Grow.
Innovate.
Connect.
Let's Connect.
Join us at Connect, the Canadian platform for collaboration and innovation in the pet industry!
We are dedicated to bringing together Canadian and global pet industry leaders—including manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers—to foster strong relationships and drive success.
At Connect, you'll find invaluable opportunities for networking, education, and dialogue, all designed to help pet businesses thrive in an ever-evolving market. Our Connect Tool Box vendors and expert speakers are here to share powerful insights and strategies to help you grow your business.
This event is more than just a gathering—it's a community committed to empowering retailers
with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to succeed. We advocate for innovative solutions and ensure retailers have access to brands that truly support them.
Built by pet professionals, Connect values your input! We invite you to share your vision and insights to make this experience even more impactful for your business. Join us in shaping the future of the pet industry—let’s grow together!
Connect:
A B2B pet trade event celebrating the Canadian pet industry hosted and created with a team that is 100% built with individuals and vendors from the Canadian Pet Industry.
Connect Lounge
Attendees and Exhibitors can enjoy all the amenities of the Connect Lounge. A spacious seating area with beverages, charging stations and plenty of seating area for impromptu meetings.
Education Stage
Connect brings 2 days of educational talks to attendees. Visitors will hear from Jennifer Murray, Jordan Milgrom, and financial advice through RBC, Moneris and ADP.
Fresh Food Showcase
A highlight of the show is Connect's Fresh Food Showcase featuring a variety of frozen and gently cooked products from many of the Connect Exhibitors. Thanks to Habco for the great looking freezer setup.
Connect Live
Thursday night features Connect Live at the NFCC with the Orange Man Band. The evening will kick off with $10,000 in cash giveaways to retailers and exhibitors.
Big Country Raw in Smithville launching $8.9M expansion plan
Big Country Raw in Smithville launching $8.9M expansion plan with help from province
Published: November 27, 2024 at 1:57 PM
(From Left to Right): Albert Witteveen, Councillor, Regional Municipality of Niagara; Marika Swain, Senior Business Advisor, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; Cheryl Ganann, Mayor, Township of West Lincoln; Sarah Ripley, Director of Marketing, Big Country Raw; Adam Warrack, Director of Operations, Big Country Raw; Geraldine Brouwer, Co-Founder and Vice-President, Big Country Raw; Rob Brouwer, Co-Founder and President, Big Country Raw; Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Niagara West; Brian Teichgraf, Director of Finance, Big Country Raw, and Melanie Denis, Director of Human Resources, Big Country Raw.Sam Oosterhoff
A Smithville company, that produces dog and cat food, is expanding with help from the provincial government.
Big Country Raw will be receiving a loan of $1.3 million from the province to help fund a $8.9 million dollar expansion plan to boost local manufacturing and create over 16 new jobs in West Lincoln.
"This expansion project marks a transformative milestone for our business," said Geraldine Brouwer, Co-Founder and Vice-President of Big Country Raw.
"With our new 29,000 square foot facility, we are doubling our footprint, enhancing cold chain distribution, implementing advanced automation and raising food safety standards," said Rob Brouwer, Co-Founder and President of Big Country Raw.
The funding was announced today by Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
"Our government is building a strong Ontario and creating the conditions for a strong economy by supporting key investments in our community," said MPP Oosterhoff.
"This investment by Big Country Raw will boost the local manufacturing sector and create new jobs for workers and families in Niagara."
Big Country Raw specializes in frozen raw pet food products.
The company plans to expand their current facility in Smithville, and buy new equipment to automate the processing and packaging to increase production.
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