Estevan

Sunrise Community Futures is offering a series of business workshops in March.  Topics include Successful Employee Recruitment, GST and Your Business, Small Business Taxes, Am I Ready for Self-Employment?, and Planning for Business Success.  (Estevan Mercury, February 13, 2008)

Montmartre

Bet'r Bait, a home based family business, is launching their non-toxic mouse trap bait.  The product was developed and manufactured on the farm.  Norman and Loretta Englot and Kevin and Lydia Shiplack are the partners in this venture.  Their website is:  http://www.betrbait.com/Home.html  (The Whitewood Herald, February 18, 2008)

Southeast Saskatchewan

The Southeast Community Settlement Committee (SCSC) has received federal funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada for their program.  The SCSC was established to assist new immigrants and their families settle in our communities.  Various services include diversity and sensitivity training, hosting a resource library, cultural events, and a mentorship program.  (Estevan Mercury, February 13, 2008)

Cut Knife
Scott Hampson recently opened Cut Knife Distribution Inc., a wholesale distributor for cutlery and knives.  (Highway 40 Courier, February 13, 2008)

Maidstone
Renew You Spa Services and Gifts opened in the former clinic offices at the Maidstone Mall.  Owner/operator is Diana Wiltermuth.  (News Optimist, February 13, 2008)

Meadow Lake
Pine Ridge Ford was named Business of the Year at the BBEX awards.  (Northern Pride, February 19, 2008)

North Battleford
City Council approved hiring Barr Ryder Architects and Interior Designers of Edmonton to do a detailed design for the proposed multi-plex facility.  The cost of the design is estimated to be $2 million and is expected to be completed within one year.  (Powerflyers Daily News Online, February 13, 2008)

The City is undertaking a $3.6 million project to expand the city's water well treatment plant to double its current size.  A portion of the funding will come through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.  (Powerflyers Daily News Online, February 20, 2008)

Wilkie
Jacob's Creek Construction owned by Tony and Donna Vandenbrink will construct 3 duplex complexes in Wilkie this year.  Construction will start in April and should be completed by September of 2008.  The couple re-located to Wilkie from Alberta along with the contractor Tim Chapman.  (Wilkie Press, February 11, 2008)

Carrot River
Weyerhaeuser is permanently closing the Carrot River softwood stud mill.  There were 116 employees at Carrot River when the operation had been curtailed in January 2007.  The remaining 15 employees will be terminated April 16, 2008.  (Prince Albert Daily Herald, February, 21, 2008 and Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 21, 2008)

Hudson Bay
Weyerhaeuser is permanently closing the softwood plywood mill in Hudson Bay.  There were 183 employed at Hudson Bay Plywood when the operation had been curtailed in January 2007.  The remaining 17 employees at Hudson Bay Plywood will be terminated April 16, 2008.  (Prince Albert Daily Herald, February 21, 2008 and Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 21, 2008)

Melfort
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SGLA) has announced the new location for the Liquor Store in Melfort.  The new facility will be located on Saskatchewan Avenue and its present location of Crawford Avenue will be closed.  The size of the facility will almost double from its present 4,000 sq. ft. to 7,500 sq. ft.  The new location is expected to open in spring of 2009.  (The Melfort Journal, February 19, 2008).

The Melfort and District Chamber of Commerce had its annual general meeting and elected Grant Schutte as president to take over from outgoing president Jim Thiessen.  The directors are Clint Mason, Kevin Gemmell, Kay Grinde, Ron Bowditch, Donna Fouillard, Corrie Fischl, and Garth Bradley.  Vice president is Shawn Russin and treasurer is Ken Hookway.  (The Melfort Journal, February 13, 2008).

