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Ken Hammill
Ken’s contributions to the City of Guelph span several decades.
He is well known in the business community from his tenure at Oregon Chain, later Blount Canada, from which he retired in 1994 as Vice President General Manager.
As a member of City Council for 29 years, he played a significant role in the shaping the development our city. He was known for his fiscal management as the Chair of Finance for many years.
Through his new role with the Friends of Guelph, he has assisted numerous community endeavours including the new Guelph Community Health Centre, the Guelph Sports and Entertainment Centre, the Royal City Bandshell, the Ouigo program at the River Run, physician recruitment and, as many of you know, countless fundraising initiatives. In particular, through his participation on the Downtown Economic Strategy Steering Committee he has championed the redevelopment and revitalization of our downtown. Most recently, Ken has established the Guelph Community Foundation and the first grants are to be presented in June of this year. In addition, Ken has had his hand in most of the City’s 175th anniversary events.
Ken always demands excellence, and his contributions to the community will resonate for years to come.
Lois MacDonald
Lois is originally from the Missanabie Cree First Nation, and is currently serving as an employment development officer at Anishnabeg Outreach.
She has initiated, and been part of, a wide range of workshops, educational seminars and cultural events including the Aboriginal circle at the Hillside Festival, an annual Native children’s Christmas party and several seasonal community feasts held at Dublin Street United Church. She has inspired a number of artists in the community and organized several artistic events that have strengthened the Native community.
In her capacity as a training and employment advisor, she encourages individuals to start small businesses and assists with the development of small business plans. In addition, Lois gives counsel, support and resource materials on a variety of concerns including general health issues, diabetes, addiction, parenting and financial hardship.
Lois has improved the quality of life for many Native and non-Native individuals and families in our community.
Stephen Rodd
As a retired professor of economics from the University of Guelph, Stephen continues to play a role in policy and program development in our community.
He played an important role on the Green Plan Committee, which had a mandate from City Council to develop a Green Plan that would build on our community’s accomplishments and reputation for environmental stewardship. The plan was adopted in 1994. Since then, Stephen’s continued stewardship of the plan through his role as co-chair of the Green Plan Steering Committee has served this community well.
Stephen has participated in numerous City processes and submitted thoughtful, researched briefs to assist in policy development on a variety of issues.
Most recently, Stephen was instrumental in the establishment of Guelph Environmental Leadership, a non-profit organization to promote and direct community-based environmental initiatives in partnership with the City of Guelph.
Stephen is a model community leader and we are fortunate that the city continues to benefit from his expertise and energy.
Martha Jakowlew
Martha is Vice-President and General Manager of Elliott Coach Lines, and has been active in her industry, serving as a Director and President for the Ontario School Bus Operators’ Association.
She is also involved in a number of community organizations; she is active in the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, serving as President for a term, and has been a member of the Rotary Club of Guelph since 1992. Martha began volunteering with the United Way in 1997 and served as Campaign Chair in 1999 and 2000.
In 1998, she served as Chair of Special Events for the Ontario Summer Games, and was there to help once again when Guelph was selected to host the Ontario Winter Games this year.
Until very recently, Martha served as Board Chair of the newly formed Guelph Hydro Incorporated, providing leadership during a period of great change and uncertainty in the electrical industry.
Guelph is fortunate that Martha gives her time and talent to such a range of local organizations.