Meet the Board
For 11 plus years Lora has dedicated her career to developing and expanding the Arts & Culture landscape of Thunder Bay, focusing on the downtown Waterfront District. She is the Community Coordinator at Definitely Superior Art Gallery, where she founded the Die Active Art Collective and co founded Neechee Studio, an Indigenous Youth-Led Arts Collective.
The programs and events she creates draw thousands of visitors to the downtown each year. From the Lost & Found Street Art Festival to the Hunger Halloween Fundraiser and the 25 graffiti murals from Waverly Library to Cooke Street, she believes emerging artists and entrepreneurs are the next cultural producers and builders of our city. Lora’s programs have provided a much needed transfusion of enthusiastic young blood into the region.
Lora is a practicing artist, graphic designer and an important mentor and advocate for entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ontario. She is passionate about good design having branded a number of BIA businesses including Tomlin Restaurant, New Day Records and St Paul Roastery. Creating dynamic, contemporary & visual experiences for Downtown Port Arthur is her passion.
For her efforts Lora was awarded the ARCCO Emerging Leader Award (2016), the Arts & Heritage Award for Cultural Educator, and Best Cultural Organization, The Mayors Award for Outstanding Community Project 2018 & 2012 and was invited to speak at TEDx, Thunder Bay on the Topic of Youth Led Cultural Production. She has also received dozens of grants for her artistic practice and will serve you a mad good cup of coffee at St Paul Roastery if you catch her (Tuesdays & Thursdays! – or maybe other days).
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Susanne Bragg is new to the city of Thunder Bay. She moved here in December 2017 with her husband Mark, from Fort Frances, to start a new career as a registered insurance broker. She is a proud member of the Gillons Insurance team located at 214 Red River Road.
Shortly after moving to the city, Susanne went walking on her lunch hours to investigate her new work neighborhood and fell instantly in love with the charm of the unique shops, stores, restaurants and businesses in the Waterfront District. She investigated and discovered the Waterfront District BIA and inquired about getting involved. “I knew I wanted to be a part of what was going on. I was a guest at one meeting and was hooked! I loved the group, the enthusiasm and the professionalism of this dynamic group of people!’
Susanne is now a volunteer board member and looks forward to being involved in the exciting and positive changes to the Waterfront District. She brings many years of experience volunteering on many different boards and organizations.
Manager – Chanterelle on Park
Maelyn has volunteered for multiple organizations in Thunder Bay over the last ten years and when her partner opened up The Foundry in the Waterfront District, it seemed only natural for her to join the BIA. She is now a volunteer board member and is working harder than ever at moving the Waterfront District BIA forward.
Among Maelyn’s many accomplishments, is the Craft Revival, an incredibly successful artisan market event in Thunder Bay. Preparations for the 8th edition of Craft Revival are currently in the works. Maelyn`s determination and dedication to this event has brought over 2000 visitors to the Waterfront District BIA.
Maelyn gets excited to hear about all the NEW businesses started by residents of Thunder Bay who have the same passion and love for this community. “We are all learning to support each other and that is what is going to propel us into a bright future for Thunder Bay.“
Maelyn believes The BIA is the BEST place to open a new business because once you enter the district you are a part of the family.
“We will encourage and support your business anyway we can. The one common factor for all successful businesses in the Waterfront District is that they LOVE what they do, and fill a specific niche that the area is lacking – diversity is KEY.”
Andrew is Vice-Principal at Superior CVI and serving his third term as City Councillor for Current River Ward. He is proud to serve his second term as appointed Councillor to the Waterfront District BIA Board. Andrew has extensive experience in leadership and public service. He has a passionate interest in many issues including economic development, parks and the environment. In addition to the Waterfront District BIA Board, he sits on several boards and committees including District Social Services, Earthcare Advisory Committee, Lakehead Conservation Authority, Youth, Community and Cultural Appeals Committee and has been very active in the OSSTF and the Thunder Bay Labour Council.
Owner – Rooster`s Bistro
Jim is the proud owner of Rooster’s Bistro which opened in 2002. Jim has served on the BIA Board and Executive Committee for a number of years. He brings a wealth of knowledge that assists in the redevelopment of the downtown north core. Jim has been actively engaged in changing the downtown landscape. He was instrumental in organizing and very proud to have contributed to: Ribfest, the redevelopment of St. Paul Street, the Seagull Management Program, the recent beautification project of the Window Displays at the former Eaton’s Building, and the current marketing and rebranding of the Waterfront District.
Jim loves the downtown and everything it brings, not only to the residents of Thunder Bay who are lucky to enjoy it, but to the thousands of visitors to the Waterfront District each year. He enjoys working together with other business people to make the area a better place to shop, eat, play … stay, live, and work. He is happy to see the new generation coming to the downtown north core, and opening new and exciting businesses. Jim believes there is no better feeling than seeing the Waterfront District thrive and acknowledges that it is always a work in progress.
Jim’s vision includes recognition of the Waterfront District as a tourist destination, creating a sense of community and making the downtown a better walking area.
Owner – White Macgillivray Lester LLP
Peter is a partner of the law firm of White Macgillivray Lester. His practice primarily focuses on personal injury litigation. Peter was born and raised in Thunder Bay. He is passionate about Thunder Bay, and is interested in the continued promotion and development of the Waterfront District, including with respect to eating establishments, shopping opportunities, cultural and entertainment events, and furthering business opportunities. He has chosen to live and raise his family in Thunder Bay, and has himself invested, from a work/business perspective, in the downtown Waterfront District. Peter is very proud of the growth of the downtown area, and the Waterfront District BIA. Peter also believes that much more can be done in promoting this area, and in celebrating its varied assets such as the physical setting, its remarkable history, and the wonderful people who live in, and care about Thunder Bay, and do a wide variety of truly remarkable things. Peter brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board, specifically in the legal, business and arts realms, which will help connect and promote the Waterfront District. Peter is currently the Chair of the Governance Committee.
Vast Benefits
Dave Richard is the President and owner of Vast Benefits. He joined the Board in 2014 after relocating his business to the Waterfront District. Dave’s interests include the ongoing success and vitality of the downtown north core with a focus on continued investments in the infrastructure, cultural and entertainment areas. Dave has served on the Ribfest Committee and was instrumental in the expansion and growth of the vendor assortments. Dave’s strong financial background and experience will greatly assist the Board in his new appointment as the Waterfront District BIA Treasurer. Dave also recently joined the Parking Authority Board of Directors.