The Saskatchewan Economic Development Association (SEDA) was pleased to present its 2007 Economic Development Awards of Excellence on March 6, 2007 in Saskatoon. Attended by over 150 community leaders, government officials and economic development practitioners from across the province, the Awards Luncheon and Presentations provided recognition of the outstanding initiatives and contributions to community economic development in Saskatchewan.

The Outstanding Economic Development Initiative is presented to a community that has successfully advanced their community, regional, or provincial economy through an economic development initiative. The 2007 Outstanding Economic Development Initiative was presented to an initiative that reverberated around the world last year via sustained exposure in the media and on the internet. The Town of Kipling’s Red Paper Clip project generated what can only be estimated as millions of dollars in free publicity and has spawned spin off projects such as the movie that is now being filmed in the community. In addition to attracting hundreds of visitors to the community – and residential inquiries from around the world – which they still receive on an ongoing basis - the community and its residents now have a renewed sense pride and a vision for the future.

The Economic Development Volunteer of the Year recognizes the excellence in initiative shown at a volunteer capacity working at the local, regional or provincial level in economic development. SEDA is very pleased to acknowledge the efforts of Elden Gibson as the 2007 Economic Development Volunteer of the Year Award. In addition to spearheading many of the economic development initiatives undertaken by the Town of Kipling and the Moose Mountain Central RDC, Elden also sits on the Southeast Transportation Planning Committee and holds local and regional positions in the Lions club. Activities that Elden was involved in over the past year includes the Red Paper Clip Project ,a new ambassador program for the community, tourism and business retention and expansion initiatives. Perhaps one of the most important contributions to his community is the invaluable role that he plays as a mentor and teacher to local community development staff.

A role he continues to play with the community’s new development officer as well.

The Saskatchewan Economic Development Association (SEDA) has operated successfully for the past twenty three years as the provincial association for those who actively support and/or are engaged in community economic development throughout Saskatchewan. As an independent, non-governmental organization, SEDA has contributed to the province of Saskatchewan through development and delivery of a number of successful, well-established programs and services.

Areas of service which have grown steadily in relevance and priority for SEDA include: advisory services and advancement of intersectoral issues; linkages and networks development; project management and resource development and development of new education and professional development programs.

The mission of SEDA is to increase the capacity of communities to grow and direct their economic future. It currently has a broad and varied membership base covering Regional Economic Development Authorities, Rural Development Corporations, Community Futures Development Corporations, municipalities, tourism groups, financial institutions and organizations, Crown Corporations, businesses and business organizations, as well as government and other agencies involved in economic development in Saskatchewan.