Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame honours legacy, leadership, and community impact at 4th annual induction ceremony
Yesterday, community leaders, families, and supporters gathered at Mackey Celebrations in Lindsay to celebrate the enduring spirit of local business excellence at the 4th Annual City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame presented by Alf Curtis Home Improvements and Peterborough Truss and Floor Ltd.
Hosted by Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario, the event recognized a distinguished group of inductees whose contributions have shaped the economic and social fabric of the region. This year’s ceremony was especially poignant, with several inductees honoured posthumously, each leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
2026 Inductees:
- Dan Burns (Posthumous) – Burns Bulk Food
- Greg Nisbett (Posthumous) – Nisbett’s Men’s Shop
- Jason Willock – Co-operators, Willock Insurance Group Ltd.
- Ken Found (Posthumous) – Linborough Properties
- Patricia and Phillip Nieukirk (Posthumous) – The Grand Hotel, The Grand Experience Restaurant
- Ray DeNure – DeNure Tours
- Sarah Quick and James Barrett – Globus Theatres
Each inductee was celebrated not only for their entrepreneurial success, but for their deep commitment to community, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others.
Throughout the evening, stories were shared that brought to life the character, resilience, and generosity behind each name. Families accepted honours on behalf of loved ones, reminding attendees that while these leaders may no longer be with us, their impact continues to be felt in businesses, neighbourhoods, and lives across the Kawartha Lakes.
“The Hall of Fame is about more than business,” said Cody McIntyre, interim president and CEO, Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario in a press release. “It’s about recognising the people who built something meaningful and, in doing so, helped build this community. Their stories are powerful reminders to our young people of what’s possible. Events like this are only possible because of the incredible support and investment from our investors, and we are deeply grateful to each of them for helping bring this celebration and our mission to life.”
Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario extends sincere thanks to the investors who made this event possible, including Doane Grant Thornton, BMO, TD, RBC, CIBC, Cogeco/YourTV, Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce, Kawartha Financial Services, Launch Kawartha, Baker Tilly, Ward Lawyers, Mariposa Dairy, Polito Ford and; Lincoln, and Kawartha Lakes Honda.
Proceeds from the event will directly support Junior Achievement programs in Kawartha Lakes, helping equip youth with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.
As the evening concluded, the message was clear: the true measure of success lies not only in what is built, but in the lives that are shaped along the way.
