NOTABLES IN TOURISM

Notables in Tourism

Tourism is more than an economic contribution. It is the heart of what connects us all, it’s a catalyst for adventure, it revitalizes communities and promotes the learning of different cultures. WTTC research reveals that the global travel and tourism sector suffered a loss of almost $4.4 trillion in 2020, due to the impacts of COVID-19. Given that the tourism sector is a large contributor to the global economy, now, more than ever, it is crucial to support the industry and rebuild.

Reveal Niagara Business Magazine by Ownera Media is proud to present the leaders in the Tourism Sector within Niagara, who do their part in forging positive change. They are the leaders that recognize the importance of local engagement, support, and mutually beneficial relationships, innovative business design and unique attributes that make them truly notable in their industry, in our community, and beyond.

Julie Lepp, Director of Marketing White Oaks Resort and Spa

White Oaks Resort & Spa has been in business since 1978. They have a mission of creating a balance between minimizing their carbon footprint and maximizing their guests’ experience through the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices and has shown a strong commitment to its local community. Julie Lepp is a tenured and experienced industry leader whose passion for the community acts as a driving force behind many corporate-led initiatives. White Oaks Resort and Spa

White Oaks values the health and wellbeing of its employees and understands that a safe and enjoyable place to work will foster success among its staff. “We created a program called The Link, which aims to help our team members in two ways. First, The Link team chooses an event or fundraiser to participate in and offers that opportunity to the rest of our team and their families. This is a great way to get them out, meet other people in the company and help our community all at the same time,” says Julie Lepp, Director of Marketing. “The Link also helps our team members who may be in need by allowing for confidential requests to be submitted. Our team then goes to work assisting requests. The link has fostered a feeling of family and safety for all of our team.”

White Oaks sponsors several other initiatives within the community such as Community Care food drives, Children's Christmas toy drive, and supports The Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital with their Celebrity Ice Cup Challenge.

White Oaks’ Corporate Social Responsibility program is far-reaching, and requests can be made through the dedicated web page "Giving" which outlines the various companies and organizations they have worked with. “Giving back to the community has always been part of our DNA since the beginning. Our mission statement is: White Oaks likes to give where we live. We support local Niagara non-profit charitable organizations that align with our company vision and beliefs.” Julie stated.

Amanda Demarchi & Stefan Cosma, Owners The Mobile Mixer

Amanda and Stefan started an incredibly unique mobile bartending experience right here in Niagara. The two met while travelling abroad, and after returning to Niagara from Stefan’s hometown in Australia, the couple found themselves missing some Australian culture - specifically the coffee. “We had spotted coffee trailers on our travels and decided to put the two together. I had many years of bartending and serving experience, and so the idea naturally developed from there into a full-scale cocktail bartending service.” Amanda said. The Mobile Mixer

Amanda and Stefan started the Mobile Mixer in 2018 and it is Ontario’s premier mobile bartending service hosted out of a 1966 Airstream Globetrotter. They serve local wine, craft beer, and specialty cocktails as well as premium coffee and espresso beverages for weddings, events, pop-ups, and private parties all over southern Ontario. From event planning and amazing atmospheres to unique drinks and delicious food, they take care of everything “We mix, you mingle.” says Amanda. "We are always working on collaborating with local longstanding businesses to create a more youthful, innovative feel to their businesses and introduce them to younger markets,” Amanda noted. “Companies such as Cave Spring Winery and The Watering Can have fantastic older customer bases, so bridging the gap between them and our younger base provides both companies access to one another’s markets.”

They recently raised over $1000 for the McNally House, an organization providing dignified end-of-life accommodations for those with terminal illnesses. Amanda notes, “When our close friend Kimmer fell ill, we took the opportunity to bring her friends together for a Christmas fundraiser. Teaming up with a local photographer, Rob Anzit, and local venue Sue-Ann Staff Winery, we organized a Christmas photoshoot with one of our vintage vehicles.”

Klaus Reif, President Reif Estate Winery and Monastery Cellars

Klaus Reif was born into a life of winemaking as his family has been making wine for 13 generations. While their original family winery is in Germany, Klaus’ uncle moved to Canada in the 70s to explore the new world and start growing premium grapes. Klaus was inspired by his uncle and planned to join the winemaking industry after graduation from the Geisenheim Institute as an oenologist. Reif Estate Winery

As a farmer first, Klaus is committed to making wines from 100% local fruit, preserving the agricultural lands of the winery for generations to come, and helping others. “We are committed to producing certified sustainable wines from our 125-acre vineyard by time-honoured traditions, but also welcome new technologies in farming and winemaking such as the optical sorting of grapes, floatation technologies for winemaking and state-ofthe-art harvesting equipment,” Klaus says. “We also welcome new ideas in packaging and product development and have recently created our own one-of-a-kind product ‘spirit’ called VINEA made with Cabernet grapes and brandy to add to our portfolio.” Klaus is also dedicated to supporting a wide range of local community groups in Ontario through wine donations, sponsorships and hosting on-site events.

Klaus mentions how important his team at Reif Estate Winery is to him and how seriously he prioritizes their wellbeing. “I am so thankful for all the amazing people who contribute to the success of my organization and I’m committed to providing an open, diverse and respectful workplace,” he noted. “I also feel responsible for the livelihood of our team members and their families, so I take my role as President very seriously in ensuring the company is healthy and positioned as economically viable well into the future.”