Inspiring Business Leader Award

Celebrating inspiring and ethical business leaders who create change and build a better community for our future.

Join us to celebrate Kim McConnell, CM, our 2024 Inspiring Business Leader! He was a founder of one of North America’s largest agricultural marketing companies and pays it forward by actively mentoring many young professionals. This is inspiring business leadership worth recognizing. 

Kim was selected for his vision and his ethical, innovative approach to agricultural marketing. He is someone to whom the next generation of business leaders can look up with respect. Guests will hear from Kim in a fireside chat during the event.

Learn more about Kim McConnell

Kim McConnell, CM

Kim McConnell, CM

Kim McConnell is a prominent figure in Canada's agriculture industry and a trailblazer in agricultural marketing. As a founder and former CEO of AdFarm, one of North America's largest agricultural marketing communications firms, he has been a major force in shaping the industry.

McConnell's contributions have earned him numerous national accolades, such as the 'Agri-Marketer of the Year', the 'Mentor of the Year' award from the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, and in 2024 Calgary's ‘Inspired Business Leader’. His remarkable achievements include his induction into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2012 and his appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2017. 

His unwavering commitment to Canadian agriculture and its potential has been evident throughout his career. McConnell has been instrumental in launching major industry ventures, including strategic and policy development, promoting sustainability, and initiatives aimed at enhancing public trust in food and farming. He serves as a director and special advisor to numerous companies, government bodies, and industry leaders across North America. Moreover, McConnell is a fervent advocate for youth, entrepreneurs, and rising executives, inspiring them with his passion and dedication.

Influencing a new generation of leaders, students and the community, the Inspiring Business Leader Award shines a spotlight on ethical business leadership.

The Haskayne School of Business and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce co-present this award, focusing on outstanding leaders in the Calgary business community. Our Gala partner, Calgary Foundation, adds their support for recognizing leadership in our evolving city. Recipients will be recognized for their inspiring leadership, personal and professional accomplishments, commitment to community and business acumen.

The Inspiring Business Leader award began its journey as the Distinguished Business Leader award in 1993 and has recognized 31 outstanding leaders in the Calgary community. Since 2008, proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships from the event have been directed towards the endowment for a scholarship to support undergraduate students at the Haskayne School of Business. The Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship recognizes hard work and commitment of today's business students aspiring to be tomorrow’s business leaders. Event proceeds also support the Jim Dewald Emerging Leaders Scholarship offered through the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

Learn more about the Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship