FiftyTwoCoffees

Donna Soutar Bilan

Coffee this morning with Donna Soutar Bilan, and she asked me a question I did not have a good answer to. "You take supplements. Have you ever wondered if they're actually working?" No. I never have. I buy them, I take them, I hope. Donna has spent forty years around nutrition, and that guessing is exactly the thing she got tired of. So now she does something about it. She works with Zinzino, and it starts with a test you do at home. A finger prick on a card, mailed to a lab in Oslo, and you get back a real picture of your omega balance and where you are running short. Then a program built off your numbers, and a second test a few months later to see what actually changed. That is the part I liked. She is not asking anyone to feel different. She is showing them the before and the after. Same reason I put reporting in front of my contractors instead of asking them if the phone feels busier. Measure it, and there is nothing left to argue about. If you have a cupboard full of bottles and no idea if any of it is doing anything, talk to Donna. Thanks for the coffee, Donna. Great conversation.

Dr. Taylor Lougheed

Coffee with Dr. Taylor Lougheed this morning. Family, sport, emergency and cannabinoid medicine. His is the only sport medicine clinic north of Huntsville, and the only one in the region doing ultrasound-guided injections, which spares people from Sudbury, Timmins and Hearst a drive to Toronto for a fifteen minute appointment. They also look after the North Bay Battalion. He sends patients to other clinics when those clinics are the better fit, and lists them on his own site. You do not see that often. Thank you Dr. Lougheed for taking time to meet with me for our #fiftytwocoffees meeting.

Jessica Kroeker

Had coffee with Jessica Kroeker from Kennedy Insurance this morning. Home, auto, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, rental properties. If it's yours and it needs covering, she's your person. RIBO licensed broker, born and raised in North Bay, working out of a brokerage that's been in this city since 1912. She also told me she's looked at people's existing policies and told them to keep what they had because she couldn't beat it. That's not how most people sell insurance. If you're up for renewal, give her a call. Jessica Kroeker, Kennedy Insurance, North Bay. 705-585-5454

Shae Graham

Had a 52 Coffees meeting this morning with Shae Graham, and I want to start with how it happened. Shae and I are both in the Chamber's 52 Coffees program, but we were never matched up. She saw my posts, decided she wanted to meet, and reached out on her own to set it up. No introduction, no waiting for the rotation. That tells you plenty about how she operates. Shae is a Registered Social Worker with O.W.L. Counselling and Wellness here in North Bay. She works with people 15 and up on stress and burnout, anxiety, family relationships, estrangement, and the fallout from difficult ones. In person in North Bay, or virtually anywhere in Ontario. They direct bill most extended health plans and she offers a free consultation before you commit to anything. If you own a business, you already know the hours are long and there is nobody above you telling you to slow down. Burnout is her wheelhouse. Worth knowing she is there. She also runs Bay Banners, where she hand paints custom banners on brown kraft paper. Not vinyl, not printed. Painted, by her, one at a time. Business banners, market banners, celebration banners. A year in and booked into September, which tells you how people feel about them. We spent most of the conversation on AI, which is what made her curious about me in the first place. Her take was the sharpest I have heard on it: use it for the paperwork, never for the part where a person needs to feel heard. She is not wrong. Reach out to people. It works. Shae is proof. Thanks for the coffee, Shae.

Joel Arndt & Steve Sampson

You never know who you are going to run into when you are out networking and building this thing one relationship at a time. Walked into my coffee meeting this morning and there they were. Joel Arndt and Steve Sampson. Steve took roughly four seconds to comment on my head. Steve is also bald. Every single time. He runs the same material and somehow it still lands, which I think is the actual definition of a professional. Between him and Joel I got more one liners than coffee, and I did have coffee. Here is the thing though. Both of these guys are genuinely good at what they do. Joel Arndt is a mortgage agent with Sherwood Mortgage Group. If you are buying, renewing, refinancing, or just want to know what you can actually afford before you fall in love with a house, call him at 705-358-5635. Steve Sampson is with Co-operators, through Steve Johnson Insurance and Financial Services, and business insurance is his specialty. Insurance is one of those things nobody wants to talk about until the day they really need it to have been done properly. Steve is the guy you want to have done it properly. This is what networking actually looks like. Not a pitch. Three guys in a coffee shop giving each other a hard time, and every one of us walking out with someone new to refer business to. Get out of your office. Go meet people.

