Nova Scotia’s Business Hall of Fame
On October 15, the Halifax Convention Centre hosted JA Nova Scotia’s fundraising gala, where they welcomed the incoming class of Laureates, honoured for their lifetime achievements as business leaders, mentors, and philanthropists. It was also a year to celebrate newer entrepreneurs with the inaugural Legacy In The Making award. Hosted by JA Achiever Catherine Caliwag, and JA Alumni Emma McGill the Gala focusses on the commitment and impact felt locally and beyond by Nova Scotia leaders and change makers.
Visit nsbusinesshalloffame.ca.
2025 Laureates
After beginning his career in the banking industry Mike Brien’s need to feed his entrepreneurial spirit saw him venture out on his own in 1985 establishing a consulting practice providing real estate and turn around management services. Mike is a strong believer and supporter of the local business community, acting as a mentor, investor and director to a number of early stage and mature business ventures.
With a strong legacy in the Nova Scotia business community, George E.M. Lewis established himself as a business leader in the early 1900s with companies including Sheet Harbour Lumber Company, The Glencovey Shipping Company, and The Eastern Hat and Cap Company Ltd. George was active as member of First Baptist Church in Truro and supporter of various charitable organizations.
Jim Mills goes all-in when it comes to taking a business risk. He built Office Interiors into the largest office furniture and office equipment company in the Atlantic Region. His decisions are never based on what is “required,” but instead on what is the right thing to do and this style of decision making, of doing right by your colleagues, customers, and community stakeholders, has become the norm across the organization.
A leader is not simply the sum of their titles and positions held, but rather the impact they have had in those roles. Thane Stevens has had unlimited drive and vision, having a significant impact on the growth of The Stevens Group of Companies over the years. Known for his forthright approach and integrity, Thane has keen insight that he is willing to share to support his partners in business as well as the greater community. Instrumental in establishing the Stevens Family Foundation with a philosophy of giving has supported the local community.
2025 Legacy In The Making
Cat Adalay is Founder and CEO of Aurea Technologies, the Nova Scotia cleantech company behind the Shine and RISE Turbines. Since founding Aurea in 2017, Cat has raised over $5 million, launched award-winning products, and built a growing team based in Atlantic Canada – scaling the business to millions in revenues.
Tareq Hadhad tells his story as a Syrian refugee now living his new life, with his entrepreneurial family in Antigonish, NS., as founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate. Tareq is passionate about peace and entrepreneurship, focusing on job creation to help support the local economy.
Sheena Russell aspires for Made with Local to ascend as one of the world’s most sustainable food companies. Under Sheena’s leadership, the company has experienced rapid growth, expanding its presence to encompass over 3000 retailers across Canada.
Tia Upshaw is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, community advocate and Founder and CEO of Black Women in Excellence (BWIE), dedicated to empowering Black and Brown women through entrepreneurship and healing programs that have directly supported over 800 women on their entrepreneurial journeys.
JA Nova Scotia
Since 1969 JA Nova Scotia has educated and empowered students to make thoughtful financial health, work readiness and entrepreneurial decisions, setting them up with real-world scenarios and experiences.
Our programs are offered to teachers and students at no cost and provide in-school and extra-curricular hands-on experiential programming for youth. Our programs build on and enhance the current provincial curriculum for students in grades 3 to 12.
We prompt youth to be proactive, get comfortable with things that are unfamiliar and develop autonomy, self-belief and confidence. Learn more at janovascotia.ca.
