Strive celebrates 'outstanding young professionals' during 5th annual Algoma Visionary Awards

And the winners are...! 

Strive: Young Professionals Group (Strive YPG) hosted is fifth annual Algoma Visionary Awards Friday evening, bringing together a number of movers and shakers in the community for a virtual awards gala.

A news release issued today states: The event celebrated the "outstanding young professionals in Sault Ste. Marie, whose passion leadership and commitment make our community such a fantastic place to live, work and play" said Strive YPG Chair Derek Jackson during opening remarks. 

The full release, including the list of winners, is below: 

Strive: Young Professionals Group (Strive YPG) hosted its fifth annual Algoma Visionary Awards Friday evening, bringing together a number of movers and shakers in the community for a virtual awards gala presented by SooToday. 

The event celebrated the "outstanding young professionals in Sault Ste. Marie, whose passion leadership and commitment make our community such a fantastic place to live, work and play" said Strive YPG Chair Derek Jackson during opening remarks. 

The event featured entertainment presented by OLG. Both Peter White and Ryan McFarling gave outstanding performances.

In October 2021, Strive put a call out to the public for nominations. Nominations are open to all young professionals 19-40 in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area. The recipient selection committee is made up of 22 industry, business, and community leaders. Some of whom are past recipients, Strive YPG members or sponsor representatives. The Strive executive committee facilitates nominations and distributes submissions for judging only. Strive executives who are sitting during the year of recognition are not eligible to be nominated or to participate in the selection process.

The following is a list of this year's Algoma Visionary Awards winners: 

• Arts, Music and Culture Industry Award sponsored by Skeggs Paciocco Lawyers – Meaghan Kent
• Business Administration Industry Award sponsored by Lallemand Plant Care – Carly Creagh
• Consumer and Retail Industry Award sponsored by The Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie – John Findlay
• Environment and Natural Resources Industry Award sponsored by N1 Solutions – Elaine Ho-Tassone
• Health Sciences Industry Award sponsored by Health and Safety Professionals Inc. – Nirosha Murugan
• Hospitality and Tourism Industry Award sponsored by Destination Northern Ontario – Harsh Goyal
• Information Technology Industry Award sponsored by Cavera – Steeson Mathew
• Lifestyle and Wellness Industry Award sponsored by Dr. Floreani, O'Toole and Dool Orthodontists – Ali Greco
• Public and Social Services Industry Award sponsored by Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services – Mitch Case
• Trades and Labour Industry Award sponsored by Wardlaw Heating and Cooling – Kurtis McDermid
• Business Professional Development Achievement sponsored by Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation – Carly Dool
• Community Champion and Civic Pride sponsored by The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce – Marissa Ditoro
• Excellence in Entrepreneurship sponsored by Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre – Meaghan Kent
• Leadership sponsored by Success with Digital – Harsh Goyal
• Young Professional of the Year sponsored by Algoma University – Elaine Ho-Tassone
• Strive Member of the Year – Katrina McMeeken