The Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), in partnership with Cape Breton University (CBU) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Cape Breton Chapter (AFP-CB), is honoured to announce the 2022 inductees into the Cape Breton Business & Philanthropy Hall of Fame, presented by Sydney Credit Union. The induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame Class will be held during a gala on the evening of May 18^th at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.

In 2022, the Chamber, CBU, and AFP-CB, are proud to induct two honorees into the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame, and one honoree into the Cape Breton Philanthropy Hall of Fame. These individuals were selected from a list of nominees submitted by both the public and business community in January/February 2022. Those chosen for the Hall of Fame are Cape Breton’s most esteemed business leaders and philanthropists who have exemplified business excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and community leadership, while paving the road for the future of Cape Breton leaders. All three of these individuals have committed their time, energy, and mentorship to their community, which has provided inspiration for other entrepreneurs and community-minded individuals.

The 2022 Hall of Fame laureates for the Business Hall of Fame are Mr. Bruce Meloney, and the late Mr. Vic (Victor) AuCoin, while Mr. Stuart MacLeod will be inducted into the Philanthropy Hall of Fame.

A North Sydney resident, Mr. Meloney has owned and operated The Shoe Tree, now known as Rieker by The Shoe Tree, for over 30 years, continuing to lead the business through Cape Breton’s evolving economic climate. Mr. Meloney was also Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chamber for several years, while also playing an integral role in the establishment of the Cape Breton Partnership, and the evolution of the Port of Sydney.

The late Mr. Vic AuCoin started Vic AuCoin’s Electric in the basement of his family home with his wife, Mary, and their three children in 1979. The AuCoin Group, as it is known today, employs 25 full-time employees in their electrical division, and another 6 full-time employees in their alarm and surveillance division, while becoming one of Cape Breton’s premier commercial, institutional and industrial electrical contractors. Over the past 40 years, Mr. AuCoin completed projects for the Shannon School of Business, Hospice Cape Breton, Walmart, RCMP Ingonish detachment, among many more.

It may be said that Mr. Stuart MacLeod, President and CEO of MacLeod Lorway Insurance, runs his business, and lives his life with a motto of personalized service and connection to the community. Since 1979, the MacLeod Lorway philosophy has revolved around commitment to the community, and Mr. MacLeod, along with his wife Nonnie, have let their actions speak louder than words. For more than four decades, Mr. MacLeod has been supporting numerous causes on Cape Breton Island, including the YMCA Building Fund, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation’s Because You Care Cup, Girl’s Night Out Fundraiser in support of the Transition House, the African Orthodox Church, among many more. Mr. MacLeod mentors his own employees to continue to support their own causes, much like he has, and has set the example of a new generation of philanthropists to live their lives and run their businesses “the Stuart MacLeod Way.”

"These inductees have inspired and influenced the local business community, paving the way to a prosperous Cape Breton Island. We are honored to recognize the lifetime achievements of our inductees and celebrate the roles they have played in setting the standard for upcoming business leaders and philanthropists in Cape Breton,” says Darren Chiasson, Hall of Fame Committee Chair.

In honour of the inductees, a portion of the proceeds generated from the Business & Philanthropy Hall of Fame Gala supports a scholarship fund that provides annual scholarships to students to continue their program of studies in the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University. Since its inception in 2002, more than $100,000 has been awarded to over 100 business students.

“We are thrilled to be honouring three pillars of the Cape Breton business community at the 2022 Hall of Fame. The inductees are true examples of business leaders who have forged the way for others' successes,” says Jenna Lahey, CEO of the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This is our opportunity to pause, acknowledge and appreciate all they have done for Cape Breton business and community. We are excited to celebrate all of their accomplishments on May 18th and express our gratitude for their commitment and generosity to our community.”

“By celebrating and honouring philanthropy in Cape Breton, the community is encouraged to better understand the tremendous value of giving back. We celebrate those who give back of their time, talent and treasure,” says AFP-CB President, Mark Inglis. “In honouring charitable giving, we are acknowledging how incredible people, like Mr. MacLeod, are shaping Cape Breton’s future.”

The Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honour individuals from the Cape Breton business community who paved the road for future generations in Cape Breton through business achievement and community involvement. In 2016, the mandate of the Gala Hall of Fame was broadened to recognize prominent representatives in the philanthropy community. 

The Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame will be held on the evening of May 18^th, with a reception starting at 6:00pm and gala dinner at 7:00pm, at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre. Tickets are available now through the Chamber for $115 +HST and can be purchased online at https://halloffame2022.eventbrite.ca.

Media Contact

Cameron MacDonald

Communications Coordinator, Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce

C 902-322-2984 | E [email protected]