EDAM is a dynamic organization which aims to connect, educate and inform the various practitioners and groups of practitioners working in the field of economic development in Manitoba.

As an independent, non-profit, incorporated association of professionals engaged in economic development in Manitoba, EDAM is one of several regional and provincial affiliates of the Economic Development Association of Canada (EDAC), the national professional organization of economic development practitioners. Through our affiliation with other provincial associations and EDAC, EDAM provides its membership with a network and linkage with the profession across Canada.

Members of EDAM are provided access to a variety of professional services, training opportunities, and regularly meet to discuss new ideas and initiatives in the field of economic development.

EDAM works on your behalf to:

  • Increase the profile and awareness of economic development practitioners and organizations.
  • Provide a collective voice on local, regional, provincial and national economic development issues and concerns.
  • Promote professionalism within the field.

Our History

Twenty five years ago, Manitoba had no vehicle for designating a professional status to the profession of economic development. In fact, if you mentioned that you worked in economic development, they would probably think to themselves, “Economic who? Development what?” And although many people all over the province were employed in economic development, they tended to work independently and in isolation. There was no lobbying for common interests, no networking or knowledge sharing and no training / upgrading. Most importantly, there was no way to link to or communicate with other provincial and national associations.

In 1992, a group of economic development professionals representing a broad-based section of community and regional development organizations came together to form a professional association of economic developers in Manitoba. On September 24, 1993, the Economic Developers Association of Manitoba (EDAM) was established to improve communication, contact and liaison within the economic development profession. At the time, EDAM had 35 members; today we are very proud to have over 100.

We hope you will join us and help us grow our network of connected EDOs!