Nipawin
The new owners of Sing's Café are Kim Hang Ip and Wing Han Ng.  They have purchased the popular café from Albert and Betty Chan who owned and operated the café for 27 years.  (The Nipawin Journal, February 13, 2008)

Tisdale
Tattered Corners and NorthEast SaniSport/Inside Golf located in the Tisdale Mall have closed.  Excessive rent and the latest increase in rent are said to be the reason these facilities are no longer in operation.  (The Tisdale Recorder, February 13, 2008)

Lumsden
Naomi Jewelery Co., located on 375 James Street North, is now open for business.  (Waterfront Press Regional, February 7, 2008)

Regina
The Budget Inn Express on South Albert Street will be closing its doors February 24^th, to make way for a new 102 room Holiday Inn Express, which is expected to be completed and open for business my mid year.  The new $5 million hotel will have banquet facilities, two meeting rooms, pool, and fitness facilities. The project, which formerly operated under the Howard Johnson name and before that the Imperial 400, is being developed by Saskwest Development Ltd. of Saskatoon.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 8, 2008)

Regina's total housing starts were down 22% in January 2008 over the same period last year due to a sharp drop in multi-family housing construction.  Total housing starts for the month were 75, compared with 96 for January 2007.  Single family starts were up 54% to 60 units, compared with 39 units in January 2007.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 9, 2008) 

According to the housing price index released by Statistics Canada, Regina house prices increased by 26% in 2007, the second highest increase among all Canadian cities.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 12, 2008)

The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation are teaming up to help young entrepreneurs not only start their own businesses, but keep them running.  A new partnership was announced that will see chamber members take a more active role in fostering entrepreneurship in the community.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 13, 2008)

Adam Hicks has been named the 2008 Saskatchewan Student Entrepreneur Champion.  Hicks successfully created Adam Hicks Painting Enterprises two years ago.  In the summer of 2007, Hicks' company painted 106 houses while employing anywhere from 15 to 22 painters at a time.  The award was presented by CIBC and Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE).  (Regina Leader-Post, February 14, 2008)

According to the Colliers McClocklin's annual commercial real estate review forecast, it is expected that a new office building will be built in downtown Regina within 24 months, given the continued low vacancy rate and steady demand for space.  Regina's office lease rates are now comparable to those in larger cities, like Halifax and Montreal, but still well below rates in Toronto and Calgary.  On the industrial side of the market, Regina boasts relatively low vacancy rates.  While current industrial lease rates are around $4 per sq. ft. in Regina, new space is leasing for upwards of $10 per sq. ft., comparable to rates in Calgary.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 14, 2008)

The Government of Saskatchewan's job-search Web site, SaskJobs.ca, experienced a sharp rise in site visits over January 2008.  The amount of hits in January was 350,686, which represents a 54% increase over visits in December, and a sharp increase over the 12 month average of 274,186.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 14, 2008)

Fellinger's Red Meat Wagon has moved out of the Fulton Drug building.  Kurt and Diana Fellinger purchased the building at 3524 13^th Avenue and re-opened their business at the beginning of February.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 15, 2008)

Regina-based jewellery designer, Rachel Mielke will show her jewellery collection, Hillberg & Berk at this year's 2008 Oscars gifting lounge.  The 80^th Annual Academy Awards have invited Hillberg & Berk to gift products to the event's presenters, nominees, and other A-List celebrities.  The gifting lounge will be situated atop The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, where the Saskatchewan native will be a feature jewellery designer.  (News Release, Lotus Leaf Communication, February 20, 2008 and Regina Leader-Post, February 21, 2008))

The City of Regina's executive committee unanimously approved a municipal services and compatibility agreement for the city to enter into with Cowessess First Nation.  The same agreement is concurrently being recommended to the First Nation council for approval.  The proposed area to be used for commercial development includes four lots in the 1200 block of Albert Street between 6^th and 7^th Avenues.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 21, 2008)

Big Dog 92.7 hit the airwaves on February 20^th.  The FM Radio Station is located at 4303 Albert Street.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 21, 2008)

