Be part of this year’s celebration as we recognize the Hunter family as 2026 Inspiring Business Leader!
Selected for their legacy of entrepreneurial thinking that has shaped business, philanthropy and innovation in Calgary, the family’s humble-yet-fearless approach has stretched from early ventures in the oilpatch and early-stage tech to public service and community leadership.
As founders of Bluesky Equities, the enterprising family has become a driving force within the Western Canadian innovation ecosystem, while through the Hunter Family Foundation, the Hunters have made transformative contributions in areas such as entrepreneurial thinking, health and wellness and free markets.
Guests at this year’s event will hear from the Hunter family as they share insights into their journey of taking big bets for systemic change — and why they feel supporting entrepreneurial thinking is the best path to economic resilience.
Proceeds from the event will support scholarships for Haskayne School of Business students as they develop into future business leaders.
Celebrating inspiring and ethical business leaders who create change and build a better community for our future.
The Inspiring Business Leader Award shines a spotlight on those who lead with purpose, integrity and vision. These are the leaders who uplift our community through their remarkable success in business but also by demonstrating what ethical and impactful business leadership looks like today.
Co-presented by the Haskayne School of Business and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, with support from our gala partner Calgary Foundation, the event offers insight on leadership in a city that’s always evolving. Each year, it honours an individual for their inspired leadership, business expertise, personal and professional achievements, and contributions to the community.
First introduced in 1993 as the Distinguished Business Leader Award, this annual celebration has recognized 32 exceptional leaders in Calgary’s business community. Ticket and sponsorship proceeds have funded an undergraduate scholarship at Haskayne.
Since 2008, gala proceeds have funded scholarships for a Haskayne undergraduate who demonstrates ethical leadership, with a portion also supporting new entrepreneurs through the Calgary Chamber’s Jim Dewald Emerging Leaders Scholarship as well as the Calgary Chamber’s Emerging Entrepreneur scholarship.
