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ICYMI: Value Added Forestry Symposium

Hosted by Peace Region Economic Development Alliance



On June 26 and 27, the Peace Region Economic Development Alliance (PREDA) hosted the Value Added Forestry Symposium at the Chateau Nova in Peace River.


The conference was jam-packed with insightful speakers from all facets of forestry. Local vendors were on-site and members of local and provincial governments were in attendance—including the Honourable Todd Loewen, MLA for Central Peace-Notley and Minister of Forestry and Parks.


Northern Sunrise County Councillor and PREDA Chair Carolyn Kolebaba kept the schedule on track as the master of ceremonies.


Throughout the day, nine presenters spoke on a variety of topics, including:

  • Kevin Kimball

    Business Development Lead, NAIT

  • Shane Neigel

    Director of Forest Tenure, Trade and Economics, Government of Alberta

  • Laura Brandon

    Forest Educator, Work Wild (Alberta Forest Products Association)

  • Gordon Murray

    Executive Director of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada

  • Jerry Calara

    Technical Manager and Market Development Advocate, WoodWorks Alberta!

  • Andre Lema

    Manager of Business Development, Western Archrib

  • Jean-Claude Villeneuve

    Founder, BoreA Canada Essential Oils

  • Ila Brown

    Medicine Woman, Alberta Apothecary

  • Malcolm Saunders

    Founder, Light Cellar Elixir Bar and Light Cellar Super Foods


Aspen Dudzic, Denis Duguay, Frank Peters & Jason Boucher

Following the presentations, Aspen Dudzic, Director of Communication for the Alberta Forest Products of Alberta and host of the podcast Forestry Talks, moderated a panel of local industry professionals with Grande Prairie Luthier Denis Duguay, Boucher Bros Lumber General Manager Jason Boucher and Owner of Evergreen Lumber, Frank Peters.

They had an interesting and insightful discussion about some of the successes and challenges they each have in their respective roles.


PREDA Executive Director, Dan Dibbelt, was recognized with the Northern Alberta Champion Award for his 25 years of service to economic development in Northern Alberta.


Attendees were entered to win door prizes, which were provided by the various forest-related local vendors who had booths set up in the hotel’s common area.

Carolyn Kolebaba, Dan Dibbelt & Arnold Viersen MP

The symposium ended with an open mic moderated by Jasmine Light, Northern Lakes College Chair of Business Programs and Regional Stewardship Representative for PREDA, so attendees could discuss opportunities and ideas in an open forum.

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