1990 Winner: Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community
Accountant’s Projects Increase Research Funding
Eric Geddes, a native of Edmonton, has devoted himself to the economic development of Alberta and has contributed to the community in many roles. As a chartered accountant he has been influently to seeing that sound business practices are integrated into new ventures. As the first Chairman at the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (1980 -1990) Mr. Geddes instituted practices which saw the initial investment of $300 million grow to over $500 million, while funding projects which have made Alberta a world centre for medical research in a number of areas.
Growing a Research Community
During his eight year tenure on the Board of the Edmonton Research Park, Mr. Geddes directed the growth of the Park from undeveloped land to a thriving technology community incorporating 30 companies employing over 800 people, resulting in one of North American’s most successful research park developments. In his capacity as Vice Chairman, Finance and Administration and member of the Executive Committee, Mr. Geddes provided strong financial leadership and played a significant role in the decision by two advanced technology organizations to establish in the Park.
Stimulating New Ventures
As founder and chairman of the Edmonton Venture Capital Club (1988 -1989) Eric Geddes perceived the need for a forum in which Edmonton’s early stage enterprises could improve their access to sources of capital for business growth. He and his colleagues created the Club to bring sources of capital together on a regular basis to meet with individuals and companies seeking venture capital. The Club has been a particularly important vehicle to bring capital to companies that would have otherwise been overlooked by traditional venture capital.
Mr. Geddes’ prominence as a key Alberta citizen in the research and technology scene was reinforced by his recent appointment as co-chairman of the 1990 National Forum of Science and Technology Advisory Council’s national forum which took place in Edmonton in May, 1990.
