Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People 2008

Edmonton, Alberta (June 30 2008) – Alberta Venture magazine has released its popular and highly anticipated list of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People today. In its 12th year, the annual list is the cover story of the July issue of Alberta Venture, hitting newsstands July 7th or available immediately online at albertaventure.com.

Featuring Premier Ed Stelmach on the cover, other notable headline-makers include business leaders such as Encana CEO Randy Eresman, Calgary Opera backer Said Arrata, Nexopia creator Timo Ewalds and new Oilers owner Daryl Katz. This year’s list also features a trio of Nobel Peace Prize Honorees in Stefan Bachu, Bill Gunter and David Keith.

“This year’s list is populated with modern Medicis, human rights protectors, CEOs and rising tech stars,” says Michael McCullough, editor of Alberta Venture. “It reflects Alberta’s broader economy, a noticeable shift in thinking about economic sustainability, and a growing emphasis on arts and culture,” he adds.

“Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People create change, shape the future and, most importantly, provoke thought,” says Joyce Byrne, associate publisher of Alberta Venture. “They can be beloved, controversial, heralded or criticized. Regardless, they constantly show up in headlines and conversations throughout Alberta, the country and even around the world.”

Attached is the list in its entirety.

The full editorial feature can be found in the July issue of Alberta Venture – Alberta’s only province-wide business magazine covering the latest issues and trends concerning Alberta’s business community. It is available at newsstands on July 7 and is immediately available online at albertaventure.com.

Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People 2008

• Allan Adam – First Nations Chief
• Pierre Alvarez – Oil and Gas Voice
• Steven Ames – Unknown Golfer
• Joe Anglin – Circuit Breaker
• Mark Anielski – Alternative Economist
• Said Arrata – Arts Backer
• Stefan Bachu, Bill Gunter & David Keith – Nobel Honorees
• Dale Barr – Green Mayor
• Steve Blakely – Credit Union Head
• Jerry Bouma – Northlands Boss
• Lance Carlson – Culture Promoter
• Denise Carpenter – Saviour of the Arts
• Jim Conroy – Headhunter
• Gerald Cooper-Key – Savvy Investor
• Randy Dawson – Political Fixer
• Sean Durfy – Ruler of the Skies
• Dennis Edney – Fearless Lawyer
• Randy Eresman – Encana CEO
• Timo Ewalds – Nexopia Creator
• Clifford Giese – Medicine Man
• George Gosbee – Oil and Gas Investor
• Willie Grieve & Dan McFadyen – Energy Regulators
• Bill Hunter – Royalty Reviewer
• Alex Janvier – Respected Painter
• Daryl Katz – Oilers Owner
• James Kinnear – Business Person of the Year
• Dianne Kipnes – Tireless Philanthropist
• Andy Knight – Human Rights Worker
• Patrick LaForge – Oilers President
• Bruce March – Imperial Oil CEO
• David Martin – Tech Advisor
• Jack Mintz – Policy Shaper
• Arlene Ponting – Science Promoter
• Jim Prentice – Federal Minister
• Charlotte Robb – Health-care Czar
• Sol Rolingher – Park Promoter
• Arlen Salte – Conference Organizer
• Indira Samarasekera – University Doyenne
• Jonathan Schaeffer – Checkers Ace
• George Schluessel – Property Developer
• Jeffrey Spalding – Museum Boss
• Ed Stelmach – Premier of Alberta
• Gail Surkan – Medical Director
• Ralph Thrall, Jr. – Gentleman Rancher
• Guy Turcotte – Property Developer
• Peter Valentine – Auditor of the Auditor
• Don Wheaton – City Builder

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