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Author: jaswo
IN THE NEWS: JA South Western Ontario announces Steve Copp and Ryan Finch as 2024 Inductees into the London & District Business Hall of Fame
JA South Western Ontario announces Steve Copp and Ryan Finch as 2024 Inductees into the London & District Business Hall of Fame
London, ON – May 28, 2024. At the London and District Business Hall of Fame Laureate announcement event, held at the London Public Library, Central Branch on May 28th, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario was pleased to announce Steve Copp, President of Copp’s Buildall and Ryan Finch, President of Finch Auto Group, as the 2024 Laureates.
Copp and Finch will be celebrated at the 34th Annual London and District Business Hall of Fame Gala.
This prestigious event, scheduled for October 24, 2024 at RBC Place London, marks a celebration of exceptional leadership, vision, and philanthropy.
Steve Copp’s journey from shadowing his father in lumber yards to becoming President of Copp’s Buildall in 2000 reflects a legacy of strong work ethic and salesmanship. With deep roots in construction and development, Steve fosters meaningful relationships beyond business, exemplified by his roles on various boards and Copp’s extensive philanthropic support. With Copp’s now in its 4th generation of ownership, Steve, alongside his family, envisions a lasting legacy, emphasizing continuity, community, and commitment to excellence.
As President of Finch Auto Group overseeing eight auto dealerships in London, Sarnia and Georgetown, Ryan Finch takes pride in building upon his father’s Pontiac dealership and creating his own legacy. With an athletic scholarship to the University of British Columbia and a business degree from the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey School of Business, Ryan’s competitive spirit fuels his drive for success. Prioritizing family values and philanthropy, he champions a positive work culture, evident in his leadership of a 500-person team. Known for his approachability and genuine camaraderie, Ryan’s philanthropic efforts, including the Finch Match My Donation fundraiser and substantial contribution to mental health research, reflect his commitment to community welfare.
JA South Western Ontario invites members of the community to join in the London and District Business Hall of Fame Gala in October, celebrating the achievements of Steve Copp, Ryan Finch, and the power of community leadership. This annual signature event showcases the lives of the Inductees allowing us to learn about their achievements and how they have developed and nurtured their legacies. The 2024 London and District Business Hall of Fame Inductees will join a distinguished list of previous Laureates whose portraits are showcased in the London and District Business Hall of Fame Gallery located in the London Public Library, downtown London.
For more information on the London and District Business Hall of Fame Gala, please visit jaswo.org/LBHF, or contact Alicia Gall at agall@jaswo.org. For inquiries regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Heather Scott, hscott@jaswo.org. Online registration will open mid-June.
Legacy Giving
A message from Hilary Leitch, a partner in Business Law, and Wills and Estates at Lerners LLP:
When I think about legacy giving, estate planning in general is what comes to mind. Through my work as a Wills & Estates lawyer, I have come to believe strongly in the fact that estate planning is for everyone – regardless of financial means or family circumstances, everyone 18 years of age or older should consider their estate plan. Often, this includes a Will, Power of Attorney for Property and Power of Attorney for Personal Care, but it may also include more specific planning measures such as trusts. Regardless, if estate planning documents are kept in good order, it is a gift (or guide) to your family and friends should anything happen to you. While preparing documents at an early point in your life might appear straightforward, there is still lots to consider and to put into perspective. As life evolves and family dynamics change, you will need to be proactive in updating your documents in order to ensure a solid estate plan whatever the circumstances.
Beyond appointing an executor to manage your estate, or naming family and friends as beneficiaries to receive your estate, in doing estate planning, you also have the opportunity to consider what kind of legacy you want to leave. Often, in reflecting on one’s legacy, charitable giving to organizations or to causes is top of mind. Through charitable giving, you can name a charity or charities to receive a portion of your estate, or to receive a cash gift from your estate. For some, including a charitable gift is an important way to continue charitable giving that they were involved in throughout their life. For others, it may be their first charitable donation – or perhaps a donation of an amount that is significantly more than what was given during their lifetime. In my experience, people are interested in charitable giving as a way to make a direct impact on an organization, a cause, or a particular community. Many have had a history with charitable giving through monetary and non-monetary means, but some may have very little experience with the organization prior to leaving a gift in their Will.
There are so many opportunities surrounding estate planning and legacy giving so it is important that people are intentional about what they want to accomplish with their estate plan. By including a legacy gift, one’s estate plan has the potential to make an incredibly significant impact. For young people considering their estate plan or legacy giving in particular, I would encourage them to find ways to volunteer their time and talent to organizations that they have an interest in, or to organizations devoted to causes they are passionate about. From there, it is likely you will find yourself wanting to make a financial contribution that is meaningful to you – and legacy giving may be the next step as your interest and familiarity with an organization grows. By having the continuum of charitable giving extend beyond your lifetime, you are able to pass on the commitment of charitable giving and, along the way, create meaningful relationships with those whom you are working alongside and with those whom you are entrusting your charitable giving to.
If legacy giving resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out to a legal professional to get started.
About the Author
Hilary Leitch is a partner in Business Law, and Wills and Estates at Lerners LLP. Read more about Hilary.
May is Leave a Legacy Month
JA South Western Ontario has a new Planned Giving Webpage full of information to help with your legacy gifts. Learn more.
Make a lasting impact in your community through charitable gift planning.
A planned gift is committed now, and can be celebrated now, but actually doesn’t take effect until the future. Through a planned gift to JA South Western Ontario, you can make a significant difference in the lives of youth tomorrow, with little or no effect on your finances today. Donors who inform us of their plans receive personalized opportunities for involvement and public or private recognition.
Every Moment Matters: Celebrating JA Volunteers
April is a special time across the country and especially at JA as we highlight a network of unsung heroes—JA volunteers. These remarkable individuals dedicate their time, skills, and empathy to empower our youth. They are the “secret sauce” of JA, making our learning experiences come to life.
Let me take a moment to elaborate on the “secret sauce” analogy…
The Special Sauce of JA Volunteers
The Ingredients
Much like McDonald’s iconic Big Mac special sauce, JA volunteers blend a unique mix of qualities:
- Time: Just as the secret sauce is meticulously crafted, our volunteers invest their precious time. They show up for every learning experience prepared to ignite curiosity and inspire dreams.
- Skills: Like the perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess, our volunteers bring expertise. Whether teaching financial literacy or fostering entrepreneurial spirit, they enrich young minds.
- Empathy: The special sauce wouldn’t be complete without a dash of empathy. Our volunteers listen, encourage, and uplift. They understand that every moment matters in a student’s journey.
The Impact
Remember that first bite of a Big Mac? Maybe you marveled at the flavour the secret sauce had. Similarly, JA volunteers have a profound impact in classrooms. Here’s what a few teachers had to say about JA volunteers who facilitated the Dollars With Sense and Economics for Success programs this year:
“I have used this program {Economics for Success} for a few years now. I personally really like volunteers coming into the classroom because the information, I feel, is more meaningful to the students coming from someone with expertise in a particular area. The program is always well-organized.”
“Having a JA Volunteer come into the classroom is an invaluable experience for the students. They bring a wealth of knowledge that is experience-based which helps the students understand how the information presented is used outside of the school environment.”
“I’ve always enjoyed the Dollars with Sense program. Great to have the volunteers back in the building!
So, here’s to you, JA volunteers! You’re the secret sauce—the magic ingredient that makes our learning experiences extraordinary. Thank you for all you do!
Karen Gallant
President and CEO
JA South Western Ontario
Summer Camp Counsellor – Kitchener
Job Opportunity:
Summer Camp Counsellor – Kitchener
(5 weeks in July/ August – 40 hours/week)
JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area including the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.
The JA Summer Camp Coordinator works within a team of camp counsellors and under the supervision of full-time JA staff to facilitate all aspects of the JA Startup Camp experience for 8-13 year olds.
