This announcement was released by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Oct. 30th, 2023

Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and in today's dynamic world, it's the innovative companies that shape our future. These forward-thinking organizations are the driving force behind ground-breaking technologies, disruptive business models, and transformative solutions that redefine industries and improve our lives.

From cutting-edge tech start-ups to established industry giants, innovative companies share a common thread – a relentless pursuit of creativity, adaptability, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Join us as we explore the inspiring highlights of some of our most innovative companies that are creating ground-breaking products and pioneering approaches that set them apart.

ColdBlock Technologies: Revolutionizing Sample Preparation
Website: coldblock.ca

ColdBlock Technologies, a Canadian innovator in analytical chemistry, is revolutionizing sample preparation, a critical aspect of achieving precise and accurate results in laboratories worldwide. Their pioneering approach replaces traditional, often hazardous, and time-consuming sample digestion methods with a proprietary technology based on induction heating and direct cooling. This innovative method ensures safer, faster, and more environmentally friendly sample preparation.

ColdBlock's commitment to safety and sustainability stands out prominently. Their technology eliminates the need for hazardous reagents and reduces energy consumption, contributing to a greener planet and aligning with the growing trend towards eco-friendly laboratory practices.

The versatility of ColdBlock's technology is evident in its applications across various industries, including environmental testing, food analysis, mining, and pharmaceuticals. Whether quantifying heavy metals in soil or assessing food contaminants, their systems accelerate analyses while maintaining precision.

Founded in Canada, ColdBlock Technologies has swiftly expanded its global presence, with research and quality control laboratories in North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond adopting its technology. This international reach reflects the universal demand for efficient sample preparation techniques and the company's commitment to serving the global scientific community.

Amid the evolving landscape of analytical chemistry, ColdBlock Technologies remains a front-runner in innovation. Their dedication to enhancing safety, sustainability, and efficiency is transforming laboratory operations. With a growing product portfolio and a network of satisfied customers, ColdBlock Technologies is poised to redefine how laboratories worldwide approach sample preparation, securing its position as an industry leader.

ColdBlock Technologies has redefined sample preparation, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and efficiency. With a global presence and a forward-looking approach, they are set to influence the future of analytical chemistry and how laboratories worldwide handle sample preparation.

FSD Robotics: Your Trusted Partner in Industrial Automation and Robotics
Website: factorysurplusdirect.com

In the world of industrial automation and robotics, having a reliable partner for spare parts, servicing, training, and support is crucial. Factory Surplus Direct (FSD) emerges as a full-service powerhouse in this arena, providing a comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of manufacturers across all industries.

FSD operates as a one-stop shop for industrial automation and robotics needs. Their diverse offerings encompass spare parts, robotic service, support, training, repairs, refurbishment programs, aftermarket product solutions, robotics, and system integration. With a team of skilled professionals, including engineers, technicians, and dedicated sales and support personnel, along with a global network of partners, FSD is poised to assist manufacturers in optimizing their automation products and equipment.

They take pride in distributing and supporting best-in-class products within the robotics industry. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond product delivery, prioritizing customer satisfaction and offering outstanding support services, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency for manufacturers.

FSD's facility is a technological marvel equipped with specialized labs to cater to various needs. They have cable harness repair labs, servo motor labs, electronics labs, and a substantial inventory of robotics, automation, and CNC parts. Importantly, they also stock obsolete parts, which can be a lifesaver for manufacturers dealing with older equipment.

FSD's robotic training programs empower manufacturers with the knowledge and skills needed to operate and maintain automation systems effectively. FSD is not just a supplier; it's a strategic partner for manufacturers seeking excellence in industrial automation and robotics. With their extensive range of services, top-tier products, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, FSD is poised to transform the way manufacturers approach automation. Whether you need spare parts, repairs, training, or system integration, FSD is your trusted ally on the path to automation success.

