Niagara Networks & Industry Collaborative 2024

Andrew Harber is the CEO at Abatement Technologies, where he leads a team that designs, manufactures and distributes specialty air filtration and containment products. The organization services several market segments including healthcare, restoration, air duct cleaning and asbestos abatement.

During his 20 years with the company, Andrew has been successful with building out the company’s Canadian distribution network, completing four acquisitions, implementing a culture of lean manufacturing, and expanding sales globally.

Andrew is an avid golfer and enjoys a glass of wine at his family’s winery (Ravine Vineyard). He lives in St. Davids with his wife Dana and two young children.

Chris Breen is Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Walker where he works with over 1,200 colleagues building a sustainable future, together.

Chris is a graduate of Memorial University in his native province of Newfoundland and Labrador, where he studied business and political science.

Chris started his career as a political aide to a federal cabinet Minister and then an Ontario Premier. He then transitioned into the business world where he held leadership roles for private companies that prioritized working with various levels of government and community leaders. Energy, aggregates, and waste management are amongst the essential products and services that continue to keep Chris listening, learning, and finding solutions for our communities.

Dave is the co-owner and marketing director of MiniWarGaming. He is an influencer who’s been making content for 16 years. Videos on his YouTube channel have been viewed over 200 million times, and he’s considered by many to be a leader in the tabletop gaming industry.

Over the past few years, he has integrated the creation of tabletop games and the production of plastic miniatures with his business partner Matthew Glanfield. Together, they’ve recently invested in a new branch of their company, adding more than 50 resin and FDM 3D printers to assist in the production and growth of their new projects. Much of Dave’s success within his company is attributed to his love for collaboration. He sees every encounter as a potential collaborative experience be it big or small.

He is a longtime resident of Welland and works from his YouTube studio/themed hotel, where guests from all over the world come to play games and appear in his videos. You’ll often hear him say to guests, “Come visit your second home here at the MiniWarGaming Bunker. You helped build this place!

With deep roots in Niagara, Karen Whitty is co-owner of 13th Street Winery and Whitty Farms. Following graduation from McMaster University with an honours degree in Biochemistry, she began her career working for the federal government. After 18 years and several publications, Karen left her position at the Agriculture Canada research station in Vineland in 2007 to focus her time and energy on the growth and development of Whitty Farms which was established in St. Catharines in 1908. In her new role on the farm, Karen implemented administrative, direct marketing, processing and value-added initiatives to augment traditional grape and tender fruit production. In 2015, Karen was recognized as Outstanding Farm Marketer of the Year by the Ontario Direct Farm Marketing Association. The GNCC Women in Business Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism was awarded to Karen the following year. In 2008, Karen, along with her husband Doug and her business partner John Mann purchased 13th Street Winery. In her role as General Manager, Karen has directed the evolution of 13th Street into a diversified, operation which includes an award-winning winery and 13th Street a “must see” attraction in Niagara and a top destination winery in Canada. Excellent wines which faithfully express the unique terror of the Niagara Peninsula is the foundation of Karen’s business. In 2022,13th Street Winery was recognized at the 2022 National Wine Awards as the #1 in Ontario.