b'CCABThe Tenure of CCABs CEO & PresidentI t is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to our CEO and president of almost eight years, JP Gladu. In March, JP will start the next exciting chapter of his life as CEO of Bouchier, the largest Indigenous-owned, integrated site-service company in the Athabasca oil sands region.We are all grateful for the valuable knowledge JP has imparted since taking the reins at CCAB and the positive impact hes had on the economic advancement of Indigenous communities and businesses. JP has been the backbone of CCABs tremendous success in improving Indigenous economic self-reliance by building relationships between mainstream corporate business and Aboriginal business. His dedication to levelling the playing field on the road to economic reconciliation is evident in all he does.Taking the best of a small, not-for-profit organization (with only seven employees at the time!), JP improved CCABs mandate, enriched its programs and extended itsand honour Indigenous women outreach. Under his skillful leadership,achieving business excellence. membership grew 425 per cent, while CCABs research department has becomeThe strongest leaders in any the principal centre for data on Aboriginalorganizationaretheones business development and entrepreneurship,who know how to build high both in Canada and abroad.functioning teams. As exemplified in the current CCAB talent pool, JP JP launched groundbreaking initiatives likehas been an exceptionally strong Tools and Financing for Aboriginal Businessand effective leader during his (TFAB) and Certified Aboriginal Businesstime here. His tireless work ethic (CAB) and helped grow the Progressiveand resulting accomplishments Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program fromJP on the cover of the inaugural issue of Theshow that success comes to those 14 to 105 companies. He led CCABsAboriginal Business Report, a publication hewho work hard, dream big and Supply Change campaign, an Aboriginalspearheaded. Alongside are Murray Koffler (far left)pay it forward. procurement strategy that has 59 corporateand Ron JamiesonAboriginal Procurement Champions to date.For those of us who had the Their work with Certified Aboriginal Businesses throughprivilege of working with him, we will remember JP for his CCABs Aboriginal Procurement Marketplace is broadeningcompassion, his strong belief in teamwork, and his knack for economic opportunities for Aboriginal business. Most notably,bringing out a laugh or a smile in everyone around him. He the campaign prompted Ottawa to move forward with its ownhas inspired us to do better and reach higher. He is truly a Indigenous procurement targetan unprecedented move.champion of change and a mentor who has paved the way for others to succeed. On a personal level, JP has always been a strong believer in recognizing Aboriginal business leaders and pioneers, asWhile we will miss JP, we send along warm wishes for his new reflected in his commitment to CCABs dedicated awardslife in (cold!) Fort McMurray and look forward to our continued program. During his tenure he expanded the program topartnership with him and the team at Bouchier.include two new awardsthe Aboriginal Young Entrepreneur award and the Indigenous Women in Leadership (IWIL) awardChi Miigwetch JP,to celebrate the enterprising spirit of Indigenous youthThe team at CCABAboriginal BUSINESS REPORT55'