PEPS was formed in 2000, and it grew out of a partnership of the same municipal members, which was formed to develop a regional landfill.  PEPS was formed to promote and enhance economic growth amongst its member municipalities and to promote the region as a whole, rather than individual communities.

Since its inception in 2000, PEPS has conducted a regional SWOT analysis, established its Vision, Values and Guiding Principles, Mission and Primary Focus Areas.  Other special achievements to date include:

• building a regional wireless high speed network that serves approximately 70% of the County of Paintearth,
• development of a website that features all of the member municipalities,
• hiring of a regional economic development officer,
• enhancement of their involvement with the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) and the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP),
• supporting the work being done by The Trail of the Buffalo Tourism Association to attract visitors to the Paintearth Region,
• marketed the region through a series of radio and newspaper advertisements, and public presentations,
• development of contacts both within the Private and Public Sectors to attract investors to the Paintearth Region.

The growth and projects that have been achieved by PEPS continues to stand as an excellent example of communities working collectively, for the benefit of the region.

The Board of Directors consists of eight elected councillors from the region.  The County of Paintearth No. 18 appoints three members, and the Towns of Castor and Coronation each appoint two members. 

Current Board members and their positions are as follows:

• Stan Schulmeister (Chair) - County of Paintearth
• Mark Stannard (Vice-Chair) - Town of Coronation
• Brett Alderdice (Vice-Chair) - Town of Castor
• George Glazier - County of Paintearth
• ​Diane Elliot - County of Paintearth