From Data to Development: Mapping Rural Opportunity

Rural communities don’t lack opportunity—they lack visibility. In this session, the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation (RMED) will show how their standardized community inventory system is changing that. By mapping infrastructure, workforce, economic assets, and investment readiness, RMED has turned fragmented communities into clear, investment-ready opportunities. This approach: Helps communities identify strengths and gaps Makes rural regions easier for investors …

Dr Gwen Machnee PhD

Gwen holds an undergraduate degree and a Ph.D. in Microbiology, and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She has built the Applied Research program at Suncrest College (formerly Parkland College) since its inception in 2012. Gwen’s role became full-time in Applied Research in early 2021, since then the applied research at Suncrest has grown significantly. The program now supports over …