Heather Johnson

Had a great coffee with Heather Johnson, and I walked away genuinely impressed. Heather works with MineConnect, a non-profit built strictly for mining service and supply companies. Think chamber of commerce, but just for this industry. They connect the suppliers, the manufacturers, the innovators, and the mines so the right people actually find each other. What started as a handful of people meeting for coffee once a month is now around 450 members across Ontario, with a board stretching from Thunder Bay to Timmins to Niagara Falls. Here is what hit me most. Northern Ontario builds world-class mining technology that gets exported globally, and most people around here have no idea. MineConnect helps close that gap. They get these companies out of their own circle, into the room, and finding the collaborations that move the whole sector forward. If you are a mining supplier in Ontario, or you know one, go look up MineConnect. Show up and put yourself out there. The network they have built is worth it. Thanks for the coffee, Heather.

Adarsh, Brinda & Christine

The FiftyTwoCoffees program through the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce is built on a simple idea. One coffee. Two people. One good conversation. This morning it turned into four. I sat down at Gd2Go for my FiftyTwoCoffees with Adarsh Thiya, Project Manager at Ontario Northland. Across the shop was Christine Puma from Rogers Sports & Media, who happened to be there for HER FiftyTwoCoffees with Brinda Ranpura, Procurement Contracts Specialist at Ontario Northland. Brinda is Adarsh's wife. And here is the kicker. Christine spent a year on contract with Ontario Northland herself, and had even crossed paths with Adarsh during an office move a while back. Four people. One table. Every road leading back to Ontario Northland. So we did the only sensible thing and made it a foursome. Here is what I loved about it. Adarsh and Brinda came to Canada from opposite ends of India, met at college in Ontario, and chose to build their careers and their life right here in North Bay. Christine has spent decades serving local business in this city and still shows up for the next connection. These are the kind of people who make a community strong. Two lakes five minutes from anywhere, a Chamber that genuinely connects people, and leaders like these three. North Bay, we are lucky. Adarsh Thiya, Brinda Ranpura and Christine Puma, thank you for the laughs and the great conversation. Gd2Go, thank you for the table and the good coffee.

Sue Poeta Adams

Coffee with Sue Poeta Adams = a masterclass in what makes North Bay tick. Had my North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffees sit-down this morning with Sue Adams, Executive Assistant at the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce and let me tell ya, 90 minutes flew by. Here's what blew my mind: 30 years at the Chamber this September. 30 years. She's seen Chairs come and go, watched businesses get born in trailers across from the old info centre (looking at you, Cementation), and helped build the backbone of business in this city. But here's what people don't realize about Sue: She does the Certificates of Origin that let our local manufacturers ship products to Mongolia, Asia, and all over the world. Mining companies, sweater makers, bug shirt builders Sue's quietly stamping the paperwork that keeps North Bay exporting. She knows we have 63 mining-related companies in a city with zero mines. Cementation, Pilot Diamond, Redpath, Voyager Aviation these are global juggernauts built right here, and Sue's been there for most of it. She's a Sunday-every-Sunday-for-nine-years kind of person who took care of her aunt, helps run the Serenity Hospice golf tournament, and still finds time to remember everyone's kids' names. Sue, you're a freaking gem for this city. The Chamber is lucky to have you, and so is North Bay. If you own a business in this town and you're not plugged into the Chamber call Sue. She'll point you in the right direction every single time. North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce Tel.: 705-472-8480 ext 228 Email: sue@nbdcc.ca

Adrienne Demers

Hero of the week alert If you live in North Bay and you don't know Adrienne Demers at Yes Employment Services Nipissing let me fix that for you right now. Adrienne Rose is a Job Developer who spends her days helping people in our community find work, access training, and get back on their feet. She's the kind of person who shows up, does the work, and quietly changes lives. Yes Employment Services has been serving North Bay and Nipissing since 1982. Non-profit. Community-driven. Free services in English and French. Looking for a job? Call Adrienne. Need to hire someone? Call Adrienne. Know someone struggling to find their footing? Send them to Adrienne. We met at my second office gd2go and was part of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffees program. 149 Main Street East, North Bay 705-476-3234 adrienne.demers@yesnorthbay.com Share this post you never know who in your circle needs to hear about it.

