Rise 'n Shine Breakfast

NEW! Join fellow attendees, exhibitors and speakers for an inspiring morning over breakfast and gain some valuable insights listening to our featured speaker on Thursday, February 20.

Featured Speaker: Joe Pillitteri

Presentation Title: The Joy of SurThriving

Joe provides an open and honest discussion about the journey that a lot of entrepreneurs face. Balancing work and family, mental health challenges faced by many but discussed by few, and the impact things that are out of our control can have on our businesses and health. He discusses his life openly and with humour and loves to inspire and engage with audiences on the joy of surviving and thriving in the face of adversity.

A bit About Joe
Born and raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario on a peach farm, Joe Pillitteri has become one of the regions best and most recognized comedians. He performs mostly for worthwhile causes like The Terry Fox Foundation, Red Roof Retreat, the Niagara Community Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Niagara, The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre and youth sports throughout the area. His charitable work has earned him recognition and awards including the NOTL Citizen of the Year, the RBC Business Citizen of the Year, and his Mom’s Favourite (read ONLY) Son Award.

Joe is an owner of Lakeview Vineyard Equipment. On stage Joe talks openly about the mental health struggles he faced when business was tough in 2008 and how the farming community helped him get through it both by example and continuing to support his business. He has long held the integrity of farmers and fellow entrepreneurs as a beacon on how to run both his business and his life. He even farms 7.56 acres of Merlot at his family’s new home next door to Lakeview. Joe has been told by his farmer friends that he’s not allowed to round that number up to 8!

How to Register

This event is open to OFVC registered attendees, speakers and exhibitors only. Reserve your seat when purchasing your registration online. Proceeds from the $10 seat registration will be matched by the OFVC and donated to Drive Away Hunger. Seating is limited.

Time and Location

When: Thursday, February 20, 2025

Time: 7:45 am - 9:15 am

Where: The Lounge, 2nd Floor