2004 Awards Gala An Outstanding Success
Silverware gleamed, crystal chandeliers sparkled and proud members of the Calgary Apartment Association and their guests mingled, laughed and applauded the winners at our fabulous Awards Gala on April 1, 2004 in the Alberta Room of the Fairmont Palliser Hotel. The meal was superb and Sean Softley, an extremely talented, self-possessed 17 year old fiddler, provided lively after-dinner entertainment prior to the awards presentation.
One hundred sixty-one people registered to attend the Gala, our largest ever. Master of Ceremonies, Sandy Mackenzie, Chair of our Social Committee, was assisted by the lovely ‘Vanna’ (Executive Director Gerry Baxter) and Jim McKibbin, CAA President.
The first award presented was to Wes Baker, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Trotter and Morton. This award recognizes those individuals who have been CAA members for over five years and have made a significant contribution through their leadership, dedication and unselfish commitment to enhance and promote the CAA. Wes has been a member since 1978 and served on the Board of Directors from 1994 to 2002. While treasurer, he spent many hundreds of hours working from his home as he maintained meticulous financial records. He rarely missed a Board meeting, and his clear, analytical thinking, coupled with his knowledge of the rental industry has made him a tremendous asset to the CAA.
Constable Gerry Bailey won the Calgary Apartment Association Safe City Award for the second time. Gerry is now a Community Liaison Officer working with the communities of Bridgeland, Riverside and Crescent Heights, and helping them plan and pilot the first ever “Crime Free Community event, which is being scheduled for Crime Prevention Week in May 2004. He won his first Safe City Award in 1997 for his work with the CAA and development of the “Don’t Know Them – Don’t Let Them In” program.
Recipient of the 2004 Customer Service Award, sponsored by Boardwalk Equities Inc., was Jerry Gautreau, owner of Aardvark Pest Control Services. Aardvark was described as a professional company whose staff take the time to answer questions, are well organized, thorough, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful! Aardvark received the ultimate compliment when their customers said they have never dealt with a more service-oriented company…one that goes above and beyond the “call of duty”.
The Tenant Service Award recognizes customer-focused owners and property managers who provide quality service to their tenants on an on-going basis. Winner of the Large Building Category award, sponsored by Sprouse Fire & Safety (1966) Ltd. was Jamal Afech, Senior Building Manager of Horizon Housing Society’s building at 3818 – 19 Ave SW. Jamal has been with his company for over eighteen years, knows all of his tenants and treats them with respect and fairness, which results in a high level of tenant satisfaction. He is a highly respected, honest and hardworking team player who is always ready to help out and lend a hand.
The Small Building Category award, sponsored by Landlord 911, was won by Gabrielle Callan, resident manager of Gateway Property Management’s building, Central Towers. Gabrielle is dedicated, committed and takes exceptional pride in her work. Her tenants have commented on her level of excellence in ensuring that their needs are looked after, her building is well maintained and she stays on top of the maintenance, cleaning and her administrative responsibilities.
There were four Building of the Year Awards. Entrants are judged on the following: cleanliness of building, lighting, fire procedures (emergency evacuation plans, upgrades to system), security, renovations (in suites and in common areas), and mechanical room – clean and orderly and preventative maintenance program in place – records clear and on site; and occupancy levels.
Building of the Year Award in the 1-12 Unit Category, sponsored by Renfrew Thompson Insurance Ltd., was won by Sutherland Asset Management Ltd. for their building at 3511 – 15A St. SW. Larry King accepted the award.
Building of the Year Award, 13 – 49 Units, sponsored by BFI Canada Inc., was won for the third time by ExecSuite for Sunnyside Gardens at 727 – 1 Ave NW. Peter Stern and Patricia Graham accepted the award.
The 50 – 100 Unit category, sponsored by Laird’s Flooring was captured by Sable Developments for their Kensington Gate project at 101 – 10A St NW. Tim Sommer accepted the award.
Chartwell Seniors Housing won the 101+ Unit Category, sponsored by Home Renter’s Guide, for their Royal Park building at 4315 Richardson Rd SW. The award was accepted by Lil O’Neill.
Plans are already underway for our 2005 Gala, which will be held in the Fairmont Palliser’s Crystal Ballroom if numbers warrant. Be sure to get your nominations in early and let’s make 2005 a Gala to remember!!!
