2011-2012
News Release
REF NO.: 153
SUBJECT: Faculty of Business Administration announces annual alumni and entrepreneur honours
DATE: March 28, 2012
Memorial University’s Faculty of Business Administration continues its tradition of honouring excellence in the alumni and business communities by announcing Peg Hunter as the recipient of the Alumni Honour Award and Bernard Collins as the recipient of the Gardiner Centre Newfoundland and Labrador Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The recipients’ accomplishments will be celebrated at the faculty’s 28th Annual Partners reception, on Thursday, May 17, at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s.
Now in its 28th year, Partners is the Faculty of Business Administration’s flagship annual event, bringing together the business faculty, students, alumni and community to pay tribute to those who have achieved excellence in business and have also used their skills and expertise to the benefit of others.
A graduate of the bachelor of commerce class of 1982, Ms. Hunter is the vice-president of marketing and communications for The Home Depot Canada, and vice-chair of the Canadian Marketing Association. A native of St. John’s, Ms. Hunter got her start promoting Maxwell House coffee for General Foods and went on to help develop some of the country’s best known brands, including Canadian Tire and The Home Depot.
Bernard (Tanny) Collins is president of PF Collins International Trade Solutions, a St. John's-based provider of integrated international trade and
logistics services. Mr. Collins is credited with enhancing the customs brokerage
business founded by his grandfather in 1921, transforming it into a major player in trade consulting and project logistics, particularly within the marine and offshore supply sectors, and expanding the business to include offices in Halifax and Calgary.
“Partners brings the business community together and showcases the achievements of our alumni and our entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Wilfred Zerbe, dean, Faculty of Business Administration. “Peg and Tanny are business people with fulfilling, interesting and rewarding careers and they’ve used their skills and experience to serve the community as well. That is a measure of true success and they are inspiring for today’s students and for us all.”
The Gardiner Centre Newfoundland and Labrador Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented annually by the Faculty of Business Administration’s Gardiner Centre. The centre provides timely and relevant open enrolment and customized management training and professional development and is a vital conduit connecting the faculty and the university with the province’s employers.
Brian Hurley, director of the Gardiner Centre, said this year’s recipient embodies the spirit of entrepreneurism in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“An entrepreneur does not always have to create something completely new but rather may see and pursue a new opportunity,” Mr. Hurley said. “Tanny saw market opportunities and built on PF Collins’ existing strengths – in particular the culture of customer service. I’m willing to bet that the growth is not over by a long shot.”
REF NO.: 153
SUBJECT: Faculty of Business Administration announces annual alumni and entrepreneur honours
DATE: March 28, 2012
Memorial University’s Faculty of Business Administration continues its tradition of honouring excellence in the alumni and business communities by announcing Peg Hunter as the recipient of the Alumni Honour Award and Bernard Collins as the recipient of the Gardiner Centre Newfoundland and Labrador Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The recipients’ accomplishments will be celebrated at the faculty’s 28th Annual Partners reception, on Thursday, May 17, at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s.
Now in its 28th year, Partners is the Faculty of Business Administration’s flagship annual event, bringing together the business faculty, students, alumni and community to pay tribute to those who have achieved excellence in business and have also used their skills and expertise to the benefit of others.
A graduate of the bachelor of commerce class of 1982, Ms. Hunter is the vice-president of marketing and communications for The Home Depot Canada, and vice-chair of the Canadian Marketing Association. A native of St. John’s, Ms. Hunter got her start promoting Maxwell House coffee for General Foods and went on to help develop some of the country’s best known brands, including Canadian Tire and The Home Depot.
Bernard (Tanny) Collins is president of PF Collins International Trade Solutions, a St. John's-based provider of integrated international trade and
logistics services. Mr. Collins is credited with enhancing the customs brokerage
business founded by his grandfather in 1921, transforming it into a major player in trade consulting and project logistics, particularly within the marine and offshore supply sectors, and expanding the business to include offices in Halifax and Calgary.
“Partners brings the business community together and showcases the achievements of our alumni and our entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Wilfred Zerbe, dean, Faculty of Business Administration. “Peg and Tanny are business people with fulfilling, interesting and rewarding careers and they’ve used their skills and experience to serve the community as well. That is a measure of true success and they are inspiring for today’s students and for us all.”
The Gardiner Centre Newfoundland and Labrador Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented annually by the Faculty of Business Administration’s Gardiner Centre. The centre provides timely and relevant open enrolment and customized management training and professional development and is a vital conduit connecting the faculty and the university with the province’s employers.
Brian Hurley, director of the Gardiner Centre, said this year’s recipient embodies the spirit of entrepreneurism in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“An entrepreneur does not always have to create something completely new but rather may see and pursue a new opportunity,” Mr. Hurley said. “Tanny saw market opportunities and built on PF Collins’ existing strengths – in particular the culture of customer service. I’m willing to bet that the growth is not over by a long shot.”
- 30 -