If you know someone who would be a good candidate  for the London and District Business Hall of Fame, now is the time to let us know! 2022 Laureate nominations will be open through March 25th.

Established by Junior Achievement of London and District in 1990, the London and District Business Hall of Fame honours the lifetime achievements of London and area’s most distinguished individuals who have helped shape our community through their business success, entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic contributions. These distinguished leaders have planted the seeds of greatness that today’s youth will harvest to create their future.

Inductees are nominated by their peers and chosen by a selection committee. This year’s Laureates will be welcomed into the JA London and District Business Hall of Fame at the 2022 Induction Ceremonies and Gala Dinner on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the RBC Place London (as possible).  Laureate portraits will be installed at the permanent exhibit located on the second floor of the downtown London Public Library, 251 Dundas Street, London, Ontario.

Read more about the selection criteria and make your nomination:  Laureate Nomination Form 2022

JA Worldwide Nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize;
JA South Western Ontario Celebrates this Prestigious Honour

JA Worldwide, a non-profit organization that helps young people develop the skillset and mindset to achieve success, has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

As a member of the worldwide Junior Achievement network, JA Southwestern Ontario prepares thousands of local students every year to compete in the global economy by delivering hands-on, experiential learning in work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

JA has been helping young people since the organization’s founding in 1919, but this recognition is about more than just JA’s impact on individuals. The effects of JA are felt in communities, countries, and the entire world because the organization has been able to scale up to reach over 10 million young people per year, partnering with more than 400,000 volunteers and teachers, who deliver hands-on, immersive learning experiences in 115 countries

For centuries, unemployment and poverty have led to political instability, violence, and war. By economically empowering youth on all continents, JA Worldwide—and especially JA’s 150+ million alumni living all over the world—serve as a conduit for peace and a global force for good.

This nomination for JA Worldwide is the beginning of a journey for the JA network, especially given that many organizations have been nominated multiple times before being shortlisted or selected as a winner. There are, of course, many deserving organizations, and JA feels privileged to be mentioned alongside with others that are striving for a more peaceful world.

Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide, shared his perspective in response to the nomination: “Peace is only possible when youth in all countries and regions have economic empowerment. JA Worldwide is honoured to receive this nomination and will continue our work to enable all young people to have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Our primary hope for solving the world’s most complex problems rests in the young people of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Brad Geddes, Director Emeritus of the JA SWO Board, explained how JA creates a lasting impact: “My own journey with JA began more than 50 years ago as a high-school student. Participating in the JA Company Program ignited my entrepreneurial passion. With fellow students we discovered how to overcome many challenges and find success by creating and running a business. JA is a transformational experience, with guidance provided by volunteer mentors and the financial support of the local business community.” Geddes also serves on the JA Worldwide Global Council.

Locally, JA has been inspiring and preparing youth in South Western Ontario for over 58 years. Last year JA South Western Ontario provided over 16.000 student experiences, working proactively to prepare students for their lives ahead as they become the community builders of the future.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Junior Achievement hosting 31st Annual London and District Business Hall
of Fame Gala honouring laureates Karen Fryday-Field and Joel McLean

October 19th, 2021 – London, ON. JA South Western Ontario is taking the London and District
Business Hall of Fame Gala virtual again this year as Karen Fryday-Field and Joel McLean are inducted
in to the Hall and join an esteemed group of Laureates.

The 31st Annual London and District Hall of Fame Gala will take place online October 21st 2021 from 7-
8:30 PM. This year’s Gala celebrates the achievements of two exceptional role models: Karen FrydayField, Managing Partner of Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting Group and Joel McLean, Founder of Info-Tech Research Group.

Each year, in recognition of outstanding contributions and ethics in business, Hall of Fame Laureates are
nominated and selected by respected members of the London and District business community. This
signature gala event showcases the lives of the Inductees allowing us to learn about their achievements
and how they have developed and nurtured their legacies.

Karen Fryday-Field is a London born entrepreneur and highly experienced facilitator and consultant,
who received her MBA from the IVEY Business School. She has spoken and provided leadership
development, strategic thinking, and governance consultation in Canada, the United States, England, the
Middle East, and internationally.

“I really look forward to the upcoming celebration hosted by Junior Achievement.” said Fryday-Field.
“Their work of encouraging young leaders to build business, embrace entrepreneurship, and engage in
giving back is core to the fabric of building a healthy community. I feel very honoured to be inducted
into the London and District Business Hall of Fame. This award inspires me to engage and encourage
our younger leaders to take the lead on advancing excellent governance that presses organizations to
achieve their purpose with ethics, justice, inclusion, and prudence. Thank you so much for this honour.”

Joel McLean founded Info-Tech Research Group to help CIOs and large organizations successfully
manage complex technology projects, run successful IT departments, and lead digital transformations
for their organizations. As a recognized leader in the research industry, Joel is frequently invited to
speak in public and private executive forums on IT issues and business entrepreneurship.

