The concerns of the southeast are not falling on deaf ears with it comes to the provincial stage. The Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Economic Development Association recently met in Saskatoon and Estevan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Jackie Wall was in attendance. 

"I am a director at large at SEDA," Wall explained, "It was the board of the Chamber that got me involved with SEDA. It was two years ago that I became a board member with SEDA and at that time, there was no one in the economic development role and the Chamber was really looking at ways we could help to support the work of economic development and figure out how we could make the best situations for Estevan and fill that role."

 "SEDA is a provincial organization. SEDA stands for Saskatchewan Economic Development Association. However, moving forward we are putting forth the motion that we are now going to be known as Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance."

She added that the word association has a looser terminology and they want to emphasize the work they do together to create economic development. 

"The work is ongoing and it's more of an alliance where we're really pulling together partners who want to see economic development flourish within Saskatchewan, and SEDA is the leader in educating and support economic development throughout our province."

"The other thing about SEDA is, it's independent. It is not government funded. So we really need the partners to work with us on events and of course, members." 

The group also hosts many functions throughout the year.

"The focus yesterday was strategic planning. We were really trying to make sure that SEDA is serving our members and focusing on exactly how we can do that with supporting economic development."

"We do have a new economic development officer at the Cirt of Estevan which is under the direction of the economic development committee and that is the work that SEDA supports. And they are a fantastic resource to bring new development into communities are to even work with existing businesses."

"My highlight from yesterday was how focused the board was on doing fantastic work to support the members and to grow economic development throughout our province."

"A lot of people in Estevan aren't aware that Estevan does have a voice on the provincial level with SEDA as well as with the Chamber. It's a really unique role. I think I'm the only Chamber executive that is one the SEDA board. It's a really nice way for me to bridge the gap between what is happening provincially with SEDA and what's also happening locally with the Chamber. It's a unique role and I'm enjoying it."