Infinite Harvest Technologies: Pioneering Sustainable Agriculture for the Future
Website: infiniteharvesttech.com

This cutting-edge agricultural company is taking a bold step forward in revolutionizing the way we grow and consume fresh produce. Their unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community welfare positions them as leaders in indoor vertical farming.

Their core mission is simple yet visionary: offer year-round access to locally grown, environmentally friendly produce. Central to this mission is vertical farming, a technique that optimizes space and resources. By employing advanced hydroponics, aeroponics, LED lighting, and precise climate control, they produce a diverse range of crops with minimal water usage and zero pesticides, ensuring safety and sustainability.

Sustainability is the foundation of their operations. Closed-loop systems recycle and reuse water, significantly reducing consumption compared to conventional farming. The absence of chemical pesticides enhances both consumer health and environmental well-being.

Infinite Harvest Technologies extends its commitment beyond farming practices to community engagement. They create local jobs, bolster the economy, and supply fresh produce year-round. This approach not only reduces carbon emissions by limiting long-distance transportation but also enhances regional food security.

Their controlled-environment vertical farming system offers numerous advantages, including reduced resource consumption, higher crop yields, and improved food security. Ongoing dedication to innovation ensures they stay ahead in sustainable agriculture.

Infinite Harvest Technologies isn't just a company; it's a beacon for a more sustainable food system. With a mission to provide fresh, healthy, year-round produce while reducing environmental impact and supporting local communities, they are agricultural pioneers. As they continue to expand and innovate, Infinite Harvest Technologies is poised to shape the future of farming, one vertical layer at a time.

iMVR Canada: Pioneering Immersive Solutions
Website: imvrcanada.ca

iMVR Canada, a Canadian company, is at the forefront of revolutionizing the way we experience virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Founded by a team of visionary entrepreneurs who recognized the transformative potential of VR and AR technologies, their mission is to harness the power of immersive experiences to enhance education and training across key sectors.

One of the standout features of IMVR Canada's work is IRIS, a ground-breaking product revolutionizing the trucking industry. It offers a unique blend of virtual reality technology and critical skills training, catering to both novice and experienced drivers. This award-winning innovation enhances professional driver training by immersing individuals in realistic virtual challenges, all while tracking their eye movements for a heightened learning experience. iMVR proudly collaborates with industry leaders like Commercial Heavy Equipment Training Ltd. (C.H.E.T.) and Musket Transport Ltd., where C.H.E.T.'s curriculum already surpasses Ontario's Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) standards, making it the first to incorporate IRIS for students.

IRIS empowers drivers to customize their training scenarios, adjusting factors like time of day, weather, tasks, and equipment type. This versatility strengthens memory retention and overall proficiency. Furthermore, IRIS is portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly, ensuring a seamless setup. With iMVR's exceptional customer service, IRIS exceeds industry expectations, providing a holistic solution for driver education and safety.

iMVR Canada is driving innovation across various domains. As these technologies continue to evolve, iMVR Canada remains a leading player, poised to shape the future of immersive experiences and redefine the possibilities of human engagement with virtual and augmented reality. With their passion for innovation and commitment to excellence, iMVR Canada is a company to watch in the ever-expanding realm of immersive technology.

There is no disputing that the healthcare industry has been pushed beyond limits over these past few years. From frontline workers to researchers and public, private and non-profit sectors, everyone involved is doing their part to provide a stronger, more adaptable industry focused on accessible, timely and quality patient care.  

Reveal Niagara Business Magazine by Ownera Media is proud to present leaders in Healthcare in Niagara who have a genuine passion to do their part in creating a more resilient and reliable healthcare industry. These leaders recognize the importance of local engagement, support, and mutually beneficial relationships, making them truly notable in their industry, in our community, and beyond.

Jill Croteau, BBA CHRL, Physician Recruitment Specialist

A recent recipient of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) Community Service Award, Jill’s work in her field and in her community is instrumental in advancing Niagara’s ability to offer quality healthcare to its residents.

