The AirdrieNOW campaign received five awards from the Economic Developers Association of Alberta for their marketing efforts. They won awards for best website (AirdrieNOW.ca), creative innovation (AirdrieNOW! TV), brochure (Business Investment Profile), use of social media, and promotional item (AirdrieNOW chocolate bar). The campaign aims to promote Airdrie as a place to live, work and do business and has been successful in outreach both within Canada and internationally.

1. April 28th, 2010 / For Immediate Release
AirdrieNOW Wins Big at Provincial Awards
AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – Airdrie Economic Development’s AirdrieNOW campaign was a big winner at
the Economic Developers Association of Alberta (EDA) Annual 2010 Marketing Awards. The campaign,
launched in February 2009, received five awards in the median sized community category for:
• Best website (www.AirdrieNOW.ca)
• Creative innovation (AirdrieNOW! TV)
• Brochure (Business Investment Profile)
• “Use of social media in a marketing campaign”.
• Promotional item (AirdrieNOW chocolate bar)
The provincial awards follow two International Economic Development Marketing awards won last summer.
AirdrieNOW.ca was awarded the EDA’s best website award for its rich content, innovative features and
ability for users to submit content. The AirdrieNOW campaign’s primary marketing tool has greeted over
17,000 visitors from 79 different countries in its first year. Innovative tools such as BizPal, an online
licensing and permit system, and custom built news feed provide an interactive experience for users.
AirdrieNOW! TV continues to receive positive reviews after being named the EDA’s best creative
innovation for 2010. This online TV “station” features over 20 Airdrie-based businesses and 60 videos
promoting Airdrie as a place to live, work & do business. Over 4,200 visitors have tuned in to
AirdrieNOW! TV available exclusively on the AirdrieNOW.ca website.
After receiving an honourable mention on the international stage, Airdrie’s Business Investment Profile
won best brochure. The brochure shares Airdrie’s competitive advantages including location, land
development, quality of life and tax advantages – in a vibrant package. The brochure have been distributed
to over 200 business clients and has averaged being viewed 10 times per day (3,372 total times) on our
website AirdrieNOW.ca and social presentation sharing website – SlideShare.
The department’s ongoing implementation and use of social media was recognized as the best in Alberta
winning the “Use of Social Media in a Marketing Campaign” Award. Encouraging conversation through
social media applications such as Twitter, SlideShare and the department’s e-newsletter Airdrie@Work, has
extended the department’s reach within the community and globally. All of this is accomplished in less than
2 hours of staff time per week.
Airdrie Economic Development
airdrie economic development
Telephone: 403.948.8844 • Fax: 403.948.6567
403.948.8844 • economic.development@airdrie.ca
Email: economic.development@airdrie.ca
Award Winning - www.AIRDRIENOW.ca
www.airdrienow.ca

2. AirdrieNOW chocolate bar, this fun and unique item was crowned best promotional item in 2010. The
bar shares similarities with Cadbury’s Caramilk bar but reveals the city’s secret in attracting business and
investment in its unique AirdrieNOW branded packaging. The design was developed by department staff
and has been positively received by business clients and other stakeholders.
For more information about the EDA and a complete list of award winners visit their website
www.edaalberta.ca.
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Contact:
Chris MacIsaac
Economic Development Officer
E: chris.macisaac@airdrie.ca
T: 403.948.8800 ext 8449
www.AirdrieNOW.ca