Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame

In 2024, the Chamber, CBU, and AFP-CB, are proud to induct three honorees into the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame, and one honoree into the Cape Breton Philanthropy Hall of Fame and one group into the Philanthropy Leadership Award. These individuals were selected from a list of nominees submitted by both the public and business community in March/April 2024. Those chosen for the Hall of Fame are Cape Breton’s most esteemed business leaders and philanthropists who have exemplified business excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and community leadership, while paving the road for the future of Cape Breton leaders. All three of these individuals  and group have committed their time, energy, and mentorship to their community, which has provided inspiration for other entrepreneurs and community-minded individuals.

The 2024 Hall of Fame laureates for the Business Hall of Fame are Mr. Charles Barrington, and the late Mr. Ernest Vokey, and Mrs. Valarie Sampson. Mr. George Unsworth will be inducted into the Philanthropy Hall of Fame and 100 Women Who Care CBRM will receive the Philanthropy Leadership Award. 

The story of Charles Barrington and Ernest Vokey began in the 1940s when they were employees at Winsor Sheet Metal in Sydney. They worked together at Winsor’s until 1957. In the summer of 1958, Barrington and Vokey Sheet Metal Contracting was established in Sydney. From very modest beginnings to the early 1990s the business grew to become a leading mechanical contracting firm in Nova Scotia. The mutual respect the pair had for each other made coming together as business partners a natural fit. Each regarded the other as the best sheet metal tradesperson they had ever worked with. Barrington and Vokey became synonymous with quality workmanship, a legacy they wanted to leave behind. Charles and Ernest have been fondly remembered as businessmen with integrity. Both men were very modest and did not consider themselves businessmen but simply “tradesmen who just happened to operate a business.” Charles and Ernest’s friendship lasted 60 years until Ernest’s passing in 2002. In April 2024, Charles celebrated a massive milestone, becoming a Centenarian.

Valarie Sampson, a lifelong resident of South Bar, is a successful businesswoman who has made a significant impact in the real estate industry in Cape Breton. She and her husband, Jerry, raised three children in South Bar and now enjoy having their families nearby in Coxheath. Valarie’s path to success began as a mature student at Cape Breton University, graduating in 1996 with a business and public administration degree. During this time, she worked in the family construction business, See Saw Construction, and served as the executive director for the Home Builders Association of Cape Breton. In 2004, Valarie completed her real estate licensing course and began working with Prudential Marquis. In January 2010, she purchased the RE/MAX franchise, opening RE/MAX Park Place at 602 Geo

rge Street in June 2010. Her business grew rapidly, acquiring Coldwell Banker in Port Hawkesbury in 2011 and later expanded to Antigonish in 2013 and Baddeck in 2015. Throughout her career, Valarie has received numerous awards for her company and she has always prioritized giving back to the community. Her passion for business and community shines through in all that she does.

George Unsworth, born and raised in Florence, has recently retired as a senior partner with Hunston Kachafanas (HK) Chartered Accountants. Prior to this role, he was a founding and senior partner with Unsworth Kachafanas Chartered Accountants. He has been a longstanding member of the Cape Breton business community. He has served the community in advisory roles for businesses of all sizes. George served as the project coordinator amalgamating two school districts, as an advisor on projects to reduce hospital operating costs, as a panel member concerning legislation affecting Nova Scotia Power, and on the advisory committee for the Canada Pension Plan, which led directly to changes in the CPP. George has amassed an admirable record of volunteerism. At CBU, he served as a member of the Board of Governors and provided leadership in this role. George has been an active member of numerous charitable organizations. One can assume there is not a major local fundraising campaign that he has not supported. George has supported, raising millions, for the Forever CBU and CBU’s Future First campaigns, numerous campaigns for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, and the Canada Games Complex and games, among many others.

100 Women Who Care CBRM was formed 10 years ago by co-founders Deana and Samantha Lloy to raise awareness of and contribute to non-profit and charitable organizations located in the CBRM. The group’s inaugural core team members are Deana Lloy, Chair and Events Coordinator, Shelley Lund, Administrative Coordinator, Margie Moore, Tech Support, Shelley Bennett Trifos, Media Coordinator, and Jourdan MacNeil MacIntyre, Photographer. The group brings together 100 (or more) like-minded women passionate about giving back to their community. Each quarter, the group meets to award at least $10,000 to deserving charities. Over the past 10 years, 100 Women Who Care CBRM has given over $560,000 to more than 40 local charities, fully donated by their members. The group of volunteers remain extremely dedicated, continuing their work through the COVID-19 pandemic by hosting virtual meetings, they made sure to be able to donate the same amount during those difficult times. 100 Women Who Care CBRM has made significant impacts on local charities and has allowed them to continue doing the work that they do. The group has inspired many others to give back to the community, either by becoming part of the group or in their own way.

The Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honour individuals from the Cape Breton business community who paved the road for future generations in Cape Breton through business achievement and community involvement. In 2016, the mandate of the gala Hall of Fame was broadened to recognize prominent representatives in the philanthropy community. 

In honour of the inductees, a portion of the proceeds generated from the Business & Philanthropy Hall of Fame Gala creates student awards to help them reach their goals and allow them to thrive and prosper here in our local business community. They will be awarded to students continuing their program of studies in the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University. Since its inception in 2004, more than $115,000 has been given to over 120 business students.