Brandon ag expert to head up new organization

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/04/2021 (2003 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Margot Cathcart has been appointed to be the inaugural CEO of a new organization that is charged with co-ordinating economic development functions across the broad swath of rural Manitoba south of the 53rd parallel, but not including the capital region.

The Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corp. (RMEDC) is part of the so-called “group of seven” economic development agencies which have been named strategic partners to the province as part of its economic growth action plan.

Based in Brandon, Cathcart currently has a position with Agriculture and Resource Development as manager of food and agri-product processing.

“I’m energized and excited about the opportunities,” she said. “When you look at the various regions around the province the different areas have different needs and priorities. There will not be a one-size-fits-all solution.”

The RMEDC is the last of the seven agencies to be fully constituted and will likely not be operationalized for a few months yet.

The other agencies that have partnered with the province are: the Communities Economic Development Fund (responsible for northern Manitoba), the Winnipeg Capital Region (responsible for the capital region), Economic Development Winnipeg, North Forge Technology Exchange, World Trade Centre Winnipeg and Travel Manitoba.)

RMEDC’s creation was announced in November 2019 but the hiring of a CEO was delayed by the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Chuck Davidson, the co-chair of RMEDC and president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, said there were more than 100 applicants for the position.

“We are thrilled to find someone with the skills set of someone like Margot,” he said. “She will be able to lead with a strong background in economic development, both from the private and public sectors.”

Davidson said there is still a lot of work to be done before the organization is up and running. Not the least of which, it is still in discussions with the province regarding funding.

Davidson said an annual budget of between $1.2 million and $1.5 million is being contemplated with a staff, based throughout rural Manitoba, of between seven and 10 people.

“That’s our goal,” he said. “We are still in negotiations but the province has led us to believe this is the path they want us to continue to go on.”

Cathcart grew up in Brandon and is a graduate of Brandon University. In addition to about 15 years with the province, she has had experience in the television, new media, information technology and financial services industries over the course of her career.

She said she’s looking forward to hearing from folks across rural Manitoba.

“We’re not there to replace local economic development, but to supplement and support and provide, in some cases unique expertise, like labour specialists, for example where you would not have that in every community every time.”

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca