PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY AND RESUME OF
FRANK PULLIA, CMA
Frank Pullia is 51 years of age and a homeowner. He has been a citizen of Thunder Bay for over 35 years.
He has over 29 years experience in labour, management and small business ownership and has served on Thunder Bay City Council from 1994 to 1997representing McIntyre Ward. With 22 years business experience in positions of increasing responsibility, Frank brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of accounting, financial and business consulting.
His lifetime volunteer work with non-profit and charitable organizations has given him further insight into the workings and needs of such groups. He has strong leadership and management skills along with a demonstrated track record in community economic development.
Having lived in Longlac and Terrace Bay while working for Kimberly Clark (Woodlands and Pulp Mill), as well as having worked for numerous municipalities and organizations in the region, he has acquired great insight into the dynamics of the forces that are changing Northwestern Ontario business and social environment, and the knowledge and experience to take positive action in solving the resulting problems.
Such understanding was further reinforced while working as the Budget Coordinator for eight years for the Northwestern Region of Ontario Hydro. During this time Frank also worked closely with staff and management of the Remote Communities Division, with the Ontario Hydro field offices in Dryden, Kenora, and Fort Frances, and Head Office in Toronto. As a result of this exposure to the various facets of the Hydro business, Frank has an excellent understanding of the changing Hydro market in both Northwestern Ontario and the province.
From 1994 to 1997, he served on Thunder Bay City Council and represented the city at both the regional (Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association) and federal level (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) where he served on the Standing Committee of Transportation, International Programs, and Municipal-Aboriginal Relations. Frank has a strong interest in community affairs and an excellent knowledge of the socio/political and economic environment of Northwestern Ontario.
Frank has been a member of Toastmasters International
for over 13 years and achieved first level certification in Public
Speaking. From time to time he acted as Host/Interviewer on Community
Channel programs, and a speaker at the International Dinner Series and
Profit Edge seminars at Confederation College. He has been a Sessional
Lecturer in Accounting at Lakehead University, and part-time instructor of
International Business at Confederation College.
He has written a weekly column in the Thunder Bay Post called "A Window on
the City" covering trends and issues of social, economic, financial and
political nature for the city and region, and he presently writes a
monthly column for the Northern Ontario Business. His column dealing
with economic, social, political and environmental issues dear to us in
Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario can be accessed through
www.northernontariobusiness.com
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Frank has deep roots in Thunder Bay and region. In fact, both his maternal and paternal great grandfathers worked and lived in this area since 1894. In 1904 they brought here their sons, Frank's grandfathers, who also lived and worked in the region until 1914 when they had to leave to go and fight in the First World War.
After the war they got married and started raising a family in Italy. However, the call of the Northwest was still very strong and they planned to come back with their families. Unfortunately, under Mussolini regime Italy invaded Ethiopia and Libya and sanctions were imposed. For many years nobody could leave or emigrate to other countries.
It wasn't until the end of the Second World War that most of Frank grandfather's family started to come back. His surviving grandfather now old, would only come to visit his sons and daughters, Frank's uncles and aunts.
His grandfather's stories of life and work in the bush camps, the railway, the grain elevators, and the majestic shores of Lake Superior, enthralled the young Frank who upon completion of high school, in 1971 decided at age seventeen to make Thunder Bay his home. He has been a resident of this City ever since.
While working full time at Cargill Grain Co., Frank attended Lakehead University part-time and supported his older brother through his university studies in Rome. At the same time also bought a house with his younger brother Peter (owner of Victoriaville Hair Design) for the purpose of bringing the rest of his family (4 brothers and 4 sisters) to Thunder Bay. His parents have now retired to Italy.
Frank personally financed his
total university education.
| January | 1990 | Lakehead University | Certified Management Accountant Designation |
| April | 1984 | Lakehead University | Business Administration - Accounting Major |
| June | 1971 | Istituto Professionale Per il Commercio, |
Secretary Diploma Nicastro, Italy |
Highlights of Accomplishments and Relevant Experience:
Frank Pullia is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and a Consulting CMA with over 22 years experience in marketing, management, labour, politics and ownership of a small business. He has held positions of increasing responsibility in both the public (Ontario Hydro) and private sector (Kimberly Clark) and community-based organizations (Northwest-Midwest Alliance) and has an excellent background in public/private sector partnerships, forging alliances with various levels of government, operational and organizational reviews, board governance, community development, project management, economic development, tourism & marketing, financial management, international business, business planning, strategic planning, and Aboriginal relations.
Throughout his career he has focused on effectively managing change and ensuring that organizations were and continue to be well positioned to deal with both internal and external challenges. Pullia continues to play a successful role in helping companies, community-based organizations, municipalities, and First Nations with their business plans, re-organizations and expansion plans, community development, and marketing plans.