Primary Responsibilities
- Supervising, facilitating, and participating in camp program activities with campers 8-13 years old
- Participating in training and orientation sessions held prior to camp
- Working in cooperation with other Camp Counsellors to ensure campers are safe, while maintaining adequate health and hygiene measures
- Building relationships with campers by demonstrating compassion, empathy, and understanding
- Providing positive feedback for parents
- Assisting with camp set up and tear down activities, such as light cleaning, room preparation, organizing supplies/ materials, etc.
- Other duties as assigned
Skills/ Qualifications
- Ability to work well with children and parents
- Ability to communicate effectively with parents, other Camp Staff, and campers
- Ability to motivate others in learning new skills
- Ability to demonstrate responsible, ethical, and professional conduct
- Ability to provide support and instruction to others
- Experience or education in working with children
This is a contract position (40.0 hours per week).
The successful candidate must be available to work 8:30 – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday from July 15 to August 23, 2024, on location at the Church of the Good Shepherd , 116 Queen Street North.
JA South Western Ontario is committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where differences are valued and respected in all areas of our business. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. JA SWO will not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, age (18 and over), record of offenses for which a pardon has been granted, marital status (including same sex partners), family status, or any other grounds prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Are you ready to be a JA Summer Camp Counsellor? Please send a resume and cover letter to Zoe at zburness@jaswo.org. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 2 months
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2024-04-19
Expected start date: 2024-07-15
Summer Camp Counsellor – London
Job Opportunity:
Summer Camp Counsellor – London
(7 weeks in July/ August – 40 hours/week)
JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area including the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.
The JA Summer Camp Counsellor works within a team of camp counsellors and under the supervision of full-time JA staff to facilitate all aspects of the JA Camp Startup experience for 8-13 year olds.
Primary Responsibilities
- Supervising, facilitating, and participating in camp program activities with campers 8-13 years old
- Participating in training and orientation sessions held prior to camp
- Working in cooperation with other Camp Counsellors to ensure campers are safe, while maintaining adequate health and hygiene measures
- Building relationships with campers by demonstrating compassion, empathy, and understanding
- Providing positive feedback for parents
- Assisting with camp set up and tear down activities, such as light cleaning, room preparation, organizing supplies/ materials, etc.
- Other duties as assigned
Skills/ Qualifications
- Ability to work well with children and parents
- Ability to communicate effectively with parents, other Camp Staff, and campers
- Ability to motivate others in learning new skills
- Ability to demonstrate responsible, ethical, and professional conduct
- Ability to provide support and instruction to others
- Experience or education in working with children
This is a contract position (40.0 hours per week).
The successful candidate must be available to work 8:30 – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday from July 2 to August 23, 20234, on location at the JA Centre, 15 Wharncliffe Road N, London.
JA South Western Ontario is committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where differences are valued and respected in all areas of our business. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. JA SWO will not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, age (18 and over), record of offenses for which a pardon has been granted, marital status (including same sex partners), family status, or any other grounds prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
To apply please send a resume and cover letter to Zoe at zburness@jaswo.org. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 2 months
Salary: From $16.55 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2024-04-19
Expected start date: 2024-07-02
Lifting Each Other Up: International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day was March 8th and I had the good fortune to attend several events to celebrate.
At the Smashing Barriers event organized by TechAlliance, Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO and Co-founder of Canada Learning Code, I was inspired by Melissa’s passion for teaching Canadians of all ages important digital literacy skills that are so vital in today’s workplace. I was also excited to learn that Melissa is a JA alumna, having completed Company Program in London. Another shining example of JA’s impact and outcomes!
At the Wilfrid Laurier International Women’s Day lunch, a panel of experts engaged in conversation around “Women Finding Housing Solutions for a Better Future”. Moderated by by Deborah MacLatchy, President & Vice-Chancellor, WLU, the panelists – Dr. Laura Pin, Acting Director of the Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy; Jordan Prentice, founder of Kuponya Innovations; Sarah Gillies, Housing Stabilization and Interim Supports Manager, County of Wellington – shared their incredible work, particularly related to policy reform, that they’re undertaking to create a better future for women.
The final event of the week was the Greater KW Chamber International Women’s Day breakfast, where the theme was Inspiring Inclusion. Ren Navarro (B Diversity Group) was interviewed by Regional Chair Karen Redman about how she’s inspiring inclusion in a male-dominated industry.
As I reflect on these events as well as on International Women’s Day, I am extremely grateful for those in my life who’ve supported me. There have been wonderful mentors from diverse backgrounds as well as fantastic colleagues who have believed in me. I’ve benefitted from community supports and various programs to help the organizations I’ve led grow. Recognizing how helpful these have been and wanting to provide similar resources to women business leaders – especially our JA students – I’ve compiled a short list of possible resources below. I hope you find them helpful!
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Resources for Women in Business
- Government of Canada – Women in Business Guide
- Angel Investors Ontario – Resources for Women Founders in Ontario
- Small business centres across South Western Ontario provide numerous resources, including workshops and courses, to help you launch and grow your business
- Regional Innovation Centres such as TechAlliance (London), Communitech (Waterloo Region), WETech Alliance (Windsor), Boundless Accelerator (Guelph), Innovation Factory (Hamilton) and Innovate Niagara (St. Catharines). Many run programs specifically for female founders.
If any resources come to mind that I may have missed, please let us know at info@jaswo.org. The more we can support female-identifying individuals in their business endeavours and leadership roles, the more we’ll have a well-rounded inclusive society ready to make a difference in the world. Young girls need to see everything their mother, aunts, and family friends can do – and if we all share resources and ideas to lift each other up they will have that chance.
- Karen Gallant
President and CEO
JA South Western Ontario
IN THE NEWS: Junior Achievers in London (CTV)
Why RRSP Season Should Interest Teenagers (and How Junior Achievement Supports Early Retirement Planning)
Retirement planning is too often considered a distant concern for teenagers, who are more focused on immediate priorities like school, social activities, and part-time jobs. However, in today’s economic landscape, starting retirement planning early has become increasingly important. With RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) season in full swing, it’s an opportune moment to discuss why teenagers should take an interest in retirement planning and how organizations like Junior Achievement are supporting youth in this endeavor.
- Understanding Long-Term Financial Goals: Teenagers are at a pivotal stage where they begin to envision their future careers and lifestyles. While retirement may seem far off, establishing long-term financial goals early on can significantly impact their financial well-being later in life. By understanding the importance of saving for retirement now, teenagers can set themselves on the path towards financial independence and security.
- Harnessing the Power of Compound Interest: One of the most significant advantages of starting retirement planning early is the power of compound interest. By starting to save and invest early, teenagers can take advantage of the compounding effect, where their money earns interest on both the principal amount and the interest already earned. This can lead to significant growth over time, even with relatively small contributions.
- Developing Financial Responsibility: Learning about retirement planning at a young age fosters financial responsibility and discipline. By budgeting for retirement savings alongside other expenses, young people develop crucial money management skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Understanding spending, saving, and investing empowers youth.
- Adapting to Economic Uncertainty: Young people are not immune to the effects of economic uncertainty. As the cost of living continues to rise, without adequate retirement savings, teenagers risk facing financial insecurity in their later years. By starting to save and invest early, they can better prepare themselves to meet future financial challenges.
Note that there is no minimum age to open an RRSP. If a Canadian has employment income and files a tax return, they (or their guardian) may set up and contribute to an RRSP. The same is not true for tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs), which require a minimum of at least 18 years of age.
While the benefits of early retirement planning for teenagers are clear, the question remains: how can they access the necessary knowledge and resources to get started? This is where organizations like Junior Achievement (JA) step in.
Junior Achievement is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people to succeed in the global economy. One of the key components of JA’s programs is financial literacy education, which includes topics such as budgeting, saving, and investing. Through a variety of learning experiences and resources, JA equips young people with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the financial world.
