Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has announced the 2026 class of inductees for the Peterborough Business Hall of Fame.
Business Hall of Fame chancellor Nicole Truman of Fox Law Professional Corporation announced the nine inductees in the lobby of the Venture North building in downtown Peterborough on Wednesday afternoon (January 14).
This year’s inductees are Brenda Ibey of Avant Garden Shop, Chuck White of Rapid Lift Inc., Dave Bucholtz and Jim Bailey of Cambium Inc., Jason and Niki Pulchinski of At the Lake Distributing Inc., Martha Sullivan of Sullivan Law PTBO, Peter Blodgett of Darling Insurance, and Vance Robbins of Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre.
The local business leaders will be formally inducted during the JA Business Hall of Fame ceremony on Thursday, May 28, at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. As well as celebrating this year’s inductees, the event raises funds for JA-NEO’s youth programs.
General admission tickets can be purchased online at a cost of $100 until March 29 and $125 after.
Now marking its 11th year, the JA Business Hall of Fame recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders whose achievements, community contributions, and commitment to mentorship have helped shape the economic and cultural life of the region.
“The Hall of Fame has never just been about recognition; it has always been about possibility,” said JA-NEO president and CEO John McNutt in a media release. “Our laureates show young people that big futures can begin in small places, and that entrepreneurship is more than business success — it is a form of community building.”
The non-profit organization offers financial literacy, work readiness, and entreprenuership programs that inspire youth by giving them the tools and confidence to succeed in school, business, and in life.
Through a network of education, government and industry partners, JA-NEO delivers programs in a region spanning Cornwall, Brockville, Pembroke, Kingston, Peterborough, Muskoka, Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, Collingwood, Midland, North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay.
