Small Towns Big Stories

Hello everyone! And welcome to the Small Town, Big Stories Podcast where we discuss rural life with community champions from across southern Manitoba. In the seventh episode of this podcast series, invited guest, Dimitris Tellidis, shares his insights on agriculture in Manitoba. Throughout his academic journey, Dimitris explored themes of technology and data in agriculture – such as plant genetic...

In episode six, invited guest Lana Cowling-Mason shares her expertise and perceptions of holistic rural community development. Lana is not only the community development coordinator and General Manager of the Community Futures West Interlake, she is also the Chair of the Program Committee, Member of the Community Edge Education Committee and Board Member of the Economic Developers Association. Wit...

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 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...

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 a...

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 investmen...

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 e...