Steinbach Economic Development fields questions from city council

The Steinbach Economic Development Corporation (SED) gave a presentation to city council on Tuesday and fielded questions from councillors. 

This presentation came on the heels of the first Steinbach Economic Development AGM and strategic planning session last week. The Steinbach Economic Development office has been around for approximately four years but is only now a stand-alone corporation with its own board.  

The City of Steinbach is one of the key funders of SED, having kicked off the pilot project alongside private stakeholders. 

The SED presentation given to council was very similar to the information presented at last week’s AGM, outlining progress over the last few years and their vision for the future.  

Given that the vision of SED is to see Steinbach become a centre of advanced Agri-business in Canada, Councillor Michael Zwaagstra asked President Christine Beaumont if this would keep Steinbach from pursuing other types of business. 

“I think sometimes we don't necessarily realize how having a focus on one sector, all the things that spin off of that. If you're bringing in new business and you have an increased workforce and you have more people buying homes and you have more people eating out, all those things tie into each other.” 

In addition, Beaumont says they are certainly ready to help any business that wants to grow in Steinbach or move to the region. 

Councillor Damian Penner asked Beaumont to clarify how they differ in goals from the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce. 

She replied “The focus is different. It's networking, it's advocacy, and it's education on the chamber side. Where Steinbach Economic Development is different, is now we're looking at the community, we're looking at the workforce, we're promoting Steinbach outside of the borders, connecting provincially, connecting at the federal level and even internationally.” 

Reiterating her point, Beaumont says the Chamber of Commerce's focus is on supporting their member businesses. 

Councillor Jake Hiebert asked Director of Economic Development Michelle Bezditny what Steinbach would need to attract a large manufacturer. 

“When it comes to other investment readiness capacities if water, wastewater, serviced land, not available land, but serviced land, some of these large manufacturers are really requiring some significant inputs and outputs.” 

On the other hand, Bezditny notes “the main advantages is the ease in and out of the city and the specific industrial zones that have been highlighted and targeted.” 

When asked if SED is currently courting any large manufactures or similar business, Bezditny added “we have had those conversations with the province, and they haven't transpired into anything further at this point.” 

Bezdinty says now that there is a collaborative approach with buy-in from the City of Steinbach, and private stakeholders through the SED, we should have more opportunity to attract large investors going forward.