On May 8, 2019, CME Southwestern Ontario Branch (CME-SWOB) celebrated its 24th annual Manufacturer’s Scholarship Awards and Recognition Night. The semi-formal event – which features an exhibitor showcase, industry speakers and the awards ceremony – drew more than 250 guests primarily from the manufacturing and educational sectors. The Ivey Academy Manufacturer of the Year award was also presented, with Brose Canada receiving the honour.})
Since 1995, with help from dedicated sponsors like founding partner 3M Canada Company, CME-SWOB has awarded $260,000 to 176 students pursuing post-secondary education in engineering and the skilled trades.
Among the 2019 scholarship winners are:
- Heather Chau and Gary Wang of Western Engineering,
- Tanner Laroque and Eduardo Freitas De Sa of Fanshawe College School of Applied Science and Technology,
- Luis Ruiz Navarro and Joshua Duffy of Lambton College School of Technology and Trades,
- Eric Fehr and Nathaniel Taylor-Wesley of Thames Valley District School Board, and
- Robbie Jamieson and Quinton Pluzak of London District Catholic School Board
As part of the scholarship presentations, the students delivered heart-felt speeches expressing excitement and thanks.
Growing Agri-Business in Southwestern Ontario
The evening included a discussion on innovation within the functional foods and plant-based categories with award-winning entrepreneurs:
- Shannon Kamins, Owner and Master Fermenter of Booch Organic Kombucha,
- Margaret Coons, The Big Cheese at Nuts For Cheese, and
- James McInnes, Co-Founder of Globally Local
Moderated by Jeff van Heumen, Business Development and Commercialization Manager at the Ontario Centres of Excellence, the discussion touched on health benefits, disruption of traditional industries, local sustainability and scale-up challenges.})
CME-SWOB’s unique celebration of education in manufacturing continues to gain momentum each year.
Southwestern Ontario is an advanced-manufacturing hub with over 500 companies in the London-region alone. While it's encouraging to see our numbers grow year-over-year, I'm confident we can do better. It's about raising awareness and maintaining organic growth"
Sherry Parker, CME-SWOB Chair / Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Health Care Business Group, 3M Canada Company
On May 6, 2020, CME-SWOB will celebrate a milestone 25th anniversary and is looking to incorporate past winners into the program themed: “Where are they now?”
Stay tuned for more information leading up to next year’s event on CME’s website.})
About CME-SWOB
CME-SWOB has been active since 1988 as a non-profit branch of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Led by volunteers in manufacturing and related industries, CME-SWOB's mandate is to raise the profile of manufacturing, promote education in the skilled trades and support those pursing manufacturing careers with scholarships.
Looking to get involved with CME-SWOB? Contact: Candace Campbell at caycamp@ledc.com.
