ENTERPRISE SASKATCHEWAN BOARD MEMBERS HIT THE DECK RUNNING

The newly appointed Enterprise Saskatchewan board of directors (pro tem) hit the deck running with their inaugural meeting in Regina on Monday, March 31.

The board met for a full day with an aggressive agenda that focussed on the development of board governance guidelines, communications protocols and the appointment of committee chairs.

"Yesterday was a full and productive meeting of the board," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "We have very talented and well-respected individuals that are working together to establish a solid foundation from which Enterprise Saskatchewan will lead economic development in Saskatchewan."

The board unanimously endorsed Gavin Semple as Deputy Chair. Mr. Semple will also chair the governance committee, which will focus on the development and finalization of the governance policy. Myrna Bentley will chair the audit and finance committee, and Gary Merasty will chair the human resource committee.

"We know we have an enormous mandate in front of us, one that we are all committed to achieving," Board deputy chair Gavin Semple said. "Saskatchewan is home for each and every one of us, it's where we do business and we are here on this board because we believe in the province's potential."

In addition to establishing the foundation for future work, the board had a visit from Premier Brad Wall who spoke about the labour shortage, innovation, the value of future trade missions and the promotion of Saskatchewan, as well as Saskatchewan's place in Canada's New West. Also, the board heard a special presentation from Minister Rob Norris on immigration issues in Saskatchewan and emerging strategies in advanced education, employment and labour.

The board will meet monthly for the next quarter and will work in the near term on finalizing governance, moving forward on the design and staffing for Enterprise Saskatchewan, and finalizing strategic issues councils and sector teams.

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Johnson
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: joanne.johnson@gov.sk.ca