SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) honoured individuals, businesses and institutions at the second annual Science, Technology, Innovation and Collaboration (STIC) Awards, which was celebrated in Saskatoon on November 8 at the Sheraton Cavalier.

“Last night’s awards presentation was a celebration of the outstanding people in our growing science and technology cluster. It’s tremendous to see the amount of projects and products being created right here in the Saskatoon Region,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA. “These innovations add value to the local economy by creating jobs, wealth and knowledge, and positioning the Saskatoon Region as a global competitor. The caliber of the 2017 STIC finalists and winners clearly demonstrates the Saskatoon Region is a hub for science and technology innovations.”

The 2017 STIC Award winners are:

PROJECT AWARD – STRATO Mobile Desalination Platform
Innocorps Research Corporation
Development began in 2009 with a series of bench scale prototype models to test ideas on how to desalinate water. The project has now commercialized an energy-efficient, modular, self-contained water purification platforms that produces distilled water from any type of source water. Treated water can be reused and recycled.

PRODUCT AWARD – Libra Cart
Bitstrata
Using their technology platform, Bitstrata developed its own agricultural brand, Agrimatics. The first product launched from this brand, Libra Cart, is a full-featured tablet and smartphone-based grain cart weighing and data management system. The device mounts directory onto a grain cart, connects to the weight sensors, and communicates wirelessly to the Libra app (available on both iOS and Android) running on a compatible smartphone or tablet located in the tractor. The system automatically detects, collects, and stores important harvest data including weight, field, date, time, etc.

TEAM AWARD – HABEX Project
Cut Knife Elementary School – Grade 6 Class (2016-17)
Instead of doing a class trip as their year-end capstone activity, the students elected to construct a high-altitude balloon that would carry a scientific payload, a camera, and a class photograph to an altitude of 30km, above 99% of the Earth’s atmosphere. In the course of this project, the students studied principles of flight, engineering, and weather, as well as learning about creating and producing media to promote their activity. With some assistance from the University of Regina, the students designed and built a craft to survive the harsh conditions of the upper atmosphere, record scientific data and pictures, and return safely to the Earth, so that it could be recovered and the students in return see their own image floating at the very edge of space. This project, and the media coverage that followed, helped the students understand that they are capable of doing amazing things.

U30 AWARD – JORDAN BOESCH
7shifts Restaurant Scheduling Inc.
Jordan Boesch is the Founder and CEO of 7shifts Employee Scheduling Inc., an employee scheduling software designed specifically for restaurants. 7shifts helps managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. Founded in Saskatoon, in 2013, with offices in Toronto, 7shifts is the restaurant employee scheduling solution for more than 150,000 restaurant workers across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Jordan focuses on overseeing all major aspects of 7shifts. From sales, client requests all the way through to the programming and structure of 7shifts. A hustler, entrepreneur and programmer, Jordan loves using code to bring his ideas to life and enjoys dealing with any business challenges thrown his way.

AMBASSADOR AWARD – GREG SUTTON
TinyEYE Therapy Services
Greg is a recognized leader for innovation and entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan. In 2004, through the Saskatchewan Advanced Technology Association, Greg led a provincial action plan to grow the advanced tech sector through investment, improving efficiencies and building communities. In 2005, Greg co-founded TinyEYE Therapy Services with his sister, Marnee Brick.  TinyEYE is an international speech and occupational therapy telepractice and it was the first company in the world to provide speech language pathology services online. Greg and the team at TinyEYE have won multiple awards in the areas of entrepreneurship, mentorship and innovation. He is a founding Board member of Saskatchewan Capital Network – Saskatchewan’s only formal angel investor network and a founding Board member of Co.Labs, Saskatchewan’s first technology incubator. Greg is active in the Raj Manek Mentorship Program – both as a mentor and as a Board Advisor. Greg always makes himself available for lunch or beers with aspiring entrepreneurs who have questions and need some guidance.

The finalists and winners were chosen by the STIC Selection Committee. This committee consists of local industry, government and academia stakeholders.

2017 STIC Awards

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724   E: elawson@sreda.com

*Dr. Otto Zauberer aka Kenn McLeod from Regina, Saskatchewan!

