(BIV) — This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame, a milestone that celebrates two decades of business leadership while supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.

After this year’s Induction Ceremonies on Jun. 8, the BLBC Hall of Fame has honoured 113 outstanding leaders whose achievements have helped shape British Columbia’s economy and communities. The 2026 inductees, Dr. Julia Levy, Amar Doman, Bob Gaglardi, Jake Kerr and Barry Lapointe, represent the innovation, resilience and leadership that define the province’s business community.

For Wendi Campbell, president and CEO of JA British Columbia, the milestone represents both celebration and reflection.

“The 20th anniversary of the Business Laureates of BC Hall of Fame marks two decades of celebrating the leaders who have helped shape British Columbia’s business community,” she says. “For JA British Columbia, it’s also a powerful reminder of the example these Laureates set for young people. Their leadership, innovation and commitment to community show students what is possible while reinforcing the importance of giving back and helping the next generation succeed.”

2024 Laureates and Laureate family representatives on stage at the Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremonies. Photo via JA British Columbia

Recognizing vision, leadership, integrity and legacy

Each Business Laureate is selected based on four core principles: vision, leadership, integrity and legacy. Laureates demonstrate the ability to identify opportunity, inspire others and lead with values that extend beyond financial success.

Equally important is the legacy they create, one that strengthens communities and opens doors for those who follow.

“Across industries and careers, the Laureates share a commitment to vision, integrity, leadership and making a lasting impact,” Campbell says. “They show resilience, creativity and a willingness to give back, setting examples that go beyond financial success.”

Celebrating these qualities, she adds, highlights why leadership continues to matter in today’s complex economic environment.

A celebration that creates opportunity for youth

While the Hall of Fame Gala recognizes business excellence, its impact extends far beyond a single evening.

Over the past two decades, the event has raised more than $14 million to support the work of JA British Columbia. These funds have helped more than 197,000 young people across the province participate in hands-on learning experiences focused on financial health, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

“The Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame is first and foremost a celebration of the incredible business leaders being recognized,” Campbell explains. “It is also a special moment for JA students, some of whom share the stage to showcase what they have learned.”

Beyond the celebration, the Gala serves as a critical fundraiser that helps keep programs accessible for schools and educators across the province.

“Since the Hall of Fame began, it has raised over $14 million, enough to bring classroom lessons to life for more than 197,000 young people,” Campbell says. “These funds ensure that JA programs remain free for students and educators, creating experiences that inspire confidence, creativity and a sense of possibility for the future.”

Connecting leadership to the next generation

For many people, the BLBC Hall of Fame serves as an introduction to the broader work of JA British Columbia. Through experiential programs delivered in classrooms and community settings, including urban, rural and Indigenous communities, students gain practical skills and explore career possibilities.

“What makes these programs powerful is that students do not just learn concepts,” Campbell says. “They practice skills such as budgeting, investing, presenting ideas and spotting risks, skills they often do not get in the classroom.”

In financial literacy programs, students learn the difference between wants and needs while building personal budgets. Entrepreneurship programs guide participants through developing business ideas, securing financing and creating marketing strategies. Work readiness programs introduce students to professionals from high-opportunity sectors, helping them discover career paths they may never have considered.

“At a time when many youth face rising debt, economic uncertainty and rapidly changing career paths, our programs enable students to make wise financial choices and invest in their future,” Campbell adds.

JABC students on stage at the 2025 Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremonies. Photo via JA British Columbia

Investing in British Columbia’s future

The Hall of Fame also highlights the importance of leadership across generations.

For Ryan Beedie, President of Beedie and a 2025 Hall of Fame inductee, the recognition carries personal significance.

“Being inducted into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame was an incredible honour, made all the more meaningful by sharing it with my father,” he says. “Growing up, I watched him build our company with determination, integrity and a deep commitment to his employees and community.”

Beedie believes programs like those delivered by JA British Columbia play an important role in building the province’s future business community.

“Programs like those delivered by JA British Columbia are essential to the future of B.C.’s business community,” he says. “By exposing young people to entrepreneurship and equipping them with practical skills and confidence, JABC is building the next generation of leaders.”

As the BLBC Hall of Fame celebrates its anniversary, it continues to demonstrate how recognition can be transformed into lasting impact. By bringing together business leaders, educators and community supporters, the event turns celebration into an investment in the future of British Columbia’s youth.

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