2012 Group Ambassadors

"The Community Ambassador Program provides an important supplement to conventional advertising."


Program Information

PDF IconAmbassador Program Information

PDF IconAmbassador 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.

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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.

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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

Emelita Buhl

 

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. 

 

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  

 

Myrtle Smyth

Hilda Holloway

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. 

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

 

Edna McHarg 

George Lavertu

 

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.

 

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. 

 

Jackie Truitt 

 

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