Date: June 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Location: Lock 3 Museum, 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines, ON L2P 0A2
Agenda:
- Registration & Networking – 8:30 AM
- Meeting Start – 9:00 AM
- Greetings and introduction from the NIA
- Niagara Region Economic Update
- Leveraging R&D in Disruptive Markets
- Tariff and AI Adoption Current State and Financing Strategies
- Meeting End, followed by additional networking opportunities – 10:30 AM
REGISTER HERE!
PRESENTERS:
Blake Landry, Niagara Region
Blake Landry’s primary focus on the Niagara Economic Development team is overseeing economic industrial and business research and analysis. He is a Certified Economic Developer (Ec.D.) in Canada.
His experience in economic development ranges from business start-up services, innovation commercialization, economic research and analysis, and investment attraction. He has been active on various boards and committees relevant to industry in Niagara and has mentored foreign trained professionals new to Niagara.
Blake holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brock University, a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from Humber College, and a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo.
Neil Wilkinson, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC)
As the Associate Director for WAMIC, Neil brings a breadth of experience as a product developer, service provider, and end customer to his work, with over 10-years in leadership experience in applied research offices.
Neil’s passions are supporting small- and medium-sized businesses on their innovation journeys to commercial success and working with early career professionals and watching them grow into well-rounded leaders.
Neil holds an MBA in Innovation Leadership from the Sandermoen School of Business at the University of Fredericton, an Ontario Graduate Certificate in Research Analysis from Georgian College, and a BSc in Applied Biochemistry from Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom.
Rowda Mohamud, Director, Business Development, BDC Advisory Services
Rowda has been a pivotal member of BDC for 15 years, bringing expertise in consulting, project management, performance improvement and business development.
She launched BDC’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit consulting practice in 2010 and has since held key advisory roles, helping BDC clients boost productivity, ensure regulatory compliance and grow their businesses. Recently, she led national initiatives in AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity and sustainability.
Rowda holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Certificate in Program and Portfolio Management from the University of Toronto.
Brock Lewis, Senior Account Manager, Financing, BDC
Brock Lewis is a commercial banking professional with deep roots in the Niagara Region. He has built his career supporting local businesses through financing, advisory services, and relationship management across the region.
Brock has worked with leading financial institutions including the BDC and Meridian Credit Union, specializing in mid-market lending and real estate financing. He has managed large and complex portfolios while maintaining strong connections with local entrepreneurs.
A graduate of Brock University’s Goodman School of Business, he holds an MBA with a finance focus. Brock is passionate about contributing to the growth of the Niagara business community and supporting the success of the region.
Presented in Partnership with:
