20th Annual Niagara
40 Under Forty
Business Achievement Awards Ceremony
Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
25 May 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Business Link Media Group Celebrates Niagara's New Leaders at 20th Annual 40 Under Forty Awards Ceremony
May 26, Niagara Falls, ON - Business Link Media Group proudly honored Niagara's finest at the prestigious 2023 Class 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards. The landmark 20th annual gala event, held on May 25th at Club Italia in Niagara Falls, attracted over 300 attendees.
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The evening welcomed the 2023 Class of 40 Under Forty winners, along with their supportive family members, friends, alumni, and special guests. Masters of ceremony Jessica Potts and Zach Dadson, significant alumni, introduced the diverse group of 40 award recipients representing local entrepreneurs, business professionals, and non-profit leaders.
Prominent local politicians, dignitaries, and past award-winners, including Mayors Jim Diodati and Mayor Mat Siscoe, MP Tony Baldinelli, MP Chris Bittle representative Ben Hughes, MPP Wayne Gates, Councilor Mike Strange, Councilor Mona Patel, Councilor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg and Councilor Tony Baldinelli, and other esteemed alumni, showed solidarity and encouragement by attending the event.
Marilyn Tian, President of Business Link Media Group, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to sponsors, volunteers, and stakeholders, highlighting the program's role in supporting the local business community. She emphasized the significance of the 40 Under Forty program in nurturing and supporting the local business community, highlighting the power of unity and collaboration.
The inaugural Alumni Impact Award was presented to Mayor Jim Diodati from the class of 2004, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the growth and prosperity of Niagara.
The event also marked the soft launch of the 20-year alumni reunion program organized by the Alumni Community chair, Alexis Kleiman, and Alumni Reunion Event co-chair, Emily O'Connor, featuring a panel discussion moderated by Neil Thornton and alumni panelists Mario De Divittis, Kithio Mwanzia, Julie Christiansen, and Cara Krezek. Over 30 alumni from the classes of 2004 to 2022 participated in this enriching reunion.
Business Link Media Group congratulates the winners and expresses gratitude to all involved for their ongoing commitments. Meghan Chayka was awarded the highly anticipated "Best in Class" honor for her exceptional achievements and contributions.
Since 2003, Business Link Media Group has celebrated exceptional individuals through the 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards, recognizing 800 of Niagara's next generation of business leaders.
As a multi-channel networking and promotion marketing company, Business Link Media Group remains dedicated to empowering and recognizing exceptional talent in the Niagara and Hamilton regions and beyond.
Masters of Ceremony
Introducing our MCs, Jessica Potts and David DiPietro, our alumni hosts with a gift for engaging audiences and creating memorable experiences. With years of experience in events organization, both have honed their skills as a charismatic and professional emcee, ready to bring energy and enthusiasm to our exciting event.
Jessica Potts (Class 2006)
Jessica Potts is known for getting people on the same page to get things done (while having fun!). She is on a mission to help people everywhere live their best day ever at work. As an expert in workplace and community engagement, Jessica helps leaders build their dream teams through strategic planning, soft skills training, 1:1 coaching, and keynote/conference speaking.
Zach Dadson (Class 2018)
Zach Dadson is a Government Relations professional at Brock University. He also chairs Strive Niagara, a childcare not-for-profit, and actively contributes to Fitzgerald Neighbours, a St. Catharines neighbourhood association. Zach resides in midtown St. Catharines with his partner Melissa and young son Henry
Event Highlights
With previous highlights including keynote speakers, interactive workshops, networking opportunities and exclusive access to premium services, Business Link did its best for entrepreneurs to make the most of their business journey.
You can also see photos and videos from our past events to get a taste of what our events are like.
Networking
A spacious bar area was provided for photo taking, networking, interviewing on camera etc
Sponsors' Presentation
Sponsors had different ways of presenting their businesses
Awards Presentation
40 awards presented to the recipients individually
Event Brochure
Event brochure highlighted 40 winners' bios as well as other congratulatory messages
Recipient Group Photo
Group photo is usually taken at the end of the award ceremony
Fine Dinner
Italia style fine dinner was served in three course: salad, main entrée, and desert
Step into the Future:
Explore our 40 Under Forty Metaverse Demo and Redefine Reality!
7000+
800
800+
20
Participants
Alumni
Sponsors
Classes
4056 Dorchester Rd, Suite 203,
Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 6M9
Phone: +1-905-646-9366
Email: [email protected]