Frank has recently put together a winning team that worked on a Feasibility Study for a Tour Train that would travel along the North Shores of Lake Superior. Another current project is a Business Plan for a regional airport in the Timiskaming region. He has recently completed a Feasibility Study and Discussion Paper for a Northern Ontario Economic Development Council, and a Regional Marketing Initiative to promote and enhance the region and specifically the activity of the three regional Airports of Dryden, Red Lake and Sioux Lookout.
Other recent projects are: a Marketing Plan and Brochure for the communities of Superior North and Greenstone; a Strategic Plan for the Sand Point First Nations (the plan included the development of a community profile, skills inventory and training needs analysis, education standards and needs, and the entrepreneurial capacity of community members); an Air Services Marketing Study for the Superior East communities, and a Community Development Plan for the municipality of Oliver Paipoonge.
He has also extensive knowledge of international business, strategic alliances, exports and inward investment, having worked as a Project Manager for the Northwest-Midwest Alliance, a community-based organization aimed at developing business and trade relations between Northwestern Ontario and Upper US Midwest companies. His international business experience also includes work with Internet Business Solutions companies in Latin America, computer manufacturing companies in Silicon Valley, Pasta making companies in Italy, and Granite companies in North America.
Some of his most recent successes have also been in the area of governance, organizational review, and successful preparation and implementation of strategic plans for not-for-profit agencies such as the North Superior Training Board (Co-Chair of Business) and the Da Vinci Centre (President). Both organizations have experienced a major turnaround in their operation and are now considered leaders in their field.
The Training Board is now taking the lead on many projects in the region, including a recently completed community consultation and adjustment process in Marathon and Manitouwadge which is being used as best practices by other Training Boards in the province. A study conducted by the training board on Strategies for developing a broadly based regional knowledge economy in Northwestern Ontario, the economic impact of the aging workforce in our region, as well as the impact on future skills shortages has just been released, and clearly indicates the need for renewed emphasis on skills development and training of the regional workforce.
With the Aboriginal population playing an increasingly important role in the regional economy, partnerships are also being created for the development of Aboriginal skills needs assessment, and a resource booklet identifying Aboriginal Employment and Training Agencies.
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- RESUME - Project Manager - January 1998 to
June 1999 Duties and Responsibilities: managed and coordinated all activities of the Thunder Bay and U.S. offices in Minneapolis. Provided marketing and research including consulting and advisory services to area companies interested or having the potential to do business with the Upper U.S. Midwest States. Assisted local companies in exploring business opportunities, in negotiating business strategic alliances with US companies and promoted foreign investment into Northwestern Ontario. |
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Frank Pullia discussing business and trade opportunities between Northwestern Ontario and the State of Minnesota with the State's governor, Jesse Ventura. |
Frank successfully coordinated and hosted exporting, matchmaking, and inward investment seminars that lead to Joint Ventures and new business activity between Northwestern Ontario and the US Midwest.
He interacted with all levels of government and Consulates in both countries, including all funding proposal and financial reports to funding agencies that helped lay the foundation for a strong Information Technology and Biotechnology sectors in our region.
He also helped develop strong community partnerships
across the region and U.S. associates, and kept the larger community informed through media
releases, members associations' newsletters, video productions, and TV
appearances on community channels.
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City Councillor - November 1994 to
November 1997
City of Thunder Bay
Duties and Responsibilities: Represented constituency at City
Hall on all aspects of municipal government. Maintained services and
infrastructure across the city at times of declining tax assessment and
provincial transfer payments without increasing taxes. Worked in
co-operation with city administration and labour unions in all areas of
labour relations. City representative at the Northwestern Ontario
Municipal Association during 1994/97 and the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities during 1996/97. During this time was also a member of FCM
Executive Board and served on the Transportation, Aboriginal and
International Programs Committees.
Small Business Owner- March 1995 to January 1998
Provided accounting, business consulting and financial services to small and medium size businesses. This included tax preparation; operational and financial audits with the objective of restructuring management information and financial systems; risk analysis; change management; and personalized financial planning. While providing the above services for Thunder Bay Medical Centre during 1996, was involved in marketing the centre across Canada with the aim of attracting medical doctors to our area. Worked closely with Health Science North and the medical establishment in Thunder Bay.
Business Supervisor - Oct. 1994 to Feb.
1995
Ontario Hydro - Northwest Hydroelectric
Duties and Responsibilities: Supervised the accounting,
budgeting and financial administration functions in Headquarters. Provided
co-ordination and support to the Plant Groups in the field in all
financial matters including preparation of audits, variance analysis of
cost statements, and migration to new financial and computer systems.
Budget and Reporting Coordinator - July 1990 to Oct. 1994 - Ontario Hydro - Northwestern Region
Duties and Responsibilities: Coordinated the Regional
departments' business plans and work program budgets ($70M with staff of
518) including field instructions and associated mainframe and PC
applications. Developed and delivered workshops to functional and line
staff. Provided both functional advice and guidance across the Region on
financial and budgeting matters. Trained, coordinated and supervised four
Business Area Analysts and clerical staff.
