The region’s economy is trending in the right direction in 2022, including in the key agriculture sector, says Wellington Holbrook, the new chief executive officer of connectFirst Credit Union.
“There are challenges and opportunities in the future, but the general picture we see in the next few years is actually a pretty positive one,” said Holbrook. “We are feeling pretty good about it.”
ConnectFirst has more than 40 branches across central and southern Alberta, including in Olds, Carstairs, Didsbury, Sundre and Cremona.
“Obviously agriculture is still the biggest area of opportunity,” he said. “The area seems to be fairing better than other parts of the province from a perspective that there is better moisture in the ground.
“Demand is returned pretty quickly and I think that is going to be helpful to the local agriculture market. Well-run producers are going to find a way, I think, to make this a successful year.”
Asked if demand for local crops and livestock will be strong in 2022, he said, “It’s looking that way at the moment yes, just given the pressure on world food supplies. We are one of these very lucky markets that produces an excess, so it’s a great opportunity.
Read the full article in Mountain View Today.