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Join us for a coffee and chat with Richard and Amber Ozero from Good Morning Honey.

Richard and Amber grew up in farming communities in Alberta, however their passions lead them into the Radio Television program at NAIT where they met. Life had something sweeter in store for them and in 2011, driven by their desire to raise their children on a farm, they purchased a charming piece of land, eager to introduce their kids to the wonders of rural life.

As they settled into their new farm, Richard, always open to new experiences, stumbled upon a local bee farmer. Intrigued by the idea of beekeeping, he decided to give it a try, adding a touch of sweetness to their already blossoming farm. With an initial investment of 920 hives, Richard and Amber embarked on an unexpected journey into the world of commercial honey production.

As time passed, their passion for beekeeping grew exponentially, along with their hive count. What began as a modest venture soon flourished into an impressive operation, with over 5000 hives contributing to their honey production. It was through this journey that they discovered the intricate processes behind creating honey, an art form in itself.

During our conversation with the Ozero's, we will delve into the captivating world of honey production, exploring the meticulous steps involved and the secrets behind the delectable flavors. Additionally, we will touch upon the concerning issue of fake honey, shedding light on the challenges faced by the industry and the measures taken to combat this deceit.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us as we unravel the fascinating story of Richard and Amber Ozero, their journey into the realm of commercial honey, and the sweet secrets that lie within.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Teresa Spinelli, President of the Italian Centre.

Teresa Spinelli, a proud Edmontonian, has transformed her family's small grocery centre into a beloved institution that celebrates Italian culture and community. What started as a simple endeavor to reconnect with their heritage soon blossomed into a thriving enterprise that brings people together through food and shared experiences.

Although Teresa initially aspired to be a social worker, life had different plans for her. When her father and brother fell ill, she stepped up to take over the Italian Centre, ensuring that their legacy would endure. Through her dedication and vision, she expanded the business, opening additional stores in Edmonton's West End and venturing into Calgary and Sherwood Park.

What sets the Italian Centre apart is its unwavering commitment to people. Teresa firmly believes in the power of collaboration and inclusivity. Every decision is made with the input and feedback of the entire team, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard. They also value their customers' opinions, actively seeking suggestions to better cater to their needs and desires.

It is this genuine focus on people that has fostered a loyal customer base and created a vibrant culture within the Italian Centre. Beyond just providing delicious food and quality products, Teresa and her team have cultivated a sense of belonging and community. The Italian Centre has become a gathering place, a hub where friends and families come together to celebrate, share stories, and forge lasting connections.

So, join us for a coffee and chat with Teresa Spinelli. Discover the inspiring journey of a woman who grew her family's business into a cultural icon, where passion, inclusivity, and a love for food converge to create an extraordinary experience for all.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Karen Principe, Ward Councilor for the City of Edmonton.

Karen's journey from dental assistant to community advocate is one filled with passion and dedication. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she found her calling in the dental field while also working as a DJ for fun on the weekends. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Gene, and later relocated to Toronto.

As fate would have it, Gene's broadcasting job led them to Edmonton, where Karen seized the opportunity to continue her career as a dental hygienist. As her children were growing up, Karen was very active in their community; volunteering with her children's schools, sports teams and local Food Banks. Once her children had reached the teenage years, the volunteering with school and sports teams came to a stop. Karen missed the sense of connection to her local community.

This led Karen to City Council, where she was elected as a Councillor in 2021. With her genuine desire to reignite a sense of community, Karen has been able to channel her passion for volunteering into tangible initiatives. From dedicating a week to providing dental care in Peru to participating in Free Dental Days in Edmonton, Karen has always been at the forefront of making a difference. Her commitment to giving back is truly inspiring.

So, join us for a coffee and chat with Karen Principe, a Ward Councilor who not only brings her professional expertise but also a genuine desire to create a strong and united community. Discover how her journey has shaped her into the compassionate and dedicated advocate she is today.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Chad Zender the President of Zender Ford.

Having been raised in Parkland County, Chad Zender has always had a deep connection to his community. His family's longstanding ownership of the Zender Ford dealership in Spruce Grove is a testament to their commitment to serving their customers with integrity and dedication. After completing his education at the University of Victoria, Chad eagerly joined the Zender Ford team, ready to bring a fresh perspective to the business.

