The Saskatchewan Economic Development Association is recognizing a local community for their work in business retention.

The Town of Watrous was one of three that were recently named to SEDA's Saskatchewan ChangeMAKERS program.

"It's an initiative that our provincial non-profit developed this year because we want to celebrate community leaders," explained SEDA Executive Director Verona Thibault. "Leadership is a critical foundation. It's that common denominator for community success. Small, large, First Nations, it is leadership that will move the community forward into a sustainable place."

Thibault says that there is a high number of young people moving to Watrous and area for business in addition to those who are already established in the area.

"That indicates that the Town of Watrous has an entrepreneur-friendly culture. A community requires that in order to build a business base and retain a business base," she noted. "They have to appreciate local entrepreneurs, support entrepreneurs, and we saw that happening in Watrous."

Part of being selected as a ChangeMAKER, was having the community spotlighted in a video feature. 

Dan Bushman, owner of the local newspaper, was selected to appear in the video and speak about raising a family and doing business in Watrous.

Thibault says that they have received plenty of positive reaction.

"The Watrous video was sponsored by Affinity Credit Union. As well as pushing the video out through social media and digital media, Watrous has received 16,000 views on Facebook alone."

She added that they secure a sponsor for each community that they highlight and then have the video produced.

The villages of Leask and Ile a la Crosse were selected as the other ChangeMAKER communities.

You can see Watrous' video below.