Celebrating Burlington's Entrepreneurial Spirit

Burlington's entrepreneurial spirit is stronger than ever and the success of our economy continues to be powered by an impressive host of great business leaders building a solid and diverse economy. Our community is unique in terms of the number entrepreneurs who have started their business here and now lead companies that have achieved global success.

This prestigious award has been specifically created to recognize individuals who have demonstrated incredible entrepreneurial spirit.  These business leaders have built a nationally or internationally engaged business, given back to the community and have a played a strong role in strengthening the image of Burlington!

Each year a member of the Burlington business community who exemplifies innovation and entrepreneurial skill is inducted into the Hall of Fame. The next award ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2010.

Candidates are selected based on the following criteria:

-  An individual who is active and has built a successful, globally engaging company in Burlington
-  An individual who has given back to the community
-  An individual who strengthens the image of Burlington

2010 Entrepreneur Award Recipient -

On June 10, 2010 Murray Hogarth will be inducted into Burlington's Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. The founder of Pioneer Petroleums, and former CEO has watched his business grow from one gas station to a chain of about 150 stations in Ontario, stretching from Windsor to Ottawa and as far north as Timmins. Pioneer's head office has been located in Burlington for more than 20 years.

"He's a dedicated volunteer and one of the city's top philanthropists. Were it not for Murray Hogarth, we would not have the Burlington Community Foundation (BCF). He was the driving force and made the largest seed donation to the entity that provides funding for community organizations and projects in the city.
-Mayor Cam Jackson, City of Burlington

2009 Entrepreneur Award Recipient -

On June 11, 2009 Ron Joyce was inducted into Burlington's Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. Mr. Royce resides in Burlington and has played a vital role in the Burlington business community, and many other communities across Canada. Mr. Joyce's dedication and commitment to the Tim Horton Children's Foundation earned him the Gary Wright Humanitarian Award in 1991, presented periodically in recognition of the outstanding contributions to the betterment of community life throughout Canada.

"The amazing part of this story is that a young kid can leave small-town Nova Scotia at an early age, and be successful working hard at what he believed in. It's a great story of what you can achieve in this country".
- Mr. Ron Joyce, 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year

2008 Entrepreneur Award Recipient -

On June 12, 2008 Michael DeGroote Senior was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Mr. DeGroote Sr. has played a vital role in the Burlington business community. He owned Laidlaw Inc. in Canada for 31 years, and owned Republic Industries while it become the 7^th largest accounting company in the United States. Mr. DeGroote Sr. enjoyed a varied and distinguished business career. Throughout his endeavors, he has actively shared his investment prosperity with the communities in which his businesses have operated.

"Innovation and entrepreneurial energy have been drivers of Burlington's economic development success. Burlington is a concentration of economic power and our entrepreneurial leaders are motivated, and continue to drive investment and employment opportunities."
- James Peters, Chairman of the BEDC Board

"Michael Lee-Chin is a visionary in both his business and philanthropic endeavors. Burlington has benefited greatly by having one of Canada's most intriguing and inspiring citizens living, working and creating wealth within our community."
- Mayor Cam Jackson

2006 Entrepreneur Award Recipient -

On June 1, 2006 at the Signature Dinner, BEDC inducted Mr. Mark Chamberlain into the Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame as Burlington's 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year. Mr. Chamberlain exemplifies all attributes required to be in the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and is a role model at many levels for aspiring business people and our community's youth.

"Mark's accomplishments really pave the way for future generations: through his vision; his ongoing business ventures; his involvement with McMaster; his ability to lead and mentor… Mark is one of those rare individuals who selflessly continues to give of his time and talents."

Robert MacIsaac, Former Mayor of Burlington

2005 Entrepreneur Award Recipient -

On June 2, 2005 at the Signature Dinner, Mr. Harry Voortman, President & CEO of Voortman Cookies was BEDC's first inductee into the Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame as Burlington's 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Mr. Harry Voortman exemplifies the best characteristics required to be in the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.  As a dedicated business leader, Mr. Voortman has witnessed his family business grow into a leading-edge, state-of-the-art manufacturing operation.  You could say that he is the secret ingredient in the recipe for success in business, in life and in community.