Prairie Communities are far more than just lines drawn on a map, and real communities do not end at some imaginary line drawn decades ago by government surveyors.

Prairie Communities are the focus of hard work by generations of agricultural people, of natural landscapes, of recreational areas; they are a part of our dreams for the future - Prairie Visions.

Land, Water, Wildlife, and Community Development Solutions on the Prairies Many of the issues facing Prairie Communities today originate far beyond their borders however. Issues of water quality, too much or too little water, international economic trends in business and agriculture, trade disputes - these are not easy issues to tackle for a single town or municipality. Or even a province for that matter.

Issues today cross geographical boundaries, political jurisdictions, and national borders.

My business philosophy is also my personal philosophy.

Real solutions must transcend traditional boundaries to be truly effective and create measurable and lasting change. No individual community, department, government, or private organization alone is enough - only by all these groups working together, coordinating efforts towards common goals, and using a focused plan - will we ultimately find the solutions required to address the challenges of today, and the opportunities of tomorrow.

The Right Solutions with the Right Partners It begins with identifying everyone who has a stake in a common set of problems. Meaningful partnerships are built, a plan is prepared, and resources are secured.

Building public awareness is next, with strategic communications, coordinated advertising, and marketing through government, private, and public sources, creating a 'buzz' around the desired solution.

With effective web support, partnerships are celebrated, solutions presented, and returns are measured for all participants.

Real solutions are not easy, and they take time to implement. But the end goals - positive economic change, thriving communities, healthy watersheds, a cleaner environment, and overall quality of life - are worth the effort.

I believe solutions are possible on the Prairies - and I hope you do to.

I invite you to visit these other sites, demonstrating current plans taking place to tackle existing challenges today.

Bryan Oborne, President Panterra Management Ltd. Tel: 204-885-7308 Fax: 204-885-7312 Email: panterraman@shaw.ca