Community Economic Development is based on the foundational premise that each community (or region) has within itself or within its grasp considerable capacity and opportunity to fine-tune its social, economic and environmental future. It is often about local people taking responsibility. It is often about changing perspectives and choices with respect to development options, community resources, market parameters and decision making capability. Within the last decade, independent and locally owned businesses around the world have begun to actively engage in building sustainable economies. These businesses are accountable to stakeholders and the environment. They are more than employers and profit-makers; they are neighbors, community builders and the starting point for social innovation, aligning commerce with the common good and bringing transparency, accountability, and a caring human face to the marketplace. They are active change agents. Evidence of the desire and readiness to bring small business leaders together with economic development professionals, government officials, social innovators, and community leaders to build living economies in Saskatchewan was evident at the March 24 - 25, 2009 Supporting the Growth of Local Living Economies Conference in Saskatoon. SEDA feels it is now important to strengthen these connections to encourage thriving local and regional economies in Saskatchewan. By fostering local business and community networks dedicated to Living Economy principles, SEDA will also achieve its mandate of assisting Saskatchewan communities to grow and direct their economic future. We are therefore pleased to establish this virtual incubator and act as network convenor to foster local and regional living economies in our province. Within this site, you will find some basic PRINCIPLES & BUILDING BLOCKS. A set of online RESOURCES is also provided (via other likeminded networks and organizations). An ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM is provided for Saskatchewan businesses, individuals and organizations that are in alignment with Living Economy Principles. SEDA will compile and make available an online directory of stakeholders interested in joining this network. A ListServ will also be established to disseminate newsworthy information as provided by Alliance stakeholders and other sources. This web page will function as a gathering place by which you, as Living Economy advocates, can take further action as desired at a local and regional level. Coming together to form your own local or regional network may be your first step with focus held on a single issue, such as independent retail (a Local First campaign) or local food. Or, it might be bigger, such as transforming an entire regional economy. Each network evolves according to the needs and conditions of the local community or region with the ultimate goal of building a Living Economy. SEDA will endeavor to support and connect emerging groups with other networks. We look forward to supporting the ever-expanding constituency for sustainable businesses and sustainable communities in Saskatchewan. For more information contact SEDA's Executive Director, Verona Thibault by E-mail: verona.thibault@seda.sk.ca or Phone at 1-306-384-5817.
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