The chief executive officer of Enterprise Saskatchewan was back home in north Battleford to tout the economic opportunities available in Saskatchewan
Chris Dekker was in the city to speak at a noon luncheon at the Western Development Museum hosted by Enterprise Saskatchewan.
Dekker, who in his introduction was described as someone who could have gone the route of his brothers, David Dekker and Harry Michael Dekker, in the radio industry, has ended up with a prominent career in the field of economic development. He was appointed CEO of Enterprise Saskatchewan July 16 following a brief period as interim CEO. He had also been a senior vice-president of marketing and communications with the organization, and had been employed for several years with the City of Saskatoon as manager of public affairs and special projects.
Dekker talked at length about the workings and responsibilities of the organization, which began operations last year to replace the old system of regional economic development authorities. He described Enterprise Saskatchewan as a special operating agency designed to keep Saskatchewan at the forefront of the competitive envelope to "attract business and lead the world."
He described the organization's mandate to "push the competitive envelope" and to work closely with business and industry, led by an independent board of directors.
Dekker noted the role of the organization was to create a business climate for business people to do what they do best, such as expand and create jobs.
"We create that climate and then we get out of the way," Dekker said, noting that's why you won't see them at ribbon cuttings because that's what business is supposed to do.
He says they view the role of Enterprise Saskatchewan as similar to that of special effects in a movie: "it should help tell the story but should never be the story."
Dekker also talked about the agency's successes and the province's prosperity, including some of the work Enterprise Saskatchewan did to help set up the New West Partnership, which saw the removal of trade barriers between Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
He said the Saskatchewan story was a great one and a major part of the agency's marketing effort, pointing to the province's growth in population, low unemployment rate, leading GDP growth rate and entrepreneurial atmosphere.
Dekker pointed to how blessed Saskatchewan is with resources such as uranium and potash, as well as untapped supplies of oil and gas, in addition to their strength in agriculture through increased diversification.
"We have what the world wants, or better yet, we have what the world needs," Dekker said.
Dekker also pointed to quotes from CEOs and from around the media touting Saskatchewan's economic growth to support what he was saying, quoting CNN Radio's description of Saskatchewan as an "economic superstar."
Dekker took several questions from the audience including from Saskatchewan Liberal leader Ryan Bater. Bater was general manager of the Battlefords REDA before it was replaced by the North West Enterprise Region.
Bater wanted to know Dekker's thoughts about Enterprise Saskatchewan operating at an arm's length from government. Dekker responded it was one of their advantages and one of their disadvantages, saying they "have a foot in both graves."
The Enterprise Saskatchewan CEO said the agency was able to adapt to change more quickly by being further from government and closer to business, noting the immediate feedback they get from those on the ground.
But the agency isn't completely at arm's length because they still are 100 per cent funded by taxpayer dollars. They are still accountable to those elected and must still go through the estimates process, he said.
"We're still trying to find our feet in that regard," Dekker said.
