PRESS RELEASE
JA British Columbia (JABC) has recognized John Anderson as one of its 2023 Laureate inductees into the British Columbia Business Laureates (BLBC) Hall of Fame.
The award recognizes leaders who have had a positive impact on the Canadian way of life and who are eager to inspire future leaders to do the same. Each member of the Hall of Fame has demonstrated a unique vision, supported others to achieve their goals, led lives of integrity and built a legacy that will enrich the lives of those who follow – on top of outstanding business achievements and lasting contributions for British Columbians. .
Anderson’s leadership of Oppy, BC’s oldest company with 164 years in business, earned him the attention of the BC Business Winners. His contributions to the province and community, including support for the World Civic Association, St. Paul’s Hospital, the CPET Laboratory at UBC Hospital and the Lion’s Gate Hospital Foundation continue to stand out, as well as his support for BC Transplant – flight nurses and doctors to various destinations to harvest organs from BC recipients on Anderson Air, Anderson’s private charter airline. Oppy’s support of BC Women’s Hospital, BC Cancer Foundation and BC Children’s Hospital in conjunction with Save-On-Foods was successful under Anderson’s leadership.
And of course, Anderson’s significant support of Canada’s fresh produce growers and the local economy reflects Anderson’s contribution to the quality of life for people across the province.
“As an organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people for success, we are very proud of the impact our inductees have made and the example they have set for youth,” said JABC President and CEO Sheila Biggers. “In addition, each demonstrates a significant commitment to their communities, in British Columbia and beyond.” Anderson’s fellow inductees for 2023 include Asa Johal, Nancy Stibbard and Peter B. Gustavson.
This latest honor brings together an extensive list of accolades for Oppy’s chairman, CEO and managing partner, including the 2021 CPMA and BCPMA Lifetime Achievement Awards, 2002 and 2015 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, 2017 Most Outstanding CEO Award respected by Canada, 2014 BC CEO of the Year Award, CCT Manufacturer of the Year Award 2013, Marketing Packer of the Year Awards 2000 and 2012. Through Anderson’s leadership, Oppy has been recognized as one of the best places to work in BC with several years in a row and has been named among Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 21 years, with 15 years in the highly regarded Platinum Club.
In 2014 the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce also presented Anderson with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Pennsylvania Senator Michael J. Stack noted him as “someone who, through dedication and excellence, contributes in a meaningful way to the well-being of his community and ultimately to all the people of this great commonwealth.”
“It is a great privilege to be named to the Business Laureates Hall of Fame,” shared Anderson. “I feel very fortunate to have made my way into this amazing industry, bringing fresh, healthy produce to Canadians and beyond for almost five decades. I am passionate about ensuring that future generations have that much available to them and investing in the leadership to do so – it is an honor to align that value with JABC, which does exceptional work supporting young people to succeed themselves. more important to me.”
This year’s induction ceremony will take place on May 30, 2023, and all net proceeds will support JABC’s efforts to deliver work readiness, financial health and entrepreneurship programs to youth in urban, rural and indigenous communities across the province.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the world for nearly 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy finds and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain every year, Oppy offers a huge selection from avocados and berries to apples and oranges all year round, along with innovative seasonal specialities. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to several items across its diverse product range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
About British Columbia Business Hall of Fame Winners
JABC created the British Columbia Business Laureates Hall of Fame in 2005 to honor the lifetime achievements of BC’s outstanding business leaders whose efforts have shaped our province and country. Nominations are open to the public to ensure that BC’s diverse business community is represented and that the widest group of nominees is promoted. Winners have demonstrated vision, leadership, integrity and legacy throughout their lives, and the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the positive legacy they leave behind for future generations of business leaders.
About JA British Columbia
JA British Columbia (JABC) is a non-profit impact organization that delivers free immersion in work readiness, financial health and entrepreneurship. Reaching thousands of young people each year through partnerships with educators, volunteers, and donors, JABC is one of the few organizations with the experience and passion to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.
For over 65 years, JABC has served BC’s youth, including Indigenous communities, people of color, and at-risk populations. JABC’s real-world training helps young people develop the skills to build successful careers, prepare for the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, and learn how to be financially successful. Through JA, young people are equipped with the skills and mindset to build successful communities.
JABC is a proud member of JA Canada and JA Worldwide, one of the largest and most influential non-governmental organizations in the world. For more information, visit jabc.ca.
