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By Request Entertainment Inc., led by Event Director and Master of Ceremonies Blake, specializes in creating customized and memorable experiences that exceed client expectations. Blake’s event style and creativity have made him a trusted choice for weddings, corporate functions, festivals, charity events, grand openings, and more. A proud member of the Canadian Disc Jockey Association and the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Blake brings unmatched passion and authenticity to every performance—because he truly loves what he does.

Heidi and Curtis Fielding are a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose leadership has helped elevate Niagara’s wine industry. Curtis, a former race car driver turned award-winning grape grower, was named Grape Grower of the Year in 2012 and has long championed Ontario’s wine sector through industry board work and community involvement. Heidi, known for her vibrant presence on TV and at regional events, brings over 20 years of hospitality and marketing experience and is a 2022 GNCC Women in Business Award winner. Together, they blend passion, innovation, and community spirit—making them one of Niagara’s most unique winery couples.

Heidi and Curtis Fielding are a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose leadership has helped elevate Niagara’s wine industry. Curtis, a former race car driver turned award-winning grape grower, was named Grape Grower of the Year in 2012 and has long championed Ontario’s wine sector through industry board work and community involvement. Heidi, known for her vibrant presence on TV and at regional events, brings over 20 years of hospitality and marketing experience and is a 2022 GNCC Women in Business Award winner. Together, they blend passion, innovation, and community spirit—making them one of Niagara’s most unique winery couples.

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An enthusiastic, results-driven, and entrepreneurial leader with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in building businesses through effective procedures, strategic planning, and growth-focused initiatives. Recognized as a strong relationship-builder, I earn the trust of clients, collaborators, and key decision-makers to deliver high-impact solutions and sustainable results. A dynamic team builder and project manager, I excel from consultation to execution, consistently driving performance while delivering seamless, anticipatory client service that exceeds expectations.

A visionary and transformational leader, she is fueled by an entrepreneurial, strategic, and innovative mindset, with a proven track record in change management, executive oversight, people leadership, strategic planning, revenue generation, and external relations. A true community builder, she brings exceptional communication and relationship-building skills and is experienced collaborating with government, industry, boards, entrepreneurs, and academia. She also serves as an accomplished Board Member, Adjunct Professor, and Public Speaker, dedicated to advancing leadership and driving meaningful impact across sectors.

Mike Distefano is a dedicated mortgage professional who provides tailored financing solutions for clients of all credit types. Through Beat The Bank Mortgage, he offers access to the best available rates—true to the company’s name—without the need for negotiation. Mike specializes in a full range of products, from competitive AAA lending to private and non-traditional financing, ensuring every client receives a solution that fits their individual needs. His client-focused approach helps Canadians navigate the mortgage process with clarity and confidence.

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Beyond Montessori School, located at 83 Church Street in downtown St. Catharines, is Niagara’s award-winning holistic Montessori school, providing quality education from Toddler (16 months) to Grade 6. Under the leadership of Head of School Natasha Secord—a Niagara Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur and Board Member of Greening Niagara—the school is committed to accessible, high-quality Montessori learning and offers Niagara Regional Subsidy and partial bursaries to support families.

Shane Tiley is a sustainability and ESG professional who promotes and protects long-term shareholder value by engaging with high-risk companies on financially material ESG issues. With more than a decade of senior experience in sustainability, ESG strategy, and corporate communications, Shane is deeply committed to advancing responsible investment and global stewardship. His work focuses on driving meaningful corporate engagement, strengthening accountability, and supporting long-term value creation for investors.

Travis Braun continues a 60-year family legacy of building and enhancing the Niagara Region through T.C. Braun Construction. Carrying forward the knowledge, experience, and personal touch that have defined the Braun name for generations, Travis approaches every project with pride, dedication, and a commitment to quality—regardless of its size. With his leadership and the Braun reputation behind every build, clients can trust that T.C. Braun Construction will deliver workmanship and service that meet, and often exceed, expectations.

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April Jeffs is a Canadian public affairs professional and former Mayor of Wainfleet (2010–2018), where she also served on Niagara Region Council, co-chaired the Public Health & Social Services Committee, and vice-chaired the Budget Committee. She later ran as a PC candidate provincially and was acclaimed federally for Niagara Centre. Appointed Vice-Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission in 2019 and Chair in 2022, she now serves as Senior Government Relations Advisor at Brock University, advancing government engagement and strategic advocacy.

With a passion for strengthening community support systems, I focus on growing nonprofit organizations through strategic fund development, including special events, corporate partnerships, and individual giving. Backed by 11 years in media sales, I bring strong skills in prospecting, relationship-building, and confidently making the ask—tools that help drive meaningful impact in the non-profit sector.

Dave is a dedicated family and Niagara community advocate who contributes his time and expertise to support local business and community growth. With nearly two decades in the tech industry, he has excelled in sales, training, management, and the development and succession of two respected sales and service organizations. His expertise spans technology solutions for home offices to major corporations, as well as sales, coaching, branding, succession planning, and guiding teams through uncharted territory.

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Jason Pizzicarola Design – Architects Inc. (JPD) is a Canadian architecture and design firm with projects across Canada, the United States, and Australia. JPD delivers creative, innovative solutions grounded in collaboration, technical expertise, and exceptional service. The firm provides full consulting services—including architecture, interior and landscape design, and project management—supported by advanced technology and detailed documentation. Founder Jason Pizzicarola remains personally involved in every project, ensuring results that align with client needs and make the process both successful and enjoyable.

Kemp Financial Group is a family business serving clients across Ontario with a specialized focus on helping other family businesses transition their wealth to the next generation in the most tax-efficient way. With three core divisions—Wealth Management, Insurance (estate and transition planning), and Employee Benefits—we offer creative strategies, deep experience, and long-term relationships built on trust. For active family businesses seeking clarity and continuity, we are the clear choice.

My journey in the hair industry began as a teen, styling family and friends and loving every moment. After hair school, I started as a shampoo girl and spent twelve years growing within a family-owned salon before opening my own. Becoming a salon owner sparked my passion for educating stylists. I later joined Redken Canada and earned major accolades, including a Mirror Award. Today, with Revlon Professional, I continue to grow, educate, and support stylists across the industry.

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A versatile leader with strong communication skills and a passion for social justice, mentorship and collaboration. A self-motivated and resourceful administrator who promotes creative solutions for effective and efficient program delivery with a preference for working in an inclusive organization that honours the assets of diverse community partners.

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Tara Adams is a results-driven Marketing and Communications professional with over 20 years of experience leading initiatives that drive business growth and strengthen stakeholder engagement. Known for her strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills, she brings a highly versatile background across multiple business functions. Tara completed the Certificate of Excellence in Marketing and Sales Leadership at the Schulich School of Business and has additional training in Project Management, including PM Essentials 1 & 2 and Microsoft Project.

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With over fifteen years of experience across project management, operations, product development, customer success, and general management, I bring a strong track record of leading projects from initiation to completion—overseeing scope, timelines, budgets, and resources with precision. I’m dedicated, detail-oriented, and driven by creating value that aligns with an organization’s vision and culture. My background spans retail, food, finance, startups, and corporate branding, where I’ve helped enhance consumer behaviour and operational efficiency.

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Laura Ricciuto is the President of KAIZEN Management Consulting, Kaizen Marketing & Creative Design House, and Kaizen 360. A lifetime Beta Gamma Sigma member, she holds an MBA with honours, a BA in Political Science, and a Journalism diploma. With 20 years of experience in consulting, marketing, finance, operations, and strategic planning, Laura has supported more than 150 businesses locally and internationally. Her passion for helping entrepreneurs inspired the launch of the Kaizen group, dedicated to delivering effective, affordable business solutions.

Merri-Lee is the founder of Soul Journeys Healing & Companioning. Her healing path began in 2008 after a transformative Reiki session that brought her an unexpected sense of peace, clarity, and spiritual awareness. Inspired by its impact, she dedicated herself to learning and channeling Reiki to support the well-being of others. Over the years, she has witnessed its ability to ease grief, restore balance, and bring comfort—especially to those navigating life transitions. Today, she shares this healing work through Soul Journeys Healing & Companioning.

A Creative and Energetic Hospitality Professional with significant achievements in building loyal client relationships within the Corporate, Association, Consumer/Trade Show, Sport and Recreation Markets. Career highlights include the 40 Under 40 Award, 2013 CAEM Member of the Year, CMP,CEM Designations and the Scotiabank Convention Centre Education Award provided by Executives and Peers of the SCCN.

Natalee is multi-lingual, holds both a Masters in Business Administration and an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Brock University. Her international work background includes researching microfinance and the development of a community centre in North-Eastern Brazil, as well as consulting for a number of businesses and organizations in Seoul, South Korea.

Lostracco Wealth Management is a group of seasoned investment and wealth management professionals. With nearly $1 Billion in assets under administration, we operate within RBC Dominion Securities, a global financial institution.

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