Senior Budgeting And Reporting Analyst - January 1992 to June 1992. Ontario Hydro - Rotation to Branch Comptrollers Department - Toronto
Duties and Responsibilities: Provided analytical support to the
Head Office Administration Business Area which included the Conference
& Development Centre, Training and Development Centre, Safety &
Environment, Human resources, Branch Comptrollers Department,
Vice-President's Office and Service Quality Coordinator's Office. Also
provided support to the Business Area Analysts in the region and acted as
a Liaison between Head Office and Northwestern Region's Comptrollership
staff.
Budgets and Cost Analyst - March 1987 to
July 1990
Ontario Hydro - Northwestern Region
Duties and Responsibilities: prepared, assembled and consolidated departmental business plans and work program budgets, including field instructions, forms and associated mainframe and PC applications. Conducted analyses of costs and costs trends and assisted line management in evaluating significant variations between budgeted, forecasted and actual expenditures. Developed, coordinated and delivered information and education of a financial nature to all required Regional and Line staff through seminars, workshops, etc. Supervised Budget Clerk staff.
Divisional Accountant - September 1986 to March 1987 Kimberly Clark of Canada, Woodlands Operation Division - Longlac, Ontario
Duties and Responsibilities: responsible for preparation and reporting of Divisional Financial Statements. Developed financial systems to migrate the Division from a Cost Centre to a Profit Centre and ultimately to an Investment Centre. Advised the Division's VP, Department Heads and other senior staff on all financial and accounting matters.
Financial Analyst - August 1985 to September 1986 Kimberly Clark of Canada, Pulp and Paper Division - Terrace Bay, Ontario
Duties and Responsibilities: provided effective financial analysis for the Division ($2 Billion in assets, $250M Revenue) to ensure maximum contribution to profit objectives. Calculated rates of return, assisted with post completion performance reports and ensured that adequate data was maintained to provide information for making and planning sound management decisions. Undertook special projects to improve financial controls and business planning information. Was also responsible for providing information and analyses required to complete annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, cash flows, annual business reports and five-year plans.
Assistant to The Manager of Internal Control And
Financial Analysis - February 1985 to July 1985
Kimberly Clark of Canada, Woodlands Operation Division - Longlac, Ontario
Duties and Responsibilities: assisted the manager in conducting all facets of internal control within the operational and administrative areas of the Forest Products Division. Also involved in the financial analysis of cost and profit centres, lease-buy analysis, and appraisal of capital expenditures with direct involvement in the feasibility study and implementation of an on-line mainframe cost information system. Supervised one analytical and one clerical staff.
Cost Analyst - May 1984 to January 1985
Kimberly Clark of Canada, Woodlands Operation - Longlac, Ontario
Duties and Responsibilities: worked closely with all of the
District, the Sawmill, the Slashing and the Mechanical Superintendents in
assisting them in the monthly interpretation of current costs and in the
preparation of annual budgets, interim forecasts and annual standard costs
of operation. Assisted the Manager of Cost Accounting in the preparation
of these reports.
Grain Handler- October 1974 to September
1980
Cargill Grain Co. - Thunder Bay, Ontario
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Frank has worked in those industries that formed the backbone of our economy. He has witnessed first hand the decline of such industries and understands the current challenges facing our region in forestry, manufacturing, mining, and related industries. Frank worked in various areas of the grain elevator, such as the distribution floor and the annex allocating grain to the storage bins and to loading boats. |
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Law Clerk - October 1973 to April 1974
Petrone, Hatherly & Associates - Thunder Bay, Ontario
Duties and Responsibilities: interpreted in court and in the
office for Italian clients. Searched titles at the Registry Office for the
real estate department. Delivered subpoenas. Interviewed witnesses of car
accidents.
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Enrolled in the Master of Science in Management on a Part Time
basis
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Ontario Region
Economic Development Programs - Third Party Assessment
Processes
Continuous Improvement training both in the private and public
sectors.
Consulting Training including Risk Assessment and Change
Management.
Society of Management Accountants professional development
workshops and seminars.
Sessional Lecturer - Financial Accounting, Lakehead University.
Part-time Instructor - International Business, Confederation
College
Writing book on the Japanese Martial Arts and modern management
techniques.
Hobbies: following the stock market, reading, martial arts, and public
speaking.
Member of Thunder Bay Toastmasters International Club for 13 years.
Founding President of Ontario Hydro (Thunder Bay) TRILLIUM Investment
Club.
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Member of National Karate Association - Holder of 1st Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. While in Terrace Bay, Frank started his own Karate club and taught a class of 25 people of all ages. Frank supports sporting activities for people of all ages and is committed to ensure that Thunder Bay has the facilities and services required to remains a centre of excellence in sports. |
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Participated at the Intramural "Tournament of Champions" held annually at Lakehead University; was 6th in 1981 and 3rd in 1982.
Also member of Lakehead University Business Association and participated in its activities. In October 1983, was founder and President of a debating club, which by the end of the scholastic year had sent a team in a debating competition at the United Nations in New York.