Laurier alumni shine at Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce awards

April 23, 2021

Purple and gold pride was on display as several Wilfrid Laurier University alumni were named winners during the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala on April 22.

The annual event recognizes Chamber members who have made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership in the community. This year’s gala was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A defining characteristic of Laurier graduates is how engaged they are as citizens,” says Jason Coolman, vice-president, Advancement and External Relations at Laurier. “These award winners exemplify Laurier’s commitment to instilling community spirit. They are dedicated volunteers, entrepreneurs, supportive colleagues and champions within their communities and organizations. A huge congratulations to them and all of the award winners.”

Laurier alumni who received awards include:

• Iain Klugman (MBA ’02), president and CEO of Communitech, received the Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award.
• Carinne Chambers-Sani (BBA ’01), founder of Diva International, received the Environmental and Sustainability Award.
• Jeremy Hedges (BA ’15), president and founder of The Canadian Shield, received the Young Professional of the Year Award.
• Stephanie Soulis (BA ’03), president and CEO of Little Mushroom Catering, received the Service Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism Award.
• Laurier’s Robert Langen Art Gallery, Empty Bowls fundraiser in support of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, Enactus Laurier, and Blair Forrest, owner of AMZ Prep, were also nominated for awards.