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Action Swift Current BR&E Toolkit The Action Swift Current Tool Kit has been developed to assist other communities that are interested in attempting a Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) project. Action Swift Current based their project on various other BR&E initiatives that have taken place across Canada and the United States. Through this process, Action Swift Current was able to mold the basic framework to suit the specific needs of the community of Swift Current. Initially, a MS Powerpoint presentation was created to educate the public about the BR&E process. Training sessions were held to assist the volunteer visitors and Leadership Team members in conducting the BR&E survey. The following resources were created: Business listings from the City of Swift Current and the Rural Municipality of Swift Current were used to randomly select businesses to survey. The Leadership Team contacted all the selected businesses and the businesses who agreed to participate were sent a letter along with a copy of the survey and a brochure. A lengthy survey was modified by the Action Swift Current leadership team, and an additional component was added strictly for manufacturers. "Red Flag" forms were also created to allow businesses to communicate urgent needs. A worksheet and follow-up sheet were created for the Leadership Team to use in addressing these matters. Action Swift Current recognized the contributions of volunteer visitors, volunteer firms and sponsors at a celebration barbeque. The event helped stakeholders network and generated a lot of energy amongst all those involved. Below is the event program which you may find of use: A few months after the survey was complete and the results were received, Action Swift Current held a meeting of community stakeholders who did a SWOT analysis of the community, along with identifying possible community projects. This information was sent to the University of Minnesota and they prepared the Research Report. This covered such topics as the background of the program, profile of Swift Current's economy, survey and survey results and potential projects for the community. This Report was used for a Community Retreat where community stakeholders selected the projects that they felt were key to the development of the community of Swift Current. Attached are samples of information used for this event.The following Powerpoint presentation is an updated presentation (July 2003) that is used to educate the public about the BR&E process and Action Swift Current.
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