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Value-Added Agricultural Ventures Project Overview Fourteen of the firms surveyed called for businesses that would process agricultural commodities to add value and thereby capture revenue, job and tax-base benefits which are currently going outside of Swift Current. An ethanol plant and a meat packing plant were each mentioned more than once. At the Research Review meeting the wind industry (i.e. wind turbines) was suggested as another possible value-added industry to explore. Beyond that, 16 of the firms called for more manufacturing of any variety because of the spin-off benefit that primary industry creates for the rest of the economy. A total of 15 percent of the firms called for more manufacturing establishments. A significant number of firms interviewed in the BR&E visitation process called for external recruiting - ten firms called for "any" new business to be added while 52 percent of firms called for more aggressive external recruiting. The short-term goals for this project were:
The long-term goals for this project are:
The expected outcome of this project is to have a vibrant, diversified community. Progress To Date The Value-Added Agricultural Ventures project committee is currently in the midst of a structural revamp. Action Swift Current is working to merge the Regional Economic Development project committee to form a new Action Southwest initiatve. The project is still in the planning & development stage, but it's general focus will be on the development of four key industry clusters: value-added agriculture, energy, manufacturing and tourism. We encourage you to check back regularly for progress updates. Meanwhile, you can browse the Engaging Industry Innovation project proposal. We'd welcome any feedback you could offer. |
