2024 Conference Speakers
13:00 - 13:45 Lean Manufacturing in Smaller Shops
Presenter: Mitch Raymond, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Michel “Mitch” Raymond is Nova Scotia’s Vice President for Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. With over 33 years of manufacturing and private sector experience, he draws upon extensive business knowledge and experience and integrates a people-centric approach to drive improvement and growth. Mitch is passionate about supporting individuals and organizations in their pursuit of excellence. He is a licensed corporate coach facilitator with Corporate Coach U, a qualified administrator of the DiSC™, The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team™, MBTI™ & Strong Interest Inventory (SII™) and other assessments. He received his Bachelor of Commerce from Athabasca University and has extensive experience as a facilitator in Safety, Lean, Green Sustainability and ISO/Quality Management Systems & Auditing.
14:15 - 15:00 The Business Case for Resin Infusion
Presenter: Yves Gosselin, Composites One
Yves Gosselin was appointed General Manager for Composites One Canada ULC in Eastern Canada following the acquisition of Polynt Composites Canadian distribution business in 2019. Prior to joining Composites One, Gosselin worked as General Manager for Polynt Composites Canada Inc. from 2014-2019 overseeing commercial activities of five Canadian locations and oversaw operations of two manufacturing sites. In 2014, ahead of Polynt's acquisition of CCP Composites he worked as a branch manager for CCP & Progress Plastics and Compounds in Canada. He spent 14 years working as Canadian regional & sales manager for ITW's Performance Polymers group located in Danvers MA coming to them from a leading Canadian Industrial Distributor where he worked in sales and as a Branch Manager for more than 15 years.
3:30 - 4:30 - Funding Supports for Innovation and Growth (Panel discussion)
Panelists: Valerie Caswell, Invest NS; Liam Connors, ACOA; and Devin MacCallum, FALB
Moderator: Jan Fullerton, NSBA Executive Director
Valerie Caswell, Invest Nova Scotia
As Export Development Executive, Business Growth at Invest Nova Scotia, Valerie is focused on managing export programs, facilitating start-up trade missions, and helping companies tap into programs and services that will help them grow and thrive. Valerie has dedicated her career to servicing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, having worked in private and public sectors, academia, and consulting. She has supported over 1,000 businesses across Atlantic Canada and co-founded one startup venture.
Liam Connors, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Liam Connors has been supporting Nova Scotia businesses for 18 years through his various roles in commercial banking and economic development at BDC, Royant Capital, and currently with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), which is a regional economic development agency. In his current role at ACOA, Liam is an Economic Development Officer who aims to help grow the Atlantic Canadian economy by collaborating directly with local companies in supporting their commercialization, expansion, and growth plans. Liam primarily works with companies in the Ocean Technology and Boat Building sectors.
Devin MacCallum, Fisheries & Aquaculture Loan Board
Devin is a Senior Further Processing Specialist for the Nova Scotia Fisheries & Aquaculture Loan Board. Prior to joining the team in April 2023, he held various roles in business and commercial banking for over 20 years. As a Senior Loan officer, Devin focuses on companies that support the Commercial Fishing Industry (Boat Builders, Processors, Fish Buyers, etc.) along with supporting the Aquaculture Industry across Nova Scotia.