ACTION SOUTHWEST BEST IN WORLD

Action Southwest, a partnership strategy aimed at growing southwest Saskatchewan's economy, has been recognized internationally for its economic development efforts.

The initiative was the winner of Business Retention and Expansion International's (BREI) 2006 Multi-Community Program Award for populations under 200,000, for the implementation of a regional project focused on business retention and expansion.

"I congratulate Action Southwest on winning this prestigious award," Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said. "Action Southwest is a true leader in developing strategies designed to launch a permanent change in how regional stakeholders do business together now and in the future."

Action Southwest partners - including business, governments, education, Crown corporations and citizen champions - have brought together the assets and resources of southwestern communities, and created a plan to enhance the region's ability to compete in the global marketplace. Implemented in 2004, the initiative has created an economic impact that will benefit the region well into the future.

"The leadership demonstrated by the Action Southwest economic alliance has brought forth a new entrepreneurial vibe and enterprise mentality," Action Southwest Project Manager Sandra Blyth said. "Action Southwest is instilling new regional pride and confidence to invest in community development for the purpose of business retention, expansion and investment attraction."

Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Provincial Business Retention and Expansion Manager and Action Southwest member Doug Howorko accepted the award on behalf of Action Southwest May 18th at the 2006 BREI conference in Omaha, Nebraska.

Howorko was in Omaha to promote Regina as the host city of the 2007 BREI conference.

"Saskatchewan is home to award-winning programs, and we are looking forward to learning more about these initiatives and sharing them with our members," BREI president Henry M. Cothran said. "That, along with the hospitality of Regina, will make for an excellent conference in 2007."

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.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

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