About Us
Built on Legacy.
Fueled by Innovation.
At Blane, Canada, we’re not coders—we’re business builders.
For over 30 years, we’ve helped businesses grow through clarity, creativity, and smart strategy—not hype.
Founded in 1983 by Nancy Blane and joined soon after by Eric Canada, the company was built on the belief that great marketing is rooted in trust, intelligence, and action. Today, that legacy lives on through the father-daughter team of Eric and Ashley Canada—blending a powerful past with AI-powered tools for modern growth.
We don’t just follow trends—we build the systems that create momentum.
Meet The Team
Superpowers: Relationship-driven sales, system optimization, creative pragmatism
Superpowers: Strategic marketing, software innovation, workshop facilitation, orchestrating development teams
Our Philosophy: You Don’t Need Another System—You Need the Right People
Inspired by the Who Not How philosophy, we believe:
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Business leaders don’t need to wear every hat—they need the right “Who”
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Automation should start with your reality, not a one-size-fits-all framework
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Real results come from clarity, alignment, and systems built around how you actually work
Blane, Canada is your trusted Who—helping you clear the fog and focus on what moves the needle.
A Track Record of Innovation
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Pioneered B2B content marketing in economic development
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Created the patented SaaS Synchronist Business Information System
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Trained 30,000+ professionals across North America
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Worked with 2,100+ clients in 39 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces
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Now delivering AI-powered growth systems built on real-world strategy
While Synchronist is no longer active, its legacy lives on. That same innovation and strategic foresight now powers our AI-forward approach to growth.
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Resources
Powerful Resources to Help You Along Your AI Journey
Podcasts
Eric has been a pioneer in applying technology to economic development for over 30 years, and together with Ashley—who brings deep expertise in sales and marketing—they’ve transformed Blane Canada into a leader in AI and automation for business development.
In this episode we talk about where economic development is headed, how AI is shaping the field, and what it all means for communities. Length 35:30 min.
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Hosts: Dean Whittaker, Whittaker Associates
Always looking to innovate, Eric has partnered with Ashley Canada to educate economic developers about artificial intelligence through the Everyman AI Advantage tour and direct consulting. They have created a 4-part process to help organizations forge their organization’s AI strategy. This is part 1 of a 4-part series which will help make sense of a complicated and intimidating process. Length 28 min.​
Hosts: Dennis Fraise, Founder of Develop This!
Our hosts invited Eric and Ashley Canada of Blane, Canada AI and the Synchronist Lab to discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence in economic development efforts. Length 51 min.
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Hosts: Tina Mengine, CEO of Erie County Redevelopment Authority; Laith Wardi, Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies