MEDIA RELEASE 

Business Link Media Group Honours Hamilton’s Emerging Leaders at the 13th Annual 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards Ceremony 

 

October 30, 2026, Hamilton, ON – Business Link Media Group proudly recognized Hamilton’s outstanding young talent at the 2026 Hamilton 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards ceremony. The 13th annual gala, held on Thursday, October 29 at Carmen’s Event Centre in Hamilton, brought together award recipients, family members, friends, employers, alumni, sponsors, and community partners to celebrate Hamilton’s next generation of business leaders. 

Masters of Ceremony Brooke Hicks (2025 Alumna) and Vince Genuardi (2023 Alumnus) introduced this year’s 40 recipients, an inspiring group of entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community leaders representing healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing, finance, hospitality, nonprofit organizations, and professional services. 

The recipients were also honoured by local elected officials. Ned Kuruc, MP; Lisa Hepfner, MP; Monica Ciriello, MPP; Sandy Shaw, MPP; and Donna Skelly, MPP sent congratulatory certificates to all 40 winners in recognition of their achievements. The evening was attended by Hamilton City Councillor Jonathan Stathakos and Andrew Valero Bunke, Executive Assistant to MP Ned Kuruc, who came to congratulate the winners in person. Many distinguished alumni were also in attendance to celebrate and support this year’s class. 

The program opened with sponsor recognition from Charlie Agro, Co-Chair of the Hamilton 40 Under Forty event and a 2018 alumnus, who thanked the 32 sponsors whose generosity made the evening possible. Guests were then welcomed with opening remarks from Marilyn Tian, President & CEO of Business Link Media Group, who also announced that the 40 Under Forty program is growing, with the inaugural Halton 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards to be held in June 2027, co-chaired by MC Brooke Hicks. 

Arie Barendregt, President of Triple Automation and this year’s Presenting Sponsor, then delivered remarks highlighting the importance of innovation, leadership, and supporting Hamilton’s business community. 

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The Alumni Impact Award, sponsored by UFCW Canada Local 102, was presented to Erica Lamont of Lamont Law, a distinguished alumna from the class of 2019, in recognition of her continued impactful leadership and contributions to the Hamilton community. 

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Following dinner, the 2026 Hamilton 40 Under Forty award recipients were honoured on stage, with awards presented by Arie Barendregt of Triple Automation, the Presenting Sponsor. The celebration culminated in the presentation of the Best-in-Class Award, bestowed by Dennis Sousa (2021 Alumnus) of DESO Construction to Derek Decloux of the Canadian Armed Forces. This award recognized Derek for his outstanding leadership, professional achievements, and meaningful contributions to the Hamilton community. 

 

In her closing remarks, Marilyn Tian thanked the MCs, distinguished guests, alumni, sponsors, volunteers, and the Carmen’s team, and congratulated the recipients: “Listening to your accomplishments tonight, it is clear that Hamilton has another incredible group of young leaders guiding us into the future.” She emphasized unity and collaboration as key elements of the 40 Under Forty program in nurturing and empowering local businesses. Nomin