Ian Sagle

Had my first North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce Fifty-Two Coffees meeting today with Ian Sagle from RBC in North Bay, and I walked away impressed. Ian is a Relationship Manager in Business Markets at RBC, and what stood out to me is that he actually means the "relationship" part. He is not the guy who is going to give you a 1-800 number and bounce you around. He becomes your dedicated banker. He learns your business. He picks up the phone. If you are a small to medium sized business owner in the North Bay area (Sturgeon Falls to Burk's Falls to Kirkland Lake), Ian is the guy you want in your corner. Whether you need help with cash management, borrowing, business expansion, or just want someone at the bank who actually understands what you do, he is worth a call. What I liked most: Ian is genuine. Straight shooter. No corporate fluff. He told me flat out that if something does not make sense for your business, he will tell you. That is rare in banking, and it is exactly the kind of person you want handling your money. He also mentioned something that stuck with me. He said, "All five banks work under the same rainbow. It is up to you to choose what fits your values." That is a great way to look at it. And honestly, after sitting with Ian for an hour, I think a lot of business owners would find that his values line up with theirs. On top of all that, he is deeply involved in the North Bay community. 25+ volunteer events last year alone. From the Women's Shelter to the Rotary Foundation, YMCA, North Bay Hospital Foundation, the Hospice walk. He is everywhere, not for sales, just because he cares. If you are a business owner doing $250K to $3M in sales and you want a banker who actually gives a damn, reach out to Ian. Ian Sagle Relationship Manager, Business Markets Royal Bank of Canada 925 Stockdale Rd, 2nd Floor North Bay, ON P1B 9N5 (249) 328-0841 ian.sagle@rbc.com

Mitch Glass

52 Coffees Update North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce Just had a great coffee meeting with Mitch Glass, CPA, CMA from Freelandt Caldwell Reilly LLP one of Northern Ontario's largest private accounting firms, now with an office right here in North Bay. What stood out? Mitch isn't your typical "hand me the receipts and I'll file your taxes" accountant. He spent his entire career in industry transportation, forestry, professional services as the inside guy. Controller. Director of Finance. The one who actually understands how a business runs. Now he's bringing that experience to local business owners as a fractional controller. Translation: you get strategic insight and real advice without the full-time salary. No nickel and diming. No 15-page policies that nobody reads. Just straightforward help understanding your numbers and making smarter decisions. If you're a business owner who wants more than just bookkeeping someone who can actually help you see what's going on in your business reach out to Mitch. Mitch Glass - Senior Manager CPA, CMA 705-707-2200 mglass@fcrcpa.com Freelandt Caldwell Reilly LLP (Chartered Professional Accountants) This is what 52 Coffees is all about. You never know who you're going to meet.

Julie Masse

52 Coffees highlight North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce Today I had the chance to sit down with Julie Masse, Relationship Manager, Business Banking at CIBC, and Im glad I did. If you are a business owner or contractor who: Is doing around $500K+ in revenue Needs financing between $100K and $1.5M Is looking at buying or refinancing a commercial building Wants a banking partner who actually understands the trades and small business reality then you need to have a conversation with Julie. Shes not just a banker. She: Takes time to understand your business Does a lot of building and commercial financing Has access to a strong program for trades with very competitive rates Knows about grants and support programs that can help businesses in those early, critical years If youre a contractor or local business owner and want your banking, lending, and growth plans looked at properly, reach out to Julie Masse at CIBC Business Banking. Comment INTRO below or message me and Ill be happy to connect you. Julie Masse - 705-474-8900 ext 400

Sarah McGowan

**#FiftyTwoCoffees Meeting Had an excellent morning connecting with Sarah McGowan from the NNorth Bay & District Chamber of Commercet BBay Truck Stop Family Restaurant- what a great spot for coffee and breakfast! The #FiftyTwoCoffees program is such a fantastic initiative for building meaningful connections with local entrepreneurs and business leaders in our community. Today's conversation reminded me why networking and relationship-building are so crucial for business growth. **Calling all local businesses!** If you're not already a Chamber member, you're missing out on incredible opportunities to: Connect with fellow business owners Access valuable resources and support Make your voice heard in our business community Grow your network and your business Want to learn more about joining the Chamber? Reach out to Sarah: sarah@nbdcc.ca 705.472.8480 ext 225 And if you need a great meeting spot with awesome coffee and breakfast, Bay Truck Stop is definitely worth checking out! Thanks for the great conversation, Sarah! Looking forward to continuing to build our North Bay business community together. #NorthBay #NorthBayChamber #LocalBusiness #Networking #CommunityOverCompetition #BayTruckStop #EntrepreneurLife #SupportLocal

Cindy Rivest-Vainio

Had an awesome North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffees meeting with Cindy Rivest-Vainio this week one of those conversations that leaves you energized and inspired. Cindy is doing some amazing things in our community, and Im grateful we had the chance to connect. Also, if you havent checked them out yet did you know Farina Ristorante is open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 7 days a week? The food, the atmosphere, the service all top notch. Perfect spot for a business meeting, a coffee, or a great meal. Check it out here. . . https://www.farinaristorante.ca/

