SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES REDA WEEK MARCH 4-10 IN REGINA

Organizations committed to community economic development are being celebrated for their achievements during Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA) Week in Saskatchewan, March 4 to 10.

Saskatchewan’s 28 REDAs lead economic development in the province by developing and promoting the economic strengths of their regions, and exemplify collaboration among local governments, businesses, communities, co-operatives, Aboriginal people and youth.

“REDAs are an excellent example of how regional partners co-operate and collaborate,” Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said.  “They demonstrate that citizens, community leaders, local governments, businesses and industry can capitalize on regional strengths and create wealth within regions to make life better for Saskatchewan families.”

Past project support to the REDA Enhancement Fund has enabled REDAs to attract additional funding of $46 million on 191 projects.  These projects have gone on to realize capital infrastructure worth more than $88 million, and created and maintained more than 670 jobs.

Currently, REDAs are engaged in 130 projects and initiatives around the province.  In the Regina region, the Regina REDA, in partnership with the Western Canada Farm Progress Show and the University of Regina’s Faculty of Business Administration Centre for Management Development, is holding its second annual Progress2Capital business planning competition.  The winners will share in prizes of more than $150,000 in cash, investment and professional services, along with mentorship, profile and access to business development leaders.  The deadline for 2007 business idea submissions is March 8.

“Business start-ups are important to help grow the Regina region’s economy,” Regina REDA director of strategy Clare Kirkland said.  “A competition like this allows aspiring entrepreneurs to strengthen their business plans and pitch their ideas to business professionals.”

In 2006-07, Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development enhanced its support to REDAs by increasing core operating funding, REDA Enhancement Fund support for regional projects and REDA Youth Employment Program support.  The REDA Youth Employment Program encourages mentoring and employment for senior business students and graduates in the field of business and economic development.

REDAs have a number of special activities scheduled during REDA Week.  For more information on REDA Week activities in the Regina region, contact your local REDA.

For more information on the Progress2Capital competition, visit http://progress2capital.com/.

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For more information, contact:

Donna Rehirchuk
Regional Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359