Richardson
Manitoba based company Roy Legumex Inc. has purchased the Regina Seed Processors plant.  The plant will continue to employ approximately 10 people and will produce lentils and canary seed products.  (Service Canada Labour Market Bulletin, February 2008)

Watrous
A new block of rooms has been added to the Sundown Motel.  (The Watrous Manitou, February 4, 2008)

Dunham Services Inc. will soon be moving into their new 1,200 sq. ft. office building along Highway 365.  (The Watrous Manitou, February 11, 2008)

White City
A $1 billion plus project is being planned near White City.  The Clear Vistas project would involve construction of 3,000 to 4,000 homes on 750 acres of property.  The plans for development also call for major shopping areas and about five office buildings that would each be five to ten stories high.  Planning for the project is proceeding and the first homes should be built by 2010.  It is anticipated the project would be developed over several years, with the speed of development depending on how quickly the homes and other property are sold.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 16, 2008)

Clavet
The village of Clavet will receive more than $51,000 through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund to be used toward energy efficiency upgrades to the Clavet Community Arena.  The money will be used toward the construction of a heat-recovery system for the building, improving energy and cost efficiency.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 21, 2008)

Langham
Langham has nearly 300 new lots for sale.  Town officials expect the population of Langham to double in the next ten years.  Approximately 140 new lots will be developed during the next two years in the town proper, while 160 lots along the nearby North Saskatchewan River are selling quickly.  Land is also being designated for light industrial and there is a new development along the highway.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 12, 2008)

Rosthern
Council of the RM of Rosthern introduced a new residential subdivision development fee of $500 for each lot that is created.  The new fee to rezone property will be $2,500, which will include rezoning of agricultural land to residential/commercial zoned land or residential land to commercially zoned land.  (Saskatchewan Valley News, February 13, 2008)

Saskatoon
Credit Union Centre is celebrating its 20^th anniversary.  The Centre has hosted shows such as Cher, AC/DC, Elton John, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Garth Brooks.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 9, 2008)

Higher prices for drywall, concrete, and land development gave Saskatoon's new house market the distinction of being the inflation leader in the country at the end of 2007, says Statistics Canada.  Saskatoon led the country with a new house in December costing 45.1% more than the same new house would have cost in December 2006.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 12, 2008)

The home-building industry held its annual Bridges Awards gala on February 9^th.  Award winners included Ehrenburg Homes, North Ridge Development Corp., and North Prairie Developments Ltd.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 12, 2008)

Two Saskatoon companies, West Wind Aviation Limited Partnership and Great Western Brewing Company Ltd., were named as two of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies.  The award honours excellence in Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues of more than $10 million.  According to the Best Managed program, the 2007 winners enjoyed the highest profit revenues since the award's creation in 1993, with combined sales of $8.5 billion and average sales growth of 31%.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 13, 2008)

The University of Saskatchewan is in line for almost $15 million in federal money to fast-track the development of life saving vaccines.  The university's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is taking the lead in setting up a new national non-profit research corporation called the Pan-Provincial Vaccine Enterprise (PREVENT) designed to bridge the gap that exists between the country's university laboratories and the commercial development of vaccines.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 15, 2008)

The Bessborough Hotel is officially under new ownership and is expected to have more than $1 million in upgrades done this year, said the head of the investment company that bought the historic property.  The British Columbia Investment Corporation, a pension fund financing the retirement benefits of B.C. health-care workers, firefighters, and teachers, took ownership February 1^st.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 21, 2008)

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation is hosting Showcase 2008, a conference featuring hundreds of professional development sessions for teachers and administrators.  The massive gathering of educators takes place approximately every eight years and is being held in conjunction with the federation's 75^th anniversary.  Approximately 7,500 delegates will be in attendance.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 21, 2008)

