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SouthGrow Elects New Board and Executive

On June 8th, SouthGrow Regional Initiative held its Annual General Meeting.    In addition to being informed of the progress of the regional economic development alliance’s three committees, the membership was informed of the changes that were imposed on Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDAs) by Alberta Finance and Enterprise.  Member Representatives were provided the financial report as well as the 2011-2012 Operations Plan.  Election of the new board also took place at the meeting.:
Chair – Sandra Nelson, Village of Striling
Vice Chair – Deputy Mayor Ron Lagemaat, Town of Coalhurst
Vice Chair – Mayor Ray Bryant, Town of Taber
Treasurer – Jon Stevens, Town of Picture Butte
Director – Mayor Kym Nichols, Village of Carmangay
Director – Councilor Maggie Kronen, Town of Cardston
Director – Councilor Roger Houghton, Cardston County
Director – Councilor Greg Robinson, Town of Raymond
Director - Councilor Dannie Lien, Village of Warner
Director - Sheldon Day Chief, Blood Tribe

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SouthGrow Moves Ahead With Key Projects

SouthGrow Regional Initiative has struck five task forces to focus on specific projects for the 2011-2012 Operations Year.  The five taskforces are:
Ensuring Sustainability
Chair,  Ron Lagemaat
• Investigate new model for SouthGrow, including governance and membership funding.
• Identify how SouthGrow can be sustainable in the future.
• Develop a plan for SouthGrow’s sustainability.
• Identify trends, challenges, actions required and opportunities for each member’s sustainability
• Implement a project that improves member communities’ and regional sustainability.
MLA Roundtable
Chair,  Sandra Nelson
• Develop stronger relationships with MLAs, other decision makers and influencers in order to advance regional priorities and effect change, especially as they pertain to the changes imposed on REDAs.
• Communicate regional projects, priorities and outcomes with MLAs, other decision makers and influencers.
• Position SouthGrow as a credible regional economic development alliance with remaining SouthGrow members, past members, industry stakeholders, government agencies and others.
Water for Economic Development
Chair,  Maggie Kronen
Identify a role for SouthGrow pertaining to Water for Economic Development.
• Develop and implement a plan for a collaborative effort in advancing water for economic development in partnership with appropriate stakeholders.
Alternative Energy
Chair,  Maggie Kronen
• Identify status of SAAEP Partnership and detail next steps for the SAAEP Partnership as appropriate.
• Work with appropriate partners on investment attraction.
• Identify, encourage and support member municipalities with their individual Alternative Energy Initiatives.
Productivity Improvement
Chair,  Dannie Lien
• Work with Productivity Alberta to identify a project that aligns with both Productivity Alberta and SouthGrow mandates.
• Develop and implement project plan.

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SouthGrow Working With Other REDAs To Effect Change

On February 4, Alberta Finance and Enterprise introduced restructuring which would in principle strengthen regional economies throughout the province and would allow Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDAs) to respond more effectively to local economic conditions.  Major changes impacting SouthGrow include the reduction of annual operating grants provided to REDAs and the requirement that REDAs secure their own staff and off-site office space.  These changes were imposed without first seeking feedback or garnering participation from REDAs.  Nonetheless, SouthGrow member communities remain hopeful that feedback will be sought on how regional economic development can be restored in this region and once again become a priority that is supported by Alberta Finance and Enterprise. 

On May 16th, Sandra Nelson, Chair of SouthGrow Regional Initiative provided a brief update in written correspondence to Minister Snelgrove on how SouthGrow Regional Initiative is managing through the changes imposed on the REDA. In June,  SouthGrow Regional Initiative Management Board supported Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) which respectfully requested of the Minister that AFE establish a cooperative process to create an amended MOU  with input from all Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDAs).  BRAED, with other REDA support, requested that the process begin in September 2011 with a target date for an amended MOU being December 31, 2011.  Likewise, SouthGrow provided support to Peace River Economic Development Alliance (PREDA), which sent similar correspondence to Minister Snelgrove.

Over the next few months, SouthGrow will be developing a strategy to work with these and other REDAs to effect change so that REDAs are sustainable and regional economic development remains a priority throughout the province.

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Technology Development Advisor to be Hired

Advanced Education & Technology and Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures will be partially funding a Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA) proposal jointly submitted by the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College, Economic Development Lethbridge, Community Futures Lethbridge Region, IRAP and SouthGrow Regional Initiative.  Specifically, a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) has been approved to serve the southern Alberta region.  Once the TDA has been hired, the RINSA partners will meet to create the first annual plan. Job Posting and Terms of Reference

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Sustainable Communities in Finland

Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures (AITF) is partnering with TEKES in Finland to host a delegation from Finland from November 1st to 3rd. Lahti’s sustainable energy projects are second only to Oulu (O-Lu) Finland.  The delegation is attending the Global Clean Energy Conference,  Those interested in meeting the delegation are asked to let  AITF know.   AITF will be taking a group of Alberta companies and organizations to Finland in late May 2012 to reciprocate the visit and the attend the Millennium Celebrations http://www.millenniumprize.fi/ .  If you would like to receive a pdf. copy of 'Sustainable Regional Waste Management in Lahti Region' , please contact the SouthGrow Office. 

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Bus Modernization Services Stakeholder Session in Lethbridge

Since the 1960s, Alberta has regulated intercity passenger bus service. In exchange for providing regularly scheduled bus service to rural Alberta, competition was limited on more profitable routes. In essence, the profitable routes subsidized the less-profitable rural routes. Due to declining passenger ridership and the expansion of regional transit, the cross-subsidization model is no longer viable.
Bus modernization is about supporting our communities and putting in place the tools necessary to support a flexible and responsible busing system for all Albertans. The new framework creates an open market for carriers that supports free enterprise, removes barriers for new and existing service providers, minimizes start-up costs and encourages competition. More information about bus modernization is available on Alberta Transportation’s website at: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/499.htm
Those interested in providing feedback are invited to participate in the stakeholder information sessions to be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at the Lethbridge Lodge (320 Scenic Drive, Poplar Boardroom) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. RSVP to Danielle Benson at Danielle.benson@gov.ab.ca if you plan to attend.   All materials from the stakeholder sessions will also be available at:  http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/499.htm

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