Niagara Region Public Health, Physician Recruitment

Funded by the Niagara region, the Niagara Physician Recruitment program was established in 2001 with a focus on family practice opportunities. Attracting and retaining physicians is critical to ensure residents have access to healthcare.

The program collaborates with clinics across all twelve municipalities The Niagara Physician Recruitment Program was established in 2001 to promote family practice opportunities and to attract and retain physicians in Niagara. The program works in collaboration with clinics and all 12 municipalities and is a recruitment liaison with the Niagara Campus of the DeGroote School of Medicine and McMaster University.

In addition to Niagara’s growing population, the aging medical workforce presents further challenge. While recruitment gaps were prevalent prior to the pandemic, the situation has only added to the shortage which can be felt across Canada. Jill is key in ensuring that the local and global recruitment efforts extend beyond simply attracting talent, but also ensuring that the physicians have the resources necessary to be successful and happy in Niagara.

Efforts continue to be made for increased efficiency to obtain a license to practice medicine with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and Jill has expressed that the continued advocacy of the Region has made a big difference. 

Stacy Terry, Executive Director

Highly respected in her field, Stacy is passionate about mental health advocacy and suicide awareness and prevention. She also serves as the Chair of the Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition, a non-funded, community coalition founded in 2003.

Distress Centre Niagara

In operation for more than 50 years, Distress Centre Niagara provides free, confidential 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention and intervention to those in need in the Niagara Region. Highly skilled volunteers respond to a growing average of 35-45 calls a day, and more volunteers are always needed to meet these growing demands.

As a volunteer-driven organization, funding raised allows Distress Centre Niagara to offer its essential services by phone, and recently in the past few years also chat and text support. Fundraising efforts include the Annual Suicide Awareness Walk and Annual Charity Golf Tournament as well as other events such as Bingo.

As Executive Director, Stacy leads her team with compassion, investing in the staff members to provide training, development and team building opportunities. Volunteers also receive ample training to feel prepared and ready to support.

Known to work tirelessly in the community, Stacy takes every opportunity to provide education about services and support available while advocating for and implementing additional support levers. The launch of chat and text support in Niagara is an example, teaming up with Distress and Crisis Ontario-members in Durham and Windsor.

You can often find Stacy appearing on various tv and radio channels, presenting to local organizations such as Rotary, and serving on appropriate boards, such as her time with Distress and Crisis Ontario (DCO).

Tracy Geoffroy, Executive Director

An avid volunteer and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Tracy began her career with United Way and worked as the Director of Development at Brock University before joining the Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation in 2019 as Executive Director

Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation

The Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Foundation raises and manages funds that aid in providing exemplary patient care at Hotel Dieu Shaver (HDS). As the only rehabilitation hospital in Niagara, HDS providing specialty care to thousands of patients across Niagara each year. 

Fundraising efforts go directly to patient-care equipment, which is not funded by the government, education, improvements to treatment areas, and to speciality clinics such as The Steve Ludzik Centre for Parkinson’s Rehab and the Rankin Family Cancer Rehabilitation Program. Each year Tracy leads the small Foundation team in seeking approximately $1M raised in order to meet the patient care needs and specialty program operational costs.

Tracy’s extensive professional and personal experience has enabled the Foundation to implement comprehensive fundraising strategies. Her involvement in the community volunteering with organizations such as Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Victim Services Niagara and Niagara Children’s Centre are just a few examples of how she is committed to giving back. She has also taught seminars on how giving back can fuel your inner passions, benefit your career, and energize all areas of your life. 

As one of the major engines of economic growth, the retail sector has a profound impact on our overall economic stability and performance. From traditional brick and mortar locations to ecommerce outfits, each are part of an integrated system directly influencing local labour force, import and export, and community prosperity.

Reveal Niagara Business Magazine by Ownera Media is proud to present leaders in Retail in Niagara who have a genuine passion for the right kind of growth throughout Niagara. These leaders recognize the importance of local engagement, support, and mutually beneficial relationships, making them truly notable in their industry, in our community, and beyond.

