A Business Development Officer with PEI Business Development Inc., Rupert Sweetapple, was named “Most Supportive Business Advisory Board Member of the Year” for his continuous commitment to ACE PEI.

Rupert Sweetapple volunteers countless hours in assisting young Islanders learn about business. His efforts through programs such as “ACE: Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship” are helping many young Islanders launch careers in business.

The Director of International Relations for ACE PEI, Kristi Kelly, was also recognized with the Project Manager of the Year Award for her leadership abilities and outstanding dedication to Project Handibear. Through this project, ACE PEI members work with Yogi Fell, a former UPEI employee who operates a horse sanctuary in rural PEI. The team is helping her with the organization of finances, financial education, marketing plans and strategies, as well as curriculum development for her “Trailblazers” program.

ACE is a national, not-for-profit organization that encourages young entrepreneurs to create brighter futures for themselves and to improve their communities. The 2007 ACE National Exhibition involved students, faculty, alumni, business professionals, and supporters from across the country. The overall goal is to advance Canadian entrepreneurship by developing and executing educational outreach projects that teach the principles and values of entrepreneurship and market economics and by practicing their business skills through the team’s entrepreneurial initiatives.

Prior to the National event, a team of students from UPEI participated in the ACE Regional competition in three areas: Student Entrepreneur, Innovation Challenge and Financial Education Challenge.

In the Regional Financial Education Challenge, ACE PEI was named a Regional Champion and received a trophy and $1,500 in prize money.

In the Regional Student Entrepreneur category, UPEI student and owner of T.R. Lawn Care, Trent Cousins, was recognized as a Regional Champion. Mr. Cousin’s prize included $1,000.

The ACE PEI members that accompanied Business Advisory Board Chair Rupert Sweetapple at the ACE National Exhibition included: Mary-Jane Doucette, Colin MacDonald, Ricky Gossen, Kristi Kelly, Christina Koughan, Amy McKie, Willy Gauthier, Matthew Weeks, and Faculty Advisor Crystal MacLeod.