Director of Fund Development Gives Farewell to JA Northern and Eastern Ontario

JA Northern and Eastern Ontario’s (JA-NEO) director of fund development, Ria Nicholson, has stepped down from her role, announced by the organization on Tuesday.

Ria Nicholson (fourth from left) with John Mcnutt, Ja-Neo presidnet and CEO (third from left) with JA-NEO staff and vonlunteers. Nicholson is a graduate of McMaster University with a BA Arts in Sociology. She also graduated from George Brown College wiht a diploma in sport and event marketing. Photo courtesy of JA-Neo.

Nicholson has served the role for the past two-and-a-half years, beginning in April of 2023.

“Over the past two years, Ria’s work has been nothing short of inspiring,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “She brought far more than expertise in fundraising; she poured her heart into building relationships, opening doors and helping us imagine bigger possibilities for young people across communities in our area and beyond.”

“It’s been an incredible two and a half years filled with purpose, growth, and the privilege of contributing to a mission I truly believe in,” said Nicholson. “Serving Junior Achievement through my work in fund development has been especially meaningful — helping to build relationships and open doors so young people can access opportunities and reach their full potential. I’ve learned so much and feel so grateful to have been part of a team that leads with passion, heart, and vision.”

According to her LinkedIn page, she accepted a role with Prosper Canada, a charity dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for Canadians living in poverty through program and policy innovation, in a management and development role.

“While I may be moving on, I carry the memories, lessons, and connections with me,” concluded Nicholson. “This isn’t goodbye — just the next chapter. I’ll be cheering you (JA-NEO) on always.”

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Francophone Communities Receive a Three Million Dollars Investment From Ontario Government

The Ontario Government is investing three million dollars to protect the province’s Francophone community by creating jobs and driving economic growth through the 2025-26 Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP).

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is to aid 71 organizations and businesses around the province to strengthen the cultural and economic impact of Franco-Ontarians by expanding service offerings, improving employee training, increasing community outreach and expanding hiring, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“I am incredibly proud to see our government investing in the vitality of Ontario’s Francophone community right here in Peterborough,” he said. “This funding for Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario is an excellent example of our commitment to supporting organizations that are making a tangible difference. By empowering our youth with access to French-language education on entrepreneurship and careers, we are not just investing in their future, but in the economic and cultural strength of our entire community.”

The government's Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP) is providing $44,560 to Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario.

This funding will support a project aimed at promoting and strengthening Ontario's Francophone community. The project will involve:

  • Recruiting and training bilingual volunteers and facilitators

  • Hosting French-language sessions for students at French and bilingual schools

The goal is to provide Francophone youth with better access to education on career exploration and entrepreneurship, enhance the organization's capacity to serve this community, and strengthen its partnerships with school boards, according to John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO.

“At Junior Achievement (JA), we believe the most powerful gift we can offer young people is the ability to distinguish between a want and a need. Through our programs in Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Work Readiness, young people don’t just learn about money or careers; they learn to make informed choices that will shape their futures,” he said. “Thanks to this support, and in partnership with our friends at JA Québec, we are bringing these opportunities to even more Francophone youth in border communities. This funding goes beyond building skills: it fosters friendships, deepen understanding, and creates lasting connections between Ontario and Québec. Together, we are empowering students to strengthen their communities and believe in a future where opportunity knows no boundaries.” John McNutt added.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $5 Million For Labour Training Across Northumberland and Peterborough

The Ontario government is investing more than $5 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help more than 2,900 youth, job seekers and apprentices across Northumberland and Peterborough areas prepare for in-demand careers.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

Careers include construction, manufacturing, aviation and other skilled trades sectors. 

This investment is part of the government’s $2.5 billion investment in the SDF for training and tools necessary to land in-demand jobs, while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and policies according to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Our government is investing in local training projects that protect Ontario workers by giving them the skills they need to land rewarding, well-paying jobs,” he said. “These projects will help workers explore and train for rewarding careers, while strengthening our economy as we face global economic challenges.”

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO) received a $609,398 investment through the SDF Training Stream. The money goes towards the Empowerment of Youth in Skilled Trades project, which promotes careers in the skilled trades to 2,650 students through hands-on training, mentorship and paid placements for 40 students in high-demand sectors such as construction, manufacturing, motive power and aviation according to JA NEO.

Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with three other organizations in the region to deliver free training programs that support youth, apprentices and underrepresented groups, including:

  • Northumberland Builders and Construction Association Inc. (NBACA) is receiving $230,240 to support 100 participants with onsite training through the purchase of a mobile training trailer. The trailer will be used to deliver compliance training and general construction training.

  • Nventure Business Development Corporation is receiving $562,000 to improve career suitability for 100 participants by developing Canada’s first Virtual Reality (VR) recruitment and retention tool for the manufacturing sector. This project is designed to better prepare them for the demands of the job.

  • OPCMIA Local 598 Training Centre is receiving $3,947,100 for their Restoring Ontario and Restoring Port Hope projects to support 60 apprentices in the Brick and Stone Mason and Cement Finisher trades, and train 36 pre-apprentices in the Restoration Mason trade to help complete a restoration project in downtown Port Hope.

