A stronger economy in the region is projected by Stettler Board of Trade and Community Development.
“It appears we have some positive signs for additional employment opportunities in 2010,” said Keith Ryder, executive director of the board of trade as he presented plans and the budget for 2010 at the regular council meeting of the Town of Stettler on Jan. 5.
“We will continue to promote Stettler outside its borders to attract new residents and we have a good inventory of housing at a variety of prices.”
“Stettler has excellent community facilities and services in all areas of recreation, culture and education.”
Serving the region, the Stettler board of trade functions as an information centre to draw new businesses to the community.
“We have become a centre for many agencies and we provide current information to potential developers and businesses and to realtors,” said Ryder.
To further promote the region, the board of trade will soon unveil a new video of the region and upgraded its website.
“We will continue to work with town administration to produce a professional and well-thought-out strategic plan for the future,” said Ryder who served as the town’s mayor from 1995 to 2004.
Steps to develop a strategic plan is a priority that council identified in the town sustainability plan that was adopted last year.
Attracting physicians to the region remains another top priority as the board of trade facilities a committee with the Town of Stettler and the County of Stettler.
“We have strengthened our medical services,” said Ryder.
As a tourist destination, Stettler is promoted through the board of trade as a member of Canadian Badlands, Boomtown Trail, Trail of the Buffalo, Central Alberta Tourism, Red Deer Regional Tourism and Travel Alberta.
“We’re kind of in the middle of several tourism regions,” said Ryder, stressing that each is valuable to the Stettler area.
Plans are well underway for two major special events strongly supported by the board of trade.
The 30th annual Stettler Trade Show returns April 9 to 11 at Stettler Recreation Centre while the board of trade is a strong partner in the Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede that returns this August.
For more information on the board of trade, phone 403-742-3181.