REIC Pursuit of Excellence Awards 2019: Honoring Visionaries and Elevating Standards in Canadian Real Estate
The Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) annually champions the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct within the dynamic real estate industry. A cornerstone of this commitment is the prestigious REIC Pursuit of Excellence Awards, designed to formally recognize individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions significantly advance excellence, innovation, and community spirit across the sector. The 2019 awards ceremony, held during REIC’s annual conference in picturesque Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a testament to the dedication and impact of these leading professionals and entities, celebrating their pivotal role in shaping the future of Canadian real estate.
Understanding the Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC)
The Real Estate Institute of Canada stands as a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, competence, and integrity of real estate professionals nationwide. For decades, REIC has been at the forefront of providing advanced education, professional designations, and networking opportunities that empower its members to achieve peak performance and uphold stringent ethical guidelines. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, REIC plays a crucial role in building public trust and ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of Canada’s real estate industry. Its mission extends beyond mere accreditation; it actively works to cultivate a community of informed, responsible, and forward-thinking leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities and evolving demands of the market.
The Institute’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its rigorous educational programs, which cover a broad spectrum of real estate disciplines, including property management, appraisal, investment, and brokerage. These programs are meticulously designed to equip professionals with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required to excel in their respective fields. Through its various chapters across Canada, REIC also facilitates valuable connections, enabling members to share insights, collaborate on industry challenges, and collectively raise the bar for professional practice. The Pursuit of Excellence Awards serve as a tangible manifestation of these core values, spotlighting those who embody the Institute’s ideals and inspire others to strive for similar heights of achievement.
The Significance of the Pursuit of Excellence Awards
The REIC Pursuit of Excellence Awards are more than just accolades; they are a critical mechanism for acknowledging exceptional performance, fostering innovation, and promoting leadership within the Canadian real estate landscape. These awards underscore REIC’s belief that recognition is a powerful catalyst for growth, encouraging professionals to exceed expectations, embrace ethical practices, and actively contribute to the betterment of their communities. By shining a light on outstanding achievements, the awards not only celebrate individual and organizational success but also elevate the collective standards of the entire industry.
Each award category is carefully designed to recognize diverse forms of excellence, ranging from long-standing career contributions to emerging leadership, from strategic partnerships to dedicated community service. This comprehensive approach ensures that every facet of the real estate profession, from the meticulous detail of property management to the visionary impact of literary contributions, receives due recognition. The rigorous selection process, involving careful review by industry peers, guarantees that only the most deserving candidates are honored. For recipients, these awards represent a significant milestone, a validation of their hard work, dedication, and profound impact. For the wider industry, they set benchmarks for aspiring professionals and reinforce the importance of integrity, innovation, and service in building a robust and reputable real estate sector.
Celebrating the 2019 REIC Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients
The 2019 awards gala was a vibrant celebration of the luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the Canadian real estate scene. These individuals and organizations represent the pinnacle of professionalism, demonstrating unwavering commitment to their craft, their clients, and their communities. Their achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the profound impact that dedication and innovation can have on an entire industry. The following is a summary of the distinguished award recipients who were formally recognized for their exemplary contributions:
- REIC Emeritus Award: Helen Jones, JONESco Real Estate; Saadat Keshavjee, Amhurst Property Management
- J. A. Weber Award: John Bowen, Markland
- Patrick J. Harvey Memorial Award: Dan Van Willegen, Management Professionals Realty
- Murray Bosley Sales & Leasing Member of the Year: Fabio Fiumana, McCOR Management
- Real Estate Management Member of the Year Award: Christopher Lieb, Oxford Properties Group
- W.P.J. McCarthy Partner of the Year Award: Matrix360
- REIC Community Services Award: Ruth Harding Bohan, Royal LePage Atlantic; Ken Finch, Royal LePage Signature Realty
- QuadReal Literary Award: Natalka Falcomer, Groundworks Firm
- Young Professional of the Year Award: Wesley Narciso, JRS Engineering
- Don Hill Chapter Initiative of the Year Award: REIC B. C. Chapter
- Chapter Administrator of the Year: Kerri Hiebert, REIM Chapter; Beth McKenzie, REIC Toronto Chapter
- QuadReal Excellence Award: Jessica Greenberg, Osgoode Properties
- Chapter of the Year Award: REIC Toronto Chapter
A Closer Look at the 2019 Award Winners and Their Contributions
REIC Emeritus Award
The REIC Emeritus Award is reserved for long-standing members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and significant contributions throughout their distinguished careers in real estate. It recognizes individuals whose wisdom and experience have profoundly shaped the industry. In 2019, this prestigious honor was bestowed upon Helen Jones of JONESco Real Estate and Saadat Keshavjee of Amhurst Property Management. Both recipients exemplify the pinnacle of professional achievement, having served as mentors, innovators, and advocates for excellence, leaving a lasting legacy on the real estate community.
J. A. Weber Award
The J. A. Weber Award celebrates outstanding contributions to the real estate profession, often recognizing innovative practices, significant advancements, or profound influence on industry standards. John Bowen of Markland was the deserving recipient in 2019. His work reflects a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to elevating the real estate landscape through his expertise and vision. This award highlights the critical role individuals play in pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks for success.
Patrick J. Harvey Memorial Award
Named in memory of a dedicated industry leader, the Patrick J. Harvey Memorial Award pays tribute to individuals who embody a spirit of selfless service and commitment to the real estate profession. Dan Van Willegen of Management Professionals Realty received this poignant award, recognized for his exceptional contributions and his unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and professional environment within the industry. His work reflects the values of mentorship and community building that the award represents.
