Swan Valley RISE
Our Story
Swan Valley Regional Initiative for a Strong Economy Inc. (RISE), was established by a group of municipalities who recognized the necessity of an active, strategic approach to economic development. The name “RISE” reflects the mandate of increasing economic growth to ensure a sustainable and viable future for the Swan Valley region.
The RISE Board of Directors is comprised of two representatives from each municipality that is financially supporting the initiative. To date, the Town of Swan River, Town of Minitonas, RM of Swan River, RM of Mountain, and RM of Minitonas have each committed 3 years of funding to RISE.
Strategic planning sessions involving municipal officials from each of Swan Valley’s seven municipalities identified the following 3 areas as initial RISE priorities:
- Creating a Climate for Economic Growth
- Supporting the Retention and Expansion of Local Businesses
- Developing the Region as a Visitor Destination
Economic development activities began in January, 2012 led by Shauna Klekta, Economic Development Officer and focus on larger projects and initiatives. Swan Valley RISE has welcomed the opportunity to work with existing businesses, groups and organizations to coordinate efforts, leverage resources and maximize results.
As part of Creating a Climate for Economic Growth, Swan Valley RISE has had significant involvement in efforts to revitalize Medical Services in the Swan Valley. A joint stakeholder committee between RISE and members from the Health Facilities Foundation, G7 Medical Services Committee, Regional Health Authority, service clubs, business owners and individual community members is actively working to formalize doctor recruiting and retention strategies and to investigate medical clinic options.
Swan Valley RISE has been working with the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce, MAFRI, Employment Manitoba and Community Futures to determine what services are currently available to assist businesses and to identify potential opportunities to further support the Retention and Expansion of Local Businesses.
To date, efforts to Develop the Region as a Visitor Destination have centered around showcasing our Valley to visitors attending the 2012 Power Smart Summer Games. Swan Valley RISE worked with the 2012 Swan Valley Host Society, local Municipalities, the Visitor Information Centre, Valley in the Mountains, Communities in Bloom, the Chamber of Commerce and business owners to enhance the visitor experience of our guests. RISE also created a promotional video featuring pictures of local attractions and events that was displayed during the Summer Games at the Visitor Information Centre as well as in stores, restaurants, hotels and other public places. The video can be used in future promotional activities and has been posted on YouTube. Click the link in this post to watch the video.