\"SASKBIZ\" TO HELP INVESTMENT ATTRACTION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Companies looking to do business or expand their operations in Saskatchewan now have an on-line information source at their fingertips to guide their investment decisions.

The special web site Saskbiz was unveiled today by Industry and Resources Minister Eldon Lautermilch. The site (www.saskbiz.ca) offers strategic investment information on Saskatchewan communities using map-based technology.

Through Geographic Information Systems, Saskbiz makes accurate local and regional data quickly available. The system allows the user to select an area on a map, choose the relevant information via a menu-type selection, and have the results within moments. Site selectors short-list potential business locations based on the results of their searches.

"The Government of Canada is committed to help build a sustainable economy for Saskatchewan," Public Works and Government Services Canada Minister Ralph Goodale said. "Using tools like Saskbiz, the federal government, working with community organizations and the provincial government, can help create new economic opportunities which will broaden and deepen our provincial economy."

"Technology is a valuable tool when you are marketing your product or community," Lautermilch said. "A major goal of the Our Future is Wide Open campaign is to encourage and attract investment in Saskatchewan. Investment translates into more economic activity, which means more jobs for the people of Saskatchewan. This Web site puts Saskatchewan on the radar screen for investors and site selectors alike to consider for their potential business."

Project funding of $887,000 comes from the Saskatchewan Government On-Line Fund ($450,000), the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement ($300,000), and the federal Program for Export Market Development - Investment ($97,000). Additional financial and in-kind commitments were provided by Crown Investments Corporation ($30,000), Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan ($10,000), and the Saskatchewan Real Estate Association (information).


Lautermilch said today's launch of the Web site starts with a pilot area in southeast Saskatchewan but will soon be expanded to cover the entire province. Data is now available for most regions, but the pilot provides the foundation to build a comprehensive Saskatchewan-wide system.

Project steering committee partners include Industry and Resources and a consortium of seven regional economic development authorities (REDAs) - Moose Jaw, Regina, Gateway, Red Coat, Mainline, South East and Cornerstone - as well as the South Central, Sunrise, and East Central Community Futures Development Corporations. Other stakeholder groups include a number of federal and provincial departments and agencies, as well as information providers such as utility and telecommunications companies.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306)787-8277 Email: www.ir.gov.sk.ca

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942