Chris Lane, the former head of Western Canadian Agribition, is moving into his new role as the president and chief operating officer of Economic Development Regina (EDR).

Lane, who was the head of Agribition for six years, believes that agriculture is a major part of the past, present and future of the city’s economic development.

“I think it’s always been part of what this city is about,” Lane said. “I think what’s happened now is that we’ve coalesced a critical mass of thinkers and energy and  innovation that can really bring it together as a cohesive strategy for economic development.”

Lane, who also spent 15 years in national news media, officially starts in his new role on April 25. He said he is energized for his new role.

“This is all agriculture,” he said. “This is the business, the innovation, (and) really the audacity of the industry coming together. And that’s a big part of what Economic Development Regina has built its strategy around. And I think my own background, and my own enthusiasm and energy for that, can really help elevate the mission and mandate of EDR is for the region.”

Lane is the perfect person for this role, vice-chair of the EDR board of directors Tina Svedahl said, and the board is thrilled to bring him on.

“Chris brings a wealth of experience in business, ag and tourism to our community, and we just think that strength can move this organization to the next stage,” said Svedahl.

The EDR has been looking since the fall