Residential builders honoured at SAM Awards

More than 1300 guests gathered at the Telus Convention Centre this past Saturday night for the 29th annual SAM Awards — the Oscar equivalent for those in the Calgary and area residential construction industry. Despite challenging times in the homes industry, one hundred twentyseven member companies of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA)-Urban Development Institute (UDI) Calgary Region Association competed for 58 awards in 12 different categories covering all aspects of the residential construction industry. This matches last year’s record for entries.

“The awards are proof that our members have the drive and ability to create outstanding homes, renovations, marketing collateral and so much more, even in the face of economic adversity,” said SAM Awards committee chairman Shane Wenzel.

Grand Sam Awards were presented in five categories this night. So take a well-deserved bow: Broadview Homes on winning Builder of the Year; Renova Luxury Renovations on winning Renovator of the Year; McKinley Masters on its win for Builder of Merit; Avi Urban, A Division of Homes by Avi, on winning Multi-Family Builder of the Year; and Wildwood Cabinets on its win in the Partner of the Year category.

Avi Urban also took top prize in the Janine Coughlin Marketing Campaign of the Year category and Best Townhome $300,000$359,999. Broadview Homes was also a multiple award winner picking up top honours in three additional categories: Best New Home $325,000-$374,999; Best New Home $485,000-$549,999; and Best New Home $720,000$849,999. Renova Luxury Renovations almost swept the renovations categories winning Best Home Renovation (without addition), Best Kitchen Up to $89,999 and Best Kitchen Renovation over $90,000.

Who was not in attendance this night would make a much shorter listing as seemingly everyone was there including: Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA)-Urban Development Institute (UDI) Calgary Region Association co-CEO’s Donna Moore and Guy Huntingford; past CHBA president Wendy Jabusch; and Calgary Herald/Calgary Sun editor Jose Rodriguez.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. You do our city proud indeed.

PHOTOS BY: BILL BROOKS Renova Luxury Renovations’ Brian Maurer and his wife Silvana at the 29th annual SAM Awards held this past Saturday in the Telus Convention Centre. Renova took top honours with a Grand SAM award for Renovator of the Year.

CHBA-UDI Calgary Region Association co-CEOs Donna Moore and Guy Huntingford. 58 awards in 12 different categories were presented to the best of the best in the Calgary and area residential construction industry.

Guy Huntingford, co-CEO of CHBA-UDI Calgary Region Association and Jose Rodriguez, Calgary Herald/Calgary Sun editor.

Avi Urban president Charron Ungar with colleague Alice Mateyko. Avi Urban won a coveted Grand SAM Award for Mutli-Family Builder of the Year. Avi Urban is a division of Homes by Avi.

Wildwood Cabinets won a coveted Grand SAM Award for Partