OPPORTUNITIES WEEK PROFILES SASKATCHEWAN SUCCESSES

A success spotlight will shine brightly on the province's many business and community achievements during Saskatchewan Opportunities Week May 3rd to 7th.

The special week focuses on celebrating economic successes of businesses, co-operatives and communities and highlighting opportunities available in Saskatchewan, such as venture capital investment, trade and export training for young people, and the commercialization of Saskatchewan-made technologies.

"Opportunities Week gives all of us a chance to recognize the home-grown innovation, creativity and leading-edge advances of Saskatchewan businesses and Saskatchewan people," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "There is a lot of opportunity here in one province, and this week is all about showcasing our accomplishments provincially and nationally and making sure we foster an environment where more success stories will be celebrated."

Events occur every day throughout the week, including:

· Saskatchewan Ambassadors Breakfasts in Saskatoon (May 3rd) and Regina (May 5th) to honour the special sales force of community and business people who promote Saskatchewan outside its borders;
· A Lean Enterprise Symposium in Saskatoon (May 4th), in which business owners will learn how to improve productivity and competitiveness through the principles of lean enterprise;
· The second annual Investment Future Forum in Regina (May 5th), which matches new and expanding ventures with potential investors;
· A seminar on fostering entrepreneurship in the research environment, held at the University of Regina (May 6th), with a video link to the University of Saskatchewan; and
· A business luncheon in Swift Current (May 7th) on how regional clusters can grow local economies.

For more information about Opportunities Week events or to find out how to register for an event, call 1-866-SASK-HAS (727-5427) or visit www.ir.gov.sk.ca/oppsweek.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277