Since 2016, the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network have joined the International Economic Development Council in designating one week each May to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.

Yesterday was the first day of the 2021 Saskatchewan Economic Development Week and it kicked off with Monday being recognized as Indigenous Economic Development Day to help engage neighboring communities and First Nations in building a prosperous future together.

"Economic Development Week is really an opportunity to highlight the efforts and the importance of economic development in the region," told Larry Heggs, Executive Director for the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and the Weyburn Economic Development Department. "So we've showcased the solar program south and east of Weyburn that's a very important partnership not only with the RM but also the City and all the growth that it brings to the community when the construction crews are here as well as all the jobs it creates."

Heggs shared that the Economic Development Department will also be showcasing the new hospital, Legacy Park Elementary School, and the new Credit Union Spark Centre.

"We're going to take the last day to really introduce and support our board of directors that without their involvement in economic development we wouldn't be where we are," Heggs stated. "Without the growth of the smaller businesses in our community we wouldn't have this beautiful city and area to be part of. 365 days a year the entrepreneurs of the world are working hard to do this stuff but it's without recognition. So this is just one week of the year to give them a little bit of recognition for it."

He added that he encourages everyone in the community to shop local more often and to thank the hard-working business owners whenever possible.

"It may be more important now than ever, with the fact that we're in the midst of a pandemic and all the turns and challenges that businesses had to face in the last 14 to 18 months, that we take the time to be encouraging, thankful, and appreciative of their hard work," expressed Heggs.

Community Futures Sunrise in Weyburn has and will be taking part in and celebrating Saskatchewan Economic Development Week by shining the spotlight on local economic development through entrepreneurship.

Today CF Sunrise will be holding their quarterly SE Saskatchewan Economic Development Practitioner meeting that they have hosted since 2019 where community economic development officers come together from throughout southeast Saskatchewan to discuss economic development within their own communities.

You can keep up with all of the local economic development celebrations this week by following the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce on Facebook as well as Community Futures Sunrise.

For more information on Weyburn's Economic Development Department please visit their official website.