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – Today, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) released the SREDA Consensus Economic Forecast for Saskatchewan. The survey concludes the provincial economy is expected to build momentum in 2018 with many leading economists upgrading their growth prospects for the Saskatchewan economy.

Based on the survey real GDP growth is forecasted at 2.1 percent for 2018 after an estimated 2.0 percent rebound last year, and an increase of 1.9 percent for 2019. This will bump up Saskatchewan to fourth position on the provincial economic growth leader-board for 2018, and second strongest growth next year. This is a significant improvement from last year where Saskatchewan was ranked seventh.

“The forecast bodes well for our local economy, which is already showing signs of strength and stability following the slowdown in the resource sector,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA.

Fallon added, the results of the survey are reassuring given that empirical studies typically show that pooled forecasts increase economic forecast accuracy, especially in periods of high uncertainty. The results show a consensus of growth for the local economy.

The momentum is expected to be driven by ongoing recovery in potash production, sustained oil prices, and a return to more normal growing condition for crops in 2018 and 2019. On the downside, gains will be offset by weak construction activity particularly in non-residential sector, further fiscal tightening, and on-going struggles in the uranium market. In addition, household spending is expected to be held back by sluggish employment and wage growth, and rising interest rates.

“Last year, employment in the Saskatoon Region rose 1.3 percent but the unemployment rate remains elevated above the Region’s 20-year average as labour force growth continues to match job gains. Improved prospects in the Province’s resources industry, which is closely tied to the Region’s manufacturing and service sectors, should strengthen Saskatoon’s job market going forward,” said Gabriel Dzathor, Manager of Economic Forecasting and Analysis at SREDA.

SREDA Consensus Economic Forecast for Saskatchewan was created by taking the mean average of a panel of six prominent independent forecasts: Toronto-Dominion Bank of Canada (TD), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Bank of Montreal (BMO), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), and the Conference Board of Canada.

– 30 –

View Survey

For more information, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724   E: elawson@sreda.com

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) has announced the speaker line-up for its annual SREDA Forum held March 8 at TCU Place in Saskatoon. The theme of this year’s forum is ‘Crossroads: Facing the challenges of the new economy’.

The forum will provide attendees with a detailed and insightful look at the year ahead. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and discuss the future of the Saskatoon Region economy in the morning sessions featuring topics ranging from Clean Energy to Entrepreneurship, Creative Economy to Mining.

“This year’s forum is our biggest forum to date with over sixteen speakers presenting on nine different topics influencing the local economy,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA. “The Saskatoon Region economy is at a crossroads with many sectors experiencing challenges and opportunities. This forum will help us understand how the local economy can still grow in challenging times as a result of our increased diversity.”

SREDA Forum 2018 topics and speakers:

SESSION 1 (attendees will choose one of the following):

Technology – Saskatech: A new economic driver, or a cool but small sector? Retooling Saskatoon’s economic engine.”
Jordan Dutchak, Co.Labs and Jacqueline Cook, Vendasta Technologies

Urban Planning – How can planning drive growth? Impartial views on growing Saskatoon the right way or wrong way.
Alan Wallace, V3 Companies of Canada

Agriculture – Will innovation in agriculture drive economic growth? A look at disruptors in agriculture and food.
Presented by: Ag in Motion
Kevin Hursh, Hursh Consulting and Marty Seymour, Farm Credit Canada

SESSION 2 (attendees will chose one of the following):

Clean Energy – A long shot or viable new sector? What clean energy projects mean to the Saskatoon economy.
Presented by: Federated Co-operatives Limited
Kevin Hudson, City of Saskatoon and Brent Sjoberg, Brandt Group of Companies 

Entrepreneurship – How are new-age entrepreneurs changing the landscape of entrepreneurship? And how you can too.
Shaina Lynden, Ryde YXE and Warren Jackson, BDC 

Indigenous – How can Saskatoon create a viable and culturally sensitive economy? The business case for Indigenous leadership.
Gabrielle Scrimshaw, Entrepreneur, activist and speaker

SESSION 3 (attendees will choose one of the following):

Mining – Remember the boom? What’s next in mining for 2018-2020, and what does it mean for Saskatoon.
TBA, Cameco

