JA-NEO and CPD Partner To Launch Accessible Welding Program at Fleming College

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) and the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) have launched the Accessible Welding Program in partnership with Employment Ontario and Fleming College on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

The program is aimed at creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue careers in the skilled trades according to a press release.

The initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities in the trades by providing accessible training and support.

“We are thrilled to launch this innovative program in partnership with the Council for Persons with Disabilities, Employment Ontario and Fleming College,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “By fostering inclusivity and accessibility in the skilled trades, we can unlock the potential of individuals with disabilities and strengthen our workforce.”

The specialized curriculum will have tailored support services for the participants as they will gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the welding profession.

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their career aspirations, regardless of disability," said Rachel Quilty of CPD. “Through the Accessible Welding Program, we aim to dismantle barriers and create pathways to success for individuals with disabilities in the trades.”

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JA-NEO Unveil Kawartha Lakes Class of 2024 Business Hall of Fame Inductees

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has revealed this year’s Kawartha Lakes exceptional business leaders into the class of 2024 second-annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame (BHF), announced at the Launch Kawartha in Lindsay on Wednesday morning.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

The nominees are being inducted at an event at Mackey Celebrations in Lindsay on May 9. Each year, JA-NEO highlights nominees and their contributions that have significantly impacted the local business landscape, according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to unveil the distinguished class of inductees for the second consecutive year,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO CEO and president. These outstanding business leaders exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, demonstrating to local youth that building a successful business is both attainable and rewarding, with the potential to span generations.”

2024 JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • Brad Bird: Birdhouse Realty

  • John Fox: Boston Pizza Lindsay

  • Kyle Hussey: Waste Logix Inc

  • Linden Mackey: Mackey Funeral Home Inc. and Mackey Celebrations

  • Marlene Morrison Nicholls: Stewart Morrison Insurance

  • Anthony and Carlo Polito: Polito Ford Lincoln & Kawartha Lakes Honda

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JA-NEO Unveils Class of 2024 Business Hall of Fame Inductees

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has revealed this year’s exceptional business leaders into the class of 2024 Ninth Annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame (BHF), announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The nominees are being inducted at an event at The Venue on May 23. Each year, JA-NEO highlights nominees and their contributions that have significantly impacted the local business landscape, according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to unveil the distinguished class of inductees for the ninth consecutive year,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO CEO and president. These outstanding business leaders exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, demonstrating to local youth that building a successful business is both attainable and rewarding, with the potential to span generations.”

The 2024 JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Inductees for Peterborough are:

  • Tim Barrie: Merrit Precision Limited

  • John Cunningham: Community Alternative, Ashburnham Funeral Home, Kawartha Aquamtion

  • Gwyneth James: Formerly Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants, Silverthorn Management Consulting

  • Richard Labelle: The UK Shoppe

  • Jill and Robert Staples: Staples Maple Syrup

  • Jeanine Taylor: KawarthaNOW

  • Nicole Truman: Fox Law Professional Corporation

  • Cora Whittington: Golden Pathways Coaching, Facilitation, Retreat, and B & B.

  • Andrew Winslow, Chris Winslow, Mike Winslow, Steve Gerolamy and Tom Gerolamy: Winslow Gerolamy Motors Limited

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Nominations Open For JA-Neo 2024 Business Hall of Fame

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Nominations for JA - Northern and Eastern Ontario’s (JA-NEO) 2024 Business Hall of Fame (BHF) are open for both Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes, announced on Wednesday.

The 2023 inductees of Ja-Neo’s Business Hall of Fame. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

JA-NNEO is looking for individuals who have had a significant impact on the community's economic growth through their entrepreneurial pursuits. JA-NEO continues to mention that nominees should be esteemed members of the community whose leadership, vision and dedication to excellence have bolstered the economy and society.

“The BHF event allows JA-NEO to recruit vital volunteers, investors, and partners to help deliver programs at no cost to students or schools,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO President and C.E.O. “Proceeds from the event help JA-NEO meet the growing demand for financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs, providing essential support to facilitate the future success of every JA-NEO student.”

