The Power of Authentic Place Branding in Economic Development
In today’s dynamic global economy, an effective place brand is an important tool for economic developers. Place branding – the process of crafting a distinctive and authentic identity for a city or region – has become increasingly common as regions work to grow and prosper amid intense competition. A good place brand does more than market a location. It tells a genuine story that reflects that location’s unique values, culture, and strengths.
A successful place brand boosts investment and business attraction by highlighting a region’s competitive advantages and opportunities; draws talent by showcasing the region’s lifestyle, community, and professional opportunities; and enhances tourism by presenting the unique experiences a region offers visitors.
By providing real-world examples and hard-earned insights, panelists will share their perspective on what goes into creating a brand that resonates with diverse audiences and supports broad-based economic growth.
About the Speakers
Chris Lane
Chris Lane
Chris Lane looks to transform Economic Development Regina into a data, analytics, and investment attraction powerhouse. With more than six years of executive leadership experience coupled with 15+ years of communications & media experience, Chris is ready to lead and tell the economic development story of Greater Regina Area while attracting businesses and investments from around the world. Serving on the boards of several local organizations and an avid volunteer, Chris is deeply connected to the Regina community. In his spare time, Chris is a private pilot and aircraft owner.
Erin Lawson
Erin Lawson
Erin is the CEO of SREDA, the economic development organization dedicated to advancing the Saskatoon Region. Appointed in June 2023, she is the first female CEO in the organization's history.
Erin joined SREDA in 2015, serving most recently as the Chief Marketing Officer. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Erin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan.
Under her leadership, SREDA champions the people, potential, and prosperity of Saskatoon and surrounding communities. Erin is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships and collaboratively ensuring a diverse and dynamic economy. Committed to being a steward of progress, she is dedicated to addressing community needs and creating opportunities for growth and success. Erin takes pride in leading an organization that plays a vital role in shaping Saskatoon, a City she’s proud to call home.
Kent Morrison
Kent Morrison
Kent has watched the sun rise on Edmonton for years and will tell you that getting up early is a whole lot better than staying up late.
Kent enjoys helping you start your day with everything you need to know before you get out the door. He loves putting a spotlight on the people and places that make Northern Alberta a great place to live. He believes in delivering your news with a smile and hopefully, a few laughs.
Kent lives in Edmonton with his beautiful wife Katie and their 3-year-old son Leo. Together Kent and Katie enjoy the city’s fitness and culinary scenes, usually in consecutive order. In the summer, you’ll probably find Kent at a local golf course, taking too many swings.
Kent grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where he played hockey and baseball. In 2005, he moved to Oakland, California to chase a baseball career. That career was slightly longer than the flight.
Kent graduated with honours from The School of Journalism at The University of Regina. During his last semester of school Kent produced a film called “Denendeh” that went on to win the 2010 Human Rights DocFest Award for best small budget documentary. In 2012, an article he wrote about the experience making the film won a Gold Medal at the Western Magazine Awards for best article from Saskatchewan.
He is also a Canadian Screen Award winner.
Kent’s television career began as an intern at CTV’s Alberta Primetime. Now, he’s back in the same building where it all began and happy to be part of the city’s best news team.