Research & Innovation – Is Saskatoon a leader in the knowledge economy, or are we behind the game? How innovation can drive the next boom in Saskatoon.
Presented by: University of Saskatchewan
Wes Jickling, Innovation Saskatchewan 

Creative Economy – Is the creative economy the solution to driving a new form of economic and social growth in Saskatoon?
Greg Magirescu, Creative Saskatchewan and Stephanie Yong

LUNCHEON

KEYNOTE SPEAKER – The Saskatoon I Know…
Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA

PANEL DISCUSSION – Facing the challenges of the new economy.
Gabrielle Scrimshaw, Marty Seymour, Jacqueline Cook and Greg Magirescu

-30-

Learn More

For more information, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724   E: elawson@sreda.com

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – Today, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) released its Q1-2018 Economic Dashboard for the Saskatoon Region. For Q1-2018, SREDA rates the status of the local economy with a B- grade, maintaining the Q4-2017 rating.

“2018 has started well with economic indicators pointing to stability and some growth momentum in the local economy. Many forecasts continue to expect 2.0%+ growth for Saskatchewan, and the first quarter economic performance definitely supports this positive outlook. At the same time, business and consumer confidence in the local economy seems to be increasing, which bodes well for steady growth in many sectors. As always, there is some uncertainty in the longer term rate of growth, but the local economy seems to be shifting from a state of cautiously optimistic to steadily growing. The Saskatoon I know will find ways to capitalize on this new momentum,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA.

Seven reasons why the Saskatoon Region economy remains at a B- grade:

1. GDP growth: The labor market began the year on a soft note, which is not unusual. The Saskatoon Region lost 300 jobs (-0.2%) in Q1-2018 following a similar decline in Q4-2017. Despite the decline, the unemployment rate fell 0.8 percentage points to 6.9% in Q1-2018, reflecting a decline in number of people seeking jobs. With steady GDP growth, the labour market should begin to pick up again.
2. Growing population: The number of intercity and international migrants remains high. At 2.8%, the Saskatoon Region was the fastest growing metropolitan area in Canada in 2017. The Region’s population grew an estimated 0.5% in Q1-2018, well above the provincial average (0.1%).
3. Slower construction: The number of new residential construction continues to lag as high inventory and unsold units dampen builder confidence. As of Q1-2018, construction has begun on 212 single-detached and multi-unit homes, almost one-third lower than same period last year.
4. A buyers’ market: Existing home sales were down 10.0%, putting further pressure on prices (down 2.4% to $335,653) in favour of buyers. Demand for new homes will continue to be impacted by tighter mortgage rules and higher interest rates.
5. Moderate building intentions: Compared to Q1-2017, building permits in Saskatoon rose 3.7% to $145.6 million, signaling potential rebound in construction activity later this year. The increase reflects a 41.9% jump in non-residential permits, offset by 21.5% drop in residential permits.
6. #Saskatooning: Skyxe continues to see busy passenger traffic. In Q1-2018, passenger traffic grew 2.8% to 390.049, buoyed in part by interest generated by tourism.
7. Business confidence: Q1-2018 saw 311 new business start-ups, a 17.5% drop from the same period last year.

View the Q1-2018 Dashboard

– 30 –

For more information and to schedule an interview, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724   E: elawson@sreda.com

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – The Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance (SEDA) has announced that SREDA has won the 2018 Marketing Innovation Award. This award is in recognition of SREDA’s marketing strategy for the video ‘The Saskatoon I Know’. The award was presented at the 2018 Intersections for Growth Conference held yesterday in Saskatoon.

‘The Saskatoon I Know’ video was developed by SREDA’s marketing team in collaboration with Backroad Media and spoken word artist, Isaac Bond. The concept of the video is centered on a poem written by SREDA’s President and CEO, Alex Fallon. The goal of the video was to create a feeling of pride amongst Saskatoonians for the city they live in, and to showcase Saskatoon to the world.

“Creativity and innovation are key components of everything we do at SREDA. It was important for us to create a video unlike any other economic development video, especially because Saskatoon is unlike any other city,” said Fallon. “The impact of the video has been outstanding. We released the video in March at our sold-out SREDA Forum 2018. The reaction was remarkable, with many people expressing a connection to the video’s words, imagery and overall feeling about what it is like to live in Saskatoon. After the event the video was made public and quickly went viral. The video has introduced and intrigued people from outside of Saskatoon to find out more about our great city.”

