Agriculture and the Energy Industry

Owning a successful business takes a lot of hard work and commitment. Add farming to the equation, and Wendy Vaughan has a lot on her plate.

After working as a consultant to another promotional products company for nine years, Vaughan started her own promotional products business, OBP Promotions and Awards, in 1998. Located on the family farm west of Crossfield, Alberta, OBP supplies promotional products and safety and service award programs to a number of oil and oil service companies, as well as a major oil industry association.

"Over the years, our promotional products operation has grown and retracted - due to the recession - and grown again." Vaughan says. "Our main clients are energy-based, so our business is definitely vulnerable to the ups and downs of the industry."

Vaughan concedes that while her promotional business is fairly dependent on the success of the energy industry, like others in the area, the farm is also affected economically by the energy sector.  "There was a time when agriculture was the backbone of Alberta’s economy.  Over the past 20 to 30 years this has definitely changed, and now the energy industry is the driving economic force in Alberta."

Like the Vaughans, many ranchers and farmers in the area also have well sites, pipelines and other energy structures on their property, most of which provide an additional source of income for these residents. "Unlike farming, this income can usually be counted on as a fixed source, allowing a number of farmers to maintain agricultural operations with a surety of some fixed income."

On a community level, many of these energy companies are active in the Crossfield area, supporting projects and organizations such as 4-H. "Many energy companies support the 4-H clubs of the community in which they operate, as well as provide assistance with building projects and sporting events. This kind of support gives the community a boost and has a positive impact on the quality of community life."

When asked about the future of Alberta’s economy, Vaughan recognizes the importance of the energy industry, but would also like to see a balanced approach moving forward.

"Of course, further development of the energy industry is a given," Vaughan says, "However, our agricultural products are among the very best in the world, and with food shortages becoming a very real threat, I would like to see the strengthening of our agricultural production as well. A healthy Alberta economy needs balance and diversification in its industries, and a respectful, co-operative spirit on all sides."

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