Local business leaders say economic growth is being limited by the lack of vision from elected officials. The Manitoba government has initiated an economic development plan, asking municipalities for suggestions on how to enhance the current economic environment.

Morden District & Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) held a roundtable inviting businesses in the community to collect information for the Growth and Trade Division of the provincial government.

Businesses were asked three questions: What is working in the current economic climate? What are the challenges that are limiting business growth? How can businesses overcome those hurdles?

MDCC Vice Chair, Grant Nickelson, says there was plenty of recognition for the elements which compose Manitoba's economy.

"Natural resources in Manitoba, with transportation being the hub for North America being centrally located that provided a good opportunity. We do have a good foundation for manufacturing, those were some good opportunities for growth."

He notes agriculture was another of the sectors which were brought up around his table.

Many had positive things to say about the economic resources in the province, however, many felt that challenges holding back economic growth were the lack of vision from elected officials.

"That's part of what the coordinated growth strategy is about," says Nickelson. "Getting more coordination, more collaboration from the government on economic growth strategy programs."

In Mantiboa there is a real need for a trained workforce. To address this concern the tables suggested there need to be more resources for education which would give employees the skills they needed to fill the open positions.

Nickleson says we have strong businesses but without skilled workers, those businesses can not thrive.

During discussions, it was clear that people want strong leadership which has a clear goal and identity for the economic future of the province.

Many of the tables felt red tape was suffocating businesses from growing and felt their needs to be more communication between the private sector and government.

A roundtable was a
great opportunity for people to bring forward their suggestions and concerns, says Nickelson, with points of view of various sectors, private, public, education, manufacturing, transportation and retail.

This plan is the first step in addressing the current frustrations in the business community, another is the development of an Economic Development Agency.

However, there were some that were not optimistic that this organization would be able to solve any of the problems and be another organization which would just change with whichever government is in power.

Though there seem to be more questions than answers, a door has been opened for continued dialogue.