Cameco Corporation has entered into a joint-venture agreement with Australian uranium mining company Paladin Energy Ltd. to explore for the mineral in Australia's Northern Territory.  The Saskatoon-based company learned that Cameco and Paladin's exploration proposal was accepted by the country's government - beating out 34 other applications.  The search for U308 will centre around two deposit sites. Both were once active mines which shut down in the 1970s due to the low price of uranium.  The companies plan to spend a total of $4.65 million to $5.58 million during the next two years.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 21, 2008)

Within one year, the old A.L. Cole pumphouse could be one of the most prominent features of River Landing.  Taking advantage of its vista of the South Saskatchewan River and prime location along the pedestrian path, the city wants to see the building transformed into a unique attraction with rooftop viewing platforms.  Work will begin in spring with the clean-up and removal of hazardous materials, replacing the roof and installing guardrails, blasting clean the brickwork, installing windows, and connecting utilities for sewer, water, heat and electricity.  The work is expected to be complete by fall 2008.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 21, 2008)

New Businesses:  Once Upon a Child, Owners: Cory and Lorie Ann Henderson; Modern Koncrete, Owner: Jason Pacik; Reflexology by Jessica, Owner: Jessica Morelli; Something Blue: A Bridal Boutique, Owner: Rebecca Hunter; SGO Designer Glass, Owner: Janet Silzer. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 9 & 16, 2008)

Thode
The Village of Thode has been granted $50,000 from the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund program.  The funds will be used to build a new community centre overlooking Blackstrap Lake.  The centre will be used for community functions and to store village maintenance equipment.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 20, 2008)

Wakaw
Approximately 300 people attended an information session at Wakaw Recreation Centre on February 7^th to hear about the proposed canal project.  The project will be called Serenity Cove.  There will be 50 full slips and 150 day slips in the marina and all roads around the project will be paved.  There will be no increase in property taxes as the project will be financed from the sale of lots.  The lots will cost between $80,000 and $100,000 and the average cost of the homes in the neighbourhood will be $250,000 to $300,000.  At present, there are 450 lots in Wakaw and when the canal project is complete there will be another 358.  The canal project is expected to generate 500 jobs in the area.  (The Wakaw Recorder, February 13, 2008)

Warman
Warman has a number of commercial lots for sale in the new west industrial development that are very competitive compared to Saskatoon and are close to potential markets.  (Saskatchewan Valley News, February 13, 2008)

Whitecap Dakota First Nation
Dakota Dunes Casino's Community Development Corporation expects to disperse between $4 and $6 million to community organizations based within a 75 kilometre radius of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation.  Anyone interested in applying for funding for their organization must apply by mid-April and the funds will be distributed in June.  (Eagle Feather News, February 2008)

Eston
The future of Eston's Chamber of Commerce is grim.  Representatives attended a meeting to discuss "Where do we go from here?" which became an issue after Treasurer Margaret Olorensha's resignation.  After much discussion it was decided to put the organization on hold for the time being.  (The Press Review, February 19, 2008)

Fox Valley
January 17^th marked a new chapter in the history of the Fox Valley Hotel when it reopened to the community.  (Maple Creek News-Times, February 19, 2008)

Kindersley
Approximately 800 women across the province who are either planning to start, or have already started, their own businesses have signed on as members of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan.  And the number continues to grow.  One role of the organization is to introduce women to others like themselves through seminars and presentations.  One such presentation is scheduled to take place in Kindersley next month.  Keynote speaker Maureen McIntosh of the Saskatoon area will discuss "How to create your best life" at the Kindersley Inn on March 6^th.  (West Central Crossroads, February 11, 2008)

Downtown merchants are making headway in improving their profile among shoppers.  Diane Kehrer, Association Chairperson of the Downtown Kindersley Association, came up with an idea a year ago to put color-coded maps in public areas for the purpose of informing visitors what downtown Kindersley has to offer.  Having large maps in public areas will help visitors whether they're staying with family, participating in sports tournaments, or just passing through.  (The Clarion, February 13, 2008)

Warehouse One The Jean Store opened officially in Kindersley Mall on February 21^st.  The Clarion, February 13, 2008)

Close's Family Foods, established here in August, 1999, won the business of the year K-Bex award, during the Kindersley Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.  Edge Realty finished as the runner up.  Spectacolor earned the honour for friendly and personable service in both photography and computer sales and service, including explaining cutting-edge technology involved.  Scotia Bank won the award for community involvement.  Arbour Ridge Inn and Suites won the award for property appearance, recognized for a third time due to the care taken with its appearance inside and out.  (The Clarion, February 20, 2008)

Rosetown
Kevmar Machine & Welding of Rosetown has become Bros Welding & Services Ltd. owned and operated by twin brothers Darren and Mark Helstrom, 31, from Lanigan.  Kevmar owners Kevin Healey and Mark Seibold had owned the business since 1996.  (The Eagle, February 11, 2008)

A parcel northwest of Rosetown drew the highest bid for property in the Kindersley Kerrobert region during Saskatchewan's latest sale of oil and gas rights.  Maverick Land Consultants spent $1.7 million for the lease parcel in the Dodsland Viking sand (oil) pool, 32 km from Rosetown.  (The Clarion, February 20, 2008)

Shaunavon
Organizers of the Fifth Annual Cropportunities Conference considered it a success even though weather conditions kept some attendees and two presenters from attending.  The conference, which was attended by approximately 60 people, gave producers the opportunity to meet the people that can make their agricultural business more profitable.  Cypress Hills REDA was one of the sponsors of the event.  (Prairie Post, February 22, 2008)

Southwest
The Action Southwest partnership is now looking beyond our nation's borders to seek new alliances.  Action Southwest has teamed up with a number of regional and provincial partners to meet with delegates from the State of Montana this month.  Talks will be focused on the possibility of opening a 24 hour commercial port along the region's border.  (The Shaunavon Standard, February 12, 2008)

It's the biggest month for land sales in our province's history.  Among the big sellers was an exploration license for 2,900 hectares in the Shaunavon area.  That sale alone generated $30.7 million.  The Swift Current area was the second highest in sales bringing in $47 million.  (http://www.swiftcurrentonline.com/, February 19, 2008)

A cross-section of businesses across Southwest Saskatchewan has been selected to participate in a survey developed to identify challenges that small and large businesses may be facing.  The focus of the survey is to assist the region in targeting some of the constraints to business growth, while at the same time to begin efforts to measure and benchmark the region's economy.  (Gull Lake Advance, February 20, 2008)

Swift Current
The demand for housing continues in Swift Current.  Over 100 people have applied for 19 available fully-serviced lots in the Oman Hill and Highland area.  (http://www.swiftcurrentonline.com/, February 12, 2008)

Swift Current continues to grow with the expansion of existing businesses.  Director of Business Development, Marty Salberg says City Council approved two applications for tax concessions for expanding businesses in the city.  One of those businesses is The Brick and the other is building a new structure on the North Service Road West.  (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, February 15, 2008)

Swift Current will see as many as 400 new residents in the next couple of years.  City Council has approved the subdivision of lots in what will be called the Saskatchewan Valley area.  Trevor Feicht, Manager of Engineering and Planning Services, says they will be getting the lots ready for expansion in the northeast area, by the hospital.  Feicht adds that this year the city will be doing some grading of the lots, in hopes that they will be ready for servicing in 2009.  (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, February 20, 2008)

Century 21 held a red carpet premier last Wednesday to celebrate the opening of their new location in the Plaza Shopping Centre.  (The Southwest Booster, February 21, 2008)

Good things come in small packages - and small towns - according to this year's Rural Women's Day Conference.  Close to 90 people took part in the event, which was immediately popular when it was introduced six years ago, said organizer Keleah Herron.  Herron, General Manager of Southwest Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA), said the conference usually has a business focus, but this year was more about engaging communities to make change.  (Prairie Post, February 22, 2008)

