CORNERSTONE REDA ACQUIRES NEW MEMBERS

The Cornerstone Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA) recently experienced a significant increase in municipal and community memberships.

The rural municipalities of Enniskillen, Estevan and Fillmore; the villages of Forget and Storthoaks and the Town of Oxbow join 22 other communities working to bring new development to southeast Saskatchewan.

"I congratulate these communities in their decision to join the REDA program," Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said. "It is vital that municipal governments take a grassroots approach and collaborate with their neighbours to bring economic sustainability to their areas. The REDA program facilitates these partnerships and linkages."

The increase in membership is a result of Cornerstone staff's promotion of the REDA program, wider distribution of the REDA's newsletter and an increased awareness of Clearing the Path initiative of Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association.

"A lot of credit goes to the Clearing the Path process and Cornerstone REDA's effort to meet with potential members," Cornerstone REDA executive director Judy Riddell said. "Allowing time for REDA staff to speak at the Clearing the Path sessions showed the willingness of municipalities to co-operate and outlined just what REDAs can do to help community economic development."

The addition of members to the REDA demonstrates that communities and rural municipalities are realizing the benefits of regional economic development," Serby said.

Cornerstone REDA was incorporated in 1996. Key projects include the Red Coat Waste Resource Authority, the Homespun Craft Show, the implementation of Community Foundations and two Small Business Loans Associations.

REDAs are the Government of Saskatchewan's primary partner for economic development in the province and a key component of Saskatchewan's Economic Action Plan. REDAs receive cost-shared funding, training and mentorship support from the Department of Regional Economic and Co-operative Development.

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For More Information, Contact:

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