Nominations close on Nov. 24 at 3:00 p.m. Nomination forms can be found online. Successful nominees will be announced at a formal announcement in the new year and will be officially inducted into the JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame in the Spring.

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Junior Achievement Receives $172,500 As Skills Development Fund From the Provincial Government

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The Ontario government has invested $172,500.00 in Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO) to help students engage with information and pilot programs to cultivate interest and education in skilled trades at the Peterborough Truss & Floor on Thursday morning.

Youth under the JA Neo program developed their own business ‘Fresh Picked Feats’ that sells locally-grown vegetables and had their products showcased during the press conference. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money helps JA NEO educate and help students understand the importance of skilled trades. Kids will work with community and business leaders to help youth understand and activate their potential for the jobs of tomorrow by extending their programs and focus on skilled trades for full-time students.

“There was always going to be a demand for somebody in skilled trades. It doesn't matter what the economy is doing, we need plumbers, we need electricians, we need carpenters because these are all things we use on a daily basis” explained Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “It not only provides a job but a career path for your entire life.”

“Explore other opportunities that are out there. Not all trades jobs are dirty,” said John McNutt, JA Neo president and CEO. “It's a different world out there and just ask them to take a look.”

The youth also will be involved in JA NEO’s World of Choices Program to be exposed to potential career paths, understanding day-to-day tasks in a variety of careers while learning about and challenging the myths surrounding them.

They can also learn how to organize and operate a business related to a very important sector of our economy.

“Having programs like this available to our youth will set them on a path to be able to prosper in the future,” said Smith. “Ontario’s skilled trades are vital to the growth of the economy and our government’s ‘Plan to Build’, offering careers that lead to secure jobs and a good quality life.”

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Local Business Owner Allan Hill Named JA-NEO's Volunteer of the Year

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In recognition of his commitment and support, JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has announced that Allan Hill has been awarded Volunteer of the Year.

Since 2013, Allan has been an avid JA supporter and has volunteered his time and resources to a wide range of JA programs, including JA Days, JA Career Tour and World of Choices. Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

“On behalf of JA-NEO, I am honoured to recognize Allan for his ongoing contributions,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “From providing food and refreshments to sharing his business experience with students from across our region, his contributions have continued to make a positive impact and we are grateful for his support.”

Allan has worked for Domino’s Pizza for over 30 years and owns multiple franchise stores throughout the Peterborough area.

“As a volunteer, Allan has dedicated countless hours to programs that drive the success of youth in our region,” said McNutt. “He recognizes that we all have a role to play in helping the next generation progress on the road to success. Allan continues to be an outstanding mentor and business leader who guides those around him and helps them achieve lifelong success.”

In 2021, Allan was inducted into the JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame for his contributions to youth in the region and his success in his business ventures according to a press release.

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Local Students Mentored In World of Choices Program To Explore Future Career Options

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Over 200 local students learned from over 25 mentors at the Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) World of Choices program about career paths at Living Hope Church on Thursday.

Students ranged from grades 8 to 10 from schools such as St. Martin’s, Adam Scott, Monsignor O’Donoghue and more. Each student listened to five different mentors to gain first-hand insight into career options, benefits and career challenges. Peterborough Fire Department, Peterboro Matboards and RBC were some of the many mentors present.

WOC is a career exploration event aimed at helping students discover new career choices and learn from local industry professionals. Students had the opportunity to get familiar with potential educational paths and grasp a better understanding of the day-to-day duties of several careers.

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Local Students Receive Career Advice From Mentors In World of Choices Program

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165 elementary school students were left with words of wisdom as they attended Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) and Peterborough Petes’ World of Choices (WOC) program listening to various mentors about career paths on Thursday morning.

Burton Lee, Petes executive director of business operations (left) addressing the 165+ students in grades 7 and 8 about his career experience with the team. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The event at the Peterborough Memorial Centre hosted grade 7 and 8 students from Crestwood, Chemong Public School, Prince of Wales and Immaculate Conception. They listened to five different mentors to gain first-hand insight into career options, benefits and career challenges in the professional sports and entertainment industry. Mentors included organizations from the Peterborough Petes, Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles, RBC, YourTV Cogeco, Corus Entertainment and more that spoke to the pre-teens.

