Top young professionals recognized at Algoma Visionary Awards

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

The event was a celebration of the exceptional young professionals in Sault Ste. Marie, who through their passion, leadership, and dedication, make our community an outstanding place to live, work, and play. It featured entertainment from The Algoma University Jazz Trio and The Barn Board Trio.

In October 2022, Strive put a call out to the public for nominations. Nominations are open to all young professionals age 19 to 40 in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area. The recipient selection committee is made up of 18 industry, business, and community leaders. Some of are past recipients, Strive YPG members or sponsor representatives, the organization noted in a news release.

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 & Culture Industry Award sponsored by Skeggs Paciocco Lawyers – Patrick Hunter
• Business Administration Industry Award sponsored by Lallemand Plant Care – Brianne Pringle
• Consumer & Retail Industry Award sponsored by The Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie – Robin Weber
• Environment & Natural Resources Industry Award sponsored by Lajoie Bros. Contracting – Carter Dorscht
• Health Sciences Industry Award sponsored by Health & Safety Professionals Inc. – Danielle Ritsema
• Hospitality & Tourism Industry Award sponsored by Destination Northern Ontario – Jamie Hilsinger
• Information Technology Industry Award sponsored by Algoma Technology Services – Bassel Alkosani
• Lifestyle & Wellness Industry Award sponsored by Dr. Floreani, O'Toole & Dool Orthodontists- Shawna Mornix
• Public & Social Services Industry Award sponsored by Nogdawindamin Family & Community Services – Naomi Sayers
• Trades & Labour Industry Award sponsored by PUC Services – Matthew Jakibchuk
• Business Professional Development Achievement sponsored by Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation – Taylor Trecroce
• Community Champion and Civic Pride presented by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation – Jairus Patterson
• Excellence in Entrepreneurship sponsored by Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce – Jane McGoldrick
• Leadership sponsored by KMPG – Meaghan Kent
• Young Professional of the Year sponsored by Algoma University – Naomi Sayers
• Strive Member of the Year – Lovleen Sharma