Employee spotlight - Kamie Currie

A passion for economic development

With over 15 years of experience in economic development, Kamie is no stranger to the unique challenges faced by small communities. Her career spans roles as an economic development officer for rural municipalities and as a funder that supports growth initiatives, giving her a comprehensive perspective about the needs of her current stakeholders. “I absolutely love this work,” she says. “These experiences have helped me understand both the challenges and opportunities our stakeholders face.” Kamie’s enthusiasm for her role at PrairiesCan was sparked by the opportunity to spearhead the establishment of a regional service location from scratch. “I relished the idea of being the pioneer in this endeavour and setting the groundwork for success,” she shares.

A standout project: Uplift Jasper Mural Festival

One of Kamie’s most memorable projects has been her involvement with PrairiesCan’s Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), specifically in supporting Jasper’s first-ever Uplift! Jasper Mural Festival. By working with Uplift! Jasper to put forward its first federal funding application, Kamie helped the team bring its vision to life. “The organization proved to be incredibly accommodating as we navigated the process together,” she recalls. With PrairiesCan’s support, the Uplift! Jasper secured funding, and the murals now beautifully adorn the Jasper town-site, having survived the 2024 wildfires. “I am grateful to have played a small role in the realization of their beautiful murals,” Kamie says, proud of the project’s lasting impact.

Focusing on sustainability

One trend that excites Kamie is the growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. “As concerns about climate change increase, there is a growing demand for businesses and communities to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint,” she says. Kamie sees this shift as a positive one, noting that it presents exciting opportunities for the work being done in the northwest with stakeholders. “It may involve adopting renewable energy sources, optimizing resource usage, implementing eco-friendly production processes, or developing sustainable products or services.”

Kamie’s advice for aspiring professionals

For those interested in economic development, Kamie emphasizes the importance of understanding the local landscape. “A strong foundation in the local economy, industry trends, and socio-cultural factors is crucial,” she advises. Kamie believes that this knowledge provides the insights needed to identify growth opportunities, develop targeted strategies, and implement impactful projects.

What Kamie loves about PrairiesCan

Kamie’s favorite aspect of working at PrairiesCan is the supportive, collaborative environment. “The guidance, encouragement, and support from my team and colleagues foster a positive work environment,” she shares. This sense of camaraderie and purpose motivates Kamie every day and is a testament to PrairiesCan’s strong culture.

Kamie, beyond work

Outside of PrairiesCan, Kamie is an active volunteer, dedicating her time to various causes within her community. “You can find me weeding our pollinator garden, fundraising, or drafting grant applications for non-profits,” she shares. Kamie brings the same commitment to her volunteer work as she does to her role at PrairiesCan, making her passion for community-building evident both inside and outside the office.