Project Impact:

• Over 4,000 website hits within 24 hours of launching thesaskatooniknow.com
• Over 16,000 views on Youtube
• Viewed in more than 50 different countries, from Germany to Ghana, Brazil to Japan
• Shared more than 60 times on social media
• Substantial increase in visits to SREDA’s main website SREDA.com

– 30 –

For more information and to schedule an interview, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724   E: elawson@sreda.com

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – Detecting tuberculosis in livestock and wild animals is a challenge worldwide. To meet the growing international demand for its test for mycobacterial disease, PBD Biotech, a U.K. based agriculture technology company, has established a Canadian subsidiary in Saskatoon to support its commercial infrastructure.

The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) played a significant role in the attraction of PBD Biotech. The company’s first visit to Saskatoon was through SREDA’s 2017 Agriculture Technology Harvest Program (HARVEST), where they traveled to Saskatoon to showcase their novel technology to organizations in Saskatchewan. The relationships formed have been so fruitful that the company has chosen Saskatoon for its base.

“Saskatchewan has long been a leader in animal and food health and is always looking to implement new processes and technology that benefit farmers and customers. PBD Biotech’s expansion to Saskatoon will position the company for success in the Canadian market and ensure we’re at the forefront of utilising innovative products in this key sector,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA.

PBD Biotech’s highly sensitive and specific assay detects live bacteria in the blood or milk of livestock such as cattle, sheep, elk and more exotic species in just six hours. The proven Actiphage technology has the potential to become a significant tool in the detection and control of tuberculosis, Johne’s disease and other mycobacteria diseases in animals as well as humans.

Announcement of PBD Biotech’s Canadian subsidiary comes during the company’s visit to Canada, as part of a wider trade mission supported by Innovate UK.

“We have generated substantial momentum in the Canadian sector both from food security and animal health perspectives, since we secured the Ag in Motion Innovation Award in 2017. It therefore makes good sense to launch our first international commercialisation programme into the Canadian market.  Canada will be our first overseas subsidiary but we now have a number of commercial opportunities all over the world that are ready to go. This is an exciting position to be in,” said Dr. Berwyn Clarke, CEO of PBD Biotech.

The new Actiphage test offers zoology and exotic species experts, food manufacturers, veterinary surgeons and farmers a rapid tool for early detection of live bacteria, facilitating improved food safety as well as containment and control of diseases.

– 30 –

For SREDA media enquiries, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724   E: elawson@sreda.com 

For PBD Biotech media enquiries, please contact:
Amy Waddell/Rachel Holdsworth
Holdsworth Associates PR
P: 01954 202789   E: amy.waddell@holdsworth-associates.co.uk

About PBD Biotech www.pbdbio.com
PBD Biotech Limited specialises in the use of novel bacteriophage-based technology in the field of veterinary diagnostics. The company has developed proprietary technology that can be used to detect the presence of mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium bovis (bovine TB) and Mycobacterium avium subsp.paratuberculosis (MAP; Johne’s Disease), which are significant causes of morbidity and loss of productivity in the agricultural industry. In addition, the technology has potential application in other bacterial systems.

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – Building on the success of a SREDA program launched last year, four international agricultural technology companies will again be showcased at the Ag in Motion expo at Langham, Sask., July 17 to 19.

The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) launched the Agriculture Technology Harvest Program (HARVEST) in 2017 to seek out innovative firms which could advance the business of farming in Saskatchewan. After promoting the program globally, 27 companies applied to the program and four were chosen to appear at Ag in Motion.

The program proved highly successful: one of the companies, PBD Biotech from the United Kingdom, a livestock disease detection firm, has established a Canadian subsidiary in Saskatoon to support its commercial infrastructure.

SREDA is pleased to announce the 2018 HARVEST winners are NRGene Ltd., an Israel-based plant genomics company; Iotag Pty Ltd. of Finley, Australia, developer of a livestock GPS tracking system; Aker Technologies Inc. from Illinois, which has created a high-tech pest and pathogen detection tool; and Holganix LLC of Pennsylvania, maker of 100 per cent natural soil nutrition products for turf and agricultural uses.

“The goal of our HARVEST program is to bring international agriculture technology companies to the Saskatoon Region to show them first-hand the strength of our agriculture industry and the strong potential for local partnerships,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO, SREDA.

“Ag in Motion is the perfect trade show for these companies to connect with farmers, learn about the Saskatchewan agriculture industry and connect with industry leaders.”

The 2018 winners were chosen by experts representing local and regional agricultural companies, organizations and government:  Ag-West Bio, Farm Credit Canada, Farm West Ag, Glacier FarmMedia, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade & Export Development, National Research Council Canada, Norseman Structures, Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute.

SREDA provides travel assistance to the winning companies, as well as networking opportunities and space in its Ag in Motion booth.

Ag in Motion, an initiative of Glacier FarmMedia Inc., is Western Canada’s outdoor farm expo and has grown dramatically since its founding four years ago.

“Ag in Motion has moved from a concept, a dream really, to a real life national event showcasing the latest in dryland agriculture equipment, crop and livestock technology,” said Rob O’Conner, Ag in Motion Show Director.

“It employs people from across the country, attracts people from around the globe but the focus remains in Western Canada. As a tourism event it attracts over 160 volunteers from local service groups, plus seasonal staff from the area.”

“The number of events held within Ag in Motion has tripled since last year. Exhibit numbers have increased year over year. Investment into the infrastructure at the site continues as well. In fact the size of the property has doubled. Our goal is to continue the success of Ag in Motion and to develop an event property that will attract large numbers of farmers and ag professionals to the region.”

– 30 –

For more information and to schedule an interview, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724 / (306) 716-7337   E: elawson@sreda.com

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – Today, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) released two publications: the Q2-2018 Economic Dashboard for the Saskatoon Region and the Q3-2018 Consensus Economic Survey for Saskatchewan. The dashboard looks back at the previous quarter and tracks sixteen economic indicators for the Saskatoon Region, whereas the forecast looks forward provincially to projected economic growth for 2018 and 2019.

The figures from both reports suggest the Saskatoon Region economy is fairly stable overall, although provincial growth projections for 2018 have been reduced. For Q2-2018, SREDA has maintained a B- grade for the local economy.

Based on the Q3-2018 Consensus Economic Survey, SREDA is forecasting a 1.5 percent growth for Saskatchewan this year which represents a decrease of 0.5 percent from earlier projections. Looking into 2019, SREDA forecasts that Saskatchewan will grow at a rate of 1.8 percent, down from its previous forecast of 2.1 percent.

“Although our provincial growth forecast has been revised downward, not least due to ongoing challenges in the mining sector, we still see some growth, albeit it more moderate for the local economy as a whole in 2018,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO, SREDA.

On a positive note, the Saskatoon Region continues to be a place people want to live, with population increasing 0.4 percent this quarter. Despite recent and significant job losses in the uranium sector, the labour market is showing signs of improvement with 4,100 net jobs created across all sectors so far this year, with particular seasonal gains in the agriculture and hospitality industries.

Seven reasons why the Saskatoon Region economy has shown signs of moderate growth:

1. Local GDP growth: Q2 economic outlook for the Saskatoon Region is little changed from Q1. The local economy is expected to grow 2.0 percent in 2018 and a slightly faster 2.3 percent in 2019, following a 2.8 percent advance in 2017.
2. Provincial GDP outlook: SREDA’s growth forecast for the province is for 1.5 percent growth in 2018, a downward revision from the previous quarter. Moving into 2019, SREDA forecasts a growth rate of 1.8 percent for Saskatchewan.
3. Tapering population growth: The Saskatoon Region’s population grew an estimated 0.4 percent in Q2-2018, slightly softer than in Q1. At 2.8 percent, the Saskatoon Region was the fastest growing metropolitan area in 2017 but recent rise in inter-provincial migration to Alberta and BC appear to be tempering the trend.
4. Job growth: The local economy added 2,433 jobs in Q2 but a concurrent increase in the labour force left the unemployment rate at 6.8 percent. Year-to-date, employment has increased by 4,100 net jobs.
5. Slower construction activity: The number of new residential construction starts continues to lag as high inventory and unsold units dampen builder confidence. As of June, construction has begun on 616 single-detached and multi-unit homes, 17.3 percent lower than the first half of 2017.
6. Still a buyers’ market: So far, existing home sales are down 7.6 percent, putting further pressure on prices in favour of buyers. Demand for new homes will continue to be impacted by tighter mortgage rules and anticipated increases in interest rates.
7. #Saskatooning: Skyxe passenger traffic continue to track above historical average, buoyed in part by interest generated by tourism. In the first six months of 2018, Skyxe saw a 3.5 percent growth in passenger traffic, mostly domestic passengers (+5.6 percent).

