Jane Gleadall, George Buttigieg and Gayle McCaskill Honoured at COPA’s Night of Recognition

On the evening of October 30^th, members from the Canadian Office Products Industry gathered at The Vue event facility in Etobicoke for the latest “Night of Recognition” evening hosted by COPA.

This event brings together people from the industry to enjoy a fun night of networking, beverages and finger foods while celebrating and recognizing certain individuals for their leadership and contributions to the industry.

This year’s Night of Recognition honoured three individuals:

Jane Gleadall – Recipient of COPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

George Buttigieg – Recipient of COPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Gayle McCaskill – Recipient of COPA’s Industry Achievement Award

Jane Gleadall

Jane Gleadall enjoyed a 34-year career in the office products industry. She joined Bic Inc. in 1987, and later held various sales roles, including VP of Sales at Quartet, GBC, ACCO Brands Canada and Fellowes Brands where she also was promoted to the position of President in 2018. Jane retired in 2022. Jane was known as a collaborative leader, demonstrating confidence, decisiveness, and fearlessness. She was insightful, funny, and self-deprecating, and her connections displayed her deep concern for the health and well-being of her customers, employees, and family and friends.

Her former colleague, Renee Sang-Morris, Product Marketing Manager at Fellows Canada was on hand to speak about Jane’s career in the industry.

Jane Gleadall (center) receiving her COPA Lifetime Achievement Award from COPA President Sam Moncada (R) and Fellowes Canada’s Renerr Sang-Morris (L).

George Buttigieg

With an impressive 45-year career in the office products and paper distribution industry, George Buttigieg is a respected figure known for his deep expertise, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He retired after 26 years of service at Ariva, a Domtar business, where he played an instrumental role in overseeing sales and maintaining the company’s reputation as a trusted supplier. Before joining Ariva, George spent 17 years at Avery Dennison. Throughout his career, George was a mentor to many, offering guidance, sharing his industry knowledge, and helping colleagues and peers navigate the challenges of the evolving business landscape. His reliability and professionalism earned him the trust of countless clients and partners, solidifying his reputation as a go-to supplier in the industry.

Now retired, George reflects on a career marked by leadership, mentorship, and the respect of his peers, having left a lasting legacy in the industry he helped shape.

David Kleiner, retired Business Development Manager at Ariva Canada, was present to talk about his former colleague and friend’s time in the industry.

George Buttigieg (center) receiving his COPA Lifetime Achievement Award from COPA President Sam Moncada (R) and retired colleague David Kleiner (L).

In Loving Memory of Gayle McCaskill

In addition, the evening also recognized Gayle McCaskill who passed away earlier this year. Gayle spent over 35 years in the office products industry, starting with Wilsons Stationery and later moving to Today’s Business Products Ltd., which was taken over by Lyreco International, where she held the title of International Marketing Manager. During this time, she was actively involved with COPA and many of its committees and events. In 1992, she became Director of Consumables with CIBC and later joined the Bank of Montreal in 1998 as Director of Commodities, Services & Logistics. Following her banking career, she worked for DB Advantage Inc. and other companies as a consultant, including the Canadian Office Products Association. Gayle is missed by the COPA team and many friends from within the industry.

Bob Smith, Data Analyst for COPA & CHPTA, was on hand to say a few words about working alongside Gayle.

Also, on hand were several members of Gayle’s family including husband Darren Newhook, who discussed Gayle’s involvement and accomplishments working in the office products industry.

We congratulate Jayne, George and Gayle for their accomplishments.

A number of lucky attendees won gift baskets from draws held later in the evening.