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

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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

“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.”

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Resigns

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Following two years at the helm of the Chamber, Sarah Budd has tendered her resignation effective Oct. 18

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In a letter to Chamber members, chair Noah Crowley didn’t give a reason for Budd’s resignation.

“During her two years at the helm of our organization, Sarah led the Chamber team with dedication and enthusiasm,” Crowley wrote. “Sarah helped usher in a new era of lobbying, ensuring the concerns of our members were heard by the Ontario and Canadian Chambers, and by our mayor, MPP and MP.”

Gail Moorhouse will step in as Interim President & CEO.

Crowley stated she will support the staff as it prepares for the Business Excellence Awards next month, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and other fall events.

“Gail is an expert in executive leadership, with a depth of experience managing through change,” Crowley said. “On behalf of the board, I extend my sincere thanks to Sarah and I wish her continued success in the next chapter of her career.”

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