– 30 –

View Q2-2018 Economic Dashboard for the Saskatoon Region

View Q3-2018 Consensus Economic Survey for Saskatchewan

For more information and to schedule an interview, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724   E: elawson@sreda.com

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – Five local tech companies will be traveling to San Francisco next month as part the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority’s (SREDA) new entrepreneurship and business expansion program, The Tech Trip. Nine companies competed in the pitch competition where they were asked a series of questions related to their readiness for capital investment.

The winners will join representatives from SREDA and Co.Labs, Saskatchewan’s first technology accelerator, in San Francisco to meet with high-impact investors, mentors and technology experts who can help them take their startups to the next level and scale. In addition, the winners will be able to build their networks at an event hosted by the Canadian in Tech (C100).

“The Tech Trip will help Saskatoon-based entrepreneurs grow their technology companies and in turn further strengthen our growing technology sector. Our local tech entrepreneurs have world-class ideas, and we’re excited for them to represent Saskatoon’s talent in San Fran,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO, SREDA.

“Speak with any Founder of a tech startup in Canada and they will tell you the same thing, ‘you don’t need to live in The Valley in order to succeed, but The Valley does need to live in you’. Over the last number of years we have seen cities across North America flourish in building their local tech ecosystems and Saskatoon is no different. That said, in order for our local tech startups to compete on the global level and win their market, they must be exposed to people (investors, entrepreneurs, partners) who have built and scaled billion-dollar tech companies. The Tech Trip will have a seismic impact on these startups and we are thrilled to be working with SREDA on this initiative,” said Jordan Dutchak, Executive Director, Co.Labs.

The five selected companies for The Tech Trip are:

Curbie: Brings transparency and quality to the Canadian pre-owned car market and uses technology to transform the experience of buying and selling used vehicles.

Offstreet: A tool for parking lot managers and operators to improve the parking experience and reduce enforcement costs for lot owners.

SalonScale: Software that uses Bluetooth scales to measure the exact cost of each hair colour bowl to allow for a more consistent bottom line at hair salons.

SkillShark.net: A platform that allows coaches to effectively evaluate athletes in various team sports and run reports to get full information, ratings, and rankings on players.

Skylitelabs: A platform that optimizes your life by unifying all of your smart home devices with the power of machine learning.

– 30 –

For more information, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724   E: elawson@sreda.com

Connections between Silicon Valley and the Saskatoon Region was the main takeaway five technology startups had from a recent trip to San Francisco. These links were made as a result of SREDA’s new entrepreneurship and business expansion program called The Tech Trip (TTT).

Launched in partnership with Co.Labs, TTT provided local tech entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet with high-impact investors, mentors and industry experts who could help them take their startups to the next level and scale. To secure their spot on this trip, local entrepreneurs competed in a pitch competition with SREDA and Co.Labs.

SkillShark was one of the five successful companies who were able to take part in this program. Neil Anderson said this trip helped foster new connections that could help make their business grow.

“These new connections provided benefit in two main areas. The first was better insight into what it takes to manage and grow a tech startup company from those who have great experience in the area and have a mutual interest to see prosperity in Saskatchewan companies. And the second was strategic connections, which can help take our business to the next level.”

Alicia Soulier from Salon Scale agreed, adding they learned a lot in San Francisco and also from the other TTT participants.

“We’re usually so wrapped up in running our companies and not asking for help or discussing our strategies. This trip helped form stronger connections to the people who are growing their companies alongside me in a new and challenging environment.”

SREDA President and CEO Alex Fallon said he was happy to hear about the tangible successes that came from TTT.

