January 30, 2023, Fort Saskatchewan: Mark Plamondon, Executive Director of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA), was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. Mark was one of only 7,000 Albertans to receive this honour, having been nominated by the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
The medals were awarded to recognize those that have made significant contributions to the p
rovince and marks the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.
“I am extremely honoured for this personal recognition for helping to shape Alberta’s economy, and view this award as a reflection of the great work done by the staff at Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association,” says Mark Plamondon. “I am proud to work with such a talented group of individuals, and on their behalf, I was thrilled to receive this award from the Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism.”
Mark has over 30 years of experience in management, operations, business development, and financial analysis of mineral and refining operations. He works to enhance Alberta’s Industrial Heartland’s brand across the globe with investors, governments, and stakeholders. Over the past five years, Mark has helped build AIHA into an internationally renowned brand which has helped attract significant capital investment to this region, increasing employment and overall economic activity.
Mark received the award at a ceremony on January 28, 2023.
Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA)
Located near Fort Saskatchewan, this 582 km2 region is one of the world’s most attractive locations for chemical, petrochemical, oil, and gas investment. With $45+ billion in existing capital investment and more than 40 companies, companies within the Industrial Heartland are providing fuels, fertilizers, power, petrochemicals and more to provincial and global consumers.
AIHA was created in 1998 by the City of Fort Saskatchewan, Lamont County, Strathcona County, and Sturgeon County. In 2010, the City of Edmonton became the fifth municipal partner. All five municipalities have heavy-industrial-zoned land within the boundaries. The five-member Association is dedicated to coordinating, advocating, and promoting the long-term sustainable development of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.