Junior Achievement (JA) of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced the 2019 inductees into the JA Business Hall of Fame.
Barb Genge, owner & operator of Tuckamore Lodge; Christopher Hickman, chairman and CEO of Marco Group of Companies; and Greg Roberts, owner P.I. Enterprises and owner and CEO of Mary Brown’s incorporated will be recognized at JA’s May 23, 2019 gala dinner and induction ceremony at the St. John’s Convention Centre.
“Since 1990, Junior Achievement has recognized and honoured entrepreneurs who have inspired others through their investment and success in business and community. In addition to celebrating business excellence, the Business Hall of Fame event is JA’s signature fundraiser, supporting work that focuses on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship for youth,” JA said in a news release Friday.
This year’s inductees “are being recognized for their excellence in business leadership, outstanding professional achievements and enduring contributions to society,” JA said. “They are all role models for youth, the next generation of leaders.”
Barb Genge has operated Tuckamore Lodge in Main Brook since the 80’s, and it is now recognized as a world class destination. Outdoor Magazine named Tuckamore Lodge as “one of the six best reconnoitering destinations in Canada.” In 2013 Genge was inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame in Ottawa. She has received the Sustainable Development Award from Parks Canada and Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador, as well as the Canadian Tourism Commission Award and Entrepreneur of the Year. She is also currently the mayor of Main Brook. “Through her long-term entrepreneurial pursuits and community involvement, Barb has made a significant impact in her region,” the JA release stated.
Christopher Hickman serves as chairman and CEO of the Marco Group of Companies, the largest locally based general contractor in Eastern Canada.
“Under his leadership, Marco has been recognized by Progress Magazine as one of the Top 101 Companies in Atlantic Canada for the last six years, as well as one of the Fastest Growing Companies by the same publication,” JA said. “Christopher sits on many boards including Canada Infrastructure Bank Board of Directors, Newfoundland and Labrador Employers Council (vice-chair), Nalcor Energy, and the Swilers Rugby Football Club (chair). In 2011, he was inducted into the Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame by Atlantic Business Magazine – an honour awarded to Top 50 CEOs who have made this list for five consecutive years.
Greg Roberts is the owner of P.I. Enterprises and owner and CEO of Mary Brown’s incorporated. Roberts became a franchisee of Mary Brown’s in 2003 and in 2007 he bought the Mary Brown’s brand and company.
“Under his leadership, there are now over 155 stores across Canada as well as U.S. and international locations,” JA said. “Greg is a member of the exclusive Young Presidents Organization. He has been recognized over the years with many awards including The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Atlantic Region Services and Canada’s Top 40 under 40 Award.”