“We know that the Saskatoon Region is home to an innovative and cutting edge technology sector, and it’s great to be able to support our local talent on the world stage through a program like TTT,” he said. “By helping to facilitate connections between the Saskatoon Region and Silicon Valley, our hope is to help further strengthen our growing technology sector and attract more talent and investments to our region.”

WARMAN, SK – The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN) and Great Plains College were proud to award the second SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship (SIEDS) to Melvina Aubichon at a luncheon on February 22.

The SIEDS scholarship was created in 2018 to recognize leaders in the Indigenous community by offering a scholarship to an Indigenous student who is actively enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Community Economic Development. The program is offered by Cape Breton University and hosted at Great Plains College Warman Campus.

“We must build a more inclusive economy, and one way to help achieve that goal is to ensure the next generation of Indigenous leaders get involved in economic development-related careers in the Saskatoon Region, said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA. “The SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholarship helps current students to become future leaders and we’re proud to be a part of this initiative with Great Plains College and SFNEDN.”

This year’s recipient, Melvina Aubichton of English River First Nation, has been involved in Indigenous economic development since a very young age helping her father run his businesses. After a short time working at a northern mine site, she returned to school to pursue her passion for administration and economic development – first with a Business Administration diploma from Saskatchewan Polytechnic followed by a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and her current enrolment in the MBA program.

Throughout her career she has held positions with Saskatoon Tribal Council, advising First Nations individuals on career development and labour force participation, she has participated as a board member to the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (a national economic and community development advisory organization), and was a part of the founding group for the Saskatchewan First Nation Economic Development Network. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Des Nedhe Development Corporation of English River First Nation.

Upon completion of the MBA in Community Economic Development, Melvina’s goal is to engage more employers and industries in meaningful, long-term employment opportunities for Indigenous people, particularly in northern Saskatchewan.

“We’re honoured to again present this scholarship to a very deserving candidate who is active in her community, is passionate about First Nations economic development, and continues to push herself to grow through higher education opportunities,” said Carrie Voysey, director of development and communications at Great Plains College. “Melvina has already had a great impact on the communities and organizations she’s been involved with, and we look forward to seeing that impact grow as she completes the MBA program.”

Students who qualify for this annual scholarship can receive up to $5,000 toward their education in the MBA in Community Economic Development program in their first or second year of study. SREDA has invested a total of $10,000 to be spread across four academic years. The Government of Saskatchewan has matched this investment, through its Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program, to total $20,000.

“The SFNEDN is pleased to extend our congratulations to Melvina Aubichon, the 2019 recipient of the SREDA Indigenous Economic Development Scholalrship” said Shaun Soonias, Executive Director of the SFNEDN.  “Melvina has contributed for many years and in a number of meaningful ways towards Indigenous economic development in Saskatchewan.”

The MBA in Community Economic Development is offered on alternate weekends over a two-year period at Great Plains College Warman Campus, with the next cohort beginning January 2020. This program allows students to earn an innovative MBA while working, with a focus on strategic leadership, First Nations economic development and public policy.

– 30 –

About SREDA
The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) strengthens and grows the local economy by providing programs and services in the areas of business attraction and expansion; entrepreneurship support; regional economic development and planning; Indigenous economic development; economic intelligence; and marketing the Saskatoon Region and talent attraction. For more information, visit SREDA.com.

About Great Plains College
Great Plains College offers post-secondary certificate, diploma and degree programs – as well as university, skills and safety training, adult basic education and English language training – at locations across western Saskatchewan including Kindersley, Swift Current, Warman, Biggar, Maple Creek and Rosetown.

About the SFNEDN
Established in 2012, the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network (SFNEDN) was created organically through discussions among key First Nations economic development leaders who shared common goals and a vision for First Nations economic development in Saskatchewan. The mission of SFNEDN is “To promote and support the sustainable economic livelihood of Saskatchewan First Nations communities through building capacity, relationships and knowledge” focusing on capacity development, networking, communications and research and advocacy.

Saskatoon. San Francisco. Tech. Entrepreneurs.

One lucky local tech company will be traveling to San Francisco in October as part of the SREDA’s entrepreneurship and business expansion program, The Tech Trip. Patricia Tozatti founder of SnowHydro Tech was chosen as the first winner of The Tech Trip 2019 at last night’s Co.Launch event.

