Description

🏙️ Attracting Investment to Medicine Hat: Growth, Perception, and Community

Host Brian Konrad sits down with Al Sharma, Manager of Investment Attraction for the City of Medicine Hat, to unpack what it really takes to grow a local economy by attracting the right businesses and investors.

Al breaks down investment attraction in practical terms, comparing it to building a strong sports team, and explains why fit, timing, and long-term alignment matter just as much as incentives. The conversation also tackles the challenge of Medicine Hat being seen as a “forgotten corner,” and how relationship-building, visibility, and storytelling can change that narrative.

Topics include:

• What investment attraction actually means for smaller cities
• How relationships and trust drive economic growth
• Overcoming perception challenges on a national and global stage
• Why showcasing local strengths is essential for attracting business
• Lessons from agriculture and community-based industries

This episode offers valuable insight for business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and anyone interested in economic development and the future of Medicine Hat.

Chapters

00:00 Economic Development and Investment Attraction

07:08 Showcasing Medicine Hat's Strengths

12:37 Collaborative Efforts for Growth

18:16 Vision for the Future of Medicine Hat

👉 Whether you’re curious about local growth strategies or how communities compete for investment, this conversation brings clarity and optimism.

Thank you for listening and sharing you are one in a million! We are excited to announce our community is growing and we couldn't do it with out you! 

Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast

Support the show