LOAN APPLICATION

RCCFDC 2025 AGM Highlights: Real Stories, Rural Impact

by | Jun 30, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

RCCFDC AGM Highlights

We kicked off summer by gathering at Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus for our 2025 Annual General Meeting, a chance to reconnect, reflect, and recognize the hard work happening across Renfrew County. The RCCFDC 2025 AGM highlights reminded us that behind every loan, workshop, and advisory session, there’s a person building something bold in their community.

This year, we focused on stories that brought that mission to life.

Saving a Home on the River: Paddler’s Co-op

When the property they had operated from for over 20 years was listed for sale, Paddler’s Co-op faced the risk of losing their home on the Madawaska River. Backed by strong community support and a successful fundraising campaign, the organization secured additional financing through RCCFDC to complete the purchase. This milestone ensures that the Co-op can continue offering inclusive paddling programs while contributing to local tourism and economic activity. Watch their story here.

Person carrying a kayak at the Paddler Co-op. Quote overlay reads, "With Community Futures there's a lot more flexibility and recognition of the impacts of our organization and what it means for the community and local economy. -Ryan O'Connor, executive Director, Paddler Co-op"

A Legacy Evolving: Pilon Family Funeral Home

For nearly 30 years, Pilon Family Funeral Home has served Renfrew County with compassion, adaptability, and a commitment to giving families more choice. From pioneering live-streamed services during the pandemic to offering aquamation, an eco-friendly cremation alternative, they’ve consistently invested in innovation while preserving a deeply personal touch. With support from RCCFDC, their most recent upgrades include a beautiful new entrance and canopy that enhances accessibility and client experience. Their continued evolution stood out in this year’s RCCFDC 2025 AGM highlights as a model of growth rooted in service.

A World of Flavour, A Local Dream: So-Pa Restaurant

Luiana Mendes closed out our AGM with a powerful story of starting over and dreaming big. With a multicultural background and a lifelong passion for food, Luiana is preparing to launch So-Pa, a new restaurant in downtown Pembroke that blends global flavours with local roots. Her journey, shaped by movement, resilience, and a fierce entrepreneurial spirit, reflects the kind of bold thinking and community-building we aim to support. Her story brought warmth, humour, and heart to this year’s RCCFDC 2025 AGM highlights.

Luiana Mendes (right), owner of new local restaurant So-Pa, set to open soon, poses with her head chef at RCCFDC's AGM.

Big News: CANtrade™ Launch

Alongside these inspiring stories, we introduced CANtrade™, a limited-time financing program tailored to rural businesses facing today’s shifting trade landscape. Whether you’re reshoring supply chains, upgrading equipment, or expanding into new markets, CANtrade™ can help you move faster.

RCCFDC's Executive Director, Cyndy Philips, presents CANtrade, a new loan program for local businesses launched at the AGM

What’s Next?

Thank you to our speakers, partners, and hosts at Algonquin College. With your support, we’re helping bold ideas take root and grow across rural Renfrew County. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s AGM.