3 people named to P.E.I. Business Hall of Fame

Three people who have left their mark on P.E.I.’s business community are set to be recognized for their contributions.

Harvey Stewart, Kathy Hambly and Robert K. Irving will be inducted into the Junior Achievement P.E.I. Business Hall of Fame on May 21.

“It is the aim of JA PEI that by celebrating the achievements of outstanding business leaders of today, Island students will be inspired to follow their example,” the organization said in a news release.

Harvey Stewart

Harvey Stewart wears many hats.

Some may know him as the founder of H.F. Stewart and Sons or of Trout River Industries, two businesses that the organization says have made significant contributions to the Island’s manufacturing and construction sectors.

To others, he’s the fire chief for the West Point Fire Department, having been involved with the department for over 40 years.

Trout River Industries exports live bottom trailers both across North America and to international markets such as Mexico, Australia and the Middle East.

“Stewart’s career demonstrates how a business founded in rural Prince Edward Island can achieve sustained growth while remaining rooted in its local community,” the release said.

Kathy Hambly 

The release noted that Kathy Hambly has spent her career involved in the Island business community “as a business owner, advocate and champion of entrepreneurship.”

Hambly founded and operated her own retail clothing business, Katherine’s Ltd., and previously served as the executive director of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce.

These days, she’s the vice-chair of the board of directors of the Charlottetown Airport Authority.

She previously served as chair of the human resources and corporate governance committee of Maritime Electric Company Ltd., and sat on U.P.E.I.’s board of governors.

Robert K. Irving

Robert K. Irving is president of Cavendish Farms, which operates four frozen potato processing plants in North America, two of which are on the Island.

“Mr. Irving supports a wide variety of youth education and literacy programs and is an active fundraiser and champion for community health and development,” said the release.

The organization describes Irving as highly involved in the community, having co-chaired a Holland College capital campaign, among other things.

Irving is no stranger to an induction ceremony.

The co-CEO of J.D. Irving Limited has also been recognized by the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame and inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.