Each year, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) presents ‘The Bruce Richet Award’ to a deserving individual that displays immense commitment to regional economic development. This year’s recipient was Martensville’s own Dillon Shewchuk, City of Martensville Community Economic Development Manager.
This award was created in 2016 as a way to recognize the exceptional service of Bruce Richet, who represented the Saskatoon Region on the SREDA Board of Directors beginning in 1995. Throughout the years, Richet served on all internal committees, chaired the Regional Committee and, in 2013, became the Board Chairman. Richet also provided leadership to the SREDA Regional Committee for over 20 years, and helped to prepare member communities for growth through regional planning.
There is certain criteria that must be met for applicants who are to be nominated and cannot self-nominate and they must be a SREDA member. Criteria include items such as; they must be a staff, volunteer, or elected official; they have to have over ten years of consistent effort within the field and they must also work and reside within the Saskatoon Region. Additionally, applicants must show regional leadership and display a high level of regional participation, as well as be involved with regional governance aspects.
Shewchuk was awarded ‘The Bruce Richet Award’ at the August 9th City of Martensville Committee of the Whole meeting and received this honour based on his dedication to the development of Martensville throughout the past 13 years.
“Dillon is a ‘keener’ that understands the moods of the local economy and is a strategic influencer when it comes to anticipating growth,” said Bruce Richet. “This intelligent, hardworking and humble young man from Saskatchewan found his place within the regional economic growth center of the province and every day shows his passion for helping existing and new businesses succeed.
Throughout his time with the City of Martensville, Shewchuk has served on numerous boards, and committees that are focused on regional economic development, including the Saskatchewan Economic Developers Alliance (SEDA) Board, SREDA Regional Committee, and the MidSask Community Futures Board.
“Dillon is so deserving of this award. He is a tireless advocate for our community. His work often goes unnoticed by the public, but he has built deep connections with business owners in our community and region,” Martensville Mayor Kent Muench stated. “It is these relationships that allow him to be so successful in bridging the needs between current and prospective business owners and the city. On behalf of the City of Martensville, I truly would like to congratulate Dillon on this award,” Muench added.
“Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed the growth of Martensville and the impact this has had on the entire region. Dillon has played a key role in this, and we are pleased to recognize his long-standing dedication to growing our regional economy with this award,” said Alex Fallon, SREDA Team Lead and CEO.
