We are happy to share the highlights and key moments from Community Futures Eastern Ontario's Annual General Meeting, hosted by our member office Thousand Islands Community Development Corporation in the charming, waterfront gateway of Gananoque, Ontario. This year’s AGM welcomed a dynamic mix of stakeholders — from our dedicated Board of Directors and volunteer committee members to valued partners and representatives from across the Community Futures network.
20 Years of Community Futures Eastern Ontario
This year marked a significant milestone as we celebrated 20 years of impact, innovation, and community support. Throughout the event, we reflected on two decades of empowering entrepreneurs, fostering rural economic development, and building strong partnerships across the region. It was a moment to honour our past, celebrate our progress, and look ahead to an exciting future.
Cruising into Celebration: A Night to Remember
The AGM celebrations began the evening before with a special gathering that brought together our network in a relaxed and scenic setting. Attendees enjoyed a stunning 1000 Islands boat cruise, taking in the natural beauty of the region while connecting with colleagues, partners, and fellow stakeholders. The cruise offered a unique opportunity for informal conversations, laughter, and shared appreciation for the region we serve.
Following the cruise, the evening continued with a memorable dinner at Riva Restaurant — known for its elegant ambiance and locally inspired cuisine. Over a beautifully prepared meal, guests reflected on our 20-year journey, celebrated shared successes, and deepened connections. The event set a warm and welcoming tone for the AGM, reminding everyone of the strength of the relationships that power our collective impact.
Panel Discussion: Designing Resilience Through Rural Opportunity
A highlight of this year’s AGM was the thought-provoking panel discussion, Designing Resilience Through Rural Opportunity, moderated by Judith Pineault. The conversation featured insights from panelists Ian Murdoch of Cambium, Kathy Wood of Pivotal Momentum Inc., Dan Ruby of Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), and Scott Runté of Launch Lab — all accomplished business leaders from diverse organizations. Together, they explored the importance of resilience in rural communities and shared their experiences creating opportunities through innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth.
Recognition and Highlights of AGM
The event opened with a warm welcome from Trish McNamara, Executive Director of the Thousand Islands Community Development Corporation. To continue the event in a spirit of respect and reflection, Trish delivered a land acknowledgement, recognizing the traditional Indigenous territories on which we gathered. This meaningful gesture served as an important reminder of our responsibility to honour the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Our Board Chair, Wendy Stone, skillfully guided the formal proceedings of the AGM, introducing and carrying out all motions throughout the event. Wendy ensured that each item on the agenda was addressed in accordance with our governance practices, allowing for a smooth and well-organized meeting.
The AGM featured a presentation by Joanna Park, a partner at Baker Tilly KDN LLP, who walked attendees through the audited financial statements. This was Baker Tilly’s first year serving as CFEO’s auditors, and notably, it was also the first time in several years that the auditors delivered their presentation in person. Joanna’s clear and thorough explanation provided valuable insight into the organization’s financial health and accountability over the past year.
Cyndy Palleske delivered her Executive Director’s Report, offering a thoughtful reflection on the year behind us and an inspiring look at what’s to come. She highlighted the significant impact of both the SOFII and Community Futures programs, explaining how these initiatives have continued to support rural innovation and small business growth across the region. The report also revisited key moments from the past year, including special events and community engagement. Looking ahead, she shared exciting plans for the coming year, including a renewed focus on strategic planning, the upcoming launch of our SOFII TradeFWD intiative, and the unveiling of our new website. She extended heartfelt thanks to our dedicated partners and staff for their ongoing support.
The AGM had a surprise heartwarming moment, announcing ‘CFEO’s Next Generation’ through the adorable reveal of Baby JJ Tripp, son of our staff member Erica Tripp, who is currently on maternity leave — a personal and joyful highlight of the day. Additionally, we took a moment to honour retiring members of the SOFII Investment Review Committee for their dedication and contributions to our community. Special recognition to: Amy Lee Chong and Sasha Davids. Their service on our committee has helped in shaping CFEO's impact in Eastern Ontario.
To conclude the event, Wendy Merkley, Vice Chair of the Thousand Islands CDC delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their participation and engagement. She also took a moment to highlight the Thousand Islands CDC, emphasizing its role in supporting local entrepreneurs and contributing to the region’s economic development.
We would like to recognize and thank Susan Evans from Community Futures Ontario (CFO), Todd Copeland from Community Futures Western Ontario (CFWO), and Jay Amer from Ontario East Economic Development Commission (OEEDC) for their ongoing partnership and dedication.
We extend our gratitude to all attendees, partners, and stakeholders who joined us for this event. Together, we continue to build a brighter future for Eastern Ontario.
The Annual Report has been created to provide statistics and other information on the work and initiatives the Community Futures Eastern Ontario Network has accomplished during the fiscal year.
Thank you to the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for their continued support, and to our members for their tireless efforts in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs grow in their local rural communities.
