Appointee Biographies

GEORGE MITGES

George Mitges was an early leader in the pre-cut vegetable industry, including the bagged salad category in the United States. He has a very strong understanding of the food manufacturing sector, from Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACCP) to kosher certification and operating profitably in a food safe environment. Successfully working as a partner with major national food retailers in Canada, George has helped agricultural organizations enhance the value chain with the retail sector. One major project included partnering with a national retailer that created a new category for Ontario-grown peaches. The program paid growers a premium for high quality peaches that answered several consumer demands and reduced the amount of shrink at the retail store. George has broad-based experience in the retail, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors of the North American food industry. He has led projects to launch of new operational divisions, leading to explosive growth and market share gains in a highly competitive sector. George is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, a certified member of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists, and is a Professional Agrologist (P. Ag.).

BRUCE TIMMS

Bruce Timms is a retired Professional Engineer with a Civil Engineering background and a Bachelor of Applied Science from University of Waterloo in 1977. Bruce was elected to Niagara Regional Council for St. Catharines from 1991 until 2018. Bruce retired from Timms House and Building Inspections and owned and operated an insurance restoration contracting company. Bruce was formerly part owner of family-owned general building contracting companies. Additionally, Bruce is a charter member and past President of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore.

ZIAD HAJIFAZUL

Ziad Hajifazul, of Niagara Falls, is a Real Estate Broker with Referral Realty and a former manager with Canadian Tire. Ziad’s community involvement has included serving as a Trustee with the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara Foundation.