EDMONTON, AB - In jointly announcing their support for Edmonton's EXPO 2017 bid today, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, EEDC, are urging the Edmonton region and other Alberta based organizations to voice their support. Expo 2017 could be transformational for the city, increasing international recognition and showcasing Alberta as the world's safest and most environmentally friendly sustainable energy supplier.

By proceeding with the bid and winning the opportunity to host the world at Expo 2017, Edmonton has the opportunity to showcase technological and environmental innovations supporting responsible resource and energy development, demonstrating Alberta's commitment to the proposed theme of the Expo - Energy and our Planet. This is a strategic opportunity for Edmonton, Alberta and Canada that comes at a critical time.

"Edmonton and its surrounding region will benefit from accelerated development and increased private and public investment as a result of its bid to welcome the world in 2017," explains Henry Yip, Board Chair of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. "The fact that this will coincide with Canada's150th anniversary is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, bringing visitors to Western Canada and making our city the focal point of Canada's milestone celebrations."

"Hosting an international event of EXPO's magnitude is important to all of our members - large and small - this can be a game changer for Edmonton industry and tourism," says Carman McNary, Chair of the Board of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. "If we are successful in the bid, the Expo will open us to the world, give us the opportunity to encourage future interchange and investment and allow us to access business and technical expertise from around the world."

Edmonton's bid was warmly welcomed recently during Edmonton Day at Shanghai EXPO's Canadian pavilion. Guests included representatives from the International Exhibitions Bureau, Government of China and Shanghai's business community.

"Expo will definitely stimulate the overall Edmonton economy through increased business activity leading up to and during the event, leaving a legacy in terms of infrastructure but even more importantly in terms of the Edmonton brand nationally and internationally," explains McNary.

The EXPO bid - made in Alberta, held in Edmonton - received support from the Government of Alberta last spring. We are urging the Government of Canada to expeditiously provide their support.

A formal submission from Canada for the Edmonton bid to host the World Exposition in 2017 could occur as early as June 2011.International Exhibitions Bureau delegates will vote on the host city in fall 2012. If successful, EXPO 2017 in Edmonton would mark EXPO's return to North America since Vancouver's successful EXPO 1986.

To learn more about EEDC, visit http://www.edmonton.com/.

About the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation

Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) provides leadership in economic development, markets Edmonton as a must-see destination, manages the Shaw Conference Centre and Edmonton Research Park, and acts as a stakeholder in TEC Edmonton, a joint venture with the University of Alberta. For more information, visit www.edmonton.com Learn more about Edmonton through the stories of people who've experienced it at www.edmontonstories.ca

Renée Worrell
Communications Manager, External Relations
780.932.4865
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