Cross Border Partnerships
Welcome to Municipal Affairs, Today, we spotlight an international collaboration that, over a year ago, set out to unlock new opportunities, strengthen industries, and forge lasting economic ties across borders. This journey began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Economic Development Lethbridge and the Great Falls Development Alliance.
This agreement united two mid-sized economic powerhouses—Lethbridge, Alberta, and Great Falls, Montana—both strategically positioned on either side of the Canada-U.S. border. Recognizing the deep economic interconnections between their regions, particularly in food production, agriculture, bioprocessing, and energy, the two cities embarked on an ambitious effort to work together for mutual growth.
Now, as we mark the first full year of this MOU, we ask: What progress has been made? What challenges have surfaced? And most importantly—what lies ahead?
To understand the foundation of this partnership, it's essential to recognize the broader trade relationship between Canada and the United States—each other’s largest trading partners.
Lethbridge and Great Falls, situated within an agriculturally rich corridor, share business synergies that span trade routes, investment strategies, and industry expertise. By formalizing their relationship, EDL and GFDA aimed to create a structured framework for collaboration—one that supports business expansion, market exploration, and positions this corridor as a premier hub for industry growth.
The MOU set forth several key initiatives. Biannual cross-border visits allowed business leaders and policymakers to exchange insights and witness firsthand the innovations driving economic success in both cities. Joint promotional efforts at industry trade shows elevated their visibility, attracting potential investors who might not have otherwise considered these locations. And, perhaps most symbolically, both organizations committed to incorporating their partnership into media strategies, reinforcing the idea that success in one community benefits the other.
Of course, no partnership is without its challenges. Economic shifts, evolving global trade dynamics, and unexpected disruptions—such as supply chain issues and border restrictions—tested the resilience of this agreement. Yet, through these obstacles, the collaboration has remained strong.
At the MOU signing last May, Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge, and Brett Doney, President & CEO of GFDA, expressed their excitement about jointly marketing the Great Falls-Lethbridge Corridor as a prime location for business expansion.
Today, we welcome Brett and Trevor as they share insights into this evolving trade partnership, the progress made so far, and what the future holds for both organizations.
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Website: https://www.chooselethbridge.ca/
Website: https://growgreatfallsmontana.org/
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