Jonathan Blais Email & Phone Number

Coldstream, British Columbia, Canada

VegPro International is the largest vegetable producer in Canada with almost 1000 employees, specializing in the washing and packaging of baby lettuces and selling a wide range of vegetables.Develop and execute the company’s Western Canadian strategic plan as one of 8 members of Executive teamPlanned, supervised, and directed the start-up of the western operation in BC, including the establishment of human and material resources and work teams Seek and review business acquisition opportunitiesLed conception, permit approval, construction, and supervised trade subcontractors in the development of $8M project to develop a 200+ seasonal agricultural worker campLeverage existing relationships and regional network to facilitate company integration into Western Canadian community Successfully mitigated labour concerns and shortages by partnering with labour agencies Represented employer during collective agreement negotiations in a manufacturing sectorForecast operational budget and capital expenditures for the western operations – $XX millionRepresent company to suppliers, contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies at different government levelsIdentified local prospects to expand market share and secured partnerships to contribute to economic prosperity of the regionDeveloped policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Federal, provincial, and municipal legislationsOversaw and implemented wastewater treatment facility for vegetable packaging plant.

Generalist position requiring versatility to facilitate the establishment of the new Vegpro Coldstream facility (2018) while reporting directly to the CEO.Lead and coordinate key relationship a variety of regulatory bodies; government, agencies suppliers, consultants and contractors. Identify and evaluate business opportunities that could strengthen or grow the organization presence in Western Canada.Evaluate return and feasibility of various capital expenditure and present for Board approval.Budgeting and P&L review of western operations; Farming and packaging.

Interior Bc, Southern Alberta And Chaudière-Appalaches, Québec

Canada’s largest agricultural term lender, Farm Credit Canada is a federal Crown corporation with a portfolio over $40 billion, offering financing, insurance, software, learning program, and others to services to producers, agribusiness owners and agri-food entrepreneurs across the country.Designed and executed successful relationship banking marketing plan in diverse marketplace to provide creative financial solutions for my client. Primarily non-recourse financing (project finance)Penetrated a variety of new Canadian markets and diversified loan portfolios ($120M) in tree fruit, vineyards, wineries, and livestock business Mentored, and led a small team to provide exceptional customer services and create innovative financial package for clientsAchieved or significantly exceeded sales goals on a consistent basis by promoting services and creating value in every interactionManaged relationships with local producers, industry associations and external financial intermediary to expand referral networkCommunicated important market trends and business opportunities to customers by participating or presenting in peer networks and conferences throughout BC

Sainte-Foy, Quebec

Created, designed and facilitated a training course for agriculture professionals and bankers willing to increase their knowledge in hog production. Completed a market segmentation of the swine industry and partners in Quebec.

Bachelor Of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations

College Diploma, Farm Management And Technology

Activities and Societies: McGill Woodsmen (compétition interuniversitaire du bûcherons), Bourse de Financement Agricole Canada