Your NIA Team

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Bailey Charles

Bailey Charles is a Senior Relationship Manager with TD Commercial Bank. Bailey is committed to fostering the growth and prosperity of Niagara’s entrepreneurs by providing connections, resources, and financial solutions to drive development and operational excellence.

Born and raised in St. Catharines, Bailey is a graduate of Brock University earning her Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) degree. She holds her CPA, CMA designation, and prior to joining TD, spent 9 years with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Bailey is actively involved in Niagara’s business community and has served on the NIA board since 2020.

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Shawn Rapone

Shawn Rapone is the Controller and co-owner of CMI Heavy Industries. He began working on
the shop floor as a Machinist, Welder and Millwright in 1996. Shawn completed his postsecondary education at Niagara College where he received his Manufacturing Engineering Technician and at Brock University where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours.

In 2007, Shawn alongside his three brothers obtained full ownership and together they have grown CMI from its former 28,000 square foot St. Catharines location with 14 employees to its current 120,000 square foot Stevensville location with >70 employees. As a lifelong resident of Niagara and owner of a manufacturing company, Shawn has a keen interest in helping the manufacturing industry in Niagara grow to its great potential.

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Kevin Jacobi

Kevin Jacobi is a founder and Executive Director of CanadaBW Logistics Inc. in Niagara Falls, ON. His warehouse contains bonded and traditional storage solutions as well as manufacturing, e-commerce and export development.  He also owns 6 Squared Studios/Mecha Games that uses various 3D printers to produce components for the gaming industry.  With over 20 years of experience, Kevin has partnered with many local manufacturers to give them the resources to expand their ability to do business.  Kevin is an expert in trade policies and has organized inbound and outbound trade missions including a trade missions to China.  Kevin has volunteered on NIA committees and has been on boards including Welland-Pelham Chamber of Commerce, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, Niagara Foreign Trade Zone Task Force, and binational logistics group, ITGO. 

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Aaron Tisdelle

Aaron Tisdelle  is a lifelong Niagara resident and manufacturer. He is currently the third generation President of Girotti Machine. Girotti Machine has been a long time member of the NIA and Aaron is currently involved in the Workforce Development Committee.  Aaron is passionate about providing valuable directions to our young people as well as strengthening our trades. Aaron would like to bring new ideas into the association and help other Niagara manufacturers.

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Ania Piekarska

Ania Piekarska is a Senior Account Executive for North American & Global Markets at Nacora, a leading international insurance brokerage. With deep expertise in insurance, financing, export strategies and risk management, by leveraging Nacora’s global insurance capabilities, she provides innovative solutions to help businesses mitigate risks. She also assists clients to secure capital helping them navigate the complexities of cross-border operations with confidence and strategic foresight.

Ania is known for her commitment to building strong, long-term relationships with her customers. Her ability to develop strategic business solutions, coupled with a strong network of trade and finance professionals – including partnerships with government agencies and banks – has made her a sought-after advisor in the field.

Ania has been involved in the Niagara Region for over ten years and for the past two she has been a Board Member of the Niagara Industrial Association. She advocates for regional growth and innovation by actively supporting and promoting the region’s industrial and manufacturing sectors. She is a passionate advocate for the “Made in Canada” brand.

Previously, she spent over a decade as a Senior Account Manager at Export Development Canada, where she played a pivotal role in supporting Canadian entrepreneurs to expand internationally by structuring finance transactions, trade credit and political risk insurance policies, and bonding solutions.

Beyond her client work, you can often hear her speak at various events, presenting to business owners on strategies for risk mitigation, exporting and global market entry. She has been a guest speaker in Buffalo, NY, where she showcased the strength of Niagara Region’s manufacturing sector, and contributed her expertise as a volunteer on the Niagara and Hamilton Foreign Trade Zone Task Force.

Ania’s academic credentials include a Master’s in International Relations and Global Economics from McMaster University, a Specialized Honours Degree in International Studies from York University (Glendon College), and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, Austria.

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Anna Buunk

Anna Buunk is a manager at Niagara Precision Limited in manufacturing and holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at Jaide Products Inc. in the healthcare sector. She holds her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Brock University.Anna actively engages with the Niagara Industrial Association, volunteering at various events and assumed the role of interim operations manager for a period.

Beyond her commitment to advancing trades in the Niagara region, Anna is passionately dedicated to improving the quality of life for seniors in the community. She initiated a not-for-profit organization within the healthcare industry in the Niagara Region with the aim of bridging the gap between hospital and home care, ensuring comprehensive healthcare plans are accessible to everyone.

