February 17, 2011

Council of Ontario Construction Associations recognizes individual, group contributions

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

The Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA) is poised to recognize the contributions of both individuals and organizations at its upcoming annual general meeting and conference.

The association will present its inaugural Industry Ally Award to John Vander Doelen, director of the workplace insurance, health and safety policy branch at the Ministry of Labour.

The award recognizes an individual or organization in a related industry, government department or agency whose assistance has aided COCA and the Ontario construction industry recognize improvements in the areas of standards, efficiencies or health and safety.

Vander Doelen was selected as the award recipient for his “exceptional work on and thorough support” of the Tony Dean expert advisory panel on oaccupational health and safety.

Also at the meeting, COCA will present the 2010 Cliff Bulmer Award to first vice-chair Domenic Mattina, vice-president of sales and estimating at Mattina Mechanical and current president of the Hamilton-Halton Construction Association.

The award is given to an individual who makes an outstanding contribution to the relationship between the construction industry and the government at Queen’s Park. An individual must be nominated by a COCA member organization.

COCA said Mattina was selected for his service to the Tony Dean panel as one of only three employer representatives.

“Domenic bore the heavy workload and tight deadlines with determination, participating fully and ensuring that the needs, opinions and experience of Ontario’s construction employers were well represented in the consultation process.”

In addition, COCA will present the 2010 President’s Award to two individuals, Denis Shank, executive director of the Sudbury Construction Association and Martha George, president of the Grand Valley Construction Association.

The award recognizes outstanding contributions by a member association or by an association staff member to the success of COCA in any or all aspects of its business, including governance, planning and management, government relations, member relations, communications, marketing, public affairs, finance. The award is not necessarily granted every year.

COCA said Shank is a committed COCA supporter and dedicated volunteer. “Participating on all COCA’s standing committees, Denis is an excellent voice for local construction associations and the concerns of construction employers located in northern Ontario.”

COCA described George as a “strident” COCA supporter who brings many years of industry experience and association leadership to the organization.

“A thoughtful and even-handed leader, Martha is always active behind the scenes, offering resources, counsel and the lessons of personal experience to COCA staff.

“A generous volunteer, Martha has agreed to join COCA’s executive committee in 2011.”

COCA represents more than 10,000 construction businesses through its 32 member organizations.

It is holding its annual general meeting and conference Feb. 24 in Woodbridge.

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