Released on May 8, 2009
Economic development in southwest Saskatchewan will now be rolled out under a new program following the launch of the South West Enterprise Region (SWER). The new program will see more funding and expanded services for regional economic development in the area.
The South West ER, which was launched today in Swift Current, will receive $300,000 in funding. The region covers an area from the Alberta border to Morse, south to the U.S. border and north to Kyle.
"Strong economic regions attract serious businesses and investors and result in a vibrant provincial economy," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "By expanding and strengthening the services of the ERs we want to see these communities develop into high performers and become choice destinations for people looking to do business, live, work and raise a family."
The new ER program will strongly focus on sustainable economic growth by supporting business and industries and creating competitiveness advantages at the regional, national and international level.
"The new ER program will give us needed tools for economic development," South West Enterprise Region Board Chair Ervin Carlier said. "I am excited about the possibilities for growth and innovation in the southwest under the Enterprise Region Program."
The new ER program is operational in 13 new regions across the province. The decision to create the new larger regions is based on where people live and work and takes into consideration natural boundaries such as rivers and road patterns.
The new ER program is now fully operational and replaced the former REDA program which concluded on March 31, 2009.
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For more information, contact:
Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5582
Email: tim.tororey@enterprisesask.ca