“The Tech Trip will help Saskatoon-based entrepreneurs grow their technology companies and in turn further strengthen our growing technology sector. Our local tech entrepreneurs have world-class ideas, and we’re excited for them to represent Saskatoon’s talent in San Fran. You can be the best in the world, from anywhere in the world,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO, SREDA.

Now in its second year, The Tech Trip is a competition for local tech companies to join representatives from SREDA and Co.Labs in San Francisco and meet with high-impact investors, mentors and technology experts who can help take their startups to the next level and scale.

Applications for The Tech Trip will open in late-June. Local tech companies are encouraged to apply for a chance to experience and learn from one of the most successful tech ecosystems in the world.

Shenuka Wickramasinghe, Manager of Entrepreneurship at SREDA presenting Patricia Tozatti founder of SnowHydro with the first ticket to San Francisco.

North America’s leading economic development publication, Site Selection Magazine, has recognized the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) as one of Canada’s top-performing economic development agencies. This is the second year in the past three years SREDA has made the list.

“This is a very big deal! To be recognized by Site Selection Magazine validates the impressive work by the SREDA team in promoting the Saskatoon Region across Canada and internationally to attract people, business and investment to our Region to create jobs and grow the local economy,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA.

SREDA strengthens and grows the local economy through business attraction and expansion; entrepreneurship; regional economic development and planning; indigenous economic development; economic intelligence and marketing the Saskatoon Region and talent attraction. In recent months SREDA has successfully delivered many innovative economic development programs including:

• The Agriculture Technology HARVEST Program, a business attraction program where technology companies competed to travel to Saskatoon to showcase their technology
• The Science, Technology Innovation and Collaboration Awards, a celebration of the brightest minds in our science and technology sectors
• The Tech Trip, an entrepreneurship program for local tech companies to travel to San Francisco to meet with high-impact investors and mentors who can help take their startups to the next level and scale
• Supporting the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth Plan (P4G), a long-term regional growth plan for land use and serving.

“Five years ago SREDA set the bold goal of transforming the organization into one of the best economic development agency in Canada. Who would have thought SREDA would be selected not once, but twice, as a leading economic development agency in Canada!” added Fallon. “To be included amongst large economic development agencies such as Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, shows that when you think big, take risks and execute you can become world-class, regardless of the size of your organization or budget.”

For the complete list of Site Selection Magazine’s rankings, visit: SiteSelection.com

Four local tech companies will be traveling to San Francisco next month as part SREDA’s second annual entrepreneurship program, The Tech Trip. Winners were selected based on the viability of their technology, their current business stage and ultimately their readiness for capital investment.

The winners will join representatives from SREDA and Co.Labs, Saskatchewan’s first technology accelerator, in San Francisco to meet with high-impact investors, mentors and technology experts who can help take their start-ups to the next level and scale.

“Our local tech entrepreneurs have outstanding ideas that are solving world-wide issues and making global impact. You can be the best in the world from anywhere in the world, and Saskatoon’s tech companies are a prime example of this,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA. “The Tech Trip will help Saskatoon-based entrepreneurs take their technology companies to the next level and scale and in turn further strengthen and grow our local economy. We are excited to have four exceptional entrepreneurs and companies represent Saskatoon in San Fran.”

“I once heard the saying ‘you do not have to live in the Bay Area to build a billion-dollar tech company, but the Bay Area must live in you’. Engaging with mentors, investors, and potential customers in San Francisco can be a game-changer for many startups and TTT offers that opportunity. We are proud to work with SREDA on this fantastic initiative which will elevate Saskatoon’s early-stage tech community,” said Jordan Dutchak, Executive Director of Co.Labs.

The four selected companies for The Tech Trip are:

Better Cart, a smart shopping app that enables people to search, list and save their grocery items and compare grocery prices in real time based on geographic location.

Canadian Home Buyers Guide, an app that makes the home buying process simpler, more concise and cost-effective.

Hugr, a business to consumer app that aims to fill a gap in the digital mental health market by integrating mental health education, real life social support and mental health tracking.

Sezzwho, software designed to anonymously capture the overall emotion, sentiment, engagement and satisfaction of teams by analyzing daily messages through company email and chat.

For more information on The Tech Trip, visit: https://sreda.com/why-saskatoon/business-incentives/the-tech-trip/