Through interactive classroom programs such as JA Personal Finance, real-world simulations like JA Investment Strategies, and online resources including JA’s Your Money Questions Answered modules, teenagers learn about the importance of starting early, the different investment options available, and the impact of compound growth on their retirement savings.
RRSP season serves as a timely reminder that retirement planning is not just for adults – even teenagers can benefit from starting to save and invest early. By understanding their own long-term goals, harnessing the power of compound interest, developing financial responsibility, and adapting to economic uncertainty, young people can lay a strong foundation for a prosperous financial future. It is more important than ever for young people to take control of their financial futures, and organizations like Junior Achievement play a vital role in supporting youth in starting retirement planning early, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.
- Karen Chafe
Director, Programs & Operations
JA South Western Ontario
Navigating the Future: A Strategic Look at HR Trends Shaping Youth Preparedness for the Evolving Workforce
A new year means a new start and many people consider changing jobs and/or careers in January. It can be a daunting thought for people with work experience, and absolutely overwhelming for a young person who’s just starting out.
We sought insights from Kim MacPherson, a JA South Western Ontario board member and a Global Talent Leader, to gain her thoughts and perspective on the future of work.
Q: In your experience across various industries, have you identified any trends in Human Resources that were common to all? If so, what were they?
A:
Absolutely, and it’s an exciting time for young professionals! One trend that stands out across the board is the emphasis on adaptability and agility. Companies are valuing individuals who can quickly pivot and learn new things.
It’s not just about having specific skills; it’s about having the mindset to embrace change and always being ready to grow.
So, consider your career a constant learning journey, and you’ll be well on your way.
Q: We know that many people will work in jobs that don’t yet exist. How can young people prepare themselves for this reality?
A:
Get ready for a future full of possibilities.
To thrive in a future of unknown professions, young individuals should focus on building a solid foundation of transferable skills.
Critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability will be invaluable assets, transcending specific job requirements.
Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, stay curious, and be proactive in seeking diverse experiences. The key is to be open-minded and ready to learn, no matter where your career takes you!
Q: Looking ahead, what does the work environment look like? What are some outcomes from the pandemic that you think will have a lasting impact?
A:
The future workplace is all about flexibility and balance, offering more options for how and where you work. Thanks to the lessons from the pandemic, hybrid work is here to stay, giving you the chance to create a work environment that suits you. It’s not just about the job; it’s about finding a workplace that values your well-being.
Hybrid work models will likely become the norm, offering employees a balance between remote and office-based work. This shift will influence HR practices, focusing on employee well-being, digital collaboration tools, and redefining performance metrics to accommodate diverse work arrangements.
Q: What do you think are the top three competencies youth need to develop to be successful in the workplace of the future?
A:
First, digital literacy is paramount. Familiarity with emerging technologies and adapting to new digital tools are essential skills for the future workforce.
Second, critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be in high demand. The ability to analyze complex situations, think creatively, and propose innovative solutions will set individuals apart.
Last, effective communication and collaboration skills will be crucial in a world where remote work and virtual teams are increasingly prevalent. Being able to convey ideas clearly and collaborate seamlessly across diverse teams will be crucial to success.
Life is full of surprises, and being able to bounce back from setbacks with a positive attitude will make you unstoppable.
Q: What’s one piece of advice or guidance you’d offer youth as they enter the workplace?
A:
Embrace the adventure! Your career is a journey, not a destination.
Always be hungry to learn, seek out mentors who can guide you, and never shy away from trying new things.
Your success isn’t just about what you know today but how eager you are to keep growing.
So, stay curious, stay open-minded, and remember that every experience, no matter how small, is a step toward building your fantastic future.
If you’re interested in reading more about the Future of Jobs, we encourage you to check out the World Economic Forum report: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/
IN THE NEWS: Taco Bell Foundation’s Grant World of Choices Program Events Includes Windsor-Essex (AM800/CKLW)
Guest host Kyle Horner is joined by Karen Gallant, CEO of JA South Western Ontario to talk about the foundation and the benefit it has for students.
