Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC) played host to over 700 prominent Vancouver business leaders last week at the 7th Annual Business Laureates of British Columbia gala dinner and “Business Hall of Fame” induction ceremonies. Held at the Hotel Vancouver, guests were treated to a five-star dinner and an evening of socializing which included a special segment dedicated to young up-and-coming business minds. Welcomed into the Business Hall of Fame this year were Brian Canfield, Chairman of the Board of the Telus Corporation, Dave Ritchie, co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers and the late Milton Wong, Chairman Emeritus of HSBC Global Asset Management. CBC news anchor Tony Parsons played the role of MC and everyone was entertained and inspired by the special keynote address which was delivered by General R.J. Hillier, former Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces. The Hon. Kevin Falcon, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier also announced a surprise $1 million grant. Overall, the event raised over $600,000 for Junior Achievement business education programs in BC. Congrats to all involved.
01 – Business Hall of Fame inductee Brian A. Canfield, C.M., O.B.C., D.Tech., Chairman of the Board, TELUS Corporation, joins Canadian hero General Rick Hillier for photos during the pre-dinner reception.
02 – Jimmy Pattison is one of West Vancouver’s most famous citizens and one of Canada’s richest men, but I’ll bet you didn’t know that he is also very friendly and debonaire too.
03 – Business Hall of Fame inductee Dave Ritchie, Co-Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, started his empire with the OK Used Furniture Store in Kelowna back in 1955. This night he celebrates with his beautiful wife.
04 – Brainy and beautiful, the stunning Leah Costello, of Bon Mot Book Club fame, makes the trip from West Vancouver with the handsome David Rowntree on her arm.
05 – Part of the special program on youth, North Vancouver students Hunter and Lauren from Dorothy Lynas Elementary school took to the stage to speak to the audience.
06 – North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton is no stranger to business. Did you know he is a former senior VP with HSBC in Singapore and that his father actually built the Grouse Mountain Skyride?
07 – The distinguished David Black, owner of Outlook newspaper parent company Black Press Group Ltd., left, joins event co-chair Barbara Brink and the Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines.
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By Catherine Barr – May 24, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on June, 2012
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When West Vancouverite Sharon Chan-Knight and her business partner Tammy Preast, of Ask a Woman Enterprises, set out to raise money for breast cancer, they never thought they’d end up here. And while these resourceful gals are no strangers to party planning (having helped plan the West Vancouver Library’s annual croquet gala and more), they decided to shoot for the stars with a dual Prêt-a-Pour-Tea / Prêt-A-Pour-Nuit double bill. Last week, guests and VIPs were invited to the chic Bohemian lair of artist Pamela Masik to celebrate the fifth annual “Tea”, followed by an inaugural gala evening “Nuit”. Famous faces like actors Steve Bacic (Andromeda) and Erin Karpluk (Being Erica) were joined by featured speakers Brett “Dragons’ Den” Wilson and rocker/cancer survivor Bif Naked. Congrats to all involved.
Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre Company is known for its fabulous plays and talented performers, but the buzz surrounding the upcoming production of Glengarry Glen Ross is bigger than ever thanks to Hollywood A-Lister Eric McCormack. The Canadian born actor, known best for his starring role in television’s “Will and Grace” comedy series, will take to the stage starting July 22. Last week, the cast was present at a fundraising pre-gala party at a private West Vancouver home. Invited guests and VIPs got a chance to meet and mingle while enjoying fabulous food from Fraiche restaurant.