Junior Achievement of Canada welcomes the 2013 Companions into The Canadian Business Hall of Fame

Mr. Gilgan, Mr. Greenberg, Mr. Mirvish, and Mr. Shannon will be honoured at annual Gala Dinner

TORONTO, May 1, 2013 /CNW/ - In recognition and celebration of their lifetime achievements, four leaders will be inducted as Order of the Business Hall of Fame Companions by Chancellor Mr. Tom O'Neill during the 35^th annual Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony. Taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre tonight, these Canadian leaders will be honoured for their enduring contributions to the Canadian economy and society.

This year's Inductees include:

• Mr. Peter Gilgan, Founder & CEO of Mattamy Homes
• Mr. Ian Greenberg, President & CEO of Astral Media
• Mr. David Mirvish, President of Ed Mirvish Enterprises
• Mr. Joseph Shannon, President of Atlantic Corporation

The Order of the Business Hall of Fame is the highest honour of its kind in Canada. Each year, business leaders are nominated by their fellow peers and are chosen by an independent selection committee representing Canada's foremost business, academic and media institutions. The selection process is managed exclusively by Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions, the National Partner of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.

"These Inductees and the Companions of the past represent and showcase the power of knowledge, entrepreneurship and drive to succeed," said Mr. Tom O'Neill, Chair of the Board of BCE and Bell, and Chancellor, Order of the Business Hall of Fame. "The Inductees have been chosen for the significant contributions they have made to Canada's economy, its citizens and the examples they have set for others."

"At the Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony tonight, we will welcome these individuals into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame where they join an esteemed group of Companions and outstanding business leaders," said Mr. Jos Wintermans, Chair, Junior Achievement of Canada Foundation. "As Companions, these individuals are mentors and role models for Junior Achievement youth and Canada's future business leaders."

The Canadian Business Hall of Fame Gala dinner night is a memorable celebration of inspiration and leadership and all proceeds from the event will ensure that Junior Achievement makes a positive impact in the community by supporting Canadian students. The event is presented by Knightsbridge, Bell Canada, sponsored by the official media partner, the Globe and Mail, and supported by over 80 companies.

About The Canadian Business Hall of Fame
Established by Junior Achievement of Canada in 1979, the Canadian Business Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding achievements of Canada's most distinguished business leaders, past and present. Over 170 Order of the Business Hall of Fame Companions serve as inspiring examples for all young Canadians. For information regarding this premiere event, please visit www.cbhof.ca.

About Junior Achievement of Canada
For over 58 years, Junior Achievement learning experiences have helped young Canadians discover financial literacy, entrepreneurial and work readiness skills so they can achieve their highest potential as citizens of our global community. Across Canada, Junior Achievement reaches over 226,000 students annually with 13,500 dedicated business volunteers. Since 1955, over 4 million Canadian youth have participated in Junior Achievement business learning experiences free of charge. For more information, please visit www.jacan.org.

Background Information and Inductee Quotes

Highest honour in Canadian business

• The Canadian Business Hall of Fame was established by Junior Achievement of Canada in 1979. Companions are nominated by their peers and are chosen by an independent selection committee representing Canada's foremost business, academic and media institutions.
• The new members will each be formally honoured as Order of the Business Hall of Fame Companions at the 2013 Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony.
• As national partner of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions exclusively manages the Selection process. In addition to a public call for nominations, Knightsbridge is responsible for identifying and short listing potential nominees according to criteria established by the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.

Honouring inspiring business leaders
The Canadian Business Hall of Fame honours Canada's most esteemed business leaders for their life achievements and service to the economy, community and our country. Each year, Inductees are chosen as Companions to the Order of the Business Hall of Fame and receive the post-nominal designation C.B.H.F. for their enduring contributions to the economic development and prosperity of Canada.

As leading examples of achievement in business and in life, these individuals have demonstrated the qualities necessary to ensure the success and competitiveness of Canada in a global marketplace. Since the inception of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, over 170 business leaders have been bestowed with Canada's highest business honour. This year's Inductees are:

• Mr. Peter Gilgan, Founder & CEO of Mattamy Homes
• Mr. Ian Greenberg, President & CEO of Astral Media
• Mr. David Mirvish, President of Ed Mirvish Enterprises
• Mr. Joseph Shannon, President of Atlantic Corporation

"I am deeply honoured to receive this award from the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and wish to say thank you to my amazing team at Mattamy Homes who supported in this incredible journey," said Mr. Peter Gilgan, Founder & CEO of Mattamy Homes.

"It is certainly a privilege to be inducted as a Companion into the Business Hall of Fame however this is about inspiring Canada's next generation of young business leaders," said Mr. Joseph Shannon, President of Atlantic Corporation.

"I feel honoured to be joining my father in becoming a Companion of the Order of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. It's great to work at something you love and even greater to have your accomplishments recognized and honoured by your peers," said Mr. David Mirvish, President of Ed Mirvish Enterprises.

"It is a tremendous honour to join business men and women who have so remarkably helped making our nation thrive and prosper. Having my contribution recognized by the Canadian Business Hall of Fame is truly a highlight in my career," said Mr. Ian Greenberg, President & CEO of Astral.

Business leaders inspiring youth

• The annual Canadian Business Hall of Fame Gala Dinner is the national fundraising event in support of Junior Achievement of Canada. Proceeds from this gala ensure that Junior Achievement programs enable students to learn first-hand from experienced local business leaders and gain the practical knowledge to help them prepare for their future careers.

"By celebrating the achievement of today's business leaders, we are helping to prepare youth for their role in tomorrow's business world," said Mr. Stephen Ashworth, President and CEO (Acting), Junior Achievement of Canada.

"Our annual Canadian Business Hall of Fame Gala is about showcasing the tremendous impact that business leaders and Junior Achievement have on young people," said Mr. Jos Wintermans, Chair of the Junior Achievement of Canada Foundation.

SOURCE: Canadian Business Hall of Fame

Kristina Fixter
National Director, Marketing and Communications
P: 416-622-4602, ext. 229
E: [email protected]  

Nayyarah Arshad
Public Relations Intern
P: 416-622-4602, ext. 226
E: [email protected]