South Niagara Conversations: Recent Episodes
South Niagara Chambers of Commerce
The South Niagara Chambers of Commerce is proud to back with Season 2 of South Niagara Conversations. Co-hosted by Chris Byrnes and Andrew Bilous of 105-1 The River, the podcast will be focused on issues that Niagara is talking about. It's Niagara Perspectives. Niagara Voices. Niagara Conversations.
In our final episode of season two, we are discussing the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is still having at our border bridge crossings in Niagara.
Dolores and Chris welcome Stephanie Dafoe from the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, Kevin Jacobi from Canada BW, and Wayne Handzlik from Way Bri Express.
Did you ever consider a career in the trades? Or have your kids shown interest in a trade?
On this episode of South Niagara Conversations, we dive into the importance of teaching young people the importance of trades and why it can lead to a rewarding career.
Thank you to Anthony Corrizzato fort NCDSB, Marco Magazzeni from NCDSB and Rich Di Pietro from IBEW Local 303 joining us for this important conversation.
Will the businesses that survived the pandemic survive the labour shortage? Dolores and Chris welcome Jhon Canon from On Demand Staffing, Vivian Kinnaird from Niagara Workforce Planning Board and Dave Bouckenooghe from Brock University to discuss the issues currently facing Niagara's labour market.
In this episode of South Niagara Conversations, we discuss the practicality of Craig W. Turner's novel, the CampAIgn, in our current political system. Dolores and Chris welcome author Craig W. Turner, Joanne Heritz Assistant Professor of Political Science at Brock University, and Dave Meslin author of TEARDOWN: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up to the conversation.
In this episode of South Niagara Conversations, we are discussing how modern technology is being leveraged to make access for patients easier at Niagara Health. We welcome Sonali Kohli,Vice President, Diagnostics and Chief Information Officer and Dr. Benjamin Tam, Physician Critical Care Medicine to the conversation.
Have you ever considered a run for politics? Today we sit down with three women in Niagara politics to find out the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a woman in politics. Former Mayor of Wainfleet April Jeffs, Niagara Falls City Councilor Lori Lococo, and Fort Erie Councilor Marina Butler join Dolores and Chris for this conversation.
Did you know Thorold is Niagara's fastest-growing city?
Marco Marino, Thorold's Manager of Economic Development, joins Dolores and Chris to talk all things Thorold.
Lina Dechellis and Grant Mundy from the City of Welland join Dolores to discuss all things Welland on this episode of South Niagara Conversations.
Think you know Fort Erie? Think again.
Daniel Turner, Fort Erie's Economic Development Officer, joins Dolores and Chris to talk to us about all things Fort Erie.
Are you looking to buy a house in Niagara? In this episode, we discuss Niagara's red-hot housing market and where our experts see it going.
Neville Kidd from Desjardins and Stephen Canjar from Peak Performers Realty Inc. join Dolores and Chris for this lively discussion.
Could Niagara Falls be Canada's Music City? If the City of Niagara Falls has anything to say about it, it's a yes.
South Niagara Conversations is back for the second half of our second season. In this episode, Dolores and Chris welcome Angela Davidson from the City of Niagara Falls' Economic Development Office.
There's a lot going on in Niagara Falls and Angela gives us the details.
In this episode we welcome Leanne Cressman from Star Metroland Media and Mike Cressman from CA4 to discuss marketing in a post COVID-19 world. Our cohost, Andrew Bilous, is also on the hot seat as he brings his marketing knowledge from the radio business.
Join us as we dive into the great debate of the benefits of marketing in digital versus print versus radio.
South Niagara Conversations is back for the second half of our second season. In this episode, we welcome Bram Cotton from the City of Port Colborne's Economic Development Office. We discuss everything from the history of cruise ships in Port Colborne to the majestic views of ice breakers on the lake in the winter.
There's a lot going on in Port Colborne and Bram gives us the details.
In this episode of South Niagara Conversations, cohosted by Rob Cheevers, we discuss the importance of Niagara's post-secondary institution to our region.
We welcome Dr. Lynn Wells, Interim President and Vice- Chancellor, Provost and Vice-President Academic at Brock University and Sean Kennedy, President of Niagara College to this episode.
In this episode of South Niagara Conversations, cohosted by John Van Brussel, we tackle the reopening of the Canada/US border and the impact its closure has had on our communities.
We welcome Joyce Morocco from Destination Niagara Falls, Kory Schuler from the Niagara USA Chamber, and Craig Turner from World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara.
In this episode, co-hosted by Jeff Reuter, we discuss the state of politics and how the roles of politicians have changed.
