Kim Burkholder
Kim has over twenty years of demonstrated leadership in the staffing and finance industries as well as playing the role of 2iC Moderator for the Wallace McCain Institute on a contractual basis. She counts herself fortunate to have worked with award winning organizations and leaders; including one of Profit magazine’s top ten fastest growing companies in Canada and 50 Best Managed Company’s seven years running. Two of the CEO’s have been nationally recognized, including Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Pacific Region and a recipient of Canada’s Top 40 under 40.
In 2008, Kim founded HRX-FACTOR to provide support to organizations to assist in achieving desired business results. Kim recognizes that companies are unique because of their people. What makes organizations powerful are talented, empowered, motivated teams that exceed organizational goals. Kim’s professional success is rooted in a belief that people are a company’s most valued resource, and when aligned with business strategy, become your X Factor.
Kim understands the significance of being empowered by inspirational entrepreneurs in fast–growth, innovative environments, and has been fortunate to be a part of great business success stories.
Annette Verschuren O.C.
Annette Verschuren is founder, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and principle of NRStor Inc. The company develops and manages energy storage projects.
Prior to this, Ms. Verschuren was president of The Home Depot Canada. She oversaw the growth of the company’s Canadian operations from 19 to 179 stores from 1996-2011 and led its entry into China. Ms. Verschuren was President and co-owner of Michaels of Canada, a chain of arts and crafts stores.
Annette is the Chancellor of Cape Breton University and is on the Board of the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment, (VCSEE). She has received numerous Honourary Doctorates from Canadian universities including her alma mater, St. Francis Xavier University and is a founding member of the Rideau Hall Foundation.
Annette is a Companion of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. She was named as an Officer to the Order of Canada for her contributions to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility. Her book Bet On Me: Leading and Succeeding in Business and in Life, was published in 2017. Annette will speak with alumni members at the Gathering on Thursday, October 23rd.
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