OREANDA-NEWS. In recognition of the inspiration they're providing to the next generation of bold thinkers, three Toronto-area business leaders will be honoured at JA Central Ontario's third annual "Bold Thinkers Inspiring Leaders" luncheon on February 29 in Toronto.

Our luncheon program will be emceed by, Bruce Sellery, author, columnist and TV personality on CBC's The Exchange. Attended by business executives and JA Central Ontario's high school student entrepreneurs, the annual Bold Thinkers Inspiring Leaders event recognizes extraordinary business people from Central Ontario who serve as role models for tomorrow's business leaders.

This year's honourees are:

  • Kathleen Taylor, Chair of the Board, RBC, Former President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
  • Joe Jackman, Chief Executive Officer, Jackman Reinvention.
  • Derek Szeto, CEO, Wirkn, Founder, RedFlagDeals, JA Alumni

"In today's competitive, global economy, business leaders need to be innovative, passionate and willing to take risks," says Jane Eisbrenner, President and CEO, JA Central Ontario. "Each of this year's honourees has experienced tremendous success because of their tenacity, creativity and ability to think big. They're true role models for our students."

This year's honourees have the skills, perspectives and courage JA Central Ontario teaches the next generation of business leaders. The luncheon provides an invaluable networking opportunity for business executives and a select group of GTA high school students to meet and be inspired. More than 90 entrepreneurs and business executives will be in attendance. Three high-achieving JA Central Ontario students have been selected to introduce each of the three honourees.

"We're proud to support JA Central Ontario in their efforts to encourage future business leaders through the Bold Thinkers Inspiring Leaders initiative," said Russ Robertson, Executive Vice-president and Head, Anti-Money Laundering, BMO Bank of Montreal. "At BMO, we're committed to providing youth in our communities with opportunities to develop the skills they need to be successful. Whether that's through sports, entrepreneurship or any other avenue, we aim to help young people become a driving force in the global economy."

Working with volunteers, JA Central Ontario helps to educate and empower young people to transform their future and own their economic success. JA Central Ontario's free programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness help students reach their full potential. Through JA Central Ontario's 18-week signature entrepreneurial program, called Company Program, businesspeople from the community mentor students in the real-life experiences of creating, managing and liquidating a business. The students at this event will be currently in enrolled in this program.