The Community Futures Central Alberta (CFCA) board is pleased to announce the appointment of Amber Mack as their new General Manager.

A highly respected leader with more than 20 years of experience, Amber brings a diverse background spanning municipal government, nonprofit leadership, business advocacy, governance, and community development. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce and previously held the role of Executive Director at The Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre.

Amber is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to build strong, meaningful partnerships. As a trusted connector and community builder, she is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening communities, and creating environments where people, businesses, and organizations can thrive.

Community Futures Central Alberta is pleased to announce our 2026 Annual General Meeting will take place on July 2nd at our office in Red Deer, starting at 2:30pm.

The AGM will involve appointment of new Board members and approval of various policies and procedures.

If anyone has questions about our AGM, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Overview
The Central Alberta Industry Connector Forum is a one-day, high-impact event designed to move beyond conversation and into real business connections, procurement opportunities, and project partnerships. This is not a typical conference. It is a targeted industry forum bringing together the key players shaping Central Alberta’s next phase of economic growth—connecting major investment projects directly with the businesses, workforce partners, and capital providers needed to deliver them.
Registration opens at 8:00AM - Program 9:00AM-5:00PM
Breakfast, Lunch, Beverages & Snacks included.

About the Host: Central Alberta First
Central Alberta First serves as the primary catalyst for regional business growth, dedicated to showcasing the unique industrial strengths and investment potential of our local communities. This forum is the premier event of the year because it uniquely bridges the gap between high-level leadership and actionable capital, creating an exclusive environment where the future of Central Alberta’s economy is actively shaped.

CFCA invites clients and stakeholders to take part in a voluntary research study conducted by Red Deer Polytechnic and the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce, running until June 12th, 2026. The survey and research are a collaborative initiative involving both organizations. The Chamber is supporting outreach to the regional business community and research related to the Future of Work, while Red Deer Polytechnic is contributing to these research interests and additional applied research with small to medium sized business challenges in Central Alberta. This research is funded by the Government of Alberta through a Labour Market Partnership grant.

The study explores how Central Alberta businesses are navigating workforce shifts and changes, digital transformation, growth challenges, and transition readiness. Your insights will directly support improved business tools, regional workforce planning, and initiatives that strengthen long‑term competitiveness and continuity across Central Alberta. In addition, the survey supports an NSERC‑funded applied research study focused on understanding workforce, technology, and business transition challenges facing Central Alberta businesses.

Survey results will be analyzed and reported in aggregate form to help track trends, analyze themes, and inform future business supports across the region. Participants who indicate interest may receive a summary report of the research and the study findings. This report will present results at a regional or group level (e.g., common challenges, broad workforce and technology trends, and general patterns across participating businesses). The report will be available in digital versions and presentations will be developed and delivered upon request.

Community Futures Central Alberta is pleased to sponsor youth from our region to attend the Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp (RAYEC). RAYEC is a one week business planning camp for youth aged 13-15 designed to improve business, academic and life skills through entrepreneurship. 

Held at Eagles Nest Ranch in the Cypress Hills, Alberta, this one week entrepreneurial-based camp combines the education of business training with a summer camp atmosphere. Campers hear from guest speakers and participate in workshops to learn the components of a business plan such as marketing, advertising, cash flow and record keeping. Youth are put into business teams where they plan a business idea, meet with suppliers and bankers, build a product and on the final day of camp these youthful business ventures are showcased for parents during business day. Campers pay back their business loans and split their profits amongst their business team.

Below is text from an interview with one of the 2025 campers - Sage P of Red Deer (seated bottom right) and Community Futures. It has been edited for length.

You’re invited to a high-impact, full-day event designed to equip Alberta business owners, innovators, and economic leaders with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of artificial intelligence—right now, in real business contexts.

(Red Deer) Back for its sixth season, the Catalyst Incubator, funded through the Central Alberta Innovation Network (CARIN) and provided by Community Futures Central Alberta, is pleased to announce it is seeking participants for both Fall and Winter intakes of its unique, cohort-based program.

Calling all local businesses! Need expert-led training on marketing, finance, and strategy? Check out the Regional Business Support Network’s Training Calendar – updated regularly with valuable webinars and learning opportunities!

Central Alberta First is proud to announce the launch of a BREWD—Business Retention, Expansion, and Workforce Development Survey. Central Alberta First, is a collaborative effort aimed at empowering local businesses and shaping the region's economic landscape. From January 23 to February 28, businesses across Central Alberta are encouraged to participate in a comprehensive online survey available at www.centralalbertafirst.ca. 

This initiative represents a unique partnership among businesses, government entities, and service organizations dedicated to fostering a more competitive and supportive business environment in Central Alberta.