SPEAKERS
Graham Sherman
Tool Shed Brewing Company
Graham and Jeff’s meteoric rise in the beer industry is due to a level of authentic, infectious passion rarely witnessed in any industry combined with an incredibly unique approach to the social media world we live in.
The moment you hear their story you understand that simply drinking a Tool Shed beer represents an appreciation of the grassroots struggle of quitting your job and going after your dreams AT ALL COSTS!
SHAWNA FETH
Executive Director of the Alberta Business Family Institute at the School of Business
As Executive Director of the Alberta Business Family Institute at the University of Alberta School of Business, Shauna is a designated Family Enterprise Advisor who has been actively and effectively promoting, educating and supporting outreach programs for entrepreneurs and business families for more than 10 years.
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Dale Schaub
Business Link
Dale Schaub works for Business Link, a government funded program that helps aspiring and established entrepreneurs in Alberta. Dale has a diverse knowledge of sales, marketing, regulations, cannabis, and small business financing options.
His past start up experience includes running a delivery business for 6 years.
businesslink.ca/
Terry Gerlinsky
BDC
Terry was born and raised in the Lakeland area prior to attending U of A.
He is a banking professional with 20 years experience in the industry and has been with BDC for 5 years. He also has previous experience with BMO, CIBC and ATB.
In his spare time, Terry enjoys camping and fishing with friends and family.
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Q Rasi
ATB
Q Rasi is the Director of Strategic Markets with ATB Financial and his team supports program development for Manufacturing, Franchising, Cannabis, Partner Referral programs and Cryptocurrency-related businesses.
Prior to his work at ATB, Q was a post doctoral fellow at the faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta and Cofounder of TVCOM Inc. - a technology company that worked with Hollywood Studios and Fashion labels in NY. Aside from his current engagements at ATB, Q is also a lecturer at the MacEwan University and an avid learner of blockchain-related innovations.
Tam Andersen
Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm
An award-winning farm entrepreneur from Sturgeon County, Tam Andersen is known for her passion and commitment in growing local food and local tourism.
She is a pioneer of agri-tourism in the region as Owner and Director of Fun at Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm, a rural attraction that has welcomed over one million visitors since 1956.
Hussam Tungekar
Futurpreneur Canada - Edmonton Office
Hussam Tungekar heads up Futurpreneur Canada’s Edmonton office that services Alberta Center and North. He has a passion for nurturing economic empowerment in our community. His background in digital marketing and strategic business development, in both corporate and non-profit organizations, are his key strengths when it comes to helping young businesses succeed. Hussam’s side hustle is in Strategic Communications consulting, providing services to an international group of clients.
Nicole Cayanan
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
Nicole Cayanan is the Financing Specialist at Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). Her main role with the organization is to help finance women-owned businesses in Alberta, at all stages of their business. Nicole graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce Co-op degree, majoring in Finance. She has gained valuable work experiences by being in the financial industry for the past five years. Nicole is always willing to learn new things and improve her business acumen. She also has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and loves encouraging others in their own pursuits. In her spare time, Nicole loves to volunteer, spend time outdoors, try new hobbies, and hang out with her close-knit group of family and friends.
Rob Lajoie
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Rob Lajoie, VP Financing and Consulting Alberta North
Rob Lajoie has a passion for small business, with over 20 years in the Manitoba Financial Sector with past 17 with Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). We are Canada’s business development bank and the only financial institution dedicated exclusively to entrepreneurs. BDC supports entrepreneurs in all industries and at all stages of development from more than 115 business centres across Canada and online at bdc.ca.
Jennifer Filip
Tourism Camrose
Jennifer Filip is the Executive Director for Tourism Camrose, the destination marketing organization for the Camrose Region. Jennifer had been involved with Tourism Camrose previously as Treasurer and Vice-President on the board of directors.
Jennifer has been involved with tourism in various capacities over the years. She has worked for the Camrose Regional Exhibition and Agricultural Society producing the Growing Rural Tourism Conference, Celebrating Women’s Conference and many other events. She has also served as President for the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies; the provincial organization that advocates on behalf of all agricultural societies in the province.
Jennifer has also served as President of the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Centre. She also has worked closely with Travel Alberta and Alberta Culture and Tourism.
Bev Lockett
Portage College
Bev Lockett, Dean of Business & Food Sciences Manager, St. Paul Campus MBA, Ph.D. (c) Business Management, Leadership, & Entrepreneurial Strategies
Bev Lockett has been a 18-year educator and leader with Portage College. She celebrates the fact that she is able to enjoy her two greatest passions in life: business and education. She has thoroughly enjoyed management and entrepreneurship. She also opened her own business start-up consultation business prior to and during her time as an educator.
Bev admits she craves learning new things, which explains her passion for education. She believes business leadership skills can be and should be continually developed. Bev's enjoyment for entrepreneurship arises from the idea that "the greatest experience in life hinges on the ability to grow and develop your success; that is what entrepreneurship is all about. The thrill you receive when you see that gleam in someone's eye when they have discovered a business idea is a feeling that cannot be described or duplicated."
