Southwest "brand" sought to help promote the region

Action Southwest will be hosting a trio of meetings across the Southwest in order to provide input towards the development of a "brand" to better promote Southwest Saskatchewan

Meetings are set for Assiniboia (Tuesday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kinsmen Club), Swift Current (Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Entrepreneurial Centre), and Maple Creek (Thursday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jasper Centre).

In Phase I of this brand development process, organizers are reaching out to stakeholders and the public throughout the region. They are seeking input and comment on the process to confirm that this initiative is understood and supported.

A total of 22 partners representing private and public sector business, federal, provincial and municipal government are considering the possibility of developing a brand for the Southwest region.

"What we know is rural Saskatchewan has to start looking at new ways to compete in today's market place," said Sandra Blyth project manager for Action Southwest. "We aren't just competing with businesses an hour or two up the road anymore, our industries are competing with firms and regions overseas; firms and regions that understand the importance of marketing and building an identity to give you a step up above the rest."

Darren Nimegeers, of Hay & Associates Communications the marketing team commissioned for the project stated, "there are businesses, communities and areas in the southwest that have invested in branding themselves which is essential to serving their individual needs. Now we are looking at a regional brand which would be all encompassing. This type of brand is not just about selling a certain product it's also about attracting people, investment capital and new support industries to the region. It's about selling the greatness of the Southwest, an identity that may capture the welcoming spirit of your people and the pride you have in your region. It is also a place where opportunities are bountiful and where a quality of life is affordable".

The first phase of the project will be introducing the concept of a regional brand to the Southwest and determining if in fact, it is a project the region supports.

Organizers are hoping to have as many people from the region participate and are offering two ways to do so. The first is to attend one of the three information sessions or to participate on-line at www.southwestbranding.com.

If you want to learn more about the project call Action Southwest at 778-6445.