In today’s episode, invited guest Michael Asante speaks to his work and expertise in community development. Michael maintains over a decade of experience conducting and implementing research relating to agricultural policy, international trade, economic development and infrastructure investment readiness. As the Research and Data Manager at the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation here in Brandon, Michael’s shares his perception on the utility and importance of continuous community data collection. As a former researcher of the Rural Development Institute, Michael also shares how capacity to access and assess community data is vital for development work of any kind.

In this episode, invited guest, Marilyn Crewe, describes how community members of Neepawa have worked together to adapt to the booming population and business growth. As Neepawa’s Economic Development Officer, a member of the Board of Directors for the Economic Developers Association of Manitoba, and a certified trainer for the Community Edge Program, Marilyn shares insights into the complexities of accessing resources and fostering a sustainable future for Neepawa.

In episode two, invited guest, Angela Pearen, shares her experience in community development through education. As the Coordinator Agriculture Extension with the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment at Assiniboine College, Angela has worked with community members and students from across Manitoba interested to enhance skills and showcase new career opportunities within the world of agriculture. In this discussion, we explore the complexities of emerging technology and importance of data within the field of agriculture.

In this episode, invited guest, Karra Burney speaks to her work as the Economic Development Officer of Carberry, Manitoba. With the goal to attract and retain new businesses and residents, Karra has been working to enhance the awareness of all that Carberry has to offer for Manitobans. With a flourishing downtown, and new developments for local community members, Karra also speaks to the investments made to the people and businesses of Carberry through use of modern technology and the applications of rural community data collection.

Since recording this episode in the summer, Karra has become the Executive Director of the Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation - we want to send our most sincere congratulations!

In the first episode of Small Towns, Big Ideas, Donna Morken shares her insights on community development from her perspective as a community volunteer and champion in Rivers, Manitoba.

The Rural Development Institute (RDI) is working with students from the Master of Arts in Rural Development program to host the Small Towns, Big Stories Podcast. This series will be created in preparation for the 2025 Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) Foundations for the Future of Rural Conference. Throughout the summer, we will be traveling across the Westman region of Manitoba to engage with community leaders and discuss rural realities in terms of community development. More specifically, we want to share personal perceptions on how communities are engaging in data.