CONGRATULATIONS to the Third Quarter Winners of the 5 Star Volunteer Program

5 STAR PROGRAM- Toronto Chapter’s Volunteer Appreciation Program

Each day, our members put on one of their many hats and tirelessly volunteer their time towards leading our chapter. Our volunteers exemplify the strong support and participation needed to help the chapter and industry grow and succeed.

The 5 Star Program is based on the 5 points of a star. Volunteer recognition points are as follows:

Commitment/Dedication – a reliable, self-motivated person who contributes to the committee through feedback and taking on tasks
Team Player – a person who respects others and their opinions, someone who asks questions and is a good listener
Passionate – a positive, passionate person who is enthusiastic about MPI
Accountability – a prepared person who keeps the lines of communication open at all times and does what they say they will do
Time Availability/Attendance – a dependable person who is committed to MPI’s values and the association by attending/contributing to committee meetings and MPI activities.

Volunteers are nominated once per quarter and recognized through a variety of media: biographies and pictures in the e-newsletter, their name on the big screen at meetings and a 5 Star Program nominee sticker on their name badge at chapter meetings. At the end of the year, all nominees will be entered into a final draw for fabulous prizes.

The program is now in effect, find out more about our volunteer winners from the second quarter. Keep an eye out for those volunteers who you feel is going above and beoyond and should be recognized – even if this volunteer is you!

5 Star Program Winner Profiles - 3rd Quarter Winners:

Paul Alves, Member Care Committee

"Volunteering allows me to contribute in creating a healthy community. In the hospitality industry for over thirteen years, I attended Ryerson University on a partial scholarship from the Canadian Hospitality Foundation. I have represented major hotel brands, casinos and resorts in different cities and I am currently involved in various organizations including City Kidz Hamilton and Big Brother/Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington. Since joining MPI two years ago, I have tried to participate in all things MPI. Joining committees is easy, but staying active and involved is the hard part. I am true believer that "what you put in...is what you get out". The increased awareness in MPI personally and professionally has opened many doors and has allowed me to work with so many clients, develop new colleagues...and create new friends. Paul is currently Senior Sales Manager at Deerhurst Resort and can be reached by e-mail at palves@deerhurstresort.com.

Bram Goldstein, Special Education Project

"Volunteering for MPI is important to me because it allows me to feel part of a community. A community of people who share the same passions and ideas I have for the future of our industry." Bram Goldstein is the owner of BIG Entertainment Inc and can be reached by e-mail at bram@bigeventhero.com.

Christine Gruber, Communications

Christine Gruber started her career in event and meeting management when she got "volunteered" to plan medieval feasts while she was studying for her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. Not only did she find it exhilarating, she found she had a special knack for it and decided to keep on volunteering - for 6 more years! Once she completed her degree, Christine went on to work in sales in two of Edmonton’s only hotels with attached theatres. While it appeared she might veer into the dramatic arts, Christine found that the planning of events for her clients held more appeal. So she moved to Toronto, where she continued working as a planner with such companies as Prudential Relocation Services and De Beers Canada. In 2009, Christine completed her Event and Meeting Manager Certificate from George Brown’s Hospitality Program. Christine received her CMP designation in August 2010. Christine currently works for the Ontario Real Estate Association as the Event Coordinator, Conferences and Meetings and continues to happily volunteer with MPI Toronto chapter, for a variety of committees. Christine Gruber, CMP is an Event Coordinator with the Ontario Real Estate Association and can be reached at c_gruber@rogers.com.

Richard Hatch, Special Events

"I have learned so much in my role as a volunteer - project management, leadership, communications and creativity - all valuable tools that I can apply to everyday life. Volunteering is a great way to meet people and make great lifelong connections both personally and professionally. It is the best way to get value out of any group you are a part of whether it is an association, church or chamber of commerce. It makes you feel good too!" Richard has won two national awards from the Promotional Products Professionals of Canada for outstanding programs that he created. He worked as a graphic designer and illustrator early in his career and brings that creative side to all of the projects he works on. Outside of work Richard is very involved in the community as a member of the Kinsmen Club of Bolton and has sat on the executive for the past four years including two years as President and Chair. He has been a director on the Caledon Chamber of Commerce, and a committee Chair and active member with Brampton Board of Trade. Richard Hatch is a Senior Account Manager with Akran Marketing and can be reached at richard@akranmarketing.com.

Tamer Mecky, Awards & Recognition

"Volunteering to me means smart investment! With the time and effort you invest in MPI, the return on your investment is remarkable. Aside from the knowledge gained from fellow MPI volunteers, I have been able to meet new clients, make great new connections and new friends but most importantly having fun while doing so. Volunteering is a great opportunity to showcase your professional skills and attitude; you are showcasing how you do business, which may drive new prospects to your organization and may even get you job offers! Volunteering is a huge commitment and you may want to ensure that you have the time, that your family and partner are supporting your decision and that your direct supervisor as well as your company’s culture are encouraging volunteering" Tamer is delighted to speak with anyone who is considering volunteering and how to get involved. Tamer is currently an account executive at Direct Energy Centre and Allstream Centre at Exhibition Place. After 14 years of experience in hotels, working for companies like Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Worldwide and most recently as Corporate Sales Manager at Hilton Toronto, Tamer made the leap to exhibition and convention world in 2010. Tamer continues to deal with corporate event planners and enjoys learning about the new features of this role which include planning community events, festivals and concerts. Tamer can be reached at tmecky@explace.on.ca.

Darryl Nielson, Education

"After the past decade of terrorism, war, SARS and recession I find it important to volunteer. I volunteer for my own career growth but I also volunteer for our future colleagues. I strive to contribute to our organization's strength to positively increase the public's perception of our industry. I feel confidant that organizations like ours can help define our industry's economic impact thus serving to create public policy that does not overlook us." Darryl has been contributing to the hospitality and meetings industry for over fifteen years. He started in the restaurant industry and completed the Hospitality & Tourism Administration and Management at Centennial College. He joined the hotel industry where he developed his skills in sales as a manager and director at national branded and independent boutique properties. In 2011 he began what he calls his ideal career move at the Toronto Congress Centre. Darryl has shown a passion for sales, for customer service, for swift attention to customer needs and for making long lasting and rewarding relationships. Darryl is the recipient of the MPI Toronto Chapter’s 2010 New Member of the Year Award. Darryl is a Business Development Manager at The Toronto Congress Centre and can be reached at dnielsen@torontocongresscentre.com.

Congratulations to our third quarter winners. For more information about the 5 Star Program, visit here.

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