Virtual Fireside Chat - Northern Ontario Angels

NEED CAPITAL?
YOU NEED AN ANGEL!

Join the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce as we host a virtual Fireside Chat with Ian Lane, Executive Director and Mary Long-Irwin, Director of International Development / Consultant with Northern Ontario Angels.

We will discuss 

Ian Lane, Executive Director
Northern Ontario Angels
 
Ian Lane is delighted to be the new incoming Executive Director of the Northern Ontario Angels.
 
With a diverse career, he is eager to continue fostering connections between entrepreneurs and Angel investors across Northern Ontario.
 
Prior to moving back to Ontario, Ian was the Manager of Policy Development and Settlement in the Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Learning with the Government of Prince Edward Island. He was responsible for developing policies to attract and retain youth, newcomers, temporary foreign workers, and international students. This role allowed Ian to connect with local businesses and entrepreneurs in strategic innovation sectors to help grow the economy of PEI.
 
Since 2015, Ian has been the Manager of Research Capacity and Health Innovation at Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI) in Sudbury where he helpsresearchers and clinicians attract funding and provides strategic planning support. He has facilitated the attraction of over $10 Million in external funding since joining HSNRI. He has been the Business Manager of ICES North and appointed the Project Manager for the Northern Ontario Health Innovation Cluster, which binds the research activities of seven health research-centric organizations across the region. This role also connects with industry sponsors and local biotech and innovation companies trying to answer the unique health care delivery challenges of Northern Ontario while also stimulating regional economic development opportunities.
 
Ian holds a MA from Ryerson University in Immigration and Settlement Studies, a BA in Canadian History from the University of Prince Edward Island, and a Diploma in Commercial Music from Humber College. He is a proud Rotarian and has volunteered his grant writing skills to various community and non-for-profit organizations in Ontario and Prince Edward Island. He still enjoys playing music, skiing, hockey, golf, tennis and the odd sail.
 

Mary Long-Irwin, Director of International Development / Consultant, Northern Ontario Angels

For over 10 years, Mary was the Executive Director for Northern Ontario Angels, an organization that matches Entrepreneurs with Angel Investors across Northern Ontario. Mary has transitioned into an international consulting role and continues to cover the Thunder Bay area and other parts of Northwestern Ontario.

Under her guidance Northern Ontario Angels was named the #1 Angel Organization in North America. As of December 2021, there have been approximately 460 deals completed totaling close to $700 million of investment into the northern Ontario economy. Over $200 million alone from our investors.

Prior to this, Mary was the President/CEO of The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. She worked closely with businesses and three levels of Government to ensure the growth of business and economic development opportunities throughout Northwestern Ontario. She was also the CEO for Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce.

During the 1990’s Mary was the General Manager, Principal Lender, and Business Consultant to over 500 businesses, for Superior North Community Corporation for 10 years. Prior to this Mary was an owner of two very successful businesses and taught in the Business Program at Confederation College.

Mary was born, raised, and educated in Thunder Bay and continues to provide business advisory services to many area businesses and remains a strong advocate for business and industry.