June 15

Born in Lausanne in 1790, Charles-Amédée Kohler founded one of Switzerland's early chocolate factories. He introduced the concept of integrating hazelnuts into chocolate, creating what became known as hazelnut praline. His innovative methods helped establish Switzerland's reputation for fine chocolate. Under his leadership, the Kohler company expanded across Europe and influenced generations of confectioners. He was also a philanthropist, supporting education and the arts until his death in 1874.

Born in Rome, New York in 1801, Benjamin Wright Raymond moved to Chicago in the 1830s and established a successful mercantile business. In 1842, he was elected as Chicago's third mayor, focusing on urban planning and infrastructure improvements during his term. Raymond played a key role in the early development of Chicago's shipping and railroad connections. After leaving office, he continued to influence local commerce and politics. He passed away in 1883, remembered as a pioneer in Chicago's formative years.

Born in Walton, New York in 1805, William Butler Ogden moved west and became a successful real estate developer and railroad entrepreneur. Elected as Chicago's inaugural mayor in 1837, he championed infrastructure projects including rail connections and the city's harbor improvements. Ogden co-founded the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, which played a crucial role in linking Chicago to the American interior. His dual career in business and politics helped establish Chicago as a major urban center. He died in 1877, leaving a lasting impact on the city's expansion.

Sam Sniderman was born on June 15, 1920, and launched his first record store in Toronto. Under his leadership, Sam the Record Man grew into a national chain known for its neon record signs. He championed Canadian musicians, providing a platform for domestic talent in the 1960s and beyond. The Yonge Street flagship store became a cultural landmark and gathering spot for music fans. Sniderman's business innovations helped shape Canada's retail music industry. He was later inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame for his contributions. Sniderman passed away in 2012, remembered as a visionary in music retail.

David Alliance, Baron Alliance (born 1932) is an Iranian-English businessman and politician who built a global textiles empire. He founded his first company in Iran and expanded into Europe and North America. In the UK, he chaired Alliance UniChem, guiding it to become a leading healthcare distributor. His entrepreneurial success led to his appointment as a Conservative life peer in the House of Lords in 2007. Alliance has supported educational and cultural initiatives through his philanthropic efforts. His dual roles in business and politics have made him a prominent figure in British public life.

Born in Oakland, California, Connerly served as a University of California regent from 1993 to 2005. He led the effort to pass California's Proposition 209 in 1996, which banned affirmative action in public institutions. In 1998, Connerly founded the American Civil Rights Institute to promote equal treatment under the law. His activism sparked similar ballot initiatives regarding affirmative action across several U.S. states. Connerly's work has been both praised for advocating colorblind policies and criticized for its impact on minority enrollment. He continues to be an influential figure in debates over race, education, and public policy.

Born in 1942 in Montreal, Quebec, Greenberg began his career in radio advertising in the 1960s. In 1968, he co-founded Toronto Airtime Ltd., which later evolved into Astral Media. Under his leadership, Astral acquired radio stations, specialty television channels, and outdoor advertising firms. Greenberg guided the company’s expansion into one of Canada’s largest multimedia enterprises. He served as Astral's CEO and Chairman for several decades, overseeing strategic growth and innovation. After stepping down in the 2000s, he remained active in philanthropy and industry organizations. Greenberg passed away in 2022, leaving a mark on Canada's broadcasting landscape.

Lakshmi Mittal is an Indian-English steel magnate who chairs ArcelorMittal, the largest steel producer globally. Born on June 15, 1950 in Sadulpur, India, he transformed a small family business into a multinational conglomerate through strategic acquisitions. Under his leadership, ArcelorMittal expanded operations across five continents and played a key role in modernizing the steel industry. Mittal has been consistently ranked among the world's wealthiest individuals and is known for his philanthropic contributions to education, healthcare, and the arts. His business acumen, negotiation skills, and ability to navigate economic challenges have made him an influential figure in global commerce.