Recipients of The Business Link’s ninth annual 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards were recently announced. And this year’s group includes 15 Brock grads and one Brock employee, up from an impressive nine Brock grad recipients last year.

“The primary purpose of our annual awards banquet is to give back to the Niagara region while identifying individuals and businesses that greatly contribute to its’ growth and development,” says Adam Shields co-Publisher of The Business Link monthly newspaper, who also happens to be a Brock grad.

To qualify for the 40 Under Forty Awards, individuals must be under 40 years of age and consistently make their mark in business and contribute regularly to their respective communities. The awards are designed to recognize Niagara’s next generation of business leaders.

One of this year’s recipients is Brock graduate Isabell Camillo (BA ’98, TESC ’11). Camillo is the Managing Director at Aeris Language Solutions, and she’s also a Masters of Applied Linguistics student currently enrolled at Brock University.

Isabell Camillo, Brock graduate

“There is no greater accolade than when your efforts are recognized by your peers,” says Camillo. “Personally, winning this award has been a humbling experience and I am honoured to be among the impressive group of past and present recipients.”

“Professionally, having been nominated by my colleagues tells me that I am not only appreciated but respected for my knowledge, experience, and skills that I contribute to the Niagara community,” she says.

Blake Landry (BA ’05), business analyst at nGen (Niagara Interactive Media Generator), is also among the fifteen,

“I know that my Brock education has contributed to my success to date,” says Landry. “I learned some core business, critical thinking, and communications skills while completing my Brock degree. These skills are crucial to my day-to-day work activities when helping clients overcome business challenges.”

Landry’s also optimistic about Niagara’s economy. “I’ve networked with many people involved in the innovation space throughout Canada and it’s opened my eyes as to how economically and culturally diverse Niagara actually is, and how much potential we have.”

“We can be a powerhouse in the global innovation economy and we are currently putting the proper building blocks in place,” says Landry. “Of course it’s a challenge, but I believe we are headed in the right direction to achieve greatness.”

Cara Boese, senior relationship manager in Co-op Programs at Brock, was thrilled when she found out she was receiving the 40 Under Forty Award.

“Niagara has become my home over the past 10 years and I am passionate about helping students and fellow residents find meaningful employment that allows them to stay and enjoy all that the region has to offer,” says Boese. “Brock Co-op has developed a strong, trusted brand with many of our employer partners and I am proud to be representing them in the marketplace.”

“Most of all, I want my children to be inspired to be involved in their community, help to make a difference in the lives of others and do something that they love to do,” she says. “That is the true reward of being recognized as a leader in Niagara.”

The Business Link will be celebrating the achievements of Niagara’s top 40 Under Forty winners May 14, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Parkway Convention Centre in St. Catharines.

Proceeds of this year’s event will go towards The Business Link Bursary’s at Brock University and Niagara College. Ticket are $89.50 or $850 for a table of 10. View ticket information

Brock Grad Recipients:

Alicia Arcangeletti (BA ’01)
Hospice Niagara

Lyndon Ashton (BA ’08)
Niagara Economic Development Corp.

Alba Bonato (BA ’04)
AVY Studio

Isabell Camillo (BA ’98, TESC ’11)
Aeris Language Solutions

Nick Cicchino (BBA ’00)
Meridian Credit Union

Tiffany Clark (BAcc ’09)
Crawford, Smith & Swallow Chartered Accountants LLP

Sean Corcoran (BAcc ’00)
Assante Capital Management

Shannon Dawe (BA ’99)
Quantum Niagara Gymnastics Inc.

Evan DiValentino (BSc’09)
Niagara Sustainability Initiative

Blake Landry (BA ’05)
nGen – Niagara Interactive Media Generator

Gregory Marotta (BAcc ’97)
Thomas Solutions

Tomas Sawchuk (BAcc ’02)
Durward Jones Barkwell

Ashley Short (BEd ’08, MA ’10)
Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara

Kyle Tkachuck (BBA ’98)
Clickback

Adrian Theissen (BA ’10)
Fourgrounds Media Inc.

Cara Boese (Staff)
Brock University

View a complete list of this year’s winners

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