What makes a city “investable?” It’s not just cranes on the skyline or positive balance sheets — it’s the presence of visionary leaders who build more than business. They build belief. They take a long-term view of place, people and potential, and they choose to invest here.
Every year, the JA Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame celebrates those leaders. This year’s inductees — from construction to technology, development to infrastructure — remind us that prosperity isn’t an abstract idea. It’s built, deliberately, by people who choose to reinvest their success back into their communities. They choose to bet on Edmonton.
That matters because our city — like many others — is at a crossroads where investment is both an opportunity and a responsibility. We need the kind of infrastructure expertise that Bob MacLean has pioneered through his leadership in real estate development and innovative engineering solutions. The future-focused technology that Zainul Mawji drives, expanding connectivity and digital access for Canadians. The steadfast city-building commitment shown by Dave Filipchuk and David Kent, whose projects continue to shape Edmonton’s landscape. The entrepreneurial vision of leaders like Nizar J. Somji, whose tech-driven investments bolster economic growth and Cam Linke, whose dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship has strengthened Edmonton’s startup ecosystem. Together, they embody the spirit of contributing to the greater good — and a deep belief in what Edmonton can become.
Just as important as what these leaders build, is who they inspire.
At Junior Achievement Northern Alberta, we work with thousands of students each year — young people learning how to take their first financial steps, start their first businesses, and see themselves as future leaders. These students are watching, and more importantly, they’re imagining their place in the world and in this city. They’re asking: is there room for me to thrive here? The answer must be yes.
If we want to continue to grow an investable city, we need to cultivate homegrown talent. That means teaching financial literacy in classrooms. Mentoring young entrepreneurs. Giving students access to real-world experience and showing them, through the example of leaders like our 2025 inductees, that you don’t have to leave to lead. You can make a difference right here.
The Alberta Business Hall of Fame doesn’t just celebrate success — it celebrates rootedness. These are leaders who didn’t just build companies; they built legacies and in doing so, they laid the groundwork for the next generation to imagine even bigger.
If I can convince you of one thing let it be this: let’s follow their example. Let’s build a city worth investing in and make sure our young people know they’re part of that future.
I hope you join us on June 11th at the JA Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame to celebrate these incredible leaders. Get your tickets here: janorthalberta.org/business-hall-of-fame/.
