Fernando Colavecchia
FRT Hospitality
Business Administration - Marketing 1992

Fernando is the owner and operator of FRT Hospitality which consists of Johnny Rocco's, Montana's Cookhouse Restaurant, and several Quizno's Subs franchises. He is responsible for day-to-day operations, hiring, cost control, developing marketing plans, and creating new menu concepts.

Fernando purchased his first restaurant in 1991, and over the years, his operation has grown substantially. FRT Hospitality recently opened a second Johnny Rocco's in St. Catharines, and has been awarded the right to all the concessions in the new Bob Gale Complex in Niagara Falls.

Community service is also important to Fernando. He supports a wide range of local charities including the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Hospice Niagara, and Wellspring Niagara. He is also a coordinator and planner with "Iron Chef Niagara" – a competition of Niagara's top executive chefs that raised over $23,000 last year for various local charities.

Leigh-Ann Frommann
DANIMA Technologies Inc.
Arts and Design 2002

Originally starting with DANIMA as a co-op student five years ago, Leigh-Ann has quickly risen up the ranks with the firm, from a Designer and Receptionist to her current role as Lead Designer and Project Manager.

Leigh-Ann manages 80% of DANIMA’s projects and is responsible for a team of eight employees. She works closely with all her clients to determine and fulfill all their website, design and system needs.

During her tenure with DANIMA, the company’s sales have also grown by 75% and Leigh-Ann has received several awards for her web design excellence.

Leigh-Ann is also an active member of her community, sponsoring several charities like the Sean's Smile which provides support to the children of Afghanistan, and volunteering with worthy causes like the Light of Day Niagara, a benefit concert for Parkinson's disease.

Leah McCormack
Imack Marketing
Tourisme - circuits et attraits touristiques 1994

Leah is the owner and proprietor of Imack Marketing – a leading marketing and consulting firm she launched in February, 2010. As the firm’s Head Consultant, Leah offers a wide range of tourism marketing, communications, PR and event coordination services.

Born and raised in the Niagara Region, Leah has spent years of dedication to promoting Niagara as a world-class destination through her work with the Niagara Economic Development Corporation.

Leah has also been actively involved with several committees and organizations over the years including Franco Tourisme Niagara, the Kiwanis Festival, and the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association.

Jerry Moes
Rice Road Greenhouses
Business Administration 2005

At the Rice Road Greenhouses, Jerry is in charge of growing all annual productions and running planting crews as well as maintenance and sales.

In the past five years, Jerry has turned the modest gardening centre into a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts – adding 100,000 square feet of greenhouse space to wholesale perennials from across Canada. The Greenhouse has also been the recipient of several recognitions like the Best Botanix Garden Centre and the Corporate Citizen of Pelham.

Jerry is an active supporter of the Niagara community; donating funds, plants and resources to local horticultural societies, schools and charities like Climate Action Niagara and is noted among his peers for his unselfishness and positive attitude.

Mark Saxton
Elevated Communications
Business and Entrepreneurship 2003

Mark is the Director of Business Development of Elevated Communications; a provider of innovative print and on-line solutions including branding, marketing and web design. Since Mark launched his business, Elevated Communications has experienced a 40% increase in sales.

Mark is always looking to improve his business by embracing new technologies, and attending various seminars, workshops and events.

Mark is a strong believer in supporting local charities. He is an event volunteer for Bethlehem Projects of Niagara and has been a committed team member of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event for the past three years.

Joe Toth
Tradebank Canada
General Arts and Science 2007

Joe is true businessman through and through. He has recently changed career paths and is now working for Tradebank Canada as the Promotions Manager. Joe’s main duties are to increase company exposure, develop their promotional department and meet sales objectives.

Joe is always looking for ways to grow Tradebank through networking opportunities and providing the utmost in customer service. His hard work and perseverance has already helped Tradebank to grow and develop new plans for 2010.

Volunteering several hours a week, Joe is a big supporter of several community organizations including the Niagara Spears Football Association, the Niagara Minor Football Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Central Community Church.