Dear ABMInsider,
Today, we mourn the passing and celebrate the life of our beloved co-founder, Edwina Hutton.
A clever and astute businesswoman, she was the quiet voice behind the scenes here at Atlantic Business Magazine for 25 years. Together, she and her husband Hubert built this publication into Atlantic Canada’s longest-publishing and most award-winning business magazine. Along the way, they founded what has become the region’s premiere corporate leadership recognition program—the Top 50 CEO awards.
A trusted mentor and valued advisor to many, in 2004 she was recognized with an NLOWE Champion Award for her outstanding contribution to women’s advancement in business and community economic development.
Though several co-workers were direct relations—Hubert, her devoted husband; sister Sharon Hurley; daughter Tonia Hutton—Edwina embraced all of us as family. She was our ‘work mother’. She cared, not just about our work but about our lives.
Ever thoughtful and generous, she often brought surprise treats to the office – flowers for Easter… artisanal bread from her favorite bakery… taking us to lunch ‘just because’… buying presents for our kids.
She insisted corporate successes be celebrated with acts of kindness. Planning the company’s 20th anniversary celebrations, she kept saying something was missing. Until she came up with the idea of giving away 20 ads to charitable organizations – a significant donation for a company our size.
In the same way, Christmas wasn’t Christmas until we had helped families in need. She had a particular soft spot and respect for single mothers.
A staunch believer in the mighty power of our small team, Edwina was supportive and understanding, fun and funny. If she heard an ABBA song, she couldn’t help but get up and dance—her spontaneous vivacity inspiring joy throughout the office.
Working alongside her, as I did from 1996 until she retired, was an absolute gift. Her faith gave us the strength and resilience to work harder, dream bigger, be more creative—she inspired us to do more than we would have ever thought we could achieve on our own.
We would not be who we are today without Edwina Hutton. Though she retired six years ago, her spirit continues to be the heart and soul of our company. May it ever be so.
She was Ween, our Queen – she will be forever missed.
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Dawn Chafe Co-owner & Executive Editor Atlantic Business Magazine dchafe@atlanticbusinessmagazine.ca |