The Calgary Apartment Association 2002 Awards
The Rewards of Success
By Tanya Dion
Three years ago, the Calgary Apartment Association (CAA) launched the first Awards Gala to celebrate excellence in the residential apartment industry. Each year, the event is bigger and better. On April 4, a crowd of over 130 people, including members of the Calgary Apartment Association (CAA), awards sponsors and special guests, gathered at the elegant Alberta Room in the Palliser Hotel for the third annual CAA Awards Celebration.
The evening began with casual mingling as guests arrived to share the success of not only the award recipients but also of the Calgary Apartment Association. The excitement and camaraderie of members in attendance carried on through dinner and an entertaining address by keynote speaker, Roger Jackson; Deputy Minister Alberta Government Services. As award recipients later stood in the spotlight, their achievements were heartily acknowledged by all.
The CAA is the sole voice acting on behalf of the residential industry in Calgary. Through maintaining strong relationships with government and other industry associations, through education and industry programs initiatives and by offering a welcoming networking environment and sharing of resources common to the industry, the CAA strives to continually excel at meeting the needs of landlords and apartment residents in Calgary.
The Awards Gala is a means to acknowledge exceptional achievements of the CAA members that represent the best in the industry. Growing in scope with each subsequent year, the third annual Awards Gala includes ten awards in six categories.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a CAA member that has been nominated by peers for significant contributions to the CAA and the residential rental industry. It is through the contributions of dedicated individuals who give of themselves in order to promote and enhance the CAA's mandate and who demonstrate leadership and commitment, that the CAA continues to experience positive growth and success. This year's recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award is Denise Thorburn of O & Y Enterprise. Denise has been a member of the CAA for 15 years. She has held numerous positions on the Board of Directors, has chaired or participated in many Board committees and has been an active volunteer at CAA functions and events. Under her leadership, the CAA membership has grown 30% in the past two years. Denise is responsible for the creation of effective programs and initiatives from "Code of Ethical Principles" to Board policies.
The success of the CAA is largely due to individuals who work behind the scenes to support and promote the goals of the Association. The residential property management industry relies on the quality of service and products provided by suppliers in every sector of the industry. With The Gerry Lebsack Award, the CAA salutes a Calgary-based individual or company who has served the industry with distinction. Lou Pituello of Homebase Media (Renter's Guide) is this year's recipient of this prestigious award. Lou has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the CAA and to the community at large through the development and implementation of programs that serve not only the CAA and its members but that ultimately serve the families who live in rental accommodations throughout the city of Calgary. Lou's commitment to the long-term goals of the CAA is on going. This year, he was elected to the Board of Directors where he continues to donate his time, knowledge and experience.
The Safe City Award recognizes achievements of serving police officers who’s input to the CAA assists building owners and managers in developing and implementing safety measures. This year’s Safe City Award goes Constable Gary Gaska. Gary is a 21-year veteran with the Calgary Police Service. He has worked closely with city Alderman and with property management companies, sharing his knowledge of and involvement in the "Crime Free Multi-Housing Program and "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design".
Building owners and managers achieve successful business operations beginning with reliable, courteous and qualified service and product providers. The Customer Service Award recognizes individuals or companies who provide outstanding service to building owners and managers. This year, Rona Revy Home and Garden is honoured for timely service, quality of products, competitive prices and the company's efficient, friendly and helpful staff.
Tenant Service Award 2002 has expanded from last year's awards celebration to acknowledge tenant services in both small building and large building categories. The recipient of the Tenant Service Award (Small Building Category) is Sylvia Barr, Owner and Manager of Madison Terrace. Patricia Graham, Resident Manager of ExecSuite Inc.'s Sunnyside Gardens is this year's recipient of the Tenant Service Award (Large Building Category).
Nominations for Building of the Year Awards are reviewed by a panel of industry peers who volunteer their time to visit each building and measure the nominees’ success within a set of rigid, pre-determined criteria.
The recipients of Building of the Year (1 – 12 Units) are Jim and Martha Walmer for their building at 2006 Urquhart Road NW. Sunnyside Gardens located at 727 First Avenue NW is Building of the Year (13 – 49 Units). Sunnyside Gardens is managed by ExecSuite Inc. The recipient of Building of the Year (50 – 100 Units) is Chinook Gardens at 530 57 Avenue SW, also managed by ExecSuite Inc. Managed by O & Y Enterprise, the 2002 Building of the Year (101 + Units) is Parkview Village, located at 111 146 Avenue SE.
The goal of the CAA and its members is to excel at meeting the needs of apartment residents in Calgary. Without the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers and numerous sponsors who support the CAA, events such as the Awards Gala would not be possible. While the CAA Awards acknowledge excellence from an extensive number of entrants, everyone associated with the organization is a winner. Congratulations to the 2002 CAA Awards recipients.
The CAA Awards 2003 is already in the planning stages.
Contact the CAA at 265-6055 for more information about nominations and awards criteria.
