{"id":500333,"date":"2026-03-03T02:15:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T02:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/500333\/"},"modified":"2026-03-03T02:15:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T02:15:07","slug":"regions-business-leaders-honoured-in-hall-of-fame-induction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/500333\/","title":{"rendered":"Region’s business leaders honoured in Hall of Fame induction"},"content":{"rendered":"

Waterloo Region has long been known for its entrepreneurial spirit.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s reputation as a Tech Hub wouldn\u2019t exist if it weren\u2019t for start-ups like OpenText<\/a> or Research in Motion<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Going back even farther you can look to companies like Schneiders Quality Meats<\/a> or Kaufman Footwear<\/a>, two companies that defined the Region for decades.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s that\u2019s spirit that will be honoured on May 5 at The Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame gala, presented by Junior Achievement South Western Ontario<\/a> (JASW).<\/p>\n

The 2026 Laureates include: Dean McIntyre, Founder of McIntyre Group<\/a>, along with Ruth Casselman, George Tsintzouras and Kevin Wright, Co-Founders of Alert Labs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese incredible entrepreneurs have really demonstrated a significant vision, leadership and community involvement. Those are the criteria that we look at when we consider the nominations and selection of our Laureates,\u201d said Karen Gallant, President, CEO, JASW.<\/p>\n

Gallant said each of the Laureates has started on a small scale but recognized an opportunity when they saw it and were able to grow their businesses into large corporations, while getting their start here in Waterloo Region.<\/p>\n

Junior Achievement (JA) has been operating in schools in Waterloo Region for over 50 years, helping train the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.<\/p>\n

Gallant said hosting an event like the Hall of Fame gala is a chance for students enrolled in JA to network with real-world professionals.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy honouring folks that have, sort of, paved that way, we highlight entrepreneurs and successful leaders as role models for our young people who are going through our company program or who are considering entrepreneurship as a career option or as a career path.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame gala celebrations takes place May 5, 2026 in the Embassy Room at Bingemans Conference Centre. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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