Estevan
Construction has started on the new Motel 6. The 68-room facility is expected to be operational this fall and will employ 10 to 12 full-time people. (Estevan Mercury, March 19, 2008)

Fillmore
The Fillmore Pharmacy has closed due to the lack of a pharmacist. (Weyburn Review, March 19, 2008)

Randi Wiggins opened The Rug Rat Ranch, an early learning and child care centre. (Grenfell Sun, March 18, 2008)

Oxbow
Barnwood Greetings and Giftware opened for business. Georgia and Don Britt are the owners of the variety giftware service business. (Oxbow Herald, March 10, 2008)

The town has sold six of the fourteen lots in the new residential subdivision. Construction has started on one property. (Oxbow Herald, March 10, 2008)

Southern Plains Co-op purchased three lots from the town. The Co-op plans on building a retail grocery and possible service station prior to 2013. (Oxbow Herald, March 18, 2008)

Weyburn
Don Herberholz, Diane Herberholz, and Karly Herberholz Hagel are the new owners of Parkway Lodge, a personal care home with space for 30 residents. (Weyburn Review, March 12, 2008)

Nick Turanich is the new owner and president of Crocus Plains Villa. The long-term care facility offers assisted living and respite for 40 residents. (Weyburn Review, March 19, 2008)

Moose Jaw
Local artist Yvette Moore will be the featured artist at the 2008 Calgary Stampede. Moore owns a popular art gallery and café in downtown Moose Jaw. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, March 18, 2008)

A Calgary-based developer has approached the City of Moose Jaw with a proposal to develop 146 acres of residential land in northwest Moose Jaw. The City of Moose Jaw has yet to decide to accept this proposal. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, February 25, 2008)

Dor-Lite Manufacturing has expanded its production of windows to a new line of windows that meets Energy Star certification. Todd Walz and his wife Ann have invested close to $500,000 in an additional window production line and have added eight employees and expect to hire a few more as production increases. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, March 15, 2008)

Mortlach
Susan Franklin has opened the Country Garden Tea House and Gifts in Mortlach. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, March 20, 2008)

Lloydminster
Sapelli Kitchen Works is now open in Lloydminster on Highway 17 south. (Meridian Booster, March 12, 2008)

North Battleford
Prairie North Health Region has attracted 21 nurses from the Philippines to the Battlefords. The nurses should arrive in the next 6 to 9 months. (Powerflyers Daily News Online, March 12, 2008)

Dysart
Scott and Shannon Macknak opened a new grocery store, Dysart Prairieland Foods, on March 3^rd. (The Fort Qu'Appelle Times, March 11, 2008)

Fort Qu'Appelle
The Bargain! Shop oficially opened on March 10^th. (Fort Qu'Appelle Times, March 4, 2008)

Shyrll Jorgensen has set up a home-based business, Trading as Ease Electrolysis. (Fort Qu'Appelle Times, March 11, 2008)

Indian Head
The opening of Paterson Pulse, a plant that will process and bag canary and lentils, will result in employment for eight people.  (Indian Head-Wolseley News, March 11, 2008)

Qu'Appelle
Effective March 1^st, Teresa and Theo Dooremalen took over ownership of Wilson's store, which will now be known as Double TT Grocers. (Indian Head-Wolseley News, March 11, 2008)

Regina
According to Statistics Canada, there were 499,800 people working in Saskatchewan in February, an increase of 7,300 from February 2007, and a significant jump from the 2,600 jobs added in January, according to Statistics Canada. (Regina Leader-Post, March 8, 2008)

According to CMHC, there were 83 housing starts in the Regina area last month, which is a 56.6% gain over February 2007. Last month was the busiest February for new single-family home starts since 1987. (Regina Leader-Post, March 11, 2008)

Robert Usher Collegiate, Herchmer, and Stewart Russell schools are closing June 2008. (Regina Leader-Post, March 12, 2008)

In the first quarter of its first fiscal year, Viterra Inc. posted a $41.2 million profit – a five fold increase over the first quarter profit of 2007 – thanks to improved margins, strong commodity prices, and last year’s acquisition of Agricore United. (Regina Leader-Post, March 13, 2008)

