Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Inducts Class of 2026 Into Business Hall of Fame

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has officially inducted eight names into the 11th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Venue on Thursday night.

File Photo.

The evening honoured outstanding Laureates whose professional achievements, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community have helped shape the Peterborough region and inspire future generations of leaders and changemakers, according to JA-NEO.

The 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees include:

  • Brenda Ibey, Avant Garden Shop

  • Chuck White, Rapid Lift Inc.

  • Dave Bucholtz & Jim Bailey, Cambium Inc.

  • Jason & Niki Pulchinski, At the Lake Distributing Inc.

  • Martha Sullivan, Sullivan Law PTBO

  • Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance

  • Vance Robbins, Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre

The evening also included a special tribute recognizing the extraordinary contributions of John McNutt and Sheryl Hopkins to both the Peterborough community and Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario.

McNutt had passed away in late April and served as JA-NEO’s CEO and president.

“This event has always been about more than business,” said Cody McIntyre, JA-NEO Interim President and CEO. “It is about showing young people what is possible when passion, integrity, and community come together. Every inductee honoured this evening represents a different path to success, and those stories matter deeply to the next generation. JA-NEO extends its sincere gratitude to the event investors, volunteers, supporters, and attendees whose continued commitment helps make youth programming possible across the region.”

Funds raised through the Business Hall of Fame directly support hands-on learning opportunities in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness for young people in Peterborough and the surrounding area.

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