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Hometown PTBO: Kelli & Tony Grady of Grady's Feet Essentials Celebrating 40 Years of Business and Their Induction Into JA-NEO's Business Hall of Fame

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Kelli and Tony Grady of Grady's Feet Essentials about celebrating 40 years of business, being inducted into JA-NEO's Business Hall of Fame and their roles with the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

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Trent Valley Honda For Its 50th Anniversary Donates $10,000 to JA-NEO For Youth Business Empowerment

To mark Trent Valley Honda’s golden anniversary of 50 years, they have donated $10,000 towards JA-NEO’s 10 for 10 initiative, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Ja-NEO.

The money is used for youth empowerment through financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurial education according to John McNutt, JA-NEO president, and CEO.

“We at JA-NEO are absolutely thrilled to be part of this incredible initiative. Huge shoutout to Monika and the TV Honda team for their generosity and vision,” he said.

“Investing in and supporting JA in our community is investing in the future health of our local economy and our future business leaders.” said Monika Carmichael, Trent Valley Honda dealer principal and general manager. “What a perfect opportunity to align ourselves with the 10th Anniversary of our local Business Hall of Fame, as we celebrate our 50th year as a family business in Peterborough.”

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JA-NEO Unveils Class of 2025 Business Hall of Fame Inductees

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has revealed this year’s exceptional business leaders into the class of 2025 10th Annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame (BHF), announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.

Toni and Kelli Grady; Donnell Leahy, Natalie McMaster and Julia Leahy and Margo and Paul Hudson were absent from the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The nominees are being inducted at an event at The Venue on May 29. Each year, JA-NEO highlights nominees and their contributions that have significantly impacted the local business landscape, according to a press release.

“JA-NEO is excited to unveil the 10th annual class of inductees to join our ever-growing Business Hall of Fame as we mark our 10th induction ceremony this May,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO CEO and president. “As we celebrate 10 years of our Business Hall of Fame, we are thrilled to welcome our biggest class yet who are helping to inspire and show local youth that starting their own business can be rewarding and last multiple generations much like the business leaders being honored today.”

The 2025 JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Inductees for Peterborough are:

  • Darrell Junkin, Craftworks at the Barn

  • Toni and Kelli Grady, Grady Feet Essentials

  • Grant Seabrooke, Machine Dynamics Ltd.

  • Matt Holmes and Michael Riseley, Holmes Riseley LLP

  • Donnell Leahy, Natalie McMaster and Julia Leahy, Natalie Donnell Entertainment

  • Margo and Paul Hudson, Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods

  • Nancy Wiskel, Dan Joyce Clothing

  • Martin and Kelly Carbajal, La Mesita Restaurante

  • Drew Merrett, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre

  • Diane Richard, Diatom Consulting

  • Raj Patel, Ennismore Foodland

  • Peter, Rita, Michael, Eric and Graeme Eatson, Peterborough Volkswagen

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JA NEO Launches 'When I Grow Up' Campaign to Aid Youth With Tools For Their Future Careers

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO) has launched its ‘When I Grow Up’ campaign to inspire and empower youth with the tools and knowledge to explore and pursue their future careers, announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday.

John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO making the announcement at the Venture North Building. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign promotes financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship among young people, helping them envision and achieve their full potential according to John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO.

“The ‘When I Grow Up’ campaign is designed to address the root causes of systemic poverty, homelessness, youth unemployment and underemployment by equipping students with practical skills and experiences,” he said. “Through interactive workshops, mentorship programs and real-world career exploration opportunities, JA NEO is dedicated to preparing a financially informed generation for success, shielding them from systemic poverty and homelessness.”

JA NEO’s programs teach financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to youth in grades 3 to 12.

JA NEO also introduced its Holiday Matching Gift Initiative, where every dollar donated until Dec. 31 will be tripled (up to $40,000). This was possible by matching donors such as Alf Curtis Home Improvements Inc., Peterborough Truss & Floor Ltd., and Peterborough & Distinct Construction Association.

Anyone can donate to the cause by clicking the link.

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Ontario Government Invests Nearly $250,000 For Youth Support Pathways In Skilled Trades. 

The Ontario government is investing $241,280 through the Skills Development Training Stream in the Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario’s (JA-NEO) World of Choices Program, announced on Friday morning.

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying and fulfilling careers close to home. Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to invest in programs that support training and developing career pathways,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We are happy to support JA-NEO as an exceptional organization that are dedicated to running programs that develop our future workforce and provide young people with real-life exposure to a wide variety of skilled trades jobs.”

JA-NEO is focused on inspiring and preparing young people to succeed by providing them with opportunities to learn financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness skills.

The funding helps JA-NEO run programs throughout the 2024/25 school year that will reach over 2000 full-time students and youth according to a press release. The focus of these programs will be to educate and help students understand the importance of skilled trades. Participants will be linked with community and business leaders to familiarize themselves with potential career pathways and access a real-world glimpse into various careers.

Ontario supports JA-NEO’s innovative plans to reach youth from different communities and populations experiencing unique barriers that limit pathways into skilled trades careers. JA-NEO will work with schools across Northumberland and Peterborough to provide inclusive environments with equitable engagement and learning opportunities in skilled trades.

“At JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO), we are often the first point of contact with students surrounding skills in Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Readiness.” John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “With funding from the Skills Development Fund, JA-NEO is continuing to be at the forefront of exposing and providing experiential learning opportunities and essential skills to youth that are needed within the skilled trades sector. By working alongside our industry partners across all Northern and Eastern Ontario we are helping to close the skilled trades gap.”

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

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

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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