Dalmeny
Dalmeny is expecting a housing boom. Mayor Allan Earle said a major 55-acre residential development is being planned for the east side of town that will accommodate upwards of 200 residential lots. A 20-acre project is also being considered for the northwest part of town, as well as a 10-acre "clean commercial" development on the south side. (The Saskatchewan Valley News, March 5, 2008)

Humboldt
The Carlton Trail Regional Economic Development Authority (CTREDA) is partnering with the South Parkland Regional Economic Development Authority (SPREDA) to implement a "First Impressions Community Exchange Program" between Humboldt and Melville. The program is a structured process that reveals the first impression a community conveys to outsiders. It offers a fresh perspective on the community's appearance, services and infrastructure, and helps communities learn about their strengths and shortcomings. (The Humboldt Journal, March 5, 2008)

Langham
Details of the proposed Tilia Meadows residential subdivision for the Town of Langham have been announced including a major national design competition for the project. The project will include 381 residential lots on the east side of town that will be opened in stages, with 50 lots slated for development this year. (The Saskatchewan Valley News, March 5, 2008)

Martensville
The town has issued 20 building permits and 420 single-family housing lots will be serviced this year. Martensville had 1,695 homes at the end of 2006 and about 200 homes were started last year. Planners have projected over 400 more homes in the near future. (Country Press, March 5, 2008)

Osler
One manufacturing business is now open and another is expected to follow shortly in the Osler north service road business district. HB Welding Ltd. moved into its new building in January and another manufacturing business, located north of HB Welding, has a new building under construction. Two other lots have been sold and buildings are in the planning stages. (The Saskatchewan Valley News, March 12, 2008)

Outlook
Susan March recently opened a new hair and aesthetics salon in Outlook. The Cutting Club offers various hair and aesthetic services by appointment. (The Outlook, February 4, 2008)

Valley West Irrigation of Outlook received the Performance Dealer Designation Award in Sale and Aftermarket Parts for Outstanding Performance in support to its mechanized irrigation customers. The award was presented at the North American Dealers Conference by Valmont Irrigation, the leader in mechanized irrigation technology. (The Outlook, March 3, 2008)

Owner Margaret Langager held a grand opening for her new business, Shear Force Salon and Esthetics, on February 4th. The salon also has two other staff, Destiny Gillis and Karrin Lewis. (The Outlook, March 3, 2008)

Two new business owners were welcomed into the community at a recently held Chamber of Commerce meeting in Kenaston. John Kasakoff took over ownership of the Kenaston Hotel in November. Also welcomed to the community was Lowdermilk Welding & Machine Shop, owned by Lee and Ellen Lowdermilk. (The Outlook, March 3, 2008)

The Riverbend and Kenaston Co-ops have amalgamated. Members of the Co-ops will benefit by being able to use their member numbers at any Co-op facility in Outlook, Kenaston, and Beechy. (The Outlook, March 17, 2008)

Saskatoon
New Businesses: Pacific Billiards, Owner: George Tennent; Gaby's Children's Store, Owner: Odette Nicholson; Soulsisters Healing Centre, Owners: Carol Dawson and Gloria Williamson. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, March 8, 2008)

A pilot project that delivers health care in a more integrated way has been recognized as being a success and has been awarded the Tommy Douglas Celebration of Medicare Award. The Student Wellness Initiative Toward Community Health (SWITCH) has been operating out of the West Side Community Clinic since the fall of 2005. SWITCH is a student-driven project that delivers after hours care to residents of Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods in a way that benefits both recipients and caregivers and focuses not just on wellness, but prevention. The initiative will be adopted in medical universities throughout Canada. (Eagle Feather News, February 2008)

Ted Hanlon, president of The Sage Group Inc., will see the Centre for International Business Studies at the Edwards School of Business bear his family name in recognition of a gift of $2 million. The funds will finance the centre's plan to increase the number of international students in the program, raise the number of students who go on international exchange, expand international research, and increase community outreach. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, March 11, 2008)