Kipling
On January 25, 2008, The Town of Kipling was formally recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as having the world's largest paperclip.  Erected in July 2006, the paperclip stands as a monument to the story of Kyle MacDonald, who through a series of trades, starting with a normal sized paperclip, and ending in a house on Main Street in Kipling.  (The Kipling Citizen, February 15, 2008)

Langbank
Seed Hawk Inc. has completed phase one of a $3 million expansion at the company's Langbank farm equipment manufacturing facility.  Phase one included a 15,000 sq. ft. assembly shop and 4,000 sq. ft. office space.  They've doubled their production capabilities of seeding equipment by 35 employees since September 2007.  Phase two of the expansion will include moving the painting and welding shops into structures attached to the new assembly shop in the spring of 2009.  (The World-Spectator, Moosomin, February 11, 2008)

Langenburg
Canadian Farm Business Management Council sponsored a Value Chain Management Workshop in Melville on February 7^th.  The inter-active, one-day seminar provides participants with the tools to begin their own value chain, in order to improve their business practices and their long-term profitability.  (The Four-Town Journal, Langenburg/Churchbridge, January 18 and 30, 2008)

Jenny and Matthew Li, along with other family members, have purchased Langenburg's chinese restaurant.  The Golden Bowl Restaurant will be open for business on March 1, 2008.  (The Four-Town Journal, Langenburg/Churchbridge, February 20, 2008)

Melville
Marilyn Chopiuk has opened Lotters Landing, a bed and breakfast operation.  (The Melville Advance, February 13, 2008)

Micheal Halyk, South Parkland REDA General Manager, announced that Tyalta Industries, plan to expand their Alberta-based company to Melville this spring.  They will offer a complete line of highly portable screening and crushing equipment, conveyors, and compost recycling equipment, and oilfield reclamation equipment.  (The Melville Advance, February 13, 2008)

A lack of interest from potential shareholders to invest in an ethanol plant near Melville has ground the Blue Sky BioEnergy, $40 million project, to a halt.  Blue Sky directors initially hoped to raise $10 million in cash, however, was only able to collect $100,000.  (The Melville Advance, February 20, 2008)

Moosomin
PotashCorp Rocanville announced a $500,000 commitment to the Moosomin and District Integrated Health Care Facility.  The 85-bed facility will replace the Moosomin Hospital, Moosomin Nursing Home, and the Eastern Saskatchewan Pioneer Lodge.  The fate of these three facilities will be determined later in the year.  Fund raising has been going on for the last several years, raising more than $7 million for the local share of the facility.  The $21 million project sod-turning took place in the fall of 2005, and the building is expected to be completed in the next few months.  (The Whitewood Herald, February 18, 2008 and The World-Spectator, Moosomin, February 18, 2008)

Saltcoats
The Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association Inc. (YFBTA) held their 2008 Symposium on February 23^rd in Saltcoats.  The YFBTA is a not-for-profit charitable organization which works to promote awareness of the importance of wildlife and spaces for wildlife, and also promotes conservation, preservation, awareness, and tourism.  (Yorkton This Week, February 6, 2008)

Yorkton
Although in business for the last year, owners Boyd and Rhonda Bailey officially opened Luna Experience on February 1^st.  The business is a full service spa, offering manicures, massages, a new line of skin products, etc.  (The News Review, Yorkton, February 7, 2008)

Lyle and Brenda Walsh have sold their two radio stations, GX94 and Fox FM to Regina-based Harvard Broadcasting.  The two stations will continue to employ 46 staff, including Lyle Walsh, who will remain the stations' General Manager.  Completion of the acquisition is subject to the approval of the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission, which could take three to six months.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 12, 2008)

Uptown Realty of Calgary has purchased a parcel of nearly 400 acres with plans to establish Yorkton Aviation Business Park.  The land will have three areas, a commercial area adjacent to Highway 9, an area for light industrial near the railway track, and a country residential area along the river, with approximately 40 lots to be developed.  Permits and land usage regulations are proceeding, with the initial work hoping to begin in spring.  (Yorkton This Week, February 13, 2008)

