Canadian Television Personality Jessi Cruickshank Headline’s Virtual Event

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – April 8, 2022): Undergraduate Business students from Algoma University’s campuses in Brampton and Sault Ste. Marie, Lakehead University and Lake Superior State University had their skills put to the test during a live virtual version of the Algoma University School of Business and Economics’ annual Northern Ontario Business Case Competition (NOBCC). The event represents the culmination of four years’ worth of studies in an undergraduate business or commerce degree program.

“The Business Case Competition, which has become a ‘rite of passage’ for many, is the ultimate way for students to finish off their undergraduate business education,” said Cathy Denomme, Director of the School of Business and Economics. “It allows our best and brightest the opportunity to showcase their talents to future employers while competing directly with their peers. This year’s participants were once again able to leverage this great virtual networking opportunity which could be a valuable stepping stone in their career development.”

Celebrity judges included Jessi Cruickshank, Canadian television personality and host of Canada’s Smartest Person and The Goods; Hamza Khan, future of work expert and author of Leadership, Reinvented; Matt Basile, founder, Fidel Gastro’s; and, Barb Stegemann, bestselling author and Chief Executive Officer of award-winning social enterprise, the 7 Virtues Peace Perfumes. Judges interacted with students throughout the competition while also participating in an insightful panel discussion entitled, “Is Virtual Reality?” where they reflected on the last two years and how we had to adapt to a mostly virtual world and social connections while inspiring participants to consider how we navigate both the virtual world and the real world effectively in the future.

Dr. Donna Rogers, Vice-President Academic and Research at Algoma University shared, “Today’s case competition was simply incredible, with event organizers connecting students, judges and community business leaders from across the globe for an intense day of virtual activity. What an amazing and innovative example of how we can use technology to support experiential learning, event planning and for student and community engagement!”

“Today’s event highlights what many successful entrepreneurs and business leaders have recognized for years; new challenges such as those we have all faced this past year present new opportunities that wouldn’t have existed before,” shared Donna Hilsinger of The Water Tower Inn, who played a lead role in organizing the competition. “I believe today’s competition helped to open the minds of these graduating students to the tremendous possibilities available to them.”

Cruickshank also served as event emcee and host of a live virtual after-party where the winners of this year’s competition were announced. The competition was intense again this year with Algoma University’s Team 10 taking the top spot. Team 5 from Algoma University finished in second and with a tie for third place going to Team 9 and Team 11, both from Algoma University! Congratulations to all award recipients and participants! 

The event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors; 

Algoma Steel Inc., Algoma University Alumni Council, BDO Canada, CPA Ontario, Fortis Ontario, Inzola, Kallo Developments, KPMG, Lallemand Plant Care, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, NorthStar Consulting, PUC Services Inc., Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre, Social Services – Sault Ste. Marie District, The Water Tower Inn.

Thank you to our judges, volunteers, participants and community partners who make this event possible.

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