WREN is the first of the newly developed regional enterprise networks to tackle its provincially mandated strategic planning work. WREN CEO Angélique LeBlanc said she was very pleased with the results of the summit.
“Creating the strategy and action plan is a very important piece,” she said, “but is only one step in this process. Lots of work went into this strategy before we even started consultations.” LeBlanc points out that existing municipal, First Nations, and provincial priorities were reviewed to ensure that the WREN strategy is complementary.
WREN chair Allister Surette said, “Now that the WREN has strategic directions and associated actions, the real work can begin. Our plan is shaping up to be a very ambitious yet achievable set of priorities. We look forward to working with regional partners and stakeholders to implement the strategy.”
Consulting company McSweeney and Associates facilitated the participants from the municipalities of Argyle, Clare, Digby and Yarmouth, along with the towns of Digby and Yarmouth. The goal of the summit was to fine-tune the economic development themes that were identified through the interview and on-line survey consultations. The final strategy and action plan is scheduled for public release by the end of April.
The Western Regional Enterprise Network will guide and navigate economic development in the region, develop and execute a regional economic development strategy and support business retention, expansion, start-up and attraction. The WREN will be a resource for prospective economic development for the region and will work collaboratively with multiple levels of
