By Margot Cathcart
As we bid farewell to 2024 and embrace the promise of a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our achievements and set our sights on the opportunities ahead. This year has been a remarkable one for rural Manitoba, marked by significant economic successes and the unwavering spirit of our communities.
Rural Manitoba has witnessed outstanding economic achievements this year. From the $25 million dollar expansion at Cascadia Metals in Brandon and the progress made on the silica sand and solar glass plant with Hollow Water First Nation and the city of Selkirk to the affordable energy policy which opens Indigenous participation and ownership in wind energy, rural and Indigenous communities are demonstrating they are not just open for business they are leading the way.
The Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation (RMED) released its 2023/24 Rural Manitoba Economic Development Survey Report, which highlighted improvements in data access and training for local communities to support their economic strategies. The report continues to highlight the needs such as addressing rural infrastructure, economic development and investment readiness plans, expertise, and workforce retention.
RMED remains committed to supporting municipalities in tackling these challenges with our toolkits, Advance Rural Manitoba Data Portal, webinars, and Economic Development Advisors. In the new year, RMED will further empower communities through initiatives like the Community Readiness Assessment and the Investment Attraction Readiness Training Program.
The Community Readiness Assessment will help municipalities evaluate their investment capacity, while the Investment Attraction Readiness Training, beginning January 15, 2025, offers economic development leaders an 8-week virtual program to build strategies and tools for attracting investment. (Registration details for the training are available here)
Through the survey, Connection Zones (community meetings), and continued engagement with communities and industries, RMED is informed and positioned to develop programs and services that amplify the voice of rural Manitoba. By addressing common challenges, we’re building strategies for shared success.
RMED is not alone in providing support. Federal and provincial funding announcements, such as those addressing rural transportation, the One Manitoba Growth Fund for municipal infrastructure, and investments in growth industries, underscore the shared commitment of the public and private sectors to ensuring that rural Manitoba remains a vibrant place to live and work
At the heart of our successes and future opportunities is the strength of our community leadership. Local leaders have been instrumental in driving economic development and fostering a sense of unity and purpose. Their dedication and vision are vital as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the coming year.
Moreover, rural Manitoba’s rich cultural diversity continues to be a source of strength and celebration. Multicultural events and collaborations bring communities together, fostering understanding and cooperation while driving economic and social benefits.
As we step into 2025, let’s carry forward the optimism and momentum of this year. By embracing the opportunities ahead and continuing to support our communities, we can ensure a bright and prosperous future for rural Manitoba.
To close the year, the RMED team has prepared a special video greeting, showcasing the cultural diversity of our team members as they share their messages in the many languages and cultures they represent. See it HERE
Here’s to a new year filled with growth, collaboration, and success!
Happy New Year from all of us at RMED!