Canadian Television Personality Jessi Cruickshank Headline’s Virtual Event
(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – April 1, 2021): Earlier today, and following a one-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, business students from Algoma University’s campuses in Brampton and Sault Ste. Marie, Lakehead University and Lake Superior State University had their skills put to the test during a live virtual version of the Algoma University School of Business and Economics annual Northern Ontario Business Case Competition. The event represents the culmination of four years worth of studies in an undergraduate business or commerce degree program.
“The Business Case Competition, which has become a ‘rite of passage’ for many, is the ultimate way for students to finish off their business education,” said Cathy Denomme, Director of the School of Business and Economics. “It allows them the opportunity to showcase their talents to future employers while competing directly with their peers. This year’s participants are also able to leverage this great virtual networking opportunity which could be a valuable stepping stone in their career development.”
Celebrity judges included Jessi Cruickshank, Canadian television personality and host of Canada’s Smartest Person and The Goods; Melissa Leong, author of Happy Go Money; Shane Feldman, founder of Count Me In; Kellylee Evans, Juno Award-winning musician; and,
Manu “Swish” Goswami, chief executive officer of Trufan. Judges interacted with students throughout the competition while also conducting an insightful panel discussion entitled, “Going Back to Normal? Is There Going Back to Normal?” where they reflected on the importance of connecting, adapting, and thriving while inspiring participants to consider what our “new normal” will entail.
President and Vice-Chancellor Asima Vezina gave a huge shout out to the School of Business and Economics team from the University. “What you pulled off today was incredible. Eight solid hours of case competition; students, judges and community business leaders participating from across the globe; logistics, large groups, small groups, breakout groups all happening at the same time – this was nothing short of incredible coordination. I am so proud of everyone who worked behind the scenes; you have raised the bar in terms of using technology for experiential learning, for event planning and for student and community engagement. This is teamwork, innovation and creative thinking at its best and our students have had just an outstanding experience because of it! Well done. As Donna Hillsinger so eloquently put it – you rocked this!”
“Today’s event highlights what many successful entrepreneurs and business leaders have recognized for years; new challenges such as those we have all faced this past year present new opportunities that wouldn’t have existed before,” shared Donna Hilsinger of The Water Tower Inn, who played a lead role in organizing the competition. “I believe today’s competition helped to open the minds of these graduating students to the tremendous possibilities available to them.”
Cruickshank also served as event emcee and host of a live virtual after-party where the winners of this year’s competition were announced. The competition was intense again this year with Lakehead University taking the top spot. Teams from Algoma University finished in second and third place respectively, with the Bramtpon campus team earning second place. Congratulations to all award recipients and participants!
The event was made possible through the generous support of a number of sponsors. The Brampton based Inzola Group, and The Water Tower Inn served as “Corporate Event Hosts” while Northern Credit Union and Kallo Developments were this year’s “Community Corporate Sponsors”. “Be a Judge” sponsors at this year’s event included the Algoma University Alumni Council, BDO Canada, Canadian Bank Note, CPA Ontario, Fortis Ontario, KPMG, Lallemand.
Thank you to our judges, participants and community partners.
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