Hello everyone, I’m Heather Cokes, the Community Economic Development Coordinator in Edson. I started working with CFWY in 2020 in a term position as the Edson Business Liaison for the Choose West Yellowhead project. Once that contract was completed, my role with Community Futures West Yellowhead was expanded to include community economic development. Working with CFWY felt like coming home, as I worked with them in partnerships on previous economic development initiatives, as well as participated in their CEDAP and Leadership Programs.
Community economic development is a passion of mine, as is my side hustle as a bookkeeper. I’ve been involved in these industries for a combined 30 years. I took additional training to ensure I had the latest, most up to date information and began exploring different ideas on how to bring business and community together. My team is quite receptive to my many ideas, and we managed to deliver a number of programs, workshops, and activities.
Through my role with CFWY, and our core programs, I help identify and respond to the needs and challenges within our member communities. I work with and support local business, residents, and organizations to seek out and enhance opportunities that increase their economic growth or improve quality of life. CFWY core business programming includes initiatives geared towards all levels of society and abilities, including youth, persons with disability, female entrepreneurs, and newcomers. Our educational workshops and programs contribute to a diversified workforce and economy, facilitate growth in the business sector, support the culture of entrepreneurship within the West Yellowhead, and identify new economic opportunities.
I was born in Newfoundland and grew up in an entrepreneurial family. My husband and I moved to Edson in 1992. We enjoy spending time with our family and friends, and now we have a new grandchild that takes up much of our free time. We love to go camping, fishing, and hosting summer BBQ’s in our backyard. I also enjoy reading and exploring new places, so if you have suggestions for must-see places, please be sure to let me know!
One of my focuses this year will be on our youth entrepreneurship programs. There are two programs in our region – Lemonade Day and YETI. Lemonade Day is a free, fun and popular program where kids learn to run their own business – a lemonade stand. It is designed to give our younger youth a complete business experience with a focus on goal setting, making, working, and completing a plan.
Youth Entrepreneurs in Training Initiative (YETI) is a two-year, high speed pilot project. The program is comprised of educational and financial training, group sessions and one-on-one provisions to support senior high school students to run their own business for eight (8) weeks over the summer. With start up cash, resources, and guidance from CFWY, students will be able to turn their business ideas into reality.
Are you familiar with the Lemonade Day or YETI programs? Do you want to learn more? Check out our website and feel free to send your comments to
