2006 Awards Gala - An Evening To Remember
The Calgary Apartment Association’s 7th annual Awards Gala was held Thursday, April 6th in the elegant Alberta Room at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel. We had our largest turnout ever to honor the deserving winners of these prestigious awards. Evening MC was Tim Sommer, our newsletter editor, from Cushman & Wakefield LePage, who did a magnificent job and kept the crowd chuckling with his quick wit and hilarious banter.
After a lovely dinner and surprise entertainment by talented Bill Schmidt (aka Frank Sinatra) the awards ceremony began. There were two Lifetime Achievement Awards given this year. This award recognizes individuals who have been CAA members for over 5 years and have made a significant contribution to the CAA through their leadership, dedication and commitment and have unselfishly given of themselves to enhance and promote the CAA. The first award presented was sponsored by Direct Energy Business Services. The recipient was Don Neufeld, of Phelps Apartment Laundries, for his tireless volunteer efforts on behalf of the CAA, who was so surprised when he heard his name called that he dropped his fork! For a very long time, Don has been heavily involved with the CAA golf tournament and has chaired the Committee for the past 5 years. He has demonstrated excellent leadership and organizational skills, donated countless hours of his own time arranging for sponsors and signs and arriving at the venue hours ahead of the golfers to ensure everything is running smoothly. He assisted Crime Stoppers recently when they called the CAA office looking for someone who could help with a segment dealing with apartment laundry room break-ins and theft from laundry equipment, has given CAA safety and security seminars, written informative articles for our newsletter, and has, for years, headed the committee who phones our members without faxes or e-mails to advise them of our upcoming events.
The second Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the members and Board of the CAA, was presented to Jim and Martha Walmer. Jim was elected to the Board in 1999 and has served as the CAA’s treasurer until his retirement from the board in March. He has also chaired the Finance & Compensation Committees while serving in his capacity as Treasurer, and actively participated in numerous Ad Hoc committees. Jim and Martha have donated hundreds of hours of their time to make the CAA a better organization, regularly attended the luncheons and volunteered their time to sell forms to other members attending these functions. They were at the trade show every year from early morning set up until late afternoon tear down working in the CAA booths, selling forms and memberships and answering questions. In 2002 they were the proud and deserving recipients of the Building of the Year Award in the 1-12 unit category.
The first customer service award, sponsored by Boardwalk Rental Communities, was won by Ray Calis, Silverbroom Contracting. Ray is a long time member of the CAA, who can’t rest until his customers are satisfied, can’t sleep until his employees rest, and can’t smile until everyone is happy. His customers say he is extremely dependable and conscientious, does an excellent job and always goes the extra mile. Warmhearted, kind and generous, Ray is a real gentleman. He had the audience rolling in the aisles with his humorous acceptance. The second customer service award, sponsored by Telus Future Friendly Home went to Ruby Jeaurond of HomeRENT.ca. Ruby’s acceptance was delayed slightly, as she had to put her shoes on before she could walk to the stage! Ruby’s customers say that she is top notch in her field and exceptionally good at what she does. Dedicated to her clients and the efficient service she provides, Ruby ensures that she gives excellent follow up, is proactive, and always works well with her customers. She is a very hard worker and a respected person who makes fair decisions.
Recipient of the 2006 Tenant Service Award in the Large Building Category, sponsored by Rent Check Credit Bureau, was The Pinnacle, 9600 Southland Circle SW, owned and managed by Morguard Residential Inc. Anne-Marie & Gord Wilkie, the building managers, accepted the award for the 278 unit high-rise, whose staff has taken the initiative to make apartment living an enjoyable experience, introduced daily newspaper delivery, main floor vending machines, Friday morning coffee & donut soirees where the tenants and staff can talk about their week and pass on news and building insight. They hold many special events throughout the year, such as summer barbecues and Christmas socials, and create a warm community feeling that is so important to the residents.
Winner of the Tenant Service Mid-Size Building category, sponsored by Landlord 911, was Lakeview Mews, 2528 – 66 Ave SW, managed by Realstar Management. Resident managers John and Louise Morin accepted the award for this immaculate building with a sense of family and community. The staff holds hold bi-monthly residential events to ensure everyone is happy…birthday parties for the tenants, Christmas and Stampede socials. A resident was once given 100 roses on her 100th birthday. The staff exemplifies what great resident managers should be.
There were four Building of the Year Awards, which recognize owners and managers for the performance of their duties related to the overall management and maintenance of their buildings. Entrants are judged on cleanliness of building, lighting, fire procedures, security, renovations, mechanical room and occupancy levels. Building of the Year Award in the 1-12 unit category, sponsored by the Calgary Herald, was won by the Accessible Housing Society for its building Fourth Dimension (4D) Group Home and graciously accepted by Monique Britten, a member of the Society’s Board of Directors.
Building of the Year Award 50-100 unit category, sponsored by Laird’s Flooring, was won by Realstar Management for their building, The Mansions, located at 104 – 26 Ave SW. Accepting the award was the delighted resident manager, Anne Horrocks.
There were two recipients of the Building of the Year awards for the 100+ unit category. The first, sponsored by Home Renters Guide from Homebase Media, was won by Hollyburn Properties Ltd. for their building, Prince’s Island Place, 815 – 4 Ave SW. Ron Potyok, property manager, accepted the award. The second award for the 100+ unit category was won by Realstar Management for The Rouleau at 124 – 26 Ave SW. The award, sponsored by BFI Canada, Inc. was accepted by Marie Baker, resident manager.
We would like to acknowledge the following sponsors. Without their generous support, this event would not have been possible.
Evening Entertainment
Sponsor Shaw Cablesystems
T.P.
Evening Program Sponsor
The Telus Future Friendly
Home
Awards Plaque Sponsors
BFI Canada, Inc.
Boardwalk Rental Communities
Direct Energy Business Services
Home Renters Guide from Homebase Media
Laird’s Flooring
Landlord 911
Rent Check Credit Bureau
The Calgary Herald
The Telus Future Friendly Home
Platinum Plus Sponsor
5 Calgary Downtown Suites
Platinum Sponsors
Aardvark Pest Control Services
Berry Flooring Ltd.
Blackomb Mechanical Ltd.
Ecocoat Recycled
Latex Paint (Calibre Environmental)
Execsuite Inc.
Greg Martineau
Projects Inc.
Home Renters Guide from Homebase Media
NewWest
Enterprise Property Group
Realstar Management
Reggin Technical
Services Ltd.
Scotiabank
Evening Sponsors
Canadian Cash Management Services
CAP REIT
Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT
Coinamatic Smart City
Gateway Property Management
Peoples Trust Company
Renfrew
Insurance Ltd.
Weidner Investment Services
Inc.
