Entrepreneur, philanthropist saluted as citizen of the year
A local volunteer, philanthropist and entrepreneur, James (Jim) Yuel has been named CTV Saskatoon’s Citizen of the Year for 2018.
Yuel is a founding member of the Saskatoon Regional and Economic Development Authority (SREDA) and has served on the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. He has also supported Junior Achievement of Saskatoon, the Raj Manek Mentorship Program, Ducks Unlimited and the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan — now called Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Yuel’s contributions to organizations and foundations “have had a lasting impact on Saskatoon and its residents,” Jeff Bollenbach, Bell Media’s Manitoba and Saskatchewan general manager said in a statement, noting Yuel’s involvement with Ronald Mcdonald House, Persephone Theatre, and Saskatoon Tribal Council’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program.
“Throughout his life, James has used his talents and knowledge as a successful business leader to enrich our community,” Bollenbach said.
Yuel is the founder of PIC Investment Group Inc., which grew from his earlier venture Prairie Industrial Chemicals Ltd.
As well, Yuel was an active volunteer in the Massey Place Community Association while starting his business.
“The earliest contributions set the tone for the leadership by example that would become the overarching theme of Jim’s contribution technique in the years to come,” his son, Greg Yuel, wrote in a letter to city council four years ago in support of an application to add Jim Yuel to the city’s naming list for streets, parks and civic properties.
The Yuel name now appears on streets in the city’s new Aspen Ridge neighbourhood.
CTV’S Saskatoon Citizen of the Year Award, based on nominations from viewers, is in its 52nd year.