ED9.1 Economic Development and Culture Division PEER AWARDS 2015 EDC's Staff Recognition Programme PEER standing for Program Outline Performance Excellence Employee Recognition Awards CATEGORY NAME Exceptional Innovation DESCRIPTION Utilizing a new way of thinking in the workplace (e.g. new technology, new processes, new forms of outreach, green-friendly concepts, A.O.D.A-related) This can apply to an individual or a team. Honourable mention to: Nomination: Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MoNCFN) Cultural Village and the Aboriginal Pavilion to Fort York NHS as part of the Pan Am Games Staff: Robert Kerr, Ewan Wardle and staff at Fort York National Historic Site For working closely with the Aboriginal Leadership Partners and the Mississauga's of the New Credit First Nation to bring the Village to Fort York which created a strong linkage with the community City of Toronto Host City Welcome and Engagement Program Staff: Sue Holland / Kimberly Bain These 2 staff delivered four key elements of the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Host City Welcome and Engagement Program including: the Pan Am Street Banner program exceptional achievements delivering four key elements of the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Host City Welcome and Engagement Program including: the Pan Am Street Banner program, Toronto Island Ferry Wrap and Domination Campaign, 3D Pachi Transit Shelter Campaign, and the 3D Toronto Sign.
Exceptional Customer Service Demonstrated success in providing the highest level of customer service to customers, clients and community partners. This can apply to an individual or a team. Honourable mention to: Nomination: EventPal
Staff: Ana Rodic / Laura Elkin Over the past five years they have been working tirelessly to improve the customer experience for the organizers of special events in the city. The City issues over 2,500 special events permits each year. Each division has its own regulations and application forms, which has led to confusion for special event organizers, duplicated efforts, and has resulted in a poor customer experience. In July 2015, a second iteration of EventPal was launched: A single unified application form now replaces the multiple permit applications used across the City, with a single application package that can be completed and submitted on-line. Assembly Hall Staff: Denise Dickin / Nawfal Sheikh / Suzy Broderick / Eric Vittorini / Donald Foley / Datriina Campitelli / Frank Lazarcik Since its opening in 2002, the Assembly Hall team has provided the highest level of customer service to customers, clients and partners (internal and external.) The # of permits booked at the Assembly Hall has grown each year as new clients learn about the facility from attending other events there and from the great 'word of mouth' and existing client satisfaction. Over 2/3 of the current business is from repeat clients both in the Community/Not for Profit Sector and the Private Sector. Exceptional Results Going above and beyond to Demonstrate success in the completion of workplace project or initiative which contributed positively to the Division/Section. This can apply to an individual or a team. Honourable mentions to:
Nomination: Food Starter Staff: Michael Wolfson, Chris Rickett and Nina Gesa. Michael, Chris and Nina worked through 2015 to re-establish the Toronto Food Business Incubator in a new 20,000 square foot shared production facility with expanded programming, training and resources. The team also fundraised in excess of 2 million dollars, rebranded the process and developed a new board of directors to provide strategic direction Nomination: Exhibit: 'Magna Carta: Law, Liberty & Legacy' and 'Rights, Justice & Democracy: Toronto Perspectives' exhibits and related programs at the Fort York Visitor Centre Staff: Wayne Reeves Linda Irwin Robert Kerr Ewan Wardle Sharif Uddin Ilena Aldini Messina Loren Lea Hodgson KristenJuschkewitsch Sharon Harding Adrianna Prosser Andrea Balea Alex Avdichuk Jane French Karen Black David O'Hara Richard Haynes Cheryl Dillisi Freda Kemp Michelle Alosiniac Larry Ostola Chris Baker Joan Fussell Gabrielle Major This past October, more than 13,000 visited the exhibit. The successfully mounting of this exhibit at Fort York and developing such a wide range of complementary programming provided an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate the skill and expertise of many of the staff involved. It would not have been possible to bring the document, valued at over $37 million, to Fort York to mark its 800th anniversary if it had not been for the new exhibit space now available within the new Fort York Visitor Centre.
Nomination: Gibson Park Staff: Wayne Reeves, Dorie Billich, Elizabeth Nelson Raffaele, staff from Parks, Forestry & Recreation and Menkes Developments To design and open, a remarkable new park space surrounding the historic house museum. This evocative green space is filled with historical references and artwork, including a new heritage garden and entranceway for the museum. 2015 Luminous Veil Lighting Celebration Staff Operations Group (Team Alpha) Staff: Matt Ootes, Joe Sellors, Alok Sharma, Allan Olexson, Tamara Williams, Clara Hargittay, Anastasia Saradoc This event was delivered on time and on budget, after more than a year of planning by the team. There was a great turnout on July 4th, with a great vibe for attendees. The performances very excellent and were very well received. The execution of the event, including timing of the Lighting of the Viaduct, Pan Am Torch Relay and the Mayor was amazing. This event showcased excellent collaboration across EDC Sections and Units. Demonstration of Exemplary Leadership Demonstrated success and positive results while Leading a Team or Initiative. This category is to be applied to an individual. Honourable mention to:
Nomination: Urban Wood Roadmap to life Staff: Rob McMonagle Initiatives such as: Engaging participants from a disparate sector to collectively work on building and growing the urban wood industry from City Divisions, other levels of government and the private sector Developing a sustainable process for the city to utilize and capitalize on the city's access to downed trees, which led to a process to build a supply of and a market for large quantities of urban wood. Community Arts Programs Staff: Nadira Pattison Nadira has continuously shown great leadership in her management of the Community Arts programs. She works tirelessly to make sure everyone is fully engaged from staff colleagues to senior management to local councillors to a very wide range of community stakeholders. Cultural Hotspots is but one example of innovative programming that has demonstrated her ability to lead with zeal and innovation. And she does this all with great energy, infectious optimism and outstanding respect for all her stakeholders.