Frances Stewart – President

Frances Stewart is an avid sustainable farming advocate which is how she decided in 2017 to explore Alpacas (if you ask her mentor the research started much earlier! 😉)  Maple Ridge Acres was established in 2020 with 4 pregnant females and grew exponentially from there.  Now with a herd of 14 they are focused on Breed Excellence and Quality Fibre that generates luxurious yarn for beautiful products which starts with strategic genetic planning. Located in Southern Ontario offering sales of both quality livestock but also products produced locally from their small herd!

At ICL Project Management Solutions since 2008, Owner, Frances Grabowski-Stewart leads her team to ensure the program efficiencies are realized and risk mitigation strategies are implemented. Frances has significant, demonstrated experience in Program Management and Project Development, for critical facilities including everything from Feasibility Studies, site selection, environmental assessments to LEAN and varied Project Delivery methods.  Her skills are diverse and extensive, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of the AO Board.

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Derek Stoltz – Treasurer

 

Kristi Mercier – Education 

We started Harmony Meadows Alpaca in 2008. We’re located just north of Guelph and are home to 38 huacaya alpacas. We offer year-round agritourism and sell alpaca products on the farm, online and at fairs, festivals and markets throughout Southern Ontario. I graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours BSc in Animal Health and Biomedical Science, which has been incredibly helpful with my alpacas. Our early sales of alpaca products quickly surpassed what we could produce, so we expanded to include items made in Canada, the US, and Peru, and in 2022, launched pacaHarmony Inc. with the mission to source high-quality, ethically produced alpaca products from North and South America and sell wholesale and retail. I’m passionate about helping small businesses collaborate for mutual success, and I believe that increasing demand for quality alpaca products will create opportunities for Canadian businesses to expand.

 

Joanne D’Amore – Show Committee & Events Sponsorship

 

 

Caroline Bingley – Events Sponsorship

 

 

Lindsay Stoltz – Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

 

 

Michael Dehn – Fibre Initiative & Social Media

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