program provides the community with a renewed
sense of pride."
The Ambassador program provides the community with a
renewed sense of pride, and the ability to thank citizens who may
otherwise be overlooked. The Ambassador Program also provides
special recognition for overseas visitors and other dignitaries.
Incoming trade missions are hosted to a reception where the Mayor
may enroll them as special "Leduc-Nisku Ambassadors" in recognition
of their close economic and social ties with the community.
Results
The Ambassador Program has created a powerful volunteer sales
force for the Leduc-Nisku EDA of over 2,800 individuals located in
almost every part of the world. They are the people who make a
renewed effort to promote the uniqueness of our region.
Personal recommendation is the most powerful form of advertising
available and its impact is well in excess of any conventional
media within the budget of the region. Any inquiry or lead is
passed back to the Leduc-Nisku EDA for immediate follow-up. The
program helps to bridge the gap between public and private sectors,
competing community organizations and different age groups.
The program has been adapted by many other communities across
North America and is a prime example of holistic, community driven
economic development.
Ambassadors In Action
The Ambassador Team is a group of individuals from communities
within the region who volunteer their time and talent to facilitate
the program. The Ambassador Team provides support and assistance to
Alberta's International Region Economic Partnership and the
Ambassador Program by:
- Acting as greeters, hosts and hostesses for visiting
international delegations;
- Inducting new Ambassadors each month and presenting them with
Ambassador Kits;
- Recognizing Ambassadors who continually promote Alberta's
International Region as a good place to live and do business;
and
- Assisting in "Alberta's International Region" booth at various
trade shows.
Most importantly, Ambassador Team members promote the region
wherever they travel and to whomever they meet.
"Ambassadors are people that proudly promote the uniqueness of
our region."
Ambassadors are individuals with unique personal strengths,
accomplishments and connections to Alberta's International Region.
Communities, cities and regions invest time and money in promoting
their location and attractions to encourage visitors and business
people to explore tourist and commercial opportunities. The high
cost of multimedia advertising usually limits both the range and
effectiveness of such campaigns. A community Ambassador Program
provides an important supplement to conventional advertising,
especially suited to small and medium- sized communities, at a cost
that can be sustained.
Meet The Ambassador Team
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Emelita Buhl
Emelita Buhl was recruited by the A-Team in February 2011 after
she retired from her job in the public service sector. At her
former position, Emelita enjoyed meeting individuals from Leduc and
surrounding towns as well as visiting with clients. Being an
ambassador allows Emelita to communicate with some of these
long-time contacts.
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Myrtle Smith
Myrtle Smyth has been a volunteer in Leduc for over 50 years. An
advocate of children's rights, Myrtle was a Board of Directors
member for the Association of Human Services of Alberta as well as
Family and Community Support Services. Passionate about the
environment, Myrtle also sat on the Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Board.
Myrtle has received the following awards for her
contributions:
- Citizen of the Year Award
- 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada
Medal
- Alberta Recreation Award
- Citizen of Distinction Award
- Queen Elizabeth ‖ Golden Jubilee Medal - 2002
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Hilda Holloway
Hilda was raised in Leduc since the age of four. After attending
Marvel Beauty College, Hilda bought Playgirl Hair in Edmonton and
relocated her business to Leduc. Today, Hilda has four generations
of clients at her beauty parlor.
Hilda has received the following awards for her
contributions:
- Citizen of the Year Award
- Business of the Year Award
A long-time volunteer within the community, Hilda has been a
Leduc-Nisku EDA Ambassador for 17 years and has taken many trips
out of town to promote the region. She has also been an active
member of the Leduc Chamber of Commerce, Leduc-Nisku Rotary, Leduc
Welcome Wagon and Toastmasters Club.
Hilda is proud to live in Leduc and takes pleasure in watching
the city develop.
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Edna McHarg
Edna and her husband owned and operated a local retail pharmacy
called McHarg Drugs for 36 years. After selling the business, Edna
became involved in a substantial amount of volunteer work with
2nd Glance, Leduc and District Drug Action Team, We Can
Food Co-op, RCMP Policing Advisory and St. David's United
Church. These days, Edna enjoys spending time with her three
sons, one daughter, one granddaughter, three grandsons and two
great grandsons.
Edna has received the following awards for her
contributions:
- City of Leduc Citizen of Distinction
- Confederation Medal of Canada
- Alberta Centennial Medal
- Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year
- Chamber of Commerce Public Service Award
- Volunteer of the Year
- Rotary Integrity Award
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George Lavertu
George is the Chair of Smitty's Canada and the Owner of the
Leduc Smitty's Restaurant. In addition to 30 years of experience in
the food industry, Mr. Lavertu has strong planning skills,
marketing abilities and a down-to-earth nature. His extensive
community involvement includes serving as President of the
Nisku-Leduc Rotary Club, Board Member for the MS 150 Bike Tour
Committee, member of the Hospital Gaming Association and volunteer
with the Smile's Rodeo for Handicapped Kids. Mr. Lavertu also holds
the 2008 Citizen of the Year Award from the Leduc and District
Chamber of Commerce.
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Jackie Truitt
Jackie moved to Leduc area in 1996 after having lived in some 20
towns and cities in four provinces. Her and her family lived in
Calmar for six years before moving to Leduc. At this time, Jackie
was part of a group of community members that undertook a huge
renovation to the Calmar area using funds she helped raise. In
1998, Jackie ran for Council and was elected. It was at this time
that she became involved with the Leduc-Nisku EDA as a member of
the Community Leaders Team. Jackie has been a Real Estate Agent
with Coldwell Banker Haida Realty since 2000, a member of the
Neighbourhood Design Committee for the City of Leduc, a chair
member on the Mayor's Task Force on Attainable Housing, and a chair
member on the Steering Committee. Currently, Jackie is part of a
group that is trying to build a housing co-op in Leduc.
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