WOC is a career exploration event aimed at helping students discover new career choices and learn from local industry professionals. Students had the opportunity to get familiar with potential educational paths and grasp a better understanding of the day-to-day duties of several careers.

“We’re excited to partner with The Peterborough Petes to help local students understand and explore a wide array of career options,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “Following the completion of today’s program, students will feel empowered to continue their education towards a chosen career and be better equipped to meet the challenges of today’s working world.”

All participating students received a ticket to attend the Petes’ game that night with a family member against the Kingston Frontenacs.

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Junior Achievement Unveils City of Kawartha Lakes Inaugural Business Hall of Fame Inductees

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) unveiled its inaugural JA Business Hall of Fame (BHF) inductees for the City of Kawartha Lakes announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of JA-Neo.

The inductees strengthen the economy and community through their exemplary accomplishments of vision, leadership and commitment to excellence in business over a lifetime according to JA-NEO.

“JA-NEO is excited to unveil the inaugural class of inductees to first ever JA Business Hall of Fare for the City of Kawartha Lakes," said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. "These exceptional business leaders are helping to inspire and show local youth that starting your own business can be rewarding and last multiple generations much like the business leaders being honored today.”

The inductees will be formally inducted at the inaugural JA. Business Hall of Fame May 11 at Mackey Celebrations in downtown Lindsay.

The following are the 2023 JA BHF inductees:

  • Tania-Joy Bartlett - Nev Beginnings Contracting Services

  • Jim Bogar (Posthumously) - Cameron Steel

  • Jack and Ila Crowe (Posthumously) Kawartha Dairy

  • Nicki and Dedes Costas - Olympia Restaurant

  • Liz Grimes - Cathy Allan Ladieswear

  • Ted Smith - TS Manufacturing

  • Jeff Strybosch - Kawartha Wholesale Bakery

  • Jason and Karissa Ward - Ward Lawyers Professional Corporation

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28 TASSS Students Became Budding Entrepreneurs, Hosting a Shareholders Meeting As Part of Business Class Curriculum

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There were 28 students of Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) who turned a profit as they created and sold a business, hosting a shareholders meeting as part of their curriculum that was held on Friday afternoon.

Several roles were bid on by the students to claim during the entrepreneurship such as production, human resources, health and safety, marketing and more. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The students were tasked to become entrepreneurs by creating and running a business, assigned by TASSS business teacher Blaine White throughout the semester. Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) partnered with the program by providing weekly advice with guest speakers.

“At the beginning of the semester, we have students learn about planning a business and then they start their own business,” explained White. “They're responsible for all of the production, all of the marketing, all of the sales and all of the finances.”

“Youth will have the opportunity to learn and experience skilled trades and entrepreneurship by creating, managing and liquidating a business,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “All with the guidance and support of experts from across our community.”

TASSS students had to arrange their own shareholder meeting with speeches, a presentation and report to the media and public. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The students founded the company ‘Encompase Eco’ which created eco-friendly firestarters that were available to purchase at the Kawartha Buttertart Factory & Bakery.

The students held a final shareholder meeting to disclose all of the earnings and share prices. They had over a 381 per cent return in selling the business according to White.

“It's amazing to me to set the bar and watch students rise to the occasion,” he explained. “I couldn't be happier that they've learned all these really awesome skills that they are going to go and carry out into their own lives and perhaps starts their own businesses in our community but I'm also proud of them as people who have developed over the last five months.”

The students were excited to receive hands-on education instead of learning solely through a textbook according to grade 10 student Aiden Budd, who served as the company’s vice president of production.

“I've never experienced anything like this, the textbooks get so boring but now that I got the opportunity to do something like this, it really feels great,” he exclaimed.

During the semester, students had to bid and campaign for roles within the company before starting the business. The students had to arrange their own shareholder meeting with speeches, a presentation and a report before the media and public. The whole process had its bumps but became an instant unforgettable experience for the students.

“I know a lot of people were nervous to get up here but I actually did enjoy it a lot, I'm proud of myself and my team for doing a great job. Mr. White, I thanked him so much for having the opportunity to be able to run this business because there are not a lot of kids that get the opportunity to do stuff like this.”

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