Housing starts in Saskatoon hit a 30-year high in February as builders in the city and area began work on 175 new housing units - almost evenly split between single-family homes and condo-style dwellings. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) said the 89 single-detached housing starts were the best February numbers since 1978. There were also 86 starts for townhouse or apartment-style condos in CMHC's multi-family category. The 175 total starts were 94% higher than the 90 recorded in February 2007. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, March 11, 2008)

Dr. Tom Maltman, a Saskatoon veterinarian, has purchased the Barry Hotel at the corner of Avenue B and 20^th Street. The new owner plans to tear down the aging building after taking possession on April 1st and is considering all options for the land. Dr. Maltman also owns the Adilman Building across the street. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, March 11 & 13, 2008)

Statistics Canada's new housing price index showed Saskatoon continues to lead the country in both year-over-year price increases - 51.7% - and the highest increase between December and January at 4.5%. The national average isn't even close, as year-over-year new house price increases between January 2007 and January 2008 were 6.5%. The month-to-month rise nationally is pegged at 0.6%. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, March 11, 2008)

The 2008 HomeStyles Homeshow took place March 14-16 at Prairieland Park. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, March 14, 2008)

Passenger volumes at the Saskatoon Airport were up 9.1% in February, making it the busiest month ever for air travel in the city. A total of 96,902 passengers used scheduled air service to or from Saskatoon during the month. (Airport Statistics, February 2008)

The North Saskatoon Business Association held its 11^th Annual Business Builder Awards Banquet on March 19^th. North Ridge Development Corporation received the New Direction Award; Westwind Aviation Limited Partnership received the Job Creation Award; Hairstyle Inn Salons received the Team Building Award; Areva Resources Canada Inc. received the Management Quality Award; Imagine That Signs, Decals and More Inc. received the Small Business Award; Comfort Pak Canada received the Export Award; Nexus Solar Corporation received the Green Award; and Prairieland Park received the Business Builder Award. The Member of the Year Award recognized Kevin Smith of Scotiabank on Circle Drive. (North Saskatoon Business Association, March 19, 2008)

Kerrobert
Kerrobert citizens are urged to think about new developments that could benefit the community. The economic development committee, along with Brenda Burton of West Central REDA and Vickie Newmeyer of Community Futures Meridian, are hosting a community strategic planning meeting on March 25^th at the Prairieland Community Centre. (Kerrobert Citizen, March 12, 2008)

The Lux Theatre that has been sitting vacant for two years will finally reopen, but not as a movie theatre. This time, it will be a second home for archers. Amy Wright, along with husband Don and son Clint, decided to start the business after they recognized the need for a local archery venue. The Wrights hope to have the business up and running by late summer. (Kerrobert Citizen, March 12, 2008)

Maple Creek
The Cypress Credit Union will build a new main office on the corner of Pacific and Jasper streets, with construction estimated to start in 2009. The credit union now employs close to 40 staff members. 2007 was the best year financially in the history of the Cypress Credit Union with a year-end profit before taxes and allocations of $1.2 million and a net profit of $440,023, which is an increase of approximately $158,000 from 2006. (Maple Creek News-Times, March 18, 2008)

Maple Creek will soon be open for more business. The town approved the development of 18 industrial-zoned lots on the north side of Second Avenue North at its March 11^th council meeting. (Maple Creek News-Times, March 13, 2008)

The Cypress Hills Vineyard and Winery is the only Southwest business to qualify as a finalist for the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence for 2007. (The Southwest Booster, March 20, 2008)

Morse
With an eye on jumping on the wave of economic growth surging across the Southwest, Morse is being aggressive in sharing the advantages it has as a bedroom community to Swift Current. A community initiative has started a website (www.morsesask.com) in hopes of capturing a growing interest from major centres with individuals looking to return back to small town life. (The Southwest Booster, March 20, 2008)

