ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN TWO REGIONS

The Saskatchewan Government today continued the launch of the expanded Enterprise Region (ER) program with two new ER's - Saskatchewan East ER out of Melville and North East ER out of Melfort.

This is part of the provinces new economic development plan to reorganise and strengthen the way regional economic development will be implemented in Saskatchewan. The new ER program has seen funding increased and service areas have been expanded.

"We want economic development to come from the local community, with the support of professional expertise, to create an attractive environment for business," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "We want to build on local strengths and leverage it for greater economic development."

The new ER program will focus on sustainable economic growth by supporting regional business and industries and by creating competitiveness advantages at the regional, national and international level. Total funding for the ER program has been doubled to $5 million.

"The Saskatchewan East Enterprise Region has realized many successes during these last few months, all contributing to the upcoming launch of this new and exciting organization. I would like to commend the efforts of our CEO Kim Wondrasek and the SEER board of directors in working to get the organization up and running and look forward to seeing the benefits of this new economic development program throughout our region," SEER Board Chair Neil Ottenbreit said.

"The vision of the newly-created North East Enterprise Region is for our communities to work together to create a thriving economy. The key to success for us will be the commitment of board members and staff who understand that opportunities for growth are much greater if we operate effectively as a region." NEER Chair Angela Propp Schmitt said.

The ER program will operate in 13 new regions across the province. The decision to create the new larger regions is based on information on where people live and work and takes into consideration natural boundaries such as rivers and road patterns.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: Deb.Young@enterprisesask.ca