FOUR REGIONAL CONFERENCES CELEBRATING RURAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE) is holding four conferences from February 23rd-26th, to highlight rural economic opportunities in Saskatchewan.

Each conference involves a presentation by keynote speaker, Peter Kenyon of Australia, as well as local entrepreneurs who have achieved success in rural Saskatchewan.

Peter Kenyon, a social entrepreneur and community enthusiast, has worked with over 600 communities throughout Australia and overseas to facilitate fresh and creative ways to stimulate community and economic renewal. He is motivated to create healthy, inclusive, sustainable and enterprising communities built from the inside out; and encourages residents to invest in themselves, their ideas, assets and resources.

Entrepreneurs, potential entrepreneurs, and representatives from businesses, associations and communities are encouraged to attend. All sessions are offered without charge, and run from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at:
Prince Albert, Exhibition Centre, on February 23rd; Yorkton, St. Gerard's Hall, 125 3rd Avenue North, on February 24th; Swift Current, Entrepreneurial Centre, on February 25th; and North Battleford, Western Development Museum, on February 26th.

"I commend ACRE for organizing these events to get residents aware of and excited about the potential in rural Saskatchewan," Deputy Premier and Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby said.

"There are so many opportunities open to us to build and diversify our economy. We need to believe in our ideas and work together to make them a reality. We need to believe our future in Saskatchewan truly is wide open."

ACRE was created in 2000 to advise the government, industry and rural communities on how to stimulate development in rural Saskatchewan. ACRE has been actively involved in examining the rural economy and recommending ways to build a positive future. Its mandate was extended until March 31st, 2005.

"We hope these conferences will spark ideas for potential entrepreneurs and give rural businesspeople a chance to network," ACRE Chair Audrey Horkoff said. "I am very pleased to have Mr. Kenyon help us with this initiative."

Conference information is available at www.agr.gov.sk.ca or by calling (306) 787-4572.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-4031

Audrey Horkoff ACRE Kamsack Phone: (306)542-4472