Southwest
Maple Creek students won the first ever "BE Youth Blast" regional youth entrepreneurship competition at Swift Current on March 7^th. Five teams from the southwest region coming from Kyle, Vanguard, Hodgeville, Swift Current and Maple Creek took part in the friendly challenge called the Lemonade Game,which showcased their group-constructed lemonade stands and the results of their business plans. (Maple Creek News-times, March 13, 2008)

Swift Current
An informational session is planned for March 20^th to share details of the Living Sky Casino with the Southwest business community. (The Southwest Booster, March 13, 2008)

Swift Current will be celebrating the grand opening of the Credit Union iplex on March 14th. (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, March 14, 2008)

Grenfell
Danny and Shelley Thompson, currently leasing the building that houses Grenfell Family Foods, will be constructing a new building in April 2008. The new building will enable an expansion to Grenfell Family Foods. (The Grenfell Sun, March 11, 2008)

Kamsack
Randy Burns, formerly of Edmonton, Alberta, has opened Plumbfast Plumbing and Heating. He is also looking at opening a home development and home renovating service. (Kamsack Times, March 6, 2008)

Langenburg
After an estimated $400,000 in renovations, the grand opening of the George Layh Theatre took place on March 8^th. The ceremony was followed by the premiere performance of "Steel Magnolias." The theatre offers everything from weekend movies to live drama, musical performances, talent shows and community programming. (The Four-Town Journal, Langenburg/Churchbridge, March 3, 2008)

Melville
Melville & District Chamber of Commerce Annual Trade Show & Sale will take place from March 28^th to 30^th. (The Melville Advance, February 27 and March 19, 2008)

Moosomin
Mike Terrill, formerly from Blackfalds, Alberta, has opened Pipestone Plumbing & Heating. (The World-Spectator, Moosomin, March 17, 2008)

Wolseley
Luc D'Abadie of Fugro Investments is the new owner of the Perley Block. The 100-year-old heritage building will be getting a makeover by the new owner. The building operates 2/3 full at the present time, but will operate at 100% after the upgrades and renovations. The building will be used for both commercial as well as residential purposes. (The Grenfell Sun, March 4, 2008)

Yorkton
The Yorkton Municipal Airport has been incorporated by the City of Yorkton in order to revitalize and expand the facility. The corporation will be guided by a nine-member board of directors. The new corporation will be able to plan, promote, and market the airport, but final decisions on facility upgrades or lease arrangements for land will remain with the City of Yorkton, which holds title to the airport. (Yorkton This Week, March 12, 2008)

Terry and Tucker Chornomud, (father/son) have opened B3 Extreme, retailing in skateboards, skateboard clothing and accessories, snowboards and BMX bicycles. The business also offers service and repair work on skateboards and snowboards. A grand opening was held on March 11^th. (Yorkton This Week, March 19, 2008 and The News Review, Yorkton, March 20, 2008)

The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce hosted the 7^th Celebrate Success Awards ceremony on March 12^th. After 110 nominations, seven judges selected 34 finalists in nine different categories. (Yorkton This Week, February 27, 2008)

The number of people working in Saskatchewan in February increased by 7,300 from February 2007, to 499,800 people, Statistics Canada reported. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, March 8, 2008)

Saskatchewan's uranium industry leaders gathered with the Athabasca Basin Development Ltd. Partnership (ABDLP) at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Ltd. (PDAC) awards dinner in Toronto. The occasion recognized ABDLP as the initial winner of PDAC's first ever Skookum Jim award. The Skookum Jim is going to be presented annually to a Canadian aboriginal firm providing service to the mining and exploration sector. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, March 11, 2008)

Saskatchewan's economy will grow by 3.6% in 2008 - just behind Manitoba's nation-leading 3.7% growth thanks to high commodity prices, large capital projects and strong consumer spending, the Conference Board of Canada said. Saskatchewan will continue to lure people back from neighbouring provinces, bolstering the domestic side of the economy, the Ottawa-based economics forecasting agency said. But the pace of interprovincial migration will subside in 2009, leading to overall real GDP growth of 2.6%. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, March 11, 2008)