May 12, 2016- Nearly 700 BC business leaders and their guests gathered at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Thursday, May 12th for the induction of British Columbia’s three newest members into the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame.

JA British Columbia (JABC) has been proudly hosting this event since its inception in 2006. This 11th annual Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremonies was co-sponsored by Scotiabank and Fasken Martineau, and emceed by Tim Manning, Regional Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services, RBC Royal Bank, and Past Chair, JABC.

JABC was pleased to welcome distinguished guest, the Honourable Judith Guichon, O.B.C., Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia to this year’s event. We were also pleased to welcome the Honourable John Manley, P.C., O.C., President and CEO, Business Council of Canada & Former Deputy Prime Minister, who delivered the keynote address.

The BLBC Hall of Fame was created by JABC in 2005 to honour and recognize the outstanding BC business leaders who have shown a vision unique amongst their peers, provided leadership to motivate others to achieve their goals, demonstrated integrity throughout their lives, and built a legacy in the province that will enrich all those who follow. Prerequisites for induction include outstanding business achievements, enduring contributions to the province and country, as well as deep commitments to diverse and niche communities. The new Hall of Fame, erected in 2015 in recognition of its 10th anniversary, is located at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. This year’s three inductees join 60 other laureates in the Hall of Fame.

The three members inducted into the Hall of Fame this year are:

  • Norm Francis, Co-founder, former Chairman & CEO, Pivotal Corporation
  • A.E. “Dal” Grauer, (1906-1961), President and Chairman, British Columbia Power Corporation, BC Electric Company
  • Ian Telfer, Chairman of the Board, Goldcorp Inc.

“We are excited and honoured to induct the three new members into the newly built Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame at the Vancouver Convention Centre West,” says Jan Bell-Irving, President and CEO, JABC. “This year’s inductees have dedicated their lives to building and supporting a flourishing business community for our province. They have left behind a powerful legacy that continues to inspire future generations of business leaders and entrepreneurs.”

The laureate nomination process was guided by PFM Executive Search, and the final Laureate selection was made by an independent committee which consisted of Jefferson Mooney, George Melville, Peter Bentley, O.C., O.B.C., LL.D. (Hon), Dave Lede and Anne Giardini, Q.C.

The two winners of this year’s JABC Student Award for Oratory and Presentation skills – Darren Gill and Tahlia Ifada – delivered speeches on the value of their JA experience and how JABC has made an impact on their lives.

JABC wishes to recognize the Hall of Fame Co-Chairs Barbara Brink, C.M., O.B.C., and Jim Shepard, O.B.C., for their valuable guidance and leadership of the Hall of Fame Cabinet as well as their dedication to the mandate of the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame. The event announced the resignation of Jim Shepard as Co-Chair for 2017 and his succession by Olin Anton, former Partner, Deloitte and Chair, CPABC. Shepard was presented with a special gift on stage in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Hall of Fame over the years.

“On behalf of the entire Hall of Fame Cabinet, I’d like to thank Jim for his outstanding leadership,” says Barbara Brink, Gala Co-Founder and Co-Chair. “Thanks to his vision and determination, our province has a permanent place to celebrate and honour its business leaders for many years to come.”

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Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ja_bc/albums/72157668171653422