Murray Bosley Sales & Leasing Member of the Year
This award recognizes a REIC member who has demonstrated unparalleled excellence in the demanding fields of sales and leasing. It celebrates individuals who consistently achieve outstanding results, exhibit superior market knowledge, and provide exceptional client service. Fabio Fiumana of McCOR Management was honored as the 2019 recipient, a testament to his impressive track record, strategic prowess, and significant impact on the commercial real estate market through his innovative sales and leasing approaches.
Real Estate Management Member of the Year Award
Excellence in real estate management is crucial for the efficient operation and long-term value of properties. The Real Estate Management Member of the Year Award celebrates a professional who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovative practices, and superior performance in property and asset management. Christopher Lieb of Oxford Properties Group, a recognized leader in the global real estate sector, was the deserving winner, reflecting his strategic acumen and commitment to optimizing property portfolios and enhancing tenant experiences.
W.P.J. McCarthy Partner of the Year Award
Collaboration and strategic partnerships are vital for driving progress in the complex real estate industry. The W.P.J. McCarthy Partner of the Year Award acknowledges an organization that has demonstrated exceptional partnership with REIC, contributing significantly to its objectives and the broader real estate community. Matrix360 was recognized for this award, highlighting their impactful collaborations and their role in supporting the Institute’s mission to foster professional growth and industry advancement.
REIC Community Services Award
Beyond commercial success, the REIC Community Services Award celebrates members who exemplify social responsibility and make significant, positive impacts on their communities. Ruth Harding Bohan of Royal LePage Atlantic and Ken Finch of Royal LePage Signature Realty were jointly honored for their profound dedication to community betterment. Their philanthropic efforts and volunteerism demonstrate that true excellence in real estate extends beyond transactions, encompassing a commitment to building stronger, more vibrant communities.
QuadReal Literary Award
The QuadReal Literary Award recognizes outstanding literary contributions that advance knowledge, stimulate thought, and enrich the discourse within the real estate profession. Natalka Falcomer of Groundworks Firm received this award, acknowledged for her insightful writings that provide valuable perspectives and contribute to the intellectual capital of the industry. This award highlights the importance of thought leadership and knowledge dissemination in fostering professional growth and innovation.
Young Professional of the Year Award
This award shines a spotlight on rising stars in the industry—young professionals who demonstrate exceptional talent, leadership potential, and a commitment to shaping the future of real estate. Wesley Narciso of JRS Engineering was honored as the Young Professional of the Year, recognized for his innovative thinking, proactive engagement, and early impact within his field. This award celebrates the fresh perspectives and dynamic energy that new talent brings to the real estate landscape.
Don Hill Chapter Initiative of the Year Award
REIC’s strength lies in its vibrant chapters across the country. The Don Hill Chapter Initiative of the Year Award celebrates a chapter that has developed and executed an exceptional initiative, program, or event that significantly benefits its members and the local real estate community. The REIC B.C. Chapter was recognized for its outstanding work, demonstrating creativity, effective execution, and a strong commitment to serving its members and advancing local industry standards.
Chapter Administrator of the Year
Behind every successful chapter stands a dedicated administrator who ensures smooth operations and seamless member support. The Chapter Administrator of the Year award acknowledges these vital individuals whose tireless efforts often go unsung. Kerri Hiebert of the REIM Chapter and Beth McKenzie of the REIC Toronto Chapter were honored for their exceptional organizational skills, unwavering commitment, and invaluable support to their respective chapters, proving instrumental to their success.
QuadReal Excellence Award
The QuadReal Excellence Award is a broad recognition of outstanding achievement and a consistently high standard of performance across various aspects of the real estate profession. Jessica Greenberg of Osgoode Properties was the recipient, lauded for her comprehensive excellence, innovative strategies, and significant contributions to her organization’s success. This award celebrates individuals who consistently demonstrate a holistic commitment to excellence in their daily work.
Chapter of the Year Award
The Chapter of the Year Award is the highest honor for an REIC chapter, recognizing overall excellence in member engagement, educational programming, community involvement, and administrative effectiveness. The REIC Toronto Chapter proudly received this accolade, a testament to its vibrant community, strong leadership, and outstanding programs that consistently deliver value to its members and the broader Toronto real estate market. This award highlights a chapter that truly embodies the spirit of REIC.
IREM Outstanding Canadian Chapter Award
In addition to its internal accolades, the REIC Toronto Chapter garnered international recognition, receiving the IREM Outstanding Canadian Chapter Award during the awards gala. The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is a global organization, and this award underscores the REIC Toronto Chapter’s exceptional performance on an international stage, reflecting its robust programs, active membership, and significant influence within the global property management community. This recognition further solidifies its position as a leading force in Canadian real estate.
Driving Industry Forward Through Recognition
The 2019 REIC Pursuit of Excellence Awards ceremony was more than just an event; it was a reaffirmation of the core values that underpin the Canadian real estate industry. By celebrating the achievements of these exceptional individuals and organizations, REIC not only provides well-deserved recognition but also ignites a spark of inspiration across the entire sector. The stories of dedication, innovation, and community service showcased at the gala serve as powerful motivators for aspiring professionals and established leaders alike, encouraging them to continually strive for higher standards.
The ripple effect of these awards extends far beyond the recipients themselves. They foster a healthy competitive spirit, driving innovation and best practices. They encourage investment in professional development and ethical conduct, reinforcing public trust in the real estate profession. Ultimately, the REIC Pursuit of Excellence Awards play a pivotal role in advancing the Canadian real estate industry, ensuring its continued growth, integrity, and capability to meet the evolving needs of the market and its communities. REIC remains steadfast in its mission to champion excellence, and through these awards, it continues to shape a brighter, more professional future for real estate in Canada.