February 8, 2006

TCA Awards

Harris honoured with Giffin Award

Joe Perry recognized as top young exec

W.D. LIGHTHALL

correspondent

Temple Harris, who was president of the Toronto Construction Association since 1988, has been awarded the association’s prestigious Donald P. Giffin Sr. award.

Harris, who is retiring next month, described Donald Giffin as an icon in the construction industry and said it’s a deep honour to receive the Giffin award.

Temple Harris

“To be recognized by the industry and to accept an award in Don’s name is a truly wonderful experience,” said Harris, after the TCA’s recent annual meeting, held at the Royal Ontario Museum.

“I know Don is up in heaven looking down with a smile on his face, because he was a mentor to me.”

The Giffin award recognizes the highest levels of leadership and dedication in developing and advancing the construction industry.

As TCA president, Harris championed the development of a four-year degree program in construction science at George Brown. He also played an integral role in establishing the Construction Institute for ongoing professional education.

“I’m very proud of the work the association has done, and my role in helping,” Harris said, adding “ongoing professional development is another key piece of all industries.”

Brian Thompson, chairman of the TCA’s 2005 nomination and awards committee, said during Harris’ tenure as president the association has grown to more than 2,000 members, drawing from the four major sectors of the industry.

“The mindset has totally changed because members do support members, whether you’re a trade, manufacturer or supplier, architect or engineer or a general,” Thompson said. “Temple Harris made a major difference in making the construction industry a united group.”

The Sean P. McKenna award recognizing outstanding leadership by a young construction executive was won by Joe Perry, a project manager with EllisDon Corp.

“I knew there was a long list of nominations. I was incredibly honoured to receive it,” said Perry, who serves as the TCA’s representative at the Association of General Contractors of America.

Michael Kern, chairman of the Young Construction Executives’ Club, said Perry brings enthusiasm and professionalism to both the club and TCA in general.

“Joe has taken on a couple of big roles inside the (TCA’s) executive. Joe has recognized early in his career that he should give back to the industry through association activity. And that’s behaviour that’s commendable in my opinion,” Kern said.

Dave Kueneman, a two-time chairman of the TCA and general manager of ECE Group, received the distinguished volunteer award.

Kueneman has served as chairman of the TCA’s Trades Division and has contributed his time and expertise to a lengthy list of association committees and initiatives. He also has a long history of involvement with the Council of Construction Associations and the Canadian Construction Association.

“People ask me why I do all this? Why I put in the time?” said Kueneman. “Because it’s relationship building. It’s an opportunity to interact with people you wouldn’t normally interact with on day-to-day basis.

“And you’re giving back something to an industry that gives you a living. I feel that’s important,” Kueneman concluded.

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