Our guests include Dave Meslin, author of Teardown: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up, Wayne Redekop, Mayor of the Town of Fort Erie, and Kevin Vallier, Executive Director of Farm Fresh Ontario.
Niagara Superstars discuss their experiences during the past year.
In this episode, co-hosted by Jeff Neil, we welcome Andy Murison from Niagara Falls Craft Distillers, Dave Nordquist from MiniWarGaming, and Sarah Lacharity from Raw Materials Company.
In this episode, co-hosted by Jonathan George, we are discussing the impact COVID-19 has had on our travel industry and where our guests see it going in 2022. Thank you to our guests Wendy Paradis, President at Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA), and Dr. Paul Willie, Professor of Hospitality and Tourism at Niagara College for joining us.
In this week's conversation, we discuss the importance of business planning with three business professionals from Niagara. We welcome Verne Milot from Growth Associates, Bryan Lachappelle from B4 Networks, and Neville Kidd from Desjardins. This episode is co-hosted by Mike Cressman of the Cressman Agency.
In episode two, we welcome Joel Noden from HOCO Entertainment & Resorts and Andrew Niven from Konzelmann Estate Winery to discuss the 2021 tourism season in Niagara, trends moving forward, and where they see the industry going. Episode two is cohosted by Kevin Jacobi from Canada BW.
We welcome Alu McCabe from Trusted Time Inc and Thalia Semplonius from the Niagara Workforce Planning Board to discuss the Employee Engagement and Retention Survey;
They provide their insights and advice on how you can keep your employees and how to mitigate issues before they become long-term ones.
Want to know what employees told them in the survey? Listen now!
We're back Niagara!
We're bringing you more Niagara perpectives. More Niagara voices. And, of course, more Niagara conversations.
New episodes will be uploaded Wednesdays.
In our final episode of season one, we welcomed Kelly Jones from Employment Solutions, Deanna D’Elia from the YMCA, and Vivian Kinnaird from the Niagara Workforce Training Board. We’ll gain some insight into the local labour market. What it means for job seekers and what it means for businesses.
We welcome back Dr. Karim Ali, Director, Division of Infectious Diseases & Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Pandemic Preparedness Lead, and Natalie Ferraro, RN - Kidney Care Clinical Manager, Hemodialysis Unit (currently at the NH Vaccination Clinic). We also welcome Linda Boich, who is the Executive Vice President, Quality, and Mental Health and Addictions, Executive Lead, Integrated Care and Executive Lead, Niagara COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force. We will get an update from the team and talk about some of the lessons we have learned.
This week we will be welcoming Michelle Bisk Up, Director of Operations for the Niagara River Lions, Joey Burke, General Manager of the Niagara Ice Dogs, and Ryan Harrison, CEO for the Welland Jackfish. Three great local teams representing 3 beloved sports. We’ll learn about their challenges this past year and what they have planned for the fans this coming season!
This week we will be welcoming Scott Luey, CAO for the City of Port Colborne, and David Cribbs, CAO for the Town of Pelham. We’re going to discuss the challenges that they’ve experienced in managing a municipality. How they’ve been able to continue to provide core services with reduced resources and somehow maintain a community spirit!
This week we will be welcoming Blake Landry, Manager, Economic Research & Analysis, Regional Municipality of Niagara, Len Stolk, President, Stolk Construction, and Don Cyr, Chair of the Niagara Industrial Association. We’ll be discussing the results of the most recent Economic Rapid Recovery Team survey as well as gaining insight into our Construction and Manufacturing sectors in Niagara.
This week we will be welcoming some of our local Chamber of Commerce friends to the conversation. Joining us will be John D'Amico, Chair of the Niagara Centre Board of Trade and Commerce, Eduardo Lafforgue, CEO of the Niagara On The Lake Chamber, and Denise Potter, Executive Director of the West Lincoln Chamber. These are the folks that are always on the frontline for business. They have been actively responding to local business needs, providing information, resources, programming and a compassionate ear for the past year. Join us as they bring a level of insight that we have not yet heard on the podcast.
This week’s live South Niagara Conversations will focus on how the pandemic has impacted young people as they prepare to join the workforce. We will be talking about what the past year has been like for postsecondary students, what’s been their biggest challenge, how their learning has changed, and what their hopes for the future are. Joining us for the conversation will be Angela Walsh, Niagara College, Business Program, Samantha Jemison, Niagara College, Mechanical Engineering, Valerie Pagnotta, Brock University, Medical Sciences, and Darby Patterson, Brock University, Masters of Business Administration.
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.
This week our conversation will focus on the impact of the pandemic on Niagara Falls and the tourism industry as well as what tourism will look like post-pandemic. With an estimated 30 million visitors to this world-renown location, this past year has been beyond challenging. Joining us for the conversation will be Richard Taylor, President Niagara Casinos, and Joel Noden, Director of Marketing, HOCO Entertainment, and Resorts.
Our conversation will focus on affordable housing in South Niagara. It is a growing concern and we know that the pandemic has put even more pressure on an already stressed system. Joining us for the conversation will be Joanne Heritz, Assistant Professor, Political Science, Brock University and author of the recent report “Looking Ahead and Looking Up: Affordable Housing in Niagara; Wayne Campbell, Councillor with the City of Niagara Falls, and member of the Housing Needs Technical Advisory Committee and Mark Carl, CEO, Habitat For Humanity Niagara.
Scott and I chatted with 3 of South Niagara Super Stars! They’re going to share the good, the bad and the ugly about their business during the past year as well as their plans for a bright future. Joining us for the conversation will be Kevin Reles from CERES Global, David Norquist from MiniWarGaming and Antonietta Culic from the Fort Erie Race Track.
On this week’s South Niagara Conversations we will be talking with frontline workers here in Niagara to hear their perspective about being in healthcare during the pandemic this past year. Our guests will include Dr. Karim Ali, Director, Division of Infectious Diseases & Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and Pandemic Preparedness Lead; Natalie Ferraro, RN - Kidney Care Clinical Manager, Hemo dialysis Unit (currently moonlighting at the NH Vaccine Clinic) and Leslie Leduc, Program and Services Manager at the Extended Care Unit in Welland.
In this episode of South Niagara Conversations we’ll be talking about modern day democracy and the impact it has on our lives as citizens. We will be joined by Dave Meslin, Author of Teardown: Rebuilding democracy from the Ground Up; Janet Ecker, Former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and Dave Augustyn, former Mayor for the Town of Pelham.
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.
On this week's episode of South Niagara Conversations we'll be talking about balancing public health and economic survival during the pandemic. Does it have to be tradeoff between lost lives or lost livelihoods. What can we be doing right now to protect both! Joining us for the conversation will be Stephanie Dafoe, COO with the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, Jeff Neill, Partner with DJB and Asif Khowaja, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.
On this week’s episode of South Niagara Conversations we’ll be talking about the importance of credible news sources, the impact of social media and the 24hour news cycle and why ‘fake news’ is a real thing. Joining us for the conversation will be John Armstrong, President of Armstrong Strategy, Charlie Kopun, Professor in the Media Studies Program at Niagara College, and Kevin Vallier, Founder of The Niagara Independent.
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.
On this week’s episode of South Niagara Conversations we’ll be talking to some of our local restaurant owners to discuss how they are doing and where they see their industry going. It has been a tough go for them with their industry being one of the hardest hit during this pandemic. Joining us for the conversation will be Kevin Echlin from the Smokin Buddha, and Cheryl Lapalme from Ye Old Squire.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.
This week we’ll be talking about how people are managing working from home and how our workplaces have changed. Many of us had to make a quick shift to a home office and have been working in this way for a while. Joining us for the conversation will be Mike Cressman from the Cressman Agency, Carolyn Mullin, Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships at Niagara College and Alu McCabe, with Trusted Time.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.
This week we will be talking about how people are mentally and emotionally getting through this pandemic. We have never been this isolated, it’s impossible to make plans because things change so quickly and we are all feeling the effects of it. We will be joined by longtime mental health advocates Wayne and Helga Campbell, and Jeannie Hostetter, Community & Business Services Manager for the Family Counselling Centre with Family and Children’s services. It’s an important conversation that we can’t afford not to have.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.
In our third episode, we welcome Stephen Canjar, Broker of Record and President of Peak Performers Realty, Barb Scarlett, Broker with Century 21 Today Realty and Neville Kidd, Senior Account Manager with Desjardins. We'll be chatting about what's happening in Niagara's real estate market right now, why it's happening, what it means to the community and where they see it going.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.
In our second episode, we welcome Kory Schuler from the Niagara USA Chamber and Craig Turner from the World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara to discuss the differences between the Canadian and American experience with COVID-19. Plus, we'll cover what are businesses experiencing on both sides of the border, which industries are being hit the hardest, and what trends we anticipate in a post-COVID-19 lockdown world.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.
In our first episode, we'll be discussing the COVID-19 vaccine with Aaron Boggio of the Boggio Family of Pharmacies, Mayor Redekop from the Town of Fort Erie, and Jeff Reuter of Reuter and Reilly Insurance.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Find us now on iTunes and Spotify.