More than 70 families from in and around Austria are hoping to settle in Winkler after meeting Mayor Martin Harder in Vienna .

Harder recently returned from Vienna, Austria as an ambassador encouraging immigration.

He says while in the past the city has encouraged immigration to fill production employment, this trip targetted professionals as well as business leaders who, as they arrive in Winkler and thrive, will create more economic and employment opportunities.

"People who can help the local businesses grow and create more jobs," he says.

For a full week Harder interviewed skilled European doctors, pharmacists, business leaders, engineers and health care workers excited to make a new life in Winkler.

Harder says seeing so many dreaming of coming to Canada and Winkler for a chance to raise their families, one can't help but appreciate what Winkler citizens enjoy every day.

"It certainly gave me a better appreciation for what we have," he says.

One interviewee, Shashank Joglekar, a diesel mechanic, thanked Harder for the meeting and says they would love to call a fast-growing city like Winkler home.

"We wish to serve the City of Winkler to the best of our abilities and contribute as much as we could to the community," Joglekar explains in an email.

The next step for Harder is organizing the many interview documents and make his recommendation to local business sectors as well as Manitoba Immigration.

"My trip will pay off in spades," Harder says. "With a high level of education, trained, contributing people moving to Winkler as the year progresses."

Martin shares about Winkler. Photo by Carmen Faulkner