Family Business Atlantic Honours Founders Shaping Today’s Industries and Tomorrow’s Legacy

April 29, 2026, Halifax, NS –  Family Business Atlantic (FBA), in partnership with lead sponsors Scotiabank, Lighthouse Transportation Inc., and Summit Airport Parking, is proud to present the return of its premier spring event: the Awards of Excellence Luncheon – Founders of Today, Foundations for Tomorrow. This year’s event highlights leaders who are making a meaningful impact in complex and evolving industries – individuals who are not only succeeding, but helping to reshape the landscape for those who follow.

Taking place on May 7 at 11:15 a.m. at Dartmouth’s Brightwood Golf and Country Club, the luncheon will honour Colleen Cole of Permacrete Systems Ltd. and Roxanne Tate of Tate Engineering with the Foundations of Leadership Award. As founders in sectors where leadership pathways have historically been limited, Cole and Tate exemplify the vision, resilience, and determination required to break barriers while building strong, values-driven businesses. Their work is helping to create a more inclusive and dynamic future in family enterprise.

The centrepiece of the event will be a dynamic fireside chat moderated by Jill Murray, Director of Marketing and Communications at Advocate Printing and FBA Board Director. In conversation with Cole and Tate, Murray will guide an honest and engaging discussion about leading in complex industries, navigating challenges, and building businesses with intention – creating success today while shaping opportunity for future generations.

Further underscoring the theme of legacy and impact, FBA will present its second-ever Honourary Membership to long-time member John Abbass of Econo Color, recognizing his decades of leadership, mentorship, and lasting contributions to the organization. His influence reflects the very spirit of the event: building strong foundations that continue to support and inspire future generations.

“Family businesses succeed when they balance what’s built today with what’s possible tomorrow,” says Leslie Bishop, FBA President and Chair of the Scotia Investments Family Assembly. “This year’s honourees embody that vision. They are exceptional leaders who are strengthening their industries while expanding opportunities for others and helping shape the future of family business across Atlantic Canada.”

Open to FBA members, business leaders, and community supporters, the Awards of Excellence Luncheon will bring people together for an afternoon focused on leadership, legacy, and the evolving role of family business in Atlantic Canada.

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About Family Business Atlantic

Family Business Association – Atlantic is the only organization in Atlantic Canada dedicated exclusively to the development and support of family-owned and operated businesses. Through community-building, professional support, and knowledge sharing, FBA helps members build smarter businesses, stronger families, and lasting legacies.

Unlike traditional business associations, FBA focuses on the unique challenges and strengths of family enterprise, fostering shared experience and deep community connection. At Family Business Atlantic, we believe strong businesses start with strong families.