Wayne Kryzalka
Managing Director Entrepreneurship, Business Agriculture
With a career that spans over 34 years Wayne is no stranger to the banking and financial services industry. Wayne grew up in a small farming community in Northern Alberta and has two grown children and a wonderful wife named Michelle. Wayne left the family farm in 1982 and pursued a business education in Edmonton and shortly followed suit with a career in banking.
In his 32 years with ATB, he has worked in numerous areas such as Retail Banking and Human Resources, however for the past 24 years, Wayne has focused in Business and Agriculture Services. This experience, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to customer success resulted in a leadership position with ATB, where Wayne currently holds the position of Managing Director, Entrepreneurship for ATB Business and Agriculture.
Wayne’s background and experience has helped him understand the challenges and opportunities that face business owners and Ag producers today.
Gene Wesley
General Manager - Community Futures Lac La Biche
Besides being a happily married father, and an enthusiastic entrepreneur myself, I have been with Community Futures since March 2013. With over 30 years of management and business ownership experience I can relate to business owners and those considering entrepreneurship. I love hearing that “next new idea” and having a part in helping it become a success.
Portage College
Portage College Staff
Carrie Froehler is the Vice President People, Planning & Public Relations, Guy Gervais is Vice President Academic and Robin Tizzard is Dean. Join them for "Energizing Your Workforce". You will hear about how Portage College uses themed events, a structured volunteer program, community activities and wacky ideas to generate some energy and fun at the College and within the communities we serve. Take away ideas that you can customize with your teams whether big or small. Hear about the recent lumberjack themed “Welcome Back Day” and who won the “Axe Throwing” and “Timber Call” competitions.
Christopher Smith
Travel Alberta - Cooperative Marketing Manager
Christopher Smith has a passion to help tourism partners tell their story to Alberta and the world. His current role, Cooperative Marketing Manager allows him to do just that – working with partners from across Northern Alberta to market all the region has too offer.
Rick Janvier
Project Officer with the Northeast Alberta Apprenticeship Initiative
Rick Janvier is a member of the Cold Lake First Nations and a graduate of a Business Administration Diploma Program from Lakeland College and has a Certificate in Aboriginal Employment Development from the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies. Mr. Janvier started his career as an Employment and Training Counsellor with Tribal Chiefs Ventures in 1989. In the last 27 years he has held numerous Human Resources, Employment and Training related positions with the Public Sector and Businesses in the Oil & Gas Industry. Mr. Janvier strategically seeks opportunities for Indigenous people to obtain meaningful careers to becoming self-reliant and self-sufficient.
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Audrey Allotey
Business Link
Audrey is very experienced in many different fields of work including business development, international development in social and natural resources, agroprocessing, and packaging. She also successfully launched and operated a line of food products in her home country of Ghana. Combined with her business degree, this experience gave her valuable insight into the business and entrepreneurial world.
Audrey believes strongly in building meaningful relationships on every level and encourages other entrepreneurs to keep learning and remain persistent. She says, “persistence is the key to unlocking our potential.”
When Audrey isn’t out globetrotting, you can find her snuggled on the couch unwinding from her day with a cup of tea and a slice of cake watching Friends
Aanand Mehta
Senior Director with BNI Alberta North
Aanand Mehta is a Senior Director with BNI Alberta North, an organization dedicated to helping its members grow their business through a professional referral program. He has been a member of BNI for 7 years and a part of the leadership team for the past 3 years where he works with Albertan entrepreneurs and professionals to build a culture of proactive and reciprocal business relationships.
Before his role at BNI, Aanand co-founded Output - a company focused on improving the efficiencies of trades companies through new technology. Aanand is a volunteer with the Christopher Leadership Courses of Canada instructing classes on effective public speaking & community leadership.
Amanda Robinson
Community Futures Tawatinaw Region
Amanda is the owner of Tree of Life Marketing and Communications as well as the Marketing and Communications Analyst for Community Futures Tawatinaw Region. She has been with Community Futures for over 5 years and helps small business owners with a wide range of marketing topics. She specializes in digital marketing and social media management.
Jayme Baxter
Community Futures Tawatinaw Region
Jayme Baxter is the Youth in Business Coordinator for Community Futures Tawatinaw Region. She is also an experienced Mental Health Therapist who has her own practice The Path Forward Counselling Services. In addition she has a a long history of working in the hospital & health care industry as well as vast experience working with youth.
Portage College
L to R - Allison Routhier; Gail Hiar; Jody Emigh; Carrie Froehler; Nicole Elaniuk
The Portage Team that is working together behind the scenes for the Power Up North conference.
Watch for them they will be presenting, manning the tradeshow booth, and introducing the presenters.
Power Up North! The Entrepreneurs Conference is proud to offer
a wide range of keynote speakers and workshop presenters. Each individual offers a unique perspective and valuable business knowledge.