Business Leaders Celebrated At Wallace McCain Institute’s Growth Awards
FREDERICTON – Some of the region’s most-promising business leaders were recognized last week at the Wallace McCain Institute’s Growth Awards.
The awards celebrate entrepreneurs who have achieved significant success in developing their companies over the last year. The winners included business people from Fredericton, St. Stephen, Moncton and Halifax.
“By recognizing our members who are making significant growth strides, they can celebrate together and inspire each other to push harder,” said Francis McGuire, chair of the Institute and past CEO of Major Drilling International Inc., based in Moncton, in a release.
Billy English, CEO of Kindred Home Care in St. Stephen, was the winner in the category of over 100 employees. The company has grown by 60 employees over the year.
“I jumped out of my seat when they announced Kindred Home Care as the winner,” English said, in a release. “I work with an amazing team every day and collectively we believe this is just the beginning for Kindred in Atlantic Canada.”
Dr. Lesley Steele, CEO of Fredericton-based Vet Alliance, took home the prize for the 10 to 40 employees category.
“It has been a dramatic year of growth and change for my companies, my team and myself,” Steele said in a release. “I am very fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing hardworking team that drives our success. The support of my group at the Wallace McCain Institute has been so appreciated over the past two years – they push me to do better for my companies and myself each time we get together.”
Karim Bhibah, president of Marathon Fluids/Bos Brothers in Moncton, won in the 41 to 99 employees category for 150 per cent growth of his ventures, including the acquisition of a third company to concentrate his holdings in value-added wood. Patti Ryan, president and CEO of Health QR in Halifax, won in the under 10 employees category.
The final prize of the evening, the Carpe Diem Award, went to Donnie Fillmore, CEO of Atlantic Pacific Transport Ltd., in Moncton. The award was based on member nominations, and then voting on six finalists.
“It’s always humbling to be chosen by your peers,” Fillmore said. “This is a very proud time for me.”