Released on November 17, 2011
Economic Development experts from across the world will converge on Saskatchewan in June 2012, following the selection of Saskatoon as the host of the Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) Conference. The event, to be held June 18-21, will bring together business leaders and economic experts to learn and share ideas on how to build a better business environment.
"Saskatchewan is honoured to host the BREI conference as it will be an excellent opportunity for business leaders and economic experts in our province to learn new skills and explore new ideas to help businesses grow," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "We are currently implementing Business Retention and Expansion programs in our regional economic development activities and we look forward to learning new ways to help our businesses prosper and grow in our communities."
The conference will feature:
- a two-day training session for participants wishing to become Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) certified co-ordinators,
- an array of world-class and expert speakers,
- networking opportunities, and
- training sessions and sharing of best-practices.
Enterprise Saskatchewan has implemented a BR&E program as part of its regional economic development strategy that recognizes the importance of existing business to the economy.
"Business Retention and Expansion has helped identify some barriers in our region that we can now proactively pursue," Trademark Electric in Birch Hills owner Michael Braaten said. "The information we received from the initial program provided the basis for Birch Hills to develop a business association to grow the awareness of the business community and tackle the issues that we face."
This conference will also bring recognition to the work that various agencies and organizations have accomplished here in Saskatchewan. These include Enterprise Saskatchewan, Enterprise Regions (ERs), Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC's), Chambers of Commerce, City Economic Development Officers, Saskatchewan Economic Development Association (SEDA), municipal leaders and other economic development bodies.
Every year, BREI utilizes a host community to present an international conference. The 2011 conference was held in Williamsburg, Virginia. Participants will also sample tourism opportunities both in and around Saskatoon, an awards banquet, and various other programs and events.
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For more information, contact:
Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-9906
Email: tim.tororey@enterprisesask.ca