Two towns host economic development forum

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Published on Tuesday, May 10, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

A summit on economic development is coming to Neepawa and Minnedosa. The Economic Developers Association of Manitoba (EDAM) is holding its spring forum in the two communities from May 11-13. Neepawa’s economic development officer, Marilyn Crewe, said that representatives from 51 different municipalities and organizations will be a part of the conference.

“This is an opportunity for both Neepawa and Minnedosa and really the region in general,” said Crewe. “This forum will allow for many training and networking opportunities. EDO’s from across the province will be able to sit down together and discuss new ideas on how to better create community based action. It’s all about creating meaningful and measurable change in our communities.”

Vern May, the economic development officer for Minnedosa, said the partnership between his community and Neepawa to put on an event like this is very exciting.

“A collaboration like this doesn’t happen often enough. We’re working together well and each community is able to complement the other. This is something that hasn’t been done at other EDAM events. It provides a new element for the delegates. Different perspectives on issues that we all deal with,” said May. 

Some of the presentations that are scheduled for the EDAM forum include better ways to engage the local and regional media, getting existing community business owners to buy in to the economic development strategy and cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs. As well, bus tours of the business districts of both Neepawa and Minnedosa will occur, allowing the organization to speak with several business owners.