As the second generation of Zender's running the dealership, Chad is excited to continue the family legacy of excellence. With a blend of tradition and innovation, Zender Ford remains committed to providing exceptional service, and supporting the community they call home.

Beyond their business endeavors, Zender Ford has always recognized the importance of giving back to the community that has supported them for four decades. From partnering with the Parkland Food Bank to sponsoring local sports teams, they actively contribute to the betterment of their surroundings. For the Zender family, philanthropy is not just a duty, but a true passion that drives them to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

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Come and join us for a coffee and chat with Francisco Martin, the founder of Martin Recruitment.

Francisco's journey began in Cuba, where he was born, but at the age of seven, his family made a life-changing decision to move to Edmonton, Canada. His mother, a doctor, seized the opportunity to relocate and create a better future for her family.

Unfortunately, their initial experience in Canada was far from ideal. The sponsor family they stayed with turned out to be toxic, posing a threat to their safety. In a courageous act, Francisco's family fled their dangerous environment in the dead of night. They sought refuge at the Hope Mission, where they stayed for a few months until they could secure a place of their own. Despite facing such adversity, they persevered and eventually settled back in Edmonton.

During his formative years, Francisco harbored two distinct ambitions: to become a heavy metal drummer and to establish his own company. In pursuit of these dreams, he embarked on a journey of exploration, working an astonishing 27 different jobs in search of the perfect fit. It was through this exploration that Francisco discovered his passion for recruitment.

Driven by his newfound enthusiasm, Francisco dedicated himself to mastering the art of connecting talented individuals with their dream careers. This passion soon propelled him towards the realization of his lifelong goal – owning his own company. Today, he proudly leads Martin Recruitment, a thriving recruitment agency based in Edmonton. Discover the incredible journey that led him to success, the challenges he overcame, and the valuable insights he has gained along the way.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Jennifer and Cam as they delve into the exciting world of podcasting in 2024. They will take you back to the origins of the ABA Coffee in the Park Podcast and how it all began. From there, they will explore its journey, discussing its worldwide spread and the impact it has had on listeners around the globe.

During this conversation, Jennifer and Cam will also take the time to recap the incredible guests who have graced the podcast. These guests have shared their remarkable stories, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression.

Furthermore, they will acknowledge and express gratitude for the phenomenal support the podcast has received throughout the year. The unwavering support from listeners like you has played a pivotal role in the success of the podcast.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for this engaging conversation. We sincerely appreciate your continued listenership and support throughout this year. Thank you for being a part of the ABA Coffee in the Park Podcast journey!

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Join us for Gingerbread and a chat with Jennifer and Cam for our Christmas Special!
We'll be diving into the enchanting world of Christmas carols, discussing our favorite baked goods, sharing recommendations for the best Christmas movies, and much more. It's going to be a festive gathering filled with joy and holiday spirit. Don't miss out! Most importantly Merry Christmas!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Mike and Lea Stelter from The Ben Stelter Foundation.

Mike and Lea are two phenomenal human beings who have persevered through losing a child to cancer. Like many parents, they never thought this would happen to their family until, one day, it did.

Their son Ben was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (brain cancer) at the age of five; their world became The Stollery Children's Hospital, and Ben underwent treatments, all while continuing to try to live their everyday lives with their other children, Dylan and Emmy.

Their story became known worldwide after the community rallied to create a car parade for Ben's birthday. The word got out, and it quickly snowballed from a few cars to a significant car parade with over a hundred vehicles and news stations.

Through this harrowing journey, Ben was supported by his family and the community, including the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid.

Ben passed away in August of 2022, and as the family struggled with their new world without him, their fight was not over. Mike was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2023 and had to travel to the States to receive proton therapy treatment, something he could not get in Canada.

From something so devastating, Mike and Lea started The Ben Stelter Foundation to continue the legacy of Ben’s big heart and generosity. Their goal is to help children fight Glioblastoma and other cancers. They help provide magical experiences, medical equipment, and advanced research, and they are working to bring Proton Therapy to Canada.

To learn more and to donate to this fantastic cause, visit:
Helping Families Who Have Kids With Cancer - Ben Stelter Foundation