On the 52 Coffees Program

Had an incredible morning connecting through the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffees program! This community-oriented networking group continues to impress me with its focus on genuine relationship building and learning about diverse businesses across our region. There's something special about sitting down for coffee and discovering the unique stories and expertise that people bring to our business community. Special shoutout to Sara at KPMG for sharing insights into the world of auditing for non-profits and public sector organizations. Her experience spanning over five years as a CPA, including complex hospital finance work and collaborative proposal processes, really highlighted the depth of expertise we have right here in North Bay. It's conversations like these that remind me why programs like 52 Coffees are so valuable - they create space for meaningful connections beyond the usual business networking. Whether you're looking to learn about different industries, find potential collaborators, or simply meet interesting people in our community, I highly recommend checking out 52 Coffees. Here's to building stronger business relationships, one coffee at a time! #52Coffees #NorthBay #BusinessNetworking #CommunityBuilding #KPMG #Accounting #LocalBusiness

Diksha Pasricha

Had the pleasure of sitting down for a 52 Coffees meeting with Diksha Pasricha, Human Resources Generalist at Pilot & Co, right here in North Bay. Diksha brings a sharp HR perspective and a clear passion for helping businesses build stronger, people-first workplaces. We had a great conversation about the evolving role of HR in small and mid-sized businesses and the importance of culture in recruitment and retention. Thanks for making the time, Diksha. Looking forward to seeing the impact youll continue to make at Pilot & Co.! North Bay & District Chamber of Commerceth Bay & District Chamber of Commerce (Fifty-Two Coffees Program) #52Coffees #NorthBayBusiness #ChamberOfCommerce #Networking #PilotAndCo #PMConsulting

Jake LaCourse

Great North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffee meeting last week with Jake LaCourse - BPHA. Jake is a Partner and Group Health, Life, and Disability Advisor with Kennedy Insurance. We had a valuable conversation about how local businesses can better protect their teams and plan for the future. If youre looking for straightforward advice on employee benefits, I highly recommend connecting with Jake. He knows his stuff and genuinely cares about helping businesses in our community. Jake LaCourse BPHA Group Health, Life & Disability Advisor 1-705-495-4264 Always good to build stronger local connections. On to the next coffee! #ChamberOfCommerce #LocalBusiness #52Coffees #NorthBayBusiness

Brett Greene

Just had an incredible North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce Fifty-Two coffees meeting with Brett Greene, Manager of Fundraising and Fund Development at the North Bay and District Humane Society! Brett gave me a heartfelt tour of their amazing facility at 2060 Main Street West. I was truly moved by the care and dedication they show every single day to the animals in need. Right now, there are so many adorable cats and dogs waiting for their forever homes. If youve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, this is your signcome on down and meet your new best friend! Not ready to adopt? You can still help! The Humane Society accepts donations of all kindsfood, towels, blankets, and just about anything else our little four-legged friends might need. Stop by, lend a hand, walk a dog, spend time with a cat, or share this message to spread the word. Lets support this vital organization thats making a huge difference in our community. www.northbayhumanesociety.ca brett.greene@northbayhumanesociety.ca 705-474-1251 #NorthBay #AnimalRescue #AdoptDontShop #CommunitySupport #PetAdoption #HumaneSociety #GiveBack

Kari-Ann Gerard Cusack

Highlighting Workers' Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) As part of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffees Meeting it was a pleasure meeting with Kari-Ann Gerard Cusack, Training Services Representative from the Workers' Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) today! Theyve been a trusted resource for over 40 years, providing top-notch health and safety training for all industries across Ontario. WHSC offers over 200 training programs tailored to meet workplace needs, including mandatory courses like Working at Heights, WHMIS, and Transportation of Dangerous Goods. Whether you're in construction, mining, or any other industry, they have you covered! Why Choose WHSC? Ministry-designated training center for all industries Qualified instructors with industry experience Comprehensive, practical, and customizable training solutions For more information, check out their services: Email: kcusack@whsc.on.ca Website: whsc.on.ca Phone: 1-888-869-7950 #SafetyFirst #WorkplaceSafety #TrainingForSuccess #WHSC #HealthAndSafety #WorkersSafety #OntarioTraining #OccupationalHealth #TrainingExcellence

Jordaan Allison

Finally, a coffee meeting I didn't have to crash! Had a fantastic scheduled North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffees meeting with Jordaan Allison from Sound Freqz Entertainment at Good2Go today. Jordaan's passion for bringing energy and excitement to North Bay is incrediblehes deeply involved in community events like the annual summer Block Party downtown, plus he's your go-to for weddings, birthdays, school dances, and even silent discos! Thanks, Jordaan, for the great conversation and all you do to keep our community vibrant and entertained! #52Coffees #NorthBayBusiness #CommunityEvents #SilentDisco #Networking #ThankYou

Stephen Sampson

Another Great Coffee Chat! with North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffee's program and Stephen Sampson I had the pleasure of sitting down with Stephen Sampson, an Associate Insurance Agent at Steve Johnson Insurance & Financial Services Inc. under Co-operators! Stephen specializes in commercial insurance solutions, helping business owners protect their companies, assets, and future success. Office Location: 326 Airport Road, North Bay, ON Business Line: (705) 474-5900 Fax: (705) 474-5995 Cell: (647) 217-5169 Email: stephen_sampson@cooperators.ca Website:https://cooperators.ca If youre a business owner looking for comprehensive and reliable insurance coverage, Stephen is your go-to expert for everything from liability to commercial property protection. Hes passionate about ensuring local businesses have the support they need to thrive with tailored insurance solutions. Have questions about commercial insurance? Need coverage for your business? Connect with Stephen today! #BusinessProtection #CommercialInsurance #NorthBayBusiness #FinancialSecurity #Cooperators #ExpertAdvice #LocalConnections

Sarah McGowan

Had the great pleasure of meeting with Sarah McGowan, Manager of Membership and Communications at the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce! Originally from Northern Ireland , Sarah has been dedicated since April 2024 to connecting and supporting our local business community. Joining the Chamber offers numerous benefits for business owners: Cost-Saving Programs: Access exclusive discounts through the Chambers Plan, ESSO Driver Billing Program, Purolator Savings Program, and more. Networking Opportunities: Participate in monthly business events to connect with fellow professionals and expand your network. Advocacy: Benefit from a strong business advocacy group representing your interests at all levels of government. Advertising & Promotion: Enhance your business's visibility through the Chamber's online directory and various advertising opportunities. Clark Communications have been proud members of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce for years now. If you're looking to grow your business and connect with a supportive community, consider joining the Chamber today: sarah@nbdcc.ca #Networking #LocalBusiness #52Coffees #ChamberOfCommerce #CommunityGrowth Get out in your community and join the 52 Coffees Program? Call Sarah at 705-472-8480

Troy Millar

Thanks Troy Millar for another awesome North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffee's meeting. You can find Troy at Volkswagen North Bay Thanks again!

Moira Mckenzie

Had a great #52 Coffees meeting today with Moira Mckenzie from Flowers by Moira where you can have beautiful flowers and displays made and even add a subscription service to have flowers delivered automatically weekly, bi weekly or whenever. Thanks Moira. North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce

Debbie Sauve

Another excellent North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffees meeting with Debbie Sauve a Speech-Language Pathologist. Thanks, Debbie for taking the time to meet with me today. Love learning about speech-language pathology and how you are helping people in our community.

Sandy Carre

Had an awesome coffee with Sandy Carre today as part of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 coffees program. Sandy specializes in optimizing your wellbeing as a coach, mentor, and Isagenix provider. Sandy, thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.

Makayla Schoonhoven

A Big Thank You to Makayla Schoonhoven from Scotiabank! Had an amazing 52 coffees meeting with Makayla Schoonhoven, Scotiabank's Home Financing Advisor. If you're in need of a new mortgage or considering refinancing your current one, Makayla is the go-to expert who can help you navigate the process seamlessly. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or just looking to refinance for better terms, Makayla's knowledge and professionalism make her the best choice. Reach out to her for all your home financing needs! Thank you North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce makayla.schoonhoven@scotiabank.com

Julie Rioux

Thank you to Julie Rioux CMRP/RMT Owner of Remissio, Certified Matrix Repatterning Practitioner for our North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffees meeting yesterday. Learned so much about Julie's health and wellness business -check her business out here https://www.remissiomassage.com/

Richard MacVicar

Thanks Richard MacVicar from See More Graphics for our North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce 52 Coffee's meeting today at Twiggs Coffee Roasters on Fraser St. If you're looking for vehicle graphics like a vehicle wrap (your silent salesperson who works 365/24/7. Any commercial signage, trade show displays and more hit up Richard MacVicar for help. Thanks again Richard.

Riley McEntee

#52 Coffees with Riley McEntee President of Nipissing University Student Union was amazing. This smart, energetic young man is awesome and such an asset for Nipissing U and North Bay. Riley, Thank you so much for taking the time to meet me today. Greatly appreciated.

Jonathan Jolkowski

Thanks Jonathan Jolkowski for an excellent 52 Coffees meeting. Always great meeting new people and learning how to bring value to their lives. Appreciate your time.

Ryan Drouin

Thank you Ryan Drouin for an awesome 52 Coffees meeting. Appreciate your time and it was great learning about everything you do in our community.