“Thank you to Junior Achievement South Western Ontario for their decades-long commitment to
encouraging and developing young entrepreneurs. It is an honour to be named alongside the inspiring
Business Hall of Fame inductees from throughout JA’s history,” says Joel McLean, Founder of Info-Tech
Research Group. “Since starting Info-Tech in London 25 years ago, we have hired and supported various
JA alumni. As business leaders, we have a responsibility to give back and foster the next generation.
Together, with organizations such as JA, we can create future leaders who will positively impact our
community. Thank you for this honour and for the opportunity to support such an important program.”

Tickets for the Virtual Gala are available for purchase now at jaswo.org.

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About London and District Business Hall of Fame
Established in 1990, the London and District Business Hall of Fame supports the work of JA in London
and throughout Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce Counties. It was created to
honour respected members of the London and area business community, past and present, for their
outstanding contributions to business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
London and District Business Hall of Fame Inductees 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.

About Junior Achievement South Western Ontario
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.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Denise Pelley at dpelley@jaswo.org

JA South Western Ontario, along with JA chapters across the province, will bring skilled trades and technology exposure into the classroom via a new interactive online event

IN AN EFFORT to make the skilled trades a more attractive pathway for high school students, Junior Achievement (JA) South Western Ontario is teaming up with JA chapters across the province to host a one-day virtual career symposium next week to connect students with industry pros.

Called “Building a Stronger Future”, the event is described as “an interactive, online experience that introduces high school students to the fascinating skilled trades and technology sectors, and gives them an opportunity to hear directly from industry experts.”

Promoting skilled trades as road to success

JA South Western Ontario has joined with JA Waterloo Region to form one strong and dynamic charter.

Formed in 1963 and 1970 respectively, the two organizations will now operate together as the amalgamated charter Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario. Our new geography includes the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara

Some things will change…

The last year and a half has already brought about many changes.  Our two charters have been working closely together to deliver programs in a virtual format.  This has resulted in some spectacular innovations from our staff, volunteers, and students! This amalgamation allows us to continue building on the success of this partnership as we move forward. We will use our new structure to increase efficiency, share and implement new ideas, and build brand awareness with the ultimate goal of bringing essential JA education to more students.

Some things will stay the same…

JA will still be working locally in many ways. Funds raised in each region will stay within that region. Volunteers will be working directly with schools in their areas. Our three offices in Kitchener, London, and Chatham will be maintained with current staff. And our focus on reaching as many students as possible in each county and school board will remain our highest priority.

The effects of the global pandemic have made it even more clear how important the work of JA is to our local communities. Educating our students in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship will help keep them out of the cycle of poverty and prepared when crises arise. Connecting with youth today means inspiring the community builders of the future, which will be crucial in the years of economic recovery that may lie ahead.

We are so excited for the opportunities that will open up for our students thanks to this merger and look forward to growing JA in every city and town across our new region.

Here’s a yearbook for our 2020-21 Company Program!

CP 2020-2021 Yearbook (002)

May 25, 2021 – London, ON. Junior Achievement South Western Ontario and Junior Achievement Waterloo Region are pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Gallant as President and CEO of both charters, effective May 17, 2021

Karen is taking the reins from Bev Robinson, who will be retiring after 14 years in the post at JA South Western Ontario after having successfully strengthened the organization while steering through significant change. Robinson has also been serving as Interim President of JA Waterloo Region since March 2019.

“We’re thrilled to have Karen joining us in this role,” said Mark Russell, Chair, JA South Western Ontario Board of Directors. “She has the perfect combination of leadership and non-profit experience to continue driving the organization forward. Her depth of knowledge about Junior Achievement on a national and global scale will be a tremendous asset to us as we strive to deliver essential JA education to more and more local students.”

“I am honoured to be able to continue my work with JA in this way,” says Karen. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact JA has on students—and right now supporting their education is more important than ever. I’m joining an incredible team of staff, volunteers, and partners—and I’m looking forward to working alongside them to build an even brighter future for students in our region.”

Karen comes to the JA charters from JA Canada where she was VP, Programs and Charter Services for more than three years. During that time Karen made many significant contributions including advancing the nationwide digital strategy, expanding program delivery methods through the launch of jacampus.org and the creation of digital programs, and implementing national student events including Innovation Day, the JA Youth Success Summit and Company of the Year Championship.

Prior to her work at JA Canada, Gallant was President and CEO of JA Waterloo Region.

Karen began her work in JA South Western Ontario and JA Waterloo Region last week, with Bev Robinson staying until July 1st.

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About Junior Achievement South Western Ontario & Junior Achievement Waterloo Region

JA South Western Ontario & JA Waterloo Region are members 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, Grey, and Bruce.

