Vancouver, British Columbia – October 25, 2023 – JA British Columbia (JABC) is pleased to announce the 2024 Laureate Inductees into the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame.   

The 2024 Laureate Inductees are:  

  • Anthony von Mandl, O.C., O.B.C Founder & CEO of Mark Anthony Group of Companies
  • K. Barry Marsden, O.C., O.B.C (1939-2021) Chairman & CEO of Conair Aerial Firefighting
  • Karen Flavelle, Owner, CEO & Chair of Purdys Chocolatier & Charles Flavelle, Former Owner of Purdys Chocolatier 
  • Brian Hill, Founder & Executive Chair of Aritzia

Each year, Laureates are formally welcomed into the BLBC Hall of Fame at the Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremonies. This year’s event will take place on June 3, 2024, and is proudly presented by Fasken and RBC.  For the third time, it will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, home of the BLBC Hall of Fame.  

“As an organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed, we’re very proud of the impact our inductees have made the example they set for youth,” said Sheila Biggers, President and CEO of JABC. “In addition, each of them demonstrates a significant commitment to their communities, in British Columbia and beyond.”  

Nominations were open to the public from June 2022 until September 15th, 2023. The nomination process was guided by Laureate Selection Sponsor, PFM Executive Search, an executive recruitment firm based in Vancouver. Prerequisites for induction included outstanding business achievements and enduring contributions to the province and country.  

The final Laureate selection was made by a committee comprised of a diverse group of past Laureates and business leaders, includingChief Clarence Louie, Ratana Stephens, Peter Dhillon, Dr. Allen Eaves, John Anderson, Kathy Butler and Debra Doucette. 

The event will be attended by more than 750 guests and will include a reception, dinner, Laureate videos, special guest speakers and JABC student presentations.  

All of the net proceeds from the BLBC Hall of Fame Gala support the efforts ofJA British Columbia (JABC) in delivering work readiness, financial health and entrepreneurship programs to youth in urban, rural and Indigenous communities across the province. 

About the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame  

The Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame was created by JABC in 2005 to honour the lifetime achievements of outstanding B.C. business leaders whose efforts have shaped our province and country. Nominations are open to the public to ensure B.C.’s diverse business community is represented and the broadest group of nominees is put forward. Laureates have demonstrated vision, leadership, integrity and legacy throughout their lifetime, and the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the positive legacy they leave behind for future generations of business leaders.  

About JA British Columbia   

JA British Columbia (JABC) is a not-for-profit impact organization that delivers free hands-on, immersive education in work readiness, financial health, and entrepreneurship. Reaching thousands of young people each year through partnerships with educators, volunteers, and donors, JABC is one of the few organizations with the experience and passion to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. 

For over 65 years, JABC has served B.C. youth, including Indigenous communities, people of colour, and at-risk populations. JABC’s real-world training helps young people develop the skills to build successful careers, prepare for the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, and learn to thrive financially. Through JA, young people are equipped with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. 

JABC is a proud member of JA Canada and  JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest and most impactful NGOs. For more information, visit jabc.ca.  

Contacts 

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact: 

Delreen Motiwalla, Director, Corporate Development & Business Laureates Hall of Fame at d.motiwalla@nulljabc.org 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

news@nulljabc.org