The Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board is launching the first-ever 40 UNDER 40 in the region, an event focused on recognizing the people under 40 who are doing terrific things in the BoQ.
The idea for the event was pitched to the Regional Marketing Board by local entrepreneur Matt Leonard, the co-founder of Olympus Property Management.
Matt notes, “The spark came from a similar event I attended, but the fuel was here all along. From chats with other small business owners, I realized how many young leaders are making real change. Not just growing companies, but shifting culture in the Bay of Quinte. I’m excited by the creativity, the drive, and how open our region is to bold new ideas. This event, and future others, is about recognizing that spirit and showing what’s possible when people lean in and lead with action.”
From now until July 27, people can visit bayofquinte.ca/4040 to nominate as many individuals as they’d like who are under 40 from the Bay of Quinte-partner communities of Belleville, Brighton, Napanee, and Quinte West, or who are members of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
Individuals can even nominate themselves if they feel they’re doing great things.
Then, from July 28 to August 18, anyone nominated will have an opportunity to complete the application, making the case for why they think they should be a Bay of Quinte 40 UNDER 40 recipient.
On Thursday, September 18, the winners will be celebrated at Signal Brewery.
Each winner will receive complimentary headshots and an award, and the top five will receive special recognition.
The event will be highlighted by a keynote speech from entrepreneur Sarah Prevette, the founder of Future Design School, Sprouter.com, and the event series Sprout Up, which has helped launch countless news startups. As well, the celebrated local band Moon Sugar will be providing musical entertainment throughout the night.
“We’re thrilled to support the 40 UNDER 40 event, a celebration of bold ideas, fresh thinking and young leaders driving the Bay of Quinte’s business scene forward,” says Elisha Maguire, manager of Economic Development for the City of Belleville and an event sponsor. “These entrepreneurs are making waves, building up our community, and showing what’s possible when innovation meets hustle. We’re here to cheer them on and help fuel their success.”
One of the unique elements of the 40 UNDER 40 program will be a series of follow-up events which will harness the knowledge, creativity and thought processes of the winners. “When Matt pitched us the event, one of his ideas was to also put the 40 of them to work in subsequent idea-generation sessions,” adds Dug Stevenson, Executive Director for Bay of Quinte. “That’s one of the things that inspired us to take this event on. We’ve got so many bright young minds in this region who we can’t wait to get into a room together later on and brainstorm community-building ideas for the region.”
Tickets for the 40 UNDER 40 event on September 18 at Signal Brewery go on sale in August for $75, which will include food and drink, encompassing a variety of appetizers and pizzas catered by Signal, along with local craft beers and PEC wine.
Multiple sponsorship opportunities exist, including the awards, food, and band sponsors. A limited number of stand-up tables may also be purchased for small groups.
Visit bayofquinte.ca/4040 for more information on all of the above and to submit a nomination.
