I suppose I should start by saying Thank You to the POA Foundation, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund, and others for having chosen me for this honor. It is truly a great honor and experience to stand before all of you here today. I want to express. My sincere gratitude to all who thought I deserved this award. This award means a great deal to me. I have always believed that it is Important to do what you do to the best of your abilities, and if people work together; they can achieve any goals set out for themselves.
Thank you to the POA Foundation and Nishnawbe Aski Nation for giving me the opportunity to participate in Project Beyshick 2006. It has been a valuable learning experience for me. Thank you to Mr. Geoff Hoy for allowing me to Job Shadow at HSBC and for being a positive mentor who enabled me to see a different side of the business world through all areas of his bank. My experiences with Project Beyshick, and Aditya’s Encouragement, have all been responsible for me to win this award.
I would also like to thank my family, my wife, Susan, my son, Brandon, and my niece Georgette, who have always stood behind me and have shown continued support for my business endeavors.
This award will be used to help build "North Spirit Foods". Implementation of my business plan has already began, and if all goes as planned, the grand opening for "North Spirit Foods" will be in early September 2007.
This award will also continue to serve as an inspiration to remind me what’s possible when I give things my all, and remember what can be accomplished when you put your mind to it. Let's keep dreaming up new businesses – so we can make them happen.
I once heard Aditya say: "Rising Tides Lifts All Boats" and it has been an inspirational quote that I often think about. I have been fortunate to be a part of Project Beyshick and it is important that it continue.
Without my own personal participation, I would not be here today… and I don't know if a business plan for North Spirit Foods would have been written, least of all started. Sometimes a little lift makes a great difference.
So in closing, I want to thank the POA Foundation again for putting together such a wonderful event. I am very grateful and happy you were all here to share this with me.
Thank You for allowing me this privilege of saying a few words to express .
My sincere appreciation.
Thank You
Darcy Kejick