REGINA TO HOST INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE IN 2007

The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Economic Developers Association (SEDA) announced today that Regina will host the 2007 Business Retention and Expansion International conference.

The conference will attract more than 200 economic and community developers from across North America, Australia and other countries to enhance their professional skills and strengthen their programs.

"Being awarded an international conference speaks to the quality and caliber of our economic development practitioners and the activities they undertake," Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said. "This province is committed to building community capacity for regional economic and business development in Saskatchewan."

BREI is a leading professional association for business retention and expansion, providing leadership resources, education, and networking opportunities, and building international awareness of the importance of business retention and expansion programs to communities and regions.

"The process of business retention and expansion is an essential tool in the community economic development process," Saskatchewan Economic Developers Association President Dillon Shewchuk said. "This event will highlight Saskatchewan's commitment to assisting its business community to grow from within and to build on its existing strengths and assets."

The overall theme of the conference is "Growing from Within: Thinking Regionally – Growing Globally". The conference will focus on developing regional economies, building competitive advantages, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, and engaging in leadership and effective governance.

"We are extremely pleased that BREI has chosen to host this event in Regina," Regina Regional Economic Development Authority CEO Larry Hiles said. "It will be a great opportunity for the region to showcase its features and strong business environment."

The BREI conference will be held June 4th to 8th, 2007.

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For More Information, Contact:

Donna Rehirchuk Rural Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-2359