Since 1970, schools in Waterloo region and surrounding areas have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an ever-changing global economy. JA Waterloo Region is responsible for the geographic area including Waterloo Region, Guelph, Wellington, Brantford, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand, Norfolk, and Niagara Region.

About Junior Achievement Canada

As the largest youth business education organization in Canada, JA works in partnership with educators, volunteers and businesses to education students about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Since 1955, JA has educated and inspired more than 5,000,000 Canadian youth, giving them the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in school, business and life.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Jenne Wason, Director of Marketing & Communications at 519-352-0151 or jwason@jaswo.org

London, ON, May 11, 2020 – School may be cancelled, but the future certainly isn’t – in these uncertain times, financial management and business know-how are more important than ever.  That’s why JA South Western Ontario has pivoted quickly to offer free online courses in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to students affected by recent COVID-19 school closures.

JA South Western Ontario, is dedicated to helping young students learn key life skills that will help them thrive in work and life as they grow up. They are now offering free, online programs for students in grades 4  to 12, focusing on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. These interactive digital programs offer a fantastic opportunity for parents and teachers to make sure students don’t miss out on important education at this difficult time.

For over 55 years, JA South Western Ontario has offered in-class finance and business programs for local school students. The organization’s traditional teaching model involves working with corporate volunteers who go into schools and share their expert advice and experiences with students. Now, with school closures extended until the end of May, the charity is taking their expert programs online to offer young learners a chance to take part from the comfort of their own homes.

With a shortened school year, many students will miss the opportunity to learn about basic money management, career planning, and the business world. Thanks to JA South Western Ontario’s programs, this information is now available online at no charge. Students can learn on their own with our self-directed courses, or teachers and parents can engage in the learning process with them through the teacher-led option.

“It’s been really powerful seeing how everyone in the community is working together to make sure our students don’t fall behind during these unprecedented times,” says Bev Robinson, President and CEO of JA South Western Ontario. “JA is thrilled to be able to do our part with this new online programming that provides students with proactive solutions for their future.”

Real-world learning and a unique approach

These student-led digital programs teach learners from grades 3 to 12 the key tools they need to become financially savvy and unlock their inner entrepreneur. Courses range from the introductory ‘More than Money’ program – aimed at introducing grades 3 to 6  to the world of money management – to the higher level ‘Economics for Success’ program, which prepares middle school students for the world of work, learning to budget, and giving them the tools they need to thrive.

There’s a program for students of all levels, and each course has been tailored to reflect the curriculum and add to learners’ day-to-day educational journey by exploring real-life situations and challenges.

These programs are offered through an online learning management system (LMS), hosted by JA South Western Ontario’s parent charity, JA Canada. Students register through the LMS and can access the program that corresponds to their grade. Each course includes a mixture of videos, slides and interactive elements. Courses provide expert information and gives learners the chance to get hands-on with the concepts they’re exploring.

All JA South Western Ontario’s programs – online and in-person – are generously supported by our local business community. It’s thanks to this expert support that the charity is able to offer its unique programs to so many young people across the region.

To find out more about the programs and to enroll students, visit jacampus.org.

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About Junior Achievement South Western Ontario

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, Grey, and Bruce.

About Junior Achievement Worldwide

As one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide activates youth for the future of jobs. Through the delivery of cutting-edge, experiential learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, JA Worldwide creates pathways for employability and job creation. Each year, the JA network of over 465,000 volunteers serves more than 11 million students in over 100 countries.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Jenne Wason at 519-352-0151 or jwason@jaswo.org

September 4, 2019  LONDON, ON – As Junior Achievement (JA) worldwide celebrates its 100^th anniversary, two JA Charters in southwestern Ontario are joining together to serve more students.

JA is a not-for-profit charity that provides financial literacy programs free to the youth in the community, delivered by JA-trained volunteers and mentors.

Junior Achievement London and District and Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (JA SWO) have combined their operations, strengthened their team, and set a goal to reach 15,000 elementary and high school students in the next school year. JA SWO – the new entity – will serve: London and the counties of Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce and Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton, Windsor-Essex.

“Junior Achievement will build on our established partnerships to grow our programs to reach more students,” said JA SWO president and CEO Bev Robinson. “We are excited about the opportunities to strengthen our team and expand delivery of JA programs to youth in our southwestern communities.”

The existing JA offices in Chatham and London will remain open, and JA SWO staff will be able to collaborate and work efficiently together to promote JA throughout the expanded region.

“The JA team has been collaborating over the past year on this amalgamation and is looking forward to this new organization,” said Robinson.

“There are many opportunities for JA volunteers, stakeholders and supporters with this amalgamation,” said Robinson, “including the opportunity for funders to make their brand known in a larger area.”

“We are committed to growing JA in every community we serve,” said Robinson.

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