City of North Battleford personnel are saying their latest appearance at the 2013 International Council of Shopping Centres convention in Whistler, B.C. was worthwhile.
Director of Business Development Denis Lavertu was at the convention, which wrapped up a couple of weeks ago.
In a statement Lavertu said he conducted one-on-one presentations with potential investors and real estate brokers to introduce them to high profile development sites in North Battleford. He noted the discussions have yielded some prospects.
"We had requests from within the commercial retail network for specific information about North Battleford from over 20 real estate firms, development companies and retailers. As a result of attending ICSC, we will also be hosting two developers who expressed immediate interest in a site tour of North Battleford."
Lavertu added, "if a retailer or developer expresses interest in private property, we certainly make every effort to gain their investment. The more business in North Battleford, the better."
This is the third year in a row Lavertu attended the ICSC convention in Whistler, an event attended by some 2,000 delegates including national retailers, investors and real estate brokers.
This year's attendance by Lavertu, however, did not come without debate at City Hall. While pre-budget approval for the trip did pass at council in December, councillors Ryan Bater and Trent Houk voted against it, with both questioning whether the trip was the best use of time and money.
