Established in 2003, Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) aims to promote the benefits of investing and doing business in Lethbridge, Alberta, to potential business investors and site selectors. Despite possessing a strong brand that identifies Lethbridge as the preferred destination to live, learn, invest, visit, and conduct business in Alberta, EDL lacked an effective platform to showcase these advantages. A key objective was to elevate the business profile of the region by increasing the availability and accessibility of relevant business information.
“Working with GCS was a terrific experience! From the initial meeting, Mike Beltz and his team established a seamless line of communication that was key to the success of our long-distance working relationship. They listened to our ideas and suggested solutions that were well aligned with the goals and expectations of our project. Their understanding of our business and commitment to quality resulted in an innovative interactive map and reporting tool that we are extremely pleased with.”
-Renae Barlow, Director, Business Development & Marketing,
Economic Development Lethbridge
Solution: Customized Mapping Portal Development
GCS was chosen from a competitive pool of international firms to enhance the functionality of the existing EDL website, Choose Lethbridge, by integrating a custom mapping portal. This interactive map provides users with comprehensive access to business statistics and economic data related to the City of Lethbridge.
To achieve this goal, GCS undertook the following steps:
- Data Collection: GCS developed an easy-to-use online survey for local business owners, enabling them to provide essential business data quickly.
- Data Geo-Tagging: Our expert GIS analysts compiled and manipulated both new and existing data into a geo-tagged format compatible with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Rich Internet Application (RIA): The Lethbridge mapping tool utilizes advanced ArcGIS Server technologies and integrates both Google and Microsoft Silverlight APIs, offering users a familiar and intuitive interface.
Key Features of the Custom Mapping Portal:
- Fully Customizable Map: Users can personalize their map view with toggle features for overlays, business clusters, base maps, and search functions, displaying only the data relevant to their objectives.
- Comprehensive Data Visualization: The portal includes overlays for business parks, population dynamics, land use maps, and business clusters categorized by type.
- Powerful Search Functions: Users can filter data by categories such as NAICS code, business district, or industrial park.
Results: Empowering Local Businesses and Enhancing EDL’s Web Presence
With the new mapping portal integrated into EDL’s primary website, business owners and analysts can now create personalized user accounts, access customized business investment profiles, and interact with dynamic maps showcasing up-to-date information about the city and its key industries. This enhancement not only empowers businesses in the Lethbridge area to analyze and support their current operations and expansion plans but also significantly boosts EDL’s overall web presence and regional marketing influence.
About Lethbridge, Alberta: A Vibrant City Surpassing 100,000 Residents
Lethbridge is a dynamic city located in the province of Alberta, Canada. As of the 2023 municipal census, Lethbridge boasts a population of 106,550, making it the fourth city in Alberta to surpass the significant milestone of 100,000 residents.
Nestled southeast of Calgary along the picturesque Oldman River, Lethbridge enjoys a unique climate influenced by the nearby Canadian Rocky Mountains. This geographical advantage provides the city with warm summers, mild winters, and a notably windy climate, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Key Features of Lethbridge:
- Population Growth: Lethbridge is experiencing significant growth, with a vibrant community that continues to expand.
- Natural Beauty: The proximity to the Rocky Mountains offers residents and visitors breathtaking landscapes and numerous recreational opportunities.
- Strategic Location: Situated just southeast of Calgary, Lethbridge serves as a key hub for business and tourism in southern Alberta.
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