Released on June 30, 2009
Two regions today joined the new Enterprise Regions (ER) program following launches in Mid-Sask ER out of Outlook, and Prairie Innovation ER (PIER) out of Humboldt.
Eight other regions have now been rolled out in the new economic development plan. The Government of Saskatchewan has increased funding, reorganised and strengthened regional economic development in the province.
"Our economy is made up of different and complimentary regional economic blocks that we want to strengthen," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "We want to create high performing regions that will be able to compete at local and international levels by attracting investors and supporting local business to compete at a global level."
The new ER program will focus on sustainable economic growth by supporting regional business and industries and by creating competitive advantages at the regional, national and international level.
"We welcome this new and exciting enterprise regions program and we consider it an excellent opportunity for new partnerships and new economic development initiatives to occur," Mid Sask ER Chair Bill Matlock said.
"The PIER Board is very optimistic about the continued economic growth and development of our region," PIER Chair Malcolm Eaton said. "We have a very diverse economy that includes mining, manufacturing, construction, service industries as well as a wide range of agricultural related activities. PIER is looking forward to strengthening our economy and creating new opportunities throughout the region."
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:
Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5582
Email: tim.tororey@enterprisesask.ca