Keynote Speakers
1st Business Session
The Advantages and Deliverables of Drones in the Roofing Sector
Steve Priestley
Speaker
Steve has 25 years in the environmental and innovation sector as well 10+ years of C-level management experience. In 2018 Steve co-founded AltoMaxx Technologies recognizing that the industry was truly lacking professional and credible RPAS training and service providers. AltoMaxx has been able to expand internationally with four offices across Canada, one office in Washington and one office in Abu Dhabi UAE, become leaders in the drone sector, providing the highest quality outputs on the market. With a vastly expanding global presence, AltoMaxx has become a household name within the drone world.
2nd Business Session
Two Decades of SIGDER’s Scientific Advancement to North American Roofing Community
Dr. Bas Baskaran
Speaker
Dr. Baskaran is a Group Leader at the National Research Council of Canada. At the NRC, he is researching the wind effects on building envelopes through experiments and computer modeling. As adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa, he supervises graduate students. As a professional engineer, he is a member of Roofing Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI), IIBEC, ASCE, SPRI, ICBEST, and CIB technical committees. He is a Research advisor to various Task Groups of the National Building Code of Canada and member of the wind load committee of American Society of Civil Engineers. He has authored and /or co-authored over 250 research articles and received over 25 awards, including Frank Lander award from Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Carl Cash Award from ASTM and recently elevated as Fellow of IIBEC. Dr. Baskaran was recognized by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with Diamond Jubilee medal for his contribution to the fellow Canadians.
3rd Business Session
Empowering Your Field Leaders
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4th Business Session
The Local and Global Roofing Market
John Kenney
Speaker
John Kenney is the Chief Executive Officer at Cotney Consulting Group (CCG). Prior to starting CCG, John had 45 years of experience in the construction industry. John began his career by working as a roofing apprentice at a family business in the Northeast. He progressed from roofing laborer to foreman, estimator, chief estimator, Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer with his various companies. John has worked for multiple Top 100 Roofing Contractors and is intimately familiar with all aspects of roofing production, estimating, and operations. In his last role, John was responsible for the daily operations and performance of a large commercial roofing contractor. During his tenure, John ran business units associated with delivering excellent workmanship and unparalleled customer service while ensuring healthy net profits for his company.
5th Business Session
Estate Planning Considerations for Business Owners
Sheri Wicks – McInnes Cooper LLP
Speaker
Sheri Wicks is a commercial lawyer in McInnes Cooper’s St. John’s office. She counsels business owners on issues ranging from general corporate matters and commercial and civil litigation, including shareholder disputes and directors’ liability issues, to wills and estates, including succession planning.
Derm Flynn
Closing Keynote Speaker
Born in Great Paradise, Placentia Bay Derm Flynn started his varied working career in Wabush, Labrador in the Mining Industry. He has worked for all three levels of Government, Municipal, Provincial and Federal, and has also operated his own businesses in the Private Sector. Derm currently resides in the small community of Appleton, NL and has served as its Mayor for 24 years.
In 2001, Derm was the Mayor of a small NL town when the tragic events of 9/11 took place. He and his wife Dianne, like all residents of Central N.L. became fully involved in the efforts to host 6800 “Plane People” who landed on our doorsteps. The Flynns hosted 6 of the 90 Appleton guests themselves while being fully engulfed with the town’s efforts to support the Town of Gander. Derm’s efforts eventually led to his character being portrayed in the hit Musical Come From Away. The Musical has received countless awards and recognition and continues to entertain people around the world.
Derm will be speaking on the 9/11 response, the success of Come From Away and its impact on the beautiful province of Newfoundland and Canada.
