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

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

JA-NEO Inducts Nine Business Leaders Into City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated and honoured business leaders at its fourth Annual City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame at Mackey Celebrations in Lindsay on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

The event recognized those who have shaped the region's economic and social fabric, according to JA-NEO.

The following are the 2026 Inductees:

• Dan Burns (Posthumous) – Burns Bulk Food

• Greg Nisbett (Posthumous) – Nisbett’s Men’s Shop

• Jason Willock – Co-operators, Willock Insurance Group Ltd.

• Ken Found (Posthumous) – Linborough Properties

• Patricia & Phillip Nieukirk (Posthumous) – The Grand Hotel, The Grand Experience Restaurant

• Ray DeNure – DeNure Tours

• Sarah Quick & James Barrett – Globus Theatres

“The Hall of Fame is about more than business,” said Cody McIntyre, JA-NEO interim president and CEO. “It’s about recognizing the people who built something meaningful and, in doing so, helped build this community. Their stories are powerful reminders to our young people of what’s possible.”

Proceeds from the event went to Junior Achievement programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes which help equip youth with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Announces Class of 2026 Inductees Into The Business Hall of Fame

The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has unveiled this year’s local business leaders being inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame class of 2026, announced at the Venture North Building Wednesday morning.

The 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees. Photo by Felicia Massey.

This year’s nominees will be formally inducted at the 11th annual JA Business Hall of Fame event on May 28 at The Venue.

“The Hall of Fame has never just been about recognition; it has always been about possibility,” said John McNutt, President and CEO of JA-NEO. “Our Laureates show young people that big futures can begin in small places, and that entrepreneurship is more than business success, it is a form of community building.”

@ptbo_canada The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has unveiled the local business leaders in the class of 2026 for the JA Business Hall of Fame! #ptbocanada #JANEO ♬ Sunrise - Official Sound Studio

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

Director of Operations Cody McIntyre and Chancellor for Peterborough’s JA Business Hall of Fame Nicole Truman. All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

“I think [the new inductees] will bring inspiration, and a lot of different paths to business ownership and business success,” said Nicole Truman, Chancellor for Peterborough’s JA Business Hall of Fame. “They show that there is not just one way to go about being a business owner, and giving back to your community as well.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Nominations Open For JA-Neo 2026 Business Hall of Fame

Nominations for JA Northern and Eastern Ontario’s (JA-NEO) 2026 Business Hall of Fame (BHF) are open for both Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes, announced on Tuesday.

The 2025 inductees of Ja-Neo’s Business Hall of Fame. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

JA-NEO invites the public to submit their nominations to help recognize Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lake’s exceptional business leaders who have strengthened the economy and community through their accomplishments of vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence in business. 

“JA-NEO is looking to honour individuals who, through their careers, have made a positive and everlasting impact on the community and the local business landscape,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO President and C.E.O. “By recognizing and celebrating those who make an impact today, we are helping to inspire youth who will be our community’s leaders of tomorrow.” 

Nominations close on Nov. 28 at 3:00 p.m. Nomination forms are available online. Successful nominees will be announced at a formal announcement in January and will be officially inducted into the JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame on May 7 for Kawartha Lakers and on May 26 for Peterborough.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Inducts 2025 Class Into Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JANEO) has inducted its 2025 Class into the 10th Annual Business Hall of Fame at The Venue on Thursday night.

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 12 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

“Our 10th anniversary is more than a milestone; it reflects the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship. This event is a tribute to those who believe in the power of financial literacy, education and entrepreneurship,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO of JA-NEO. “This year’s anniversary also marks the true completion of our 10 for 10 initiative that will support education and opportunities for the coming 10 years moving forward, and today we are proud to celebrate the achievements of true entrepreneurs in Peterborough who are leading examples of giving back to the community.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

JA Northern and Eastern Ontario Business Hall of Fame Celebrates 2025 Kawartha Lakes Inductees

JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated its five local business owners at its third annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony for Kawartha Lakes at Mackey Celebrations on Thursday.

Gordon A. Ferguson (top left), The Poole Family (top right), Sherry Peel (bottom right) and Tim Wisener (bottom right). The Torrey Family (not pictured). Photo courtesy of Geoff Coleman, Lindsay Advocate and JA-Neo.

“The Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony will recognize the City of Kawartha Lakes exceptional business leaders who have strengthened the local economy and their community through their extraordinary accomplishments,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO President amd CEO. “I want to personally congratulate each of tonight’s honorees. They truly are exemplary individuals, widely respected for their integrity, business acumen, and community contributions, and they are inspiration to us all.”

This year’s honourees include:

• Gordon A. Ferguson - Northern Casket

• The Poole Family - Buckeye Marine

• Sherry Peel - Bigley’s Shoes and Clothing  

• Tim Wisener - The Grove Theatre

• The Torrey Family - Torrey-Dale Farms

“The JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame not only focuses on celebrating outstanding local business leaders from across our community, it also plays an essential role in helping to prepare and inspire the next generation,” explained McNutt. “All of the proceeds raised from tonight’s event will help JA meet the growing demand for our financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship educational programs for students.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

JA-NEO Announces Kawartha Lakes 2025 Business Hall of Fame Inductees

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has named its inductees for the Kawartha Lakers 2025 JA Business Hall of Fame at Launch Kawartha/Invest Kawartha.

Photo courtesy of Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce.

The inductees strengthen our economy and community through their exemplary accomplishments of vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence in business over a lifetime a,ccording to John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO.

“JA-NEO is excited to unveil the 3rd annual class of inductees to join our ever-growing Business Hall of Fame for the City of Kawartha Lakes,” he said. “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 third Annual JA Business Hall of Fame for the City of Kawartha Lakes on May 8 at Mackey Celebrations in downtown Lindsay.

The 2025 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees are as follows:

• Carly, Debbie and Jay Poole – Buckeye Marine

• Tim Wisener – The Grove Theatre

• Gord Ferguson – Northern Casket

• The Torrey Family – Torrey Family Farm

• Sherry Peel – Bigley Shoes and Clothing

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

JA-NEO Unveils Class of 2024 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 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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.