At an open meeting in Virden on Wednesday, Jan. 17, the public is invited to hear plans for local economic growth in Westman.
Dennis County Development Partnership (DCDP) representing the Town of Virden, RMs of Wallace-Woodworth and Pipestone was created last year, in hopes that working together in the region the municipalities’ economies might be expanded.
An Investment Attraction and Economic Development Strategy started last year with the Dennis County Partnership hiring MDB Insight, an economic development consulting firm to assist with the project.
MDB Insight has worked with staff, councillors, and the business community from the three municipalities to explore and identify opportunities to encourage investment and build industry capacity within the area. The consulting firm also explored how the Partnership’s municipalities can leverage their strengths and assets to attract business investment in southwestern Manitoba.
Facilitated by the consultants, DCDP held a number of focus groups in the communities of Kenton, Reston, Elkhorn and Virden, as part of the economic development strategy. They listened as citizens, business and civic leaders discussed the strengths and weaknesses of their communities.
Recently, DCDP reviewed and approved the results of the strategy which will now be presented to councils and the public at the open meeting at Tundra Oil & Gas Place, Jan. 17.
“The DCDP is eager to present the strategic plan to the public, which involves development of the partnership through various activities and projects,” stated Mayor of Virden Jeff McConnell. “The DCDP anticipates that the activities will elevate our region as a place to do business and strengthen the regional economy.”
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
