2013 SCYPA Award Winners

Last Thursday, on November 21st, the Simcoe County Young Professionals Association held our annual awards evening at Michael & Marion’s. 30-40 people attended the social event, including the Mayor of Barrie, Jeff Lehman, who was in attendance to speak to the group. We had a fantastic evening as we were bombarded with a plethora of appetizers and food (courtesy of Michael & Marion’s).

The first award handed out was the Young Entrepreneur of Year Award, sponsored by Kristian Robillard of Sunlife Financial. The nominees were Lee Whitaker, Michael Holmberg and Sara Walton, with the winner being Michael Holmberg. In addition to helping several not-for-profit organizations in the city and serving as Event Co-ordinator on the SCYPA Board, Michael runs his own accounting business: Holmberg Accounting Chartered Accountant. With a client-first focus to an approachable working style, Michael provides all involved with the best opportunity to find success. Congratulations Michael!

The second award presented was the Community Involvement by a Young Professional, sponsored by the Planned Giving Counsel of Simcoe County. The nominees were Tim L. Walker and Rosanna Trapani, with the winner being Tim L. Walker.  Tim is a great contributor to the Barrie community.  He gives back in many forms and spends a great deal of his time volunteering.  In addition to being nominated to the position of chair of SCYPA, Tim also volunteers in kids ministry at Connexus Community Church and has participated in several fundraising events for causes like Prostate Cancer and Big Brothers Big Sisters, raising the most money for the PSA Challenge (prostate cancer) and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake.  Congratulations Tim!

The final award presented was the Young Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Anthem Mortgage Group. The nominees were Sarah Hahn, Graydon Ebert, Cesia Green, Krisitian Robillard and David Thompson. The voting was so close, we actually had a tie!  The co-winners of the 2013 SCYPA Young Professional of the Year Award are Sarah Hahn & Krisitian Robillard.  Sarah has recently been called to the Ontario Bar and is working hard to grow her municipal litigation practice. Despite her busy work schedule, she participates in many community endeavours. She is on the Board of SCYPA and Youth Haven Barrie. This year she took part in Simcoe County fundraisers such as the Rotary Fun Run and the Orillia Dragon Boat races.  Kristian represents what a Young Professional should be. He is always present throughout the YP community, meeting people, making connections and helping new members learn about the Barrie Business/networking communities.  Congratulations Sarah & Krisitian!

Thanks to everyone who nominated and voted on the awards, thanks to Michael & Marion’s for hosting, and thanks to the award sponsors! It was a fantastic evening – a fitting way to celebrate some of the outstanding young professionals in Simcoe County.