When Cyndy Phillips graduated from Algonquin College’s Business program in 2004, she had no idea she would end up playing a role in the future development of the Town of Petawawa. The Town is home to one of the largest military bases in Canada, CFB Petawawa, and because of military expansion, it is also one of the fastest growing municipalities in Renfrew County, and Phillips is now in the thick of that expansion.

In her role as Petawawa’s Economic Development Co-ordinator, Phillips has a responsibility to make sure people

While studying in the Business program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley, Phillips found work at the County of Renfrew's Economic Development Department. That experience helped Phillips gain a better understanding of Renfrew County’s labour market and how government agencies can work with private industry and community partners to create new opportunities for the region. After graduating from the program, Phillips secured full-time employment at the County where she continued to work in economic development for the next two years.

Since being hired by the town, Phillips has been faced with learning not only a new job, but also picking up additional courses that help her with her position. She has recently enrolled in a Professional Municipal Administration Program. It’s a two year program that is offered through the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. Upon completion, Phillips will receive a Certified Municipal Officer Designation. She can then add that to the designation she received in 2005 from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute, which recognizes her work experience and educational background.

Phillips may need the extra training to be ready for what is expected to be an economic boom for Petawawa . Over the next few years, hundreds of soldiers will be re-located to CFB Petawawa . When the soldiers and their families move into the community it will create a greater need for housing and significantly impact the economy of the local area. As a result, there will be more opportunities for business expansion, and that will keep Phillips very busy fielding calls and working with developers to set up shop in Petawawa.

Petawawa is a beautiful town with world class recreational facilities, the natural beauty of two rivers, the Ottawa River and Petawawa River, and an award winning trail system,” says Phillips, “I enjoy my job and I intend to continue to work in Economic Development in the future.”

In the meantime, Phillips is learning something new every day and it was her Business Diploma from Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley that set her on a path for success. She just didn’t know it would be such a great job working in economic development.