The West End Home Builders’ Association (WEHBA) recently held its annual President’s Gala in Hamilton to celebrate the hard work and success of the association and Terri Johns, 2023 WEHBA president.

Johns started her presidency in January 2023, but has been deeply involved with the association through her participation in the board of directors and her exemplary volunteerism during the difficult years of the pandemic. Johns is the founder and president of T. Johns Consulting and has been a leader in the industry for decades. Her expertise has been crucial to the association’s success and her commitment to the industry is unparalleled. She is a devoted community champion, currently volunteering as president of both the WEHBA and the YWCA Hamilton.

Hardworking members

Ever year, the WEHBA president selects a cause they would like to support through fundraising at the Association’s events. John’s charity of choice for 2023 was the Bob Kemp Children’s Hospice. Despite the privilege of a world class children’s hospital (McMaster Children’s Hospital), the Hamilton region is the only one in Canada that does not have complimentary children’s hospice care associated. A campaign to raise $25 million to build a children’s hospice, offering care for children at the end of the life, respite and pain and symptom management services as well as grief and bereavement supports, was critical. Through the support and generosity of the WEHBA members, the association was able to raise and donate $10,000 to the Kemp Care Network.

The Annual President’s Gala is one of the largest and most popular events of the WEHBA. This year’s emcees – Dan and Dani Gabriele from Marz Homes – made the event extra special with their quick-witted humour, refined dance moves and an unforgettable entrance featuring the Burlington Teen Tour Band. This year’s President Gala was presented by RBC and Reliance Home Comfort.

During the event WEHBA also recognized the efforts of very hardworking members and friends of the building industry. The following is a list of this year’s award recipients:

1. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD - BUILDER MEMBER
Rosehaven Homes Ltd.

2. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD - ASSOCIATE MEMBER
Robert McLaren, A. T. McLaren Ltd.

3. RENOVATOR MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Phil Authier, IntegriMark Inc.

4. THE KEVIN MCINTOSH MEMORIAL AWARD FOR THE UNDER 40 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Natasha Paikin, New Horizon Development Group

5. ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Indwell

6. PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS
Robert Molinaro, Molinaro Group
Bianca Bruzzese, BDO Canada LLP
Dani Gabriele, Marz Homes
David Ionico, McHugh Whitmore LLP

Through the years, the devotion and commitment of industry champions such as Johns and other distinguished WEHBA members has led the association to continued growth and tremendous success. The heart and soul of every non-profit organization such as WEHBA is its members and every association’s prosperity, and stability heavily relies on their support. Over the past 80 years, WEHBA has had the pleasure and privilege to be surrounded by the finest, most dedicated industry professionals and by looking at the new crop of young professionals embracing leadership roles, the future of WEHBA can only be bright.