October 2022
We hope that the fall is treating you well despite the snow that has already fallen in parts of the province! We, at the IATA, have been keeping plenty busy and are excited to tell you about what’s been happening…
Mission to Ireland with Invest Alberta
The IATA was proud to partner with Invest Alberta in organizing an investment mission to Ireland in September. This was our second visit to Ireland this year to attract investment into Alberta and strengthen the relationship between our two regions.
September’s visit included bringing representatives from Edmonton Global, Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, Economic Development Lethbridge and Applied Pharmaceuticals, along with key Invest Alberta and IATA representatives, to engage with Irish companies, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Chambers, associations and post-secondary leaders across the Island. The team covered the country, from Dublin to Cork, to Galway’s Medical Technology Conference, to the National Ploughing Championships in County Laois, and there was no shortage of Irish hospitality and relationship-building.
This trip focused particularly on agriculture technology, life sciences and other technological innovations. It was noted by Albertans on the trip that the tech presence in Dublin, Cork and Galway is like the growth that is coming from Edmonton and Calgary. Additionally, there were many similarities identified between Ireland’s ag-tech industry and what is happening at institutions such as Olds College. Indeed, there is a great opportunity to learn from one another as we deepen the relationships between our two jurisdictions!
We hosted an event in partnership with WestJet and Invest Alberta to bring together delegates from Irish companies, dignitaries, government officials and guests. A special thank you to Canada's Ambassador to Ireland, Nancy Smyth, for her welcoming remarks and overview which she presented to the guests. Invest Alberta highlighted the sectoral strengths and opportunities in Alberta, followed by excellent networking for all who attended.
Whether it was seeing future partnerships develop, meeting Canada's Ambassador to Ireland, Nancy Smyth, or simply discovering how much Ireland and Alberta have in common, both culturally and economically, missions like this are crucial for showcasing Alberta to the world. We are grateful to have worked with our partners at Invest Alberta in making this mission a reality and are excited to continue discussing how to welcome Irish delegations to Alberta and support more Albertans to learn about Ireland.
News Release: Irish Fintech Company, Global Shares, Expands Into Alberta
CALGARY, Alberta October 27, 2022 – Global Shares, an Irish fintech company is opening its largest North American office in Alberta as part of its North American expansion.
Invest Alberta worked with Global Shares, which was recently acquired by J.P. Morgan, to promote Alberta’s vast pool of highly skilled fintech talent, affordable real estate, and rapid growth in the tech sector.
The Calgary office is Global Shares’ third in North America, and the first in Canada. After several trial office openings in other North American cities, Global Shares recognized Calgary as an innovation hub for new and upcoming talent in technology. With its expansion into Alberta, the company is projecting to hire 100 new employees within the next two to three years.
Global Shares produces and maintains an employee equity management platform that is a tool for managing equity compensation plans for companies. Global Shares manages $200 billion worth of assets and has focused on increasing expansion opportunities by looking further into North American fintech markets.
Global Shares’ Calgary office will house a call centre to support clients and stakeholders. The company plans to scale its IT capabilities by 100 per cent, expanding its impact and creating new employment opportunities in the province.
After connecting during a mission to Ireland back in March 2022, Invest Alberta supported Global Shares’ new venture to Alberta, helping the company secure real estate, develop employee attraction and retention strategies, and, in collaborated with the Irish Alberta Trade Association (IATA) and Enterprise Ireland, facilitate the company’s move to Alberta.
Consul General of Ireland for Western Canada Visit
On October 19th, the IATA Board sat down with Cathy Geagan, Consul General of Ireland for Western Canada, to discuss the investments the Irish government is making in western Canada and how the IATA can be of assistance. In fact, the Government of Ireland has tripled its presence in Western Canada over the last 4 years, something that very few regions of the world can say is happening. We are grateful to have friends such as the Consul General so close and ready to learn more about Alberta and are looking forward to working with her and the Consulate team in Vancouver.
Special Guest coming November 28th
On November 28th, we anticipate welcoming a very special guest to Calgary. Members, Partners and Guests will all be welcome to join us at a luncheon event. Please mark your calendars and we will send more information as details are finalized!
Save the Date: Holiday networking event!
Finally, it may be early but we want you to also mark your calendars for our Holiday Mixer on December 7th! We look forward to celebrating the season and all the great work being done in Irish-Alberta trade before the holidays. More information will be coming shortly for this highly anticipated event.