Frequently Asked Questions

What is the E.R.'s role? Community Development? Economic Development? Investment? North Central Enterprise Region plays a significant role in taking action to stimulate a competitive climate for investment and economic development on a regional basis. NCER determines how community development fits into the process and the priorities of key stakeholder groups from major business sectors, community based entities and market based entities. North Central Enterprise Regions Mandate is to assist the region to increase business and industry competitiveness, realize its economic potential and compete globally. It is important for North Central to assess and take action on the needs of business and key sectors within our respective regions. Enterprise Saskatchewan ensures the actions taken must follow these four strategic directions: 1. Building Regional Economies; 2. Fostering a Culture of Enterprise and Innovation 3. Building on Competitive Advantages ; and 4. Engaging Leadership and Effective Governance.

How is North Central Enterprise Region different from the REDA programs? Past development programs such as REDAs have helped coordinate planning and development activities regionally including capacity building, investment readiness, business and sector development and sustainability. There are some similarities to past activates of some REDAs. The main difference is a pronounced focus on actions to increase business and industry competitiveness for regions maximizing the global economic potential for regions all across Saskatchewan.

How can we ensure that the board/ organization is acting in the best interests of the region? The first level of accountability is the members of North Central Enterprise Region. Membership is a key option to connect to the board. The options set out by stakeholders will be prioritized based on the needs within the region. Participation in committees or other stakeholder input activities is a good way to contribute to the Enterprise Region decision making process.

The needs in North Central Enterprise Region vary greatly from the needs of other regions in Saskatchewan. How can we work with only one organization? Enterprise Regions are formed to focus on the needs and regional priorities of a defined service area based on commuter trade patterns. Enterprise Regions are charged to advance the competitive interest of the region. North Central Enterprise Region has conducted a needs assessment with stakeholder groups to identify the priorities and strategies within the region. Services have been directed to actions to determine regional priorities, activities to improve competitiveness and initiatives to stimulate economic growth. North Central economies can advance by prioritizing the collective needs of key business sectors, community based entities and market based entities. Individual stakeholders and communities may purse more localized activities; however, broader interests such as infrastructure, creating economic advantages and stimulating business activity across the region cannot be ignored. Communities may choose to retain local based agencies to address local interests. Community participation with North Central Enterprise Region ensures the community is active in identifying, understanding and prioritizing the regional interests.

How can we ensure that the organization doesn't spend all of its time working on projects that only benefit the largest community in the region? The governance structure of North Central Enterprise Region addresses representation and ongoing participation and engagement of key business sectors, community based entities and market based entities across the region. The collective stakeholder groups are focused on identifying the priorities and strategies for the region not just one community. Community leaders must also be supportive of major economic activities or sector in any location big or small.

What types of initiatives have we supported? North Central Enterprise Regions supports various projects with organizations such as: 1. Prince Albert Downtown Improvement District Association Inc. 2. Dimestone Fisherman 3. Town of Leask Community Planning 4. Town of Shellbrook Community Planning 5. Speer Rail 6. North Central Transportation Planning Sub-Committee 7. North Central Rail Ltd. 8. Prince Albert National Park and Destination Marketing Organization 9. Prince Albert National Park Marketing and Branding

What is our role in Tourism? The role of North Central Enterprise Region within the Tourism Industry is to identify the opportunities that are available and assist the Tourism operators by expanding on this potential. North Central also works with the Prince Albert National Park and Lakeland DMO in the development of a strategic marketing for our area. Additionally, a Tourism Summit was held at Elk Ridge on March 24-25 2010, which brought together the Tourism operators and associations to discuss what types of barriers and assistance they may need with any future development.