Majority of economic growth in Steinbach to come from within

It's the dawn of a new era for the Steinbach Economic Development Corporation as they held their first-ever AGM this past week.

"It means now we are fully independent cooperation here to serve the community of Steinbach," Michelle Bezditny says proudly.

"We had our public stakeholders present, our private stakeholders present and ultimately it was an opportunity to chat about some of the things that transpired in the last year and a reflection on what the direction looks like for the future."

Bezditny says it was exciting getting into specific details with those in attendance.

"There's a very important stat we want to highlight", Bezditny adds. "80% of economic growth comes from within the existing community."

The vision of Steinbach Economic Development (SED) is to be the centre of advanced agro-business in Canada.

"So we look at what SED can do to help ease that for the businesses who have been here for a long period of time, have invested in the community, considering that 80% growth rate."

SED sees the future and is prepared to lead the way.

"We've reframed that vision from agriculture to agribusiness. That does not mean we're forgoing the primary ag practices but what does it mean to incorporate remote sensing technology, precision ag, and clean technology. We've defined what agribusiness is, we've identified why it's right for Steinbach and we've also identified how it is different what from Steinbach is already doing. Ultimately, how it defines and drives SED's role."

Bezditny says the vision is already working as it helps promote Steinbach and introduce SED to key prospects. Within Steinbach, the vision is used to rally the community to support the economic development goals.

"Steinbach has always had a strong and collaborative business culture, and now added to that is a sense of a common cause. Promoting individual businesses absolutely, but also promoting Steinbach as a whole."

After the AGM, there was a strategic meeting with the board of directors and Bezditny details what may be coming next.

"With economic development, there is a ton of opportunity, so now it's about refining what that now looks like considering resources, considering capacity. We have a very intelligent and knowledgeable board of directors, so we took a look at some opportunities in 10 years, 5 years and breaking it down into the 2 years of where SED would like to be in that time frame considering business retention and expansion, investment attraction, workforce development and quality of life."

The next step is an operational plan and to be a part of the bright and growing future of Steinbach, Bezditny says SED is honored and humbled.

"To be a part of a group of thought leaders who are very intentional when thinking about not just Steinbach now but into the future. We're honored to collaborate with the city of Steinbach. We understand and continue to recognize the importance of that collaboration, of that partnership, of working together as we both continue to advance economic growth and development for the city of Steinbach."