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Classified in: Business
Subject: AWD

Joseph (Joe) Randell of Chorus Aviation Inc. named EY Entrepreneur Of The Yeartm 2017 Atlantic


Annual awards gala celebrates daring local entrepreneurs

MONCTON, NB, Oct. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Joe Randell, CEO of Chorus Aviation Inc., an organization that offers a full suite of aviation services, is this year's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Atlantic winner.

"Joe has played a vital role shaping the landscape of the Canadian airline industry," says Gina Kinsman, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Atlantic program Director. "He's navigated some turbulent times, but his strong management and entrepreneurial mindset has, and will continue, to guide him to success."

Joe's passion for the airline industry developed when he completed a research study for the startup of a new airline as part of his MBA. This project laid the groundwork for the creation of Air Nova ? one of the first classic regional carriers in Canada ? serving five destinations in Atlantic Canada with two aircraft.

The airline was bought by Air Canada in 1991, but through the acquisition Joe continued to grow the airline to 22 aircraft serving 19 destinations. Looking to expand further, Joe consolidated Air Nova and Air Alliance, and was subsequently tasked with the consolidation of the other major regional operators in Canada. The newly merged company launched its new brand, Jazz, in 2002.

By the end of 2005, Joe had grown Jazz to be a relevant, revitalized North American regional airline, making it Canada's second-largest airline by fleet and strong financial results. These years, however, were accompanied by many challenges. Escalating costs and pressures resulting from terrorist attacks, government-imposed charges, increasing competition and the 2008 financial crisis were all roadblocks in Jazz's development. Nevertheless, Joe's vision of a diversified company remained unwavering.

Today, his company is Chorus Aviation ? a corporation that owns Jazz Aviation, Voyageur Aviation and Chorus Aviation Capital. Together, they provide a suite of regional aviation services to customers around the world. These include: contracted flying operations, maintenance, repair and overhaul expertise, aircraft partings provisioning, airport operations, and aircraft leasing solutions.

Joe's admirable leadership extends beyond the workplace. He's a strong believer in fostering young entrepreneurial spirit and is a long-time supporter of Junior Achievement Nova Scotia. Joe is also actively involved with Dalhousie University's Faculty of Engineering, partnering students with Jazz Aviation for research and development projects. Joe has also been involved with the Multiple ScIerosis Society of Canada since 2004, and is currently a Director of the MS Scientific Research Foundation. 

"Joe has seen it all ? from startup, growth and restructuring to mergers, acquisitions and rebranding," says Kinsman. "He soars through with vision and passion to overcome complex challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Joe is the definition of a risk-taker, and we couldn't be happier to recognize him with this award."

What's next?
As the Atlantic region's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017, Joe will compete with top entrepreneurs from the Pacific, Prairies, Ontario and Quebec regions for the national honour of Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017, to be presented at a gala celebration on 30 November 2017 in Toronto. In June 2018, Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 will move to the world stage to compete with more than 50 country recipients for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

This year, Canada took home the gold when Murad Al-Katib of AGT Food and Ingredients was named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 in Monaco this past June. Murad is a shining example of accelerating growth with purpose.

"We wish Joe the best of luck in achieving the same success as he moves forward to the national gala in November," says Kinsman.

More information
Follow @EYCanada and #EOYAtlantic on Twitter for the latest event updates.

Visit ey.com/ca/EOY for more program details and a complete list of category finalists and gala dates in other regions.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Atlantic category award recipients:

Business Services
Chorus Aviation Inc. | Dartmouth
Joe Randell
www.chorusaviation.ca (TSX: CHR)

Business-to-Business Products and Services
Coach Atlantic Transportation Group | Charlottetown
Adam Doiron, Michael Cassidy
www.coachatlanticgroup.com

Business-to-Consumer Products and Services
Supplement King Canada | Dartmouth
Roger King
www.supplementking.ca

Emerging Entrepreneur
Metamaterial Technologies Inc. | Dartmouth
George Palikaras
www.metamaterial.com

Hospitality and Tourism
PAVIA Gallery - Espresso Bar & Cafe | Herring Cove
Victoria Foulger
www.paviagallery.com

Information Technology
Trihedral Engineering Limited | Bedford
Barry Baker, Glenn Wadden
www.trihedral.com

Manufacturing and Construction
MQM Quality Manufacturing Ltd. | Tracadie-Sheila
Serge Theriault
www.mqm.ca

Technology and Communications
Solace Power | Mount Pearl
Kris McNeil
www.solace.ca

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Yeartm
EY Entrepreneur Of The Yeartm is the world's most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/ca/EOY

The 2017 Atlantic independent judging panel consists of Dr. Kenneth A. (Sandy) Maclver, Director, Ron Joyce Centre for Business Studies, Mount Allison University; Ben Cowan-Dewar, Managing Director, Cabot Links; Robyn Eddy, President, Eddy Group Ltd.; Douglas Hall, Director, Pattern Energy Group Inc.; Sharon Sparkes, Senior Vice President & CFO, Newfoundland Liquor Corp.; Jackie McIntyre, President and CEO, Cows Inc.; and Toon Nagtegaal, Founder & Owner, THENEXTPHASE.

This year's program national sponsors are TEC Canada, La Presse, RDI, The TMX Group, The Globe and Mail Inc., Merrill Corporation, Kira Talent, Air Canada, SheEO, The Printing House Limited, Hillberg & Berk and MediaOne Creative. Atlantic regional sponsors are McInnes Cooper and Atlantic Business Magazine.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY is proudly celebrating 150 years in Canada. For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.

EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)


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