Nykole King
Regina Leader-Post
John Bailey has been appointed the new president and CEO of Economic Development Regina (EDR).
EDR is the lead economic development agency for the Greater Regina Area, with a mandate to grow the economy by supporting local businesses while also helping attract new commerce, skilled labour and investment to the city.
EDR is governed by a private-sector board, and the City of Regina is its sole shareholder.
Bailey officially steps into the role on March 2, according to a recent news release from the organization. He takes over following the departure of former CEO Chris Lane, who was in the position for three years before moving on to Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) in August.
“EDR presents itself with a couple of really exciting sort of challenges for me,” Bailey told the Regina Leader-Post on Monday. “Like, I think at its core, it’s a continuation of the community building that I’ve been so drawn to.”
Bailey was at the helm of the Regina Food Bank for nearly seven years. While he will be changing sectors, Bailey noted that food security and business growth both provide fundamental supports which make Regina a better community in which to live.
“It’s a different lens when we’re talking about food insecurity versus economic development, but there’s a lot of through lines that sort of connect those efforts,” said Bailey, adding that financial pressures are the main issue facing local businesses as well as residents who use the food bank.
“One of the biggest challenges we’re stepping into, (and) just the general economic situation that we’re seeing more nationally, is that it is an affordability crisis. I don’t think there’s ever been a tougher time to start or grow your business.
“Ultimately, if I’m successful with EDR, it will be because we’ve been able to really grow an ecosystem that actually lifts all boats in our community from a business perspective.”
A priority for Bailey is making sure industries have the skilled workers they need from post-secondary institutions. In turn, that also helps provide people with dependable income so they don’t need to rely on the food bank.
“It is going to make Regina a better and more vibrant place for the folks who live here,” said Bailey. “Because through business, through the opportunity to both bring in new folks to our community and also grow and upscale and help launch those with the entrepreneurial spirit in our city, we end up with a healthier, more vibrant city,”
