SASKATOONEXPRESS.COM - April 23-30, 2012 - Page A13
Business Excellence
Regional Economic Development Authority The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) is very proud of the community it serves. SREDA’s three main goals are to retain and expand local business in targeted sectors, to attract new investment in focus areas, and to ensure the Saskatoon Region is the place to live, work, invest and prosper. We are “Celebrating Growth” through past successes and the new opportunities that now lay ahead.
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Mining driving economy like never before The mining industry is one of the top priorities for the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA). Why? In 2010, mining and petroleum made up 13.3 per cent of the province’s $41.5 billion total gross domestic product (GDP). This means, in that year, the industry invested over $5.5 billion back into Saskatchewan’s economy. Saskatchewan is blessed with a wealth of natural resources that are desired by others around the globe. This is driving the economies of both Saskatoon and the province more than ever before. “Mining is an industry that has and will continue to transform the city and the economy,” says Bernie Ness, SREDA’s Director of Business Development. Mining could be considered the ‘life blood’ for Saskatoon and area considering the number of head offices in Saskatoon; the large number of direct and indirect jobs connected to the industry, as well as the number of supply companies that serve the industry. A recent supply chain analysis project that SREDA collaborated on with SpringBoard West Innovations Inc. helped to shine a light on the mining industries extensive reach into the economy. It looked at potash mining specifically, as well as other industries that are connected, such as metal fabrication and food MA70314.D23 processing in the manufacturing sector, indusMeagan trial and commercial construction, and the life
sciences. There were interviews with companies and associations within each industry. Ness explains the goal of the project was to map out the industries’ supply chains and put them together to identify where the gaps and opportunities exist in each sector. The reoccurring theme, and fast becoming a serious issue, is the availability of a trained workforce – an issue across all sectors. Ness emphasizes that to reach the magic number of trained employees, it will require a multipronged approach over several years. SREDA and industry continue to investigate and collaborate with its partners on how to tackle this skills shortage, which includes addressing the issue of education training capacity. “Unfortunately, it is not a quick or easy problem to solve.” The supply chain analysis project is complete. According to Ness, SREDA is working on an action plan and hopes to have that finalized in the near future. Potential next steps may include strategies to attract new players in various sectors, encourage new start-ups and link local businesses to opportunity in the industries. SREDA is currently working on a major project to help meet the needs of employers recruiting to the City of Saskatoon from outside Saskatchewan. “We are developing an on-line hub – LivingSaskatoon.ca that will an-
Bernie Ness, Director of Business Development for the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority swer the questions about Saskatoon typically asked by prospective employees. Information about schools, culture and recreation, job opportunities, home buying and renting, and most importantly, climate will all be included. “Our goal is to make it the best comprehen-
sive tool that will promote the city as a great place to work and live, for employees and their families.” You can find detailed economic information and data on the Saskatoon Region at www.sreda.com/business.