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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2025
Pembroke, ON – Monday, October 20, 2025 - The County of Renfrew and Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation (RCCFDC) will co-host the Rooted in Resilience: Renfrew County Economic Development Summit on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Best Western Pembroke Inn & Conference Centre. This one-day event will bring together business leaders, youth changemakers, and community partners to explore strategies for economic resilience and growth.
“At RCCFDC, we believe resilience is the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth,” said Cyndy Phillips, Executive Director of RCCFDC. “This summit is an opportunity to bring together the voices, ideas, and energy that will shape the future of Renfrew County. We’re proud to support an event that empowers our communities to adapt, innovate, and thrive.”
The summit will feature a range of sessions, including workforce development, succession planning for businesses, and a youth-led panel from the Rural Change Makers program, a leadership initiative by the Rural Ontario Institute.
“This summit is a reflection of Renfrew County’s commitment to building a resilient and forward-thinking economy,” said Melissa Marquardt, Manager of Economic Development for the County of Renfrew. “We look forward to welcoming participants from across the region to share ideas, learn from experts, and build lasting connections.”
A highlight of the day will be the closing keynote address by Master Corporal (Retired) Mike Trauner, a decorated veteran who will speak on perseverance and tenacity in the face of adversity. His message will reflect the challenges faced by businesses in recent years and offer hope and motivation for the future.
The event will also include networking opportunities and a social hour to foster collaboration among attendees.
The summit is presented in partnership by the County of Renfrew Economic Development Division and Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation (RCCFDC), with support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Registration is now open. For more information and to reserve a spot, visit www.investrenfrewcounty.ca/summit. Early-bird pricing ends on October 31, and registration closes November 18, 2025.
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Marquardt, Manager of Economic Development
County of Renfrew
mmarquardt@countyofrenfrew.on.ca
Cyndy Phillips, Executive Director
Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation
cyndy.phillips@rccfdc.org
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