(Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS) – The Cape Breton Partnership proudly celebrated the exceptional achievements of businesses, organizations, and leaders driving economic growth across Unama’ki – Cape Breton during the 2025 Economic Impact Awards presentation, held on Thursday, October 23 as part of the annual Investor Summit at the Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay. 

The Economic Impact Awards shine a spotlight on those who are creating lasting impact through innovation, investment, and leadership. 

“This year’s winners represent the best of what Unama’ki – Cape Breton has to offer—vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to community,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “Their collective success tells a powerful story about how innovation and collaboration are shaping a stronger, more vibrant Island economy for everyone.” 

2025 Economic Impact Award Recipients: 

• Paul Harrington – Sponsored by Victoria Co-operative Fisheries 

• Celtic Colours International Festival – Sponsored by Sydney Credit Union 

• McCurdy Sydney Airport – Sponsored by Cape Smokey 

• Cape Breton Food Hub – Sponsored by Nova Scotia Pensions 

• Membertou Development Corporation – Sponsored by Nova Scotia Power 

“This year’s recipients embody the leadership and forward-thinking spirit that continue to move Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s economy forward,” said Dan MacDonald, Chair of the Cape Breton Partnership Board of Directors. “Their achievements remind us how vision and collaboration can shape a stronger future for our communities.” 

The 2025 Economic Impact Award recipients represent a cross-section of industries and communities from across the Island—from food systems to culture, transportation, and community development. Nominations are submitted, and nominees recognized for demonstrating a significant economic impact through new investment, innovation, or workforce development in the past year. 

“Every year, we see new examples of creativity and determination that reinforce the strength of Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s economy,” added Mattheis. “The momentum we’re seeing is a testament to the people and organizations that continue to believe in the power of this Island and its future.” 

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Media Contact:   

Michaela Epifano, Communications & Investor Relations Specialist 
Cape Breton Partnership  
(902)-562-0122 
Michaela@capebretonpartnership.com 

About the Economic Impact Awards 
The Economic Impact Awards annually recognize individuals and organizations from multiple industries for their outstanding contributions to the economy. Award recipients will be chosen based on their significant contribution to the Unama’ki – Cape Breton economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, and new investments.  

About the Cape Breton Partnership
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com. 

Paul Harrington: (L-to-R) Bob Pelley, on behalf of Paul Harrington, accepts an Economic Impact Award from Dan MacDonald, on behalf of Victoria Co-operative Fisheries.

Celtic Colours International Festival: Joella Foulds of Celtic Colours International Festival accepts an Economic Impact Award, presented by Jarrod Roy, Vice President of Growth and Member Relations for Sydney Credit Union.

McCurdy Sydney Airport: (L-to-R) Myles Tuttle of McCurdy Sydney Airport accepts an Economic Impact Award from Patrick Austin, Chief Advisor & Government Relations for Cape Smokey.

Cape Breton Food Hub: (L-to-R) Leah Nobel of Cape Breton Food Hub accepts an Economic Impact Award from Brendon LeLievre, Senior Manager, Business Development for Nova Scotia Pensions.

Membertou Development Corporation: (L-to-R) Jennifer Deleskie of Membertou Development Corporation accepts an Economic Impact Award from Paul Breski, Operations Manager, Eastern Territory for Nova Scotia Power.