Anna has pursued executive certificates with the Toronto Region Board of Trades, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning in both the trades and healthcare sectors. Her focus on fostering genuine connections and upholding the highest standards of honesty and trustworthiness reflects in all her business endeavors.

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Kiara Theodosopoulos

Kiara Theodosopoulos has extensive experience in manufacturing and construction, a track record of leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing our industry.

As Human Resources Manager at Airbus Helicopters Canada, she has expertise in workforce development, talent acquisition, workforce planning, change management, organizational development, labour relations, compliance, and innovation. Her leadership has contributed to significant workforce growth and the achievement of key company initiatives.

Beyond her professional success, she is actively engaged in industry initiatives including promotion of skilled trades development, women in trades advocacy, workforce coalition discussions and newcomers to Canada integration. Her ability to collaborate, develop strategic solutions, and champion industry progress aligns well with the mission of the Niagara Industrial Association.

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Dr. Don Cyr

Dr. Don Cyr is Professor of Finance with the Goodman School of Business at Brock University.  Don is the former associate dean for graduate programs and research and dean of the Goodman School of Business. He has been an active member of the NIA since 2014. He is a former ex-officio member of the NIA Board, and a current member of the NIA’s Education and Training Committee. Don’s research and teaching is in the area of corporate financial management and international finance. His research on the impact of climate change and weather on local businesses and municipalities has been featured in the Globe and Mail, BNN and many other media outlets nationally. Don is keenly interested in the economic well-being of the Niagara region and its manufacturing sector.

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Gina Delle Rose-Ash

Gina Delle Rose-Ash is a certified logistics professional with 14 years of experience in maritime transportation. She joined the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) in 2018.

A graduate of Brock University, she earned her Honours degree in Business Communications. She holds a Certificate in Marine Transportation through the Shipping Federation of Canada & Concordia University and is a Certified Logistics Professional through the CITT program.   Gina sits on the Board of Directors for The Marine Club and the Niagara Industrial Association and is an Advisory Committee member for the McMaster Institute for Transportation & Logistics.

Gina is a 2023 recipient of Niagara’s 40 under Forty Business Achievement Awards, which recognizes individuals who make significant positive contributions to the local economy, community and business ecosystem.

Passionate about inclusion and women empowerment, Gina pioneered the annual “Women in Logistics” event and supported the development of the Great Lakes Seaway Review’s Impact! Award which annually recognizes an outstanding woman in the maritime industry. 

Gina lives in Niagara with her husband and two children.

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Mike Kubes

Mike Kubes is the General Manager of Kit Steel, a leading rebar fabricator in Welland. As one of the largest purchasers of rebar in Niagara, he has deep insight into market conditions, steel and commodity pricing, and their impact on local projects. Kit Steel has strong ties with Niagara’s construction industry, supplying rebar for major projects like the Canada Summer Games Walker Sports & Abilities Centre in Thorold and the Chestnut Park Affordable Housing Project in Port Colborne.

As a member of TEC 267, Mike is well-connected with local business leaders and stakeholders. A third-generation steel fabricator, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a passion for strengthening Niagara’s industrial sector.

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Lisa Allen

Lisa Allen is an accomplished professional in commercial and corporate real estate, bringing nearly two decades of diversified industry and corporate experience, currently specializing in economic development. Her expertise spans various business sectors, including industrial, aeronautical, marine, retail, office space, telecom and institutional real estate holdings.

With a proven track record of successfully closing deals and establishing fruitful partnerships, Lisa’s skill in creating and fostering business synergies allows organizations to maximize economic and business development opportunities.

In the current role within economic development, significant contributions are made to the growth and success of both clients and organizations. Committed to driving innovation and sustainable development, a positive impact is consistently made in the dynamic world of commercial and corporate real estate.

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Verne Milot

Verne Milot is President/Founder of Growth Associates and is a business development advisor with an employment background ranging from large multinational corporations to start-ups and small business.  He has worked for and successfully developed industrial and manufacturing enterprises with Noranda  Group, CAE, Laidlaw and Robert Bosch Corp. These have included state-of-the-art technological applications in areas such as plastics extrusion and co-extrusions, steel casting and a variety of industrial automation applications.  On two occasions, Verne led the growth of businesses to be in  the order of l00+ staff and $40M in sales.  Verne holds an lvey MBA from the University of Western Ontario and is a registered P.Eng with a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo.