“I never miss an AGM. Alberta SouthWest is the most important organization in the region,” said the mayor of Nanton, Jennifer Handley, referencing the Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance and its June 3 annual general meeting.

The organization is the original on which eight other alliances across the province were modelled. Each brings together municipal governments, non-profits, businesses and other organizations to promote economic and tourism activities. AlbertaSW stretches from Nanton to Cardston to Crowsnest Pass.

Speakers at this year’s AGM paid tribute to the people who have made the alliance’s work possible for a quarter-century, in particular thanking executive director Beverly Thornton for her leadership.

Alberta SouthWest is a driving force in attracting tourists, entrepreneurs and investors to the region. With its unique landscapes and mix of industry, people and resources, the area attracts people interested in sustainable economic development, community growth and wealth generation.

Following a dinner served in the Zoeteman-Vogelaar Dairy Barn at Heritage Acres Farm Museum, former Pincher Creek mayor Art Bonertz outlined the early days of the alliance.

“People refer to me as the instigator for getting things going,” he said.

As newly elected mayor, Bonertz called local businesspeople and asked, “What can Pincher Creek do to help you guys succeed?”

In 2001, he also reached out to elected officials in Fort Macleod, asking what would happen if both towns pooled their tourism budgets. This led to a series of partnerships and production of a promotional brochure for the entire southwestern region, a project matched by provincial funds.

The communities involved at the time were Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Fort Macleod, Cardston and Claresholm.

By 2003, 11 communities had signed the joint-venture agreement running under the name From Mounties to Mountains Economic Regional Initiative. The name Alberta SouthWest was suggested in 2005 by John Irwin, then mayor of Crowsnest Pass.

The Reel Adventures Alberta Movie Map Project launched in 2007. It serves a dual purpose — attracting filmmakers to the area and allowing moviegoers to follow the steps of their favourite on-screen characters across the regional landscape.

Bonertz said the five communities that signed the original memorandum of understanding in 2001 started by looking for “low-hanging fruit,” carrying out simple actions that promoted municipalities while saving money. Regional business licences were also established to support more than 350 businesses.

Bonertz encouraged current leaders to continue collaborating.

“I don’t think there has ever been a time when we needed each other more,” he said.

Speaking to a full loft in the Z-V Barn, Heritage Acres executive director Mickey Vallee welcomes everyone to the farm museum.

Hannah Noerenberg © 2026 Shootin’ the Breeze

Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic thanks members of AlbertaSW for their leadership.

Hannah Noerenberg © 2026 Shootin’ the Breeze

As members of the AlbertaSW executive look on, secretary-treasurer Sahra Nodge presents a thank-you bouquet to longtime executive director Bev Thornton.

Hannah Noerenberg © 2026 Shootin’ the Breeze

Shawn Patience, former Fort Macleod mayor, echoed the sentiment. He remembers being elected to council in 1989, when local governments rarely spoke to one another.

Working through AlbertaSW taught him “it is to our benefit to work together,” he said. “We are not competitors, we are allies.”

Informal conversations over dinner indicated how much attendees appreciate the opportunity to gather.

Today, AlbertaSW brings together municipal staff and elected officials from Glenwood, Hill Spring and Cowley with those from organizations like Heritage Crowsnest, Alberta Innovates, the Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta and many others.

Sahra Nodge, a Pincher Creek town councillor, was reconfirmed as secretary-treasurer, with Fort Macleod Mayor Brent Feyter continuing as chair and Claresholm Mayor Brad Schlossberger as vice-chair.

Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic said, “Getting this many people and players organized for 25 years is no small feat.”

Great ideas, she said, come directly from people who understand what is needed in communities and who work to make things happen.

“That kind of insight is invaluable,” she said.

Guest presenters shared examples of projects they are working on.

Brad Donaldson, president and CEO of Lethbridge Polytechnic, referenced his school’s motto: Preparing Learners, Shaping Communities. He explained how recent modernization work supports the school’s new course offerings.

By adding 23 programs, including pre-veterinary medicine, the polytechnic is helping young people access educational opportunities locally so they can build careers in the region, rather than going to larger cities for schooling and settling far from home.

Sean Miles, director of investment development for AlbertaSW, put it this way: “I consider myself a possibilist. I consider what I can do.”

That pragmatic can-do attitude has served the regional alliance well for 25 years and carries forward.