Burlington Economic Development Corporation
Burlington, ON, June 8, 2012 – The Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) inducted Reginald Pollard into the Burlington Entrepreneur Hall of fame last night at the Burlington Convention Centre. This esteemed award honours an individual that has built a successful, nationally or internationally recognized company, given back to the community and strengthened the image of the city. Mr. Pollard celebrated the award along with 475 other guests.
“Last nights induction as Burlington’s 8th Entrepreneur of the Year celebration was truly an honour for me to receive. I was overwhelmed to be surrounded by family, friends, and business associates who have made my journey to receiving this award a treasured and memorable event. I am deeply honoured to be selected and proud to join a distinguished group of past award recipients. BEDC and the City of Burlington provide a nurturing environment for local businesses to foster innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. My advice for future Entrepreneurs, ‘Stick to it, don’t be put off at every turn.” said Pollard.
As the Chairman & Founder of Pollard Windows, Reginald with his Father started a prefab garage and garden shed business on Maple Avenue across from where the Mapleview Mall stands today. From the beginning, persistence, hard work and a knack for innovative ideas are the qualities that made Pollard Windows grow. They slowly evolved into the window business, responding to the requests of people who couldn’t obtain windows because of shortages. In 1955 the business expanded, they purchased the existing site on King Road and built their first building. Mr. Pollard got to know the window business so well that in 1966 he was involved with several other industry associates in writing the window specs for Canada. Reginald designed a new method of house windows, removable double glazing using pvc with frames nylon turn buttons, which was then patented. Mr. Pollard was also a founding member of the Canadian Window and Door Association and in 2009 he was awarded the Industry Pioneer Award by the Association. Today the company has grown into an approximately 250 employees and 300,000 square foot facility and additional offices in Toronto, Buffalo, NY and a network of dealers throughout the U.S.
“It was a privilege to recognize Reginald Pollard as BEDC’s Entrepreneur of the Year at last night’s Signature Dinner. Reginald is an inspiration to the community. Mr. Pollard has demonstrated that one can achieve great business success and be a significant contributor to our community,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. Each year a member of the Burlington business community who exemplifies innovation and entrepreneurial skill is inducted into the Hall of Fame. The first entrepreneur award was given in 2005 to Harry Voortman (Voortman Cookies) and consecutively to the following acclaimed business leaders: Mark Chamberlain (Trivaris), Michael Lee-Chin (AIC Ltd./Portland Holdings), Michael DeGroote Sr. (Laidlaw/Republic), Ron Joyce (Tim Horton’s), Murray Hogarth (Pioneer Petroleums) and Ron Foxcroft Jr. (Fox40 International Inc.).
Award winners are presented with a sculpture created by a local artist that captures the essence of the entrepreneurial spirit being celebrated. All of the award recipients are recognized on a permanent display housed in the main reception area of Burlington City Hall.
“I’m certain that Reginald Pollard’s family, friends and colleagues are proud of his accomplishments and excited by his induction into Burlington’s Entrepreneur Hall of Fame,” said Alf Zeuner, Chairman of the BEDC Board. “I know that my colleagues on the board of directors and the staff of the BEDC are equally as proud to be able to recognize Reginald’s contribution to the Burlington community and his spirit of innovation and entrepreneurism.” Along with the award presentation to Mr. Pollard the BEDC presented 11 scholarships to students from The Centre for Skills Development & Training, Mohawk College and DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University. The BEDC scholarships recognize local students that are currently enrolled in academic programs associated with business and entrepreneurship.
The keynote address of the evening “In Search of Leadership” was delivered by Heather Hiscox, Senior News Anchor, CBC News Network. Guests attending BEDC’s flagship event celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit also enjoyed musical entertainment from Tori Sutherland and Pete Postma who performed two of Mr. Pollard’s favourite songs.
About BEDC
The Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is a non-profit organization established in September 1994 to work with both the public and private sectors to promote economic growth in Burlington. In partnership with the City of Burlington, BEDC is dedicated to retain the existing businesses in Burlington as well as attract new investments to the City.
For additional information regarding BEDC click here.
About Pollard Windows
Pollard Windows was founded by a young visionary with a strong work ethic. Norman Pollard arrived in Canada in 1947 ready to embrace a new life for himself and his family. A skilled carpenter, he taught his wife and children everything he knew about woodworking. And in 1948, the family business was born. The Pollard formula for success was simple: work hard, reinvest in new technology, and give customers more for their money. Today, Pollard operates out of a 300,000 square foot plant and is recognized as a leader in window and door manufacturing technology.
Pollard Windows is committed to the environment and is a member of both the Canadian and U.S. Green Building Councils® and is a long standing participant in the ENERGY STAR® program. It’s products are engineered to be ‘GREEN.’ The durable vinyl exterior can be easily recycled and ensures the window will last for years to come. The high energy performance not only lowers heating and cooling costs but also the amount of green house gases that are released into the environment. Pollard Windows has been involved in many LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects across North America which have received the highest certification, Platinum, under this program. Pollard Windows serves both the new construction and replacement window and door markets.
For more information call the Pollard Windows Marketing Department.