For 30 years, Junior Achievement Waterloo Region has taken one night out of the year to honour, “those people in the community who not only contribute to our current economic success but act as mentors and role models to the new generation.”
![Bryan Cook is the CEO of Elmira Pet Products, one of the nominees up for an award from Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region.[Submitted]](https://www.observerxtra.com/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/news_nominees.jpg)
Among those groups being recognized this year are Elmira Pet Products and Block Three Brewing in St. Jacobs. The event will be held on November 6 at Bingemans in Kitchener.
“The business spirit awards are important for a number of reasons,” Junior Achievement Waterloo president Karen Gallant said. “First of all, this is a great opportunity to celebrate successful business achievements in the region, not only from a business perspective, but also incorporating not-for-profit organizations as well as individual leaders who are recognized for their work in the community. I think it’s really important that we come together to celebrate that.”
The awards also help Junior Achievement Waterloo Region raise its public profile and let the community know about the work they are doing.
That work includes in-class school programs and workshops along with a myriad of camps and activities aimed at preparing the youth for the workforce.
This year, Elmira Pet Products is a nominee for the business of the year award.
“The mission for Junior Achievement Waterloo Region is ‘to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy,’” Elmira Pet Products CEO Bryan Cook said. “At Elmira Pet Products, our culture is built on small town values including hard work, honesty, integrity and respect. As a global company and industry leader we are proud to do our small part to help guide young people towards success.”
The award is given to, “a company that is outstanding in all areas of business with a history of leading-edge marketing strategies, support of youth throughout the community, an exceptional corporate citizen and high quality standards.”
Other awards that will be handed out are: the corporate citizen award, caring for youth award, entrepreneur of the year award, marketing innovation award, mentorship award.
