Released on February 14, 2003
Saskbiz.ca, a new Web site offering strategic investment information on Saskatchewan communities, has received an award as the province's Outstanding Economic Development Initiative of the Year.
The award, sponsored by Community Futures Partners of Saskatchewan, was announced last night at the Connectivity Conference in Regina. It recognizes successful projects that develop the local, regional, or provincial economy.
"Saskbiz is a great example of people working together to create opportunities for investment and job growth," Industry and Resources Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "This Web site puts Saskatchewan on the radar screens of investors and site selectors looking to establish new businesses in a competitive environment."
The Web site offers key information that companies use in making investment decisions such as population, demographics, industries and workforce. The map-based technology known as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), provides quick access to accurate, local and regional data. These details are particularly useful to businesses carrying out site selection for new activity.
Lautermilch said the Regional Economic Development Authorities (REDAs) and Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC) that spearheaded the project can take pride that Saskbiz is recognized as one of the best economic development promotional sites in North America.
The project was funded by the Program for Export Market Development Investment, Saskatchewan Government On-Line (GOL) Fund, and the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement.
Financial and in-kind commitments were provided by Saskatchewan Crown Investments Corporation, Credit Union Central, and the Saskatchewan Real Estate Association.
Project Steering Committee partners include the Regina, Gateway, Red Coat, Mainline, South East, and Cornerstone REDAs and the South Central, Sunrise, and East Central Community Futures Development Corporations.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
Janet Peters Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277 Email: jpeters@ir.gov.sk.ca |