In March 2017, the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation and five municipalities - Brockton, Hanover, West Grey, Minto, and Wellington North - came together in a partnership called “Saugeen Connects." Our mission is to:
- Collaborate and positively impact area economic growth.
- Support our Youth and promote Youth entrepreneurship Saugeen Student Start Up Program.
- Facilitate the growth and retention of businesses.
- Integrate efforts to leverage workforce attraction and development programs.
- Assist and promote the advancement of women in our rural communities.
The partnership has proven quite successful and meets virtually the second Wednesday of each month. In 2019, Saugeen Connects received a provincial award, from the Community Futures Ontario Award of Excellence Program, for Community Economic Development, and in 2021 the partnership expanded when Arran-Elderslie and South Bruce joined the team. Also in 2021, WOWSA (Women of Wellington Saugeen Area) folded in under Saugeen Connects, which will enable us to better promote and expand this network.