The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) has announced this year’s annual Bruce Richet Award winner as Judy Harwood, Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Corman Park.
The award celebrates individuals for their outstanding contributions and commitment to regional economic development.
The award was created in 2016 to recognize the exceptional service of Bruce Richet, who represented the Saskatoon Region on the SREDA Board of Directors beginning in 1995. Richet served on all internal committees, chaired the Regional Committee and in 2013 became the Board Chairman. He provided leadership to the SREDA Regional Committee for over 20 years and took on the important role of getting member communities prepared for growth through regional planning.
The award was presented to Reeve Harwood at SREDA’s Annual General Meeting on May 6.
“I have a passion for economic development, not only for Corman Park but for the Region,” said Harwood. “As the old saying goes, ‘all ships rise with the tide.’ I was humbled to be chosen for the prestigious Bruce Richet Award and I would like to thank all persons involved with my name being submitted and selected. Together, we will get through these trying times for families, businesses and our province.”
“Judy Harwood is a confident, direct, professional leader that has elevated the RM to significant heights on the policy, planning and financial fronts, allowing Corman Park to be recognized as a regional leader in the province,” said Bruce Richet. “Her bold but respectful nature has guided the Saskatoon Region to go confidently into the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) governance structure for mutual economic development and growth opportunities. On behalf of myself, the leadership and staff of SREDA and all your regional colleagues, congratulations!”
“We are proud to present Judy Harwood with this year’s Bruce Richet Award,” said Alex Fallon, SREDA Team Lead and CEO. “She is a strong voice for the Region’s economy and a founding member of the P4G Regional Oversight Committee. Her commitment to economic development has not only benefitted the RM of Corman Park but the Region as a whole. Her advocacy for effective regional planning and business growth demonstrates the outstanding service to the Region that this award was designed to celebrate.”
Nominations for the next Bruce Richet Award will open in 2022. For more information, contact SREDA at info@sreda.com or read the award description.