The Good Spirit REDA developed a Yorkton Business Survey in order to gauge the business situation in the community.  The survey was contracted out, with the guideline being that a cross- section of business types were included.  The results of the survey have now been released, indicating the businesses in the city are looking ahead at the possibility of growth in 2008.  Forty-six per cent of those surveyed indicated their plans to either increase their workforce, or expand their company.  (Yorkton This Week, February 13, 2008)

The Canadian Curling Association has announced that Yorkton has been awarded the 2009 Canada Cup.  The event will take place on March 18 - 22, 2009 at the Farrell Agencies Arena.  The Canada Cup features 10 men's and 10 women's teams from across the country competing for a total purse of $150,000.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 19, 2008)

Yorkton hosted their annual Snowarama on February 16^th with the 254 riders raising just under $100,000, but with some local snowmobile club donations, the amount will reach the $100,000 mark.  (Yorkton This Week, February 20, 2008)

On February 5^th nine finalists from across Saskatchewan were announced in 2008's Venture Forward Business Plan Competition.  Venture Forward, a business plan competition for young entrepreneurs is organized by Global Infobrokers Inc. of Saskatoon.  The challenge sets up the winner with $25,000 (courtesy of Cameco Corp.) once his or her business is ready to open, and provides business mentorship for all finalists.  The second place winner receives $15,000 (courtesy of PIC Investment Group), the third place winner receives $10,000 (courtesy of TRX RV) and the fourth place winner receives $5,000 (courtesy of Affinity Credit Union).  Winners will be chosen on May 21^st.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 6, 2008)

Premier Brad Wall announced that a two-day round-table conference in May will help form a new policy to ensure Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis people become true partners in Saskatchewan's economy and future.  The new policy will protect the rights and interests of First Nations and Métis people and result in increased economic development opportunities that will benefit all Saskatchewan residents.  (Eagle Feather News, February 2008)

Small communities in Saskatchewan will learn about resources to attract and keep immigrants in their communities at the Newcomer Settlement in Smaller Centres: Gateway to Success conference taking place in Moose Jaw from February 12 - 14^th.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 12, 2008)

Seven Saskatchewan First Nations have entered into agreements with a company owned by the Edmonton-based Ghermezian family for the development of oil, gas and uranium resources.  Triple Five Energy, a division of the Ghermezian's Triple Five Worldwide Organization, plans significant exploration and development of what it calls Saskatchewan's largest uranium discovery located on the English River First Nation's (ERFN) territorial lands in northern Saskatchewan.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 14, 2008)

February's sale of oil and natural gas drilling rights in the province has broken the record for single-sale revenues, bringing in a whopping $197 million in bonus bids, more than double the previous record of $85 million set in 1994.  The majority of the bonus bids were in the Weyburn-Estevan area, which attracted $132 million, or two-thirds, of the February land sale revenues.  The Bakken play, a deeper, light oil formation in the Williston Basin, generated most of the bonus bids in the southeast, according to Saskatchewan Energy and Resources.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 15, 2008)

According to the latest economic forecast from BMO Financial Group, Saskatchewan will be Canada's economic growth leader in 2008, overtaking the traditional front runner, Alberta.  The province is expected to see gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 3% this year.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 16, 2008)

Manufacturing and new vehicle sales are up in Saskatchewan.  Statistics Canada reported that from November to December 2007, manufacturing sales in the province rose by 1.4% to $943 million from $931 million.  In December, 4,077 new vehicles were sold in Saskatchewan, an increase of 6.6%.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 19, 2008)

Wholesale trade in Saskatchewan increased by 14.2% last year - the biggest increase among the provinces - largely due to the strength of the agriculture and construction sectors, according to numbers compiled by Statistics Canada.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 20, 2008)