A Drumheller tourism entrepreneur was in the spotlight in Camrose.
    The Annual Growing Rural Tourism Conferencewas Febraury 22-24 in Camrose. This year’s theme was “Bank on It.” It provides workshops, presentations, networking and a trade show.
    Part of this year’s event is the Entrepreneur Challenge, and a made in Drumheller plan to erect a zip line in the Valley was one of the finalists for the top prize  
    “Part of the conference is the Entrepreneurship Challenge, where 10 finalists from across the province that presents to industry expert’s. The top three win a year of mentoring as well as a cash prize to get their business going,” said Mark Feduk of Alberta Culture and Tourism.
    While it didn’t place in the top 3, he felt the exercise was useful, as was the exposure at the conference.
    “If I wasn’t tapped on the shoulder 200 times with people asking me to tell them about it,” said Wolf who was wearing a zipline t-shirt.  This ranged from other attraction operators to booking agents and tour operators and Travel Alberta.
    “I am going to get so much exposure through these networks, so we are really happy.”
    Wolf has been working on the project for some time and looking at a location along the Wayne Road for the zip line. His plan is to use the project to support other  groups and attractions in the valley to help build the industry.  He made his presentation at the conference with Shelley Rymal and Karel Strojan.
    While the project details have not been completely finalized, he is hopeful they will be able to break ground this spring. He sees this as a component that could help Drumheller reach its potential as an attraction.
    “Everyone’s success will keep building, and that success will translate to the next project,” he said. “We haven’t come close to meting our potential.”

On April 16, Verdant Valley Ag Society will be presenting Garden Myths at the Verdant Valley Community Centre.  On March 10, Verdant Valley Ag Society President Lyle Rowe spoke to The Mail, “Our key note speaker will be Jim Hole, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (plant science major) and is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist and a Certified Arborist. Delia resident, Tim Schowalter, natural history authority, will also speak at the event, about his love of the outdoors.  
Rowe continued, “Garden Myths  will be promoting beautifying your garden, increasing your fruit and vegetable productions and environmental responsibility. This is a great opportunity for people that are interested in horticulture and gardening.”
Rowe also explained, “Environmental responsibility will be discussed, about reducing usage of pesticides and herbicides, and making sure those chemicals are not going into our creeks, rivers and lakes.” The event runs from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. and lunch is included with your registration.  Pre-registration is required by contacting either Pat McDougald 403-321-0210 or Toni Wilson 403-321-0061.