Reshoring & Resiliency:
Less Dependence on the USA
Dr. Michelle Chrétien, Vice-President of Research & Innovation
Conestoga College
Jim Estill, CEO
Danby Appliances
Dr. Michelle Chrétien received her BSc in Chemistry from Dalhousie University and PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Ottawa and is currently the Vice President, Research & Innovation at Conestoga College. Prior to joining the public sector in 2018, Michelle spent more than a decade leading research and development at Xerox Corp., helping customers and partners to innovate, solve problems, and achieve their business and technology goals. Michelle has published 23 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and been granted 90+ US patents on novel materials and manufacturing technologies Michelle serves on the Board of Directors of the Milton Chamber of Commerce, the Accelerator Centre, and the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging She is also an appointed member of the Mitacs Research & Innovation Council and is currently serving on the NSERC governing council
Jim Estill started his computer business from zero and grew it to $2 Billion in sales. He retired and bought Danby Appliances, Arctic Snowplow, Valcom Manufacturing (antennas – many for military), Farley Group (air supported structures). His companies manufacture in onshore, import finished products and also imports parts.
Global Trade:
Canada’s Free Trade Advantage
Tony La Mantia, President & CEO
Waterloo EDC
J
A community builder at heart, he relishes the opportunity to help build a strong, sustainable economy for the people of Waterloo Region A passionate leader, his career has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors with executive roles in investment marketing, technology sales and mining, as well as the Province of Ontario where he was Assistant Deputy Minister of Investment and Industry
cial Account Executive, Trade Credit & Political Risk
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, banking, and insurance, Jason provides a wide range of commercial insurance solutions to local and national Canadian businesses, including trade credit, political risk, property, casualty, and auto insurance He also co-manages trade credit growth for Cowan across Canada. Jason enjoys meeting clients to review policy coverages and limits, fostering trusted partnerships His expertise and diverse industry experience enable him to provide creative solutions to protect businesses from all financial risks Jason holds a Humber College Business Management and Financial Services diploma and a RIBO license He has been an integral director of The Receivables Insurance Association of Canada since 2019 and helps manage Cowan Insurance Group’s participation with the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association (CTMA).
Cowan Insurance Group
Exhibitor Booths
BDC
Canadian Western Bank
Conestoga College
Cowan Insurance Group
Josslin Insurance
Ontario Corporate Training Centre
Real Mortgage Associates
University of Guelph
Parking
There will be plenty of available parking onsite at the front of the building. Please click here for the parking map.
Food & Beverage
There will be coffee, tea, water, and beverages, along with an assortment of delicious sandwiches, and wraps, vegetable platters, and dessert platters provided by Bella Vista Catering There will be Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian options available