Marianne Tykolis Casey, President & Owner

Recognized for her strong leadership skills, Marianne leads her team in several capacities for Stevensville Garden Gallery, a family-owned and operated business located in Fort Erie. Daily she acts as director, controller, accountant, and operations lead creating an environment continuously recognized as an employer of choice.

Stevensville Garden Gallery

Attracting guests from all over Southern Ontario and the USA, Stevensville Garden Gallery offers 80,000 square feet of retail space ranging from home décor to patio furniture, fashion, jewelry, patio furniture, and plants and nursery items.

It’s strategic partnership with Safari Niagara and Stevensville Lawn Services located at the same location make it one of the largest employers in the community.

As an employer of choice, Marianne and her team foster a family-oriented culture that is focused on a guest-first approach. She believes heavily in showing recognition, appreciation, and providing learning opportunities for everyone to excel and grow.

Heavily involved in the community, Stevensville Garden Gallery is a major supporter in a variety of youth activities, fundraisers, and initiatives such as Fort Erie Minor Hockey, Fort Erie Head Injury, Fort Erie Literacy, Fort Erie Navy League, and Fort Erie Horse Rescue while also supporting United Way and Rotary.

Over the years success has not always come easy, but Marianne shares her belief that in addition to the commitment of her excellent team, continued support of the community and from the community are what continues to propel them forward.

Duane Gibson, Owner & General Manager, Retail & Online Sales

Known for taking a leap into unknown digital territory nearly 20 years ago, Duane took the individual family-owned store and entered e-commerce. His bold move led to substantial growth in sales and national recognition for Gibbys across Canada.

Gibbys Electronic Supermarket

With nearly 60 years of retail history behind it, Gibbys Electronic Supermarket is home to a state-of-the-art facility with over 30,000 square feet of showroom and warehouse space. As an independent provider of top-quality home electronics, Gibbys Electronic Supermarket is an authorized dealer of most top brands in Canada and supplies one of the largest selections of television, home theatre and car audio equipment coast to coast.

In 2010, Duane joined forces with Rod Hebert from Electronic Supermarket, combining their individual decades of retail experience and leveraging one another’s strengths to forge a new path together.

Regularly involved in the community, Duane is a supporter of several local initiatives and an advocate for fellow business owners. His extensive experience in the retail industry throughout major shifts in consumer behaviour fuels his creativity for new concepts. He was integral in conceptualizing and launching the St. Catharines Design District, representing more than 100 local businesses specializing in home design.

A true success story, the history behind Gibbys Electronic Supermarket is a strong testament of innovation, perseverance, and collaboration taking place in Niagara while drawing in a national audience.

Dave Nash, President

Representing its third generation of family ownership, Dave is known for providing exceptional service and commitment in all that he does, from store operations to community leadership.

Jack Nash Fine Clothier

Celebrating more than 75 years in business, Jack Nash Fine Clothier began as a small merchant tailor store in 1946. As a full-service retail clothing store, they provide high quality clothing and accessories for both men and women.  

Throughout the years, the business experienced major shifts in retail, from the transition of downtown shopping to indoor malls, big box stores and ecommerce. With each shift in the industry, Jack Nash Fine Clothier adjusted to changing consumer behaviours, while continuing to deliver a high quality, personal approach to retail. A large following of long-standing customers is a testament to the quality of service and treatment extended by Jack Nash Fine Clothier.

Going above and beyond to assist their community, Dave and the team at Jack Nash Fine Clothier give more than just monetary donations and sponsorships to the causes that matter to them. They put in their time, effort, and labour to give back any way they can. You can still find memorabilia from 1949 when they proudly sponsored the St. Catharines Teepees Junior Hockey team.

Leading by example, Dave can be found at several charitable functions throughout the year, assisting with fundraising efforts and donating his time to work at various events, such as the Wise Guys Annual Charity Auction.