JABC INDUCTS FOUR NEW BUSINESS LEADERS INTO HALL OF FAME
Elementary students speak of laureates’ influence on their young lives

Vancouver, BC – Almost 700 business leaders, aspirants and their guests from across BC gathered at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on May 19 for the induction of the province’s newest business laureates into the Hall of Fame (www.businesslaureatesbc.org) .  Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC) was the host for the 5th Annual Business Laureates of British Columbia Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremonies, co-sponsored by Scotiabank Group and Fasken Martineau.

The Hon. Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, spoke via video while on a trade mission to Asia to pay tribute to the laureates and their families. “Each of these four individuals has made our lives special, has made a contribution that we can never say thank you enough for. I want to congratulate each of the four members and their families – particularly their families. I think it is always the families who provide support for these business leaders to make sure they can make the incredible contributions that they have made.” Campbell wrapped up his comments with a reflection upon the efforts of the organization. “To JABC, let me just say, keep up the great work. You, like the business leaders you honour, are making a huge difference in the lives of thousands of British Columbians.”

The mid-week gala raised over $500,000.00 for JABC, and included a keynote address by Darren Entwistle, President & CEO of TELUS Corporation, who made an impromptu gift of $10,000.00 to JABC. Entwistle elaborated upon the Premier’s comments, saying that “it is impossible to calculate the number of lives that have been influenced by the contributions all four laureates have made to our province.” He clarified that it’s within everyone’s reach and reason to contribute to the province: “As business leaders, we must reflect on the incredible character and lessons of these legendary individuals and contemplate our role in advancing British Columbia’s social and economic prosperity. We must also share these lessons with our young people and embrace our responsibility to mentor them as they grow their careers.”

JABC created the Hall of Fame in 2006 to recognize BC citizens who have shown a vision unique amongst their peers, provided leadership to motivate others to achieve their goals, demonstrated integrity throughout their lives, and built a legacy in the province that will enrich all those who follow. The laureates honoured each year will act as mentors and heroes to BC’s enterprising youth.

Two of such youth were live onstage with Gala MC and Global News Hour anchor Chris Gailus and also featured in the new JABC video premiered last evening   (www.youtube.com/user/juniorachievementbc ). Laura and Calvin from St. Pius Elementary School in Vancouver answered Gailus’ probing questions with responses that delighted the crowd and revealed their passion for learning people and business skills, with maturity and articulation beyond their years. Laura shared that the laureate mostly on her mind was Chester Johnson, while Calvin figuratively pinned his money on Jimmy Pattison. Prominently featured in the video is the Hall of Fame itself, now permanently located in Vancouver Convention Centre East after its official unveiling last November. The interactive wall marks the names of those whose legacies are honoured, and induces provincial pride and/or personal aspiration within those who visit the landmark.

The 2010 laureate nomination process was guided by Pinton Forrest & Madden, the Laureate Sponsor. Final selection was made by a committee of three laureates and one non-laureate: Joe Segal (President, Kingswood Capital Corporation), Ike Barber (Director, Slocan Forest Products), Michael Audain (Chairman, Polygon Homes Ltd.) and Sarah Morgan-Silvester (Chair, Port Metro Vancouver Board).

The four 2010 inductees, whose lives and careers were documented through videos produced by OhBoy! Productions, are:

1. Alex A. Campbell, O.B.C., LL.D., Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Thrifty Foods
2. Jack Diamond, C.C., O.B.C., LL.D. (1909 – 2001), Pacific Meat Co.
3. Robert (Bob) H. Lee, C.M., O.B.C., B.Comm., LL.D., Chairman of Prospero Group
4. John (Jack) W. Poole, O.C., O.B.C., B.Sc. (1933 – 2009), Chairman of VANOC Board of Directors

They join 27 other laureates in the Hall of Fame: Michael Audain, Irving Barber, Charles Bentall, L.L.G. Bentley, David Black, Hon. John Clyne, William Farrell, Thomas Foord, Frank Griffiths, Chester Johnson, Dr. Norman Keevil Sr., Henry Holman Ketcham III, Henry Holman Ketcham Jr., Samuel Ketcham, William Ketcham, Leon Koerner, Tong Louie, John S. MacDonald, H.R. MacMillan, Grant McConachie, Wendy B. McDonald, William Mercer, Jimmy Pattison, Donald Rix, William Sauder, Joseph Segal, Charles Woodward.

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VIEW full media kit here

Photo: Bestowing and bringing home the 2010 honours (from left to right): Gordon Diamond (son of deceased inductee Jack Diamond), BLBC Co-Chair Barbara Brink, Darlene Poole (holding award, wife of deceased inductee Jack Poole), inductee Bob Lee, Charles Diamond (son of deceased inductee Jack Diamond), inductee Alex Campbell, BLBC Co-Chair Conrad Pinette

For additional information and photos:

Christopher Hindle
Manager, Marketing & Communications
604-688-3887 x231 / 778-858-6565 cell
christopher.hindle@jabc.org