Volunteers
We couldn't be where we are today without the help, dedication and support of our invaluable volunteers!
Volunteers Needed
Exciting news! The Locally Connected Community Hub is on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to join us in various roles, both at the chapter level and within our organization. We are currently seeking a Marketing & Communications Assistant to support our Marketing & Communications Coordinator. Are you passionate about community and curious about marketing? Join us as a volunteer to help create engaging, community-focused social media content — a great opportunity for a student or early-career professional to gain hands-on experience. Together, we can take our community from good to great!
Locally Connected Community Hub
Jason Kipfer
As an Eastbridge resident since April 2011 with my wife Kate, two daughters and our Labradoodle (Hazel), I am the Executive Director of Growth & Operations for Explorer Solutions, a Peterborough-based consulting firm that provides economic development strategic planning and airport planning and development services to municipalities and airports throughout Canada and the US Midwest.
In my spare time, I enjoy working on expanding the brand, outreach and programming of Eastbridge Business Connections (which I began in January 2017). To help me in achieving this, I enjoy meeting with and being inspired by people in the local (and broader) community who are also looking for ways to make a difference and meaningful impact on the people, places and businesses around them.
I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids at the lake, going to the beach, cycling, golfing and venturing down the grand river on our inflatable raft!
Brianne (Bri) Graf
After seven years in the corporate world, I took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship which was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken and already one of the most rewarding. Within a week of launching BG Marketing Co., I attended a Stratford Area Business Connections meetup (of the Locally Connected Community Hub), where I was welcomed with open arms. I connected with some incredible people, and not only did I expand my professional network, but I also made some new friends. So when Jason approached me about taking on the role of Marketing and Communications Coordinator, it was an easy yes.
When I’m not working or volunteering, you’ll likely find me curled up on the couch, lost in a book on my Kindle. I’m an avid reader and love talking about books with fellow book lovers. I also have a huge passion for travel, which I finally got to experience last fall with a month-long adventure across Europe. I explored England, Scotland, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Portugal. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.
I’m thrilled to be part of the LCCHub team and can’t wait to help streamline our marketing efforts, elevating our brand experience and enhancing the overall digital experience for all of our members
Eastbridge Business Connections
Jason Kipfer
As an Eastbridge resident since April 2011 with my wife Kate, two daughters and our Labradoodle (Hazel), I am the Executive Director of Growth & Operations for Explorer Solutions, a Peterborough-based consulting firm that provides economic development strategic planning and airport planning and development services to municipalities and airports throughout Canada and the US Midwest.
In my spare time, I enjoy working on expanding the brand, outreach and programming of Eastbridge Business Connections (which I began in January 2017). To help me in achieving this, I enjoy meeting with and being inspired by people in the local (and broader) community who are also looking for ways to make a difference and meaningful impact on the people, places and businesses around them.
I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids at the lake, going to the beach, cycling, golfing and venturing down the grand river on our inflatable raft!
Eugene (Gene) DiMira
Louis Cilibanov
Vince Vasco
Tara Wilson
These last few years have been harder than anyone would have expected, especially for small business owners. My goal in in supporting the growth of the Locally Connected Community Hub (since December 2023) is to ensure we are building a thriving community; sharing local stories and successes while supporting our local business owners.
Whether it's helping streamline operations, get leadership teams working in the same direction, building effective processes, helping owners build great teams or helping with go-to-market strategies and taking advantage of multi-channel packages, I ensure local businesses can reach their local communities WITHOUT having to spend more time away from their business or family.
Jason Panda
Guelph Business Connections
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Kitchener-Waterloo Business Connections
Woolwich Business Connections
Steven Parker
Esther Weber
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Stratford Area Business Connections
Peter Pickett
My wife and I moved to Tavistock in 2017 from Kitchener. Our children had all moved out and we wanted to find a simple life away from the bigger city life. I love getting involved in the community to meet the families and people around me. I joined the Tavistock Men's Club, and at the time, they were changing the secretary position of the club and when they asked if I would take on the role, I agreed and it looks like it has become a lifelong position lol. I am happy to be involved with the club and we have many events in the community that are well supported by it.
My wife and I try to also support the local community by purchasing what we can in the area from farm fresh eggs, meats, vegetables etc. I also am involved with the Tavistock Chamber of Commerce to meet other local businesses. Professionally, I am a life insurance agent and also offer investment solutions. My approach is unique because I have a large shelf of offerings you will not find with traditional planners. The families and business owners who I support appreciate the fact that we cannot come to any solutions until we better understand the dynamics of the family and business to provide the right solution that supports the long-term view.
My wife and I have fostered pets in the past, however, we currently do not own pets as we plan to travel more in the future!
I consider myself to be a handy individual and love to tackle projects around the house even if I don't know what I'm doing…because at the end of the day, I love the challenge.
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“I'm excited to be part of a team of great people to establish an East Zorra-Tavistock Business Connections chapter in our community because I love connecting and building relationships with business owners and local-area residents in addition to applying my solutions and engaging profession o can help me with my concerns. I enjoy attending the many community-based Meetups because you never know who you will meet, and it is always great to network with like-minded business owners.” and professionals
Rob Puschelberg
Cambridge Business Connections
Paris Area Business Connections
When I'm not working or volunteering, you'll likely find me hunting, fishing , curling, or golfing.
I support the Locally Connected Community Hub because I think it is important to have events that bring the community together to reach resources they didn't know they had.
Niagara Region Business Connections
Community Hub Ambassadors
| Ambassador | Home Chapter |
| Angela Vieth | Kitchener Waterloo |
| Gary Jones | Member at Large |
| Hans Roach | Kitchener Waterloo |
| Lee Lynhiavu | Kitchener Waterloo |
| Stephen Brode | Eastbridge |
| Tony Rossell | Cambridge |
| Trevor Wright | Guelph |
