Skinner named Hall chancellor
Junior Achievement seeking nominations for Peterborough Business Hall of Fame
Peterborough’s business community doesn’t always tell its story, but Junior Achievement is helping change that, Michael Skinner said after being named chancellor of the organization’s Business Hall of Fame on Thursday.
You may not have heard of many of them, but there are many modest entrepreneurs who have made money here and given back to where they live, he said after being introduced by Mayor Daryl Bennett.
“This community has always been very quiet about what it’s accomplishments are,” Skinner told those gathered for announcements by Junior Achievement Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka (JA-PLM) in the foyer of the Venture North building.
The organization sends a message to youth that they can make a name for themselves and maybe even end up in the hall of fame — which officials announced is also now seeking nominations for its fourth annual induction ceremony.
“We’ve got some great people who have come through this community and this is a great way to highlight that,” said Skinner, inducted into the hall himself last year.
The communication goes both ways, JA-PLM president and CEO John McNutt said, pointing out how having Skinner in the position will boost the organizations connection to the local business community and help share what it is all about.
Junior Achievement works in partnership with educators, volunteers and businesses to educate students about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.
Skinner will be responsible for the selection committee who determines who the next inductees will be, inductee engagement, participation in key Junior Achievement events and promotion of the May 23 induction ceremony at The Venue.
The annual event, a fundraiser for the organization, honours individuals whose exemplary accomplishments of vision, leadership and commitment to excellence have strengthened the economy and community.
Inductees are widely-respected for their integrity, business acumen and community contributions and regarded as role models for enterprising Junior Achievement students and young Canadians, officials stated in a press release.
The event began with McNutt and JA-PLM board chairman Paul Ayotte acknowledging the past and continuing support of RBC, represented by Scott Mancini and Gordon O’Neil.
Workforce Development Board project and marketing officer Kristen Larocque was also on hand to present a $3,000 cheque to Junior Achievement and speak about a new partnership between the organizations.
The board will fund a portion of a JA-PLM pilot project — a new two-hour program called Dollars with Sense and Economics for Success for those on Ontario Works and taking part in the Peterborough Native Learning Program.
Combining two of JA-PLM’s established programs into one, it touches on goal settings, professionalism, needs/wants/goals, income, budgeting and methods of payments, officials stated.
The event was also a kickoff for Junior Achievement’s 100th anniversary in 2019.
NOTES: Business Hall of Fame nomination forms are available on the JA-PLM website at www.jacanada.org/plm or at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTG3Q92 .... Nominations are due by 3 p.m. on Nov. 30.… Completed forms can be dropped off to Junior Achievement at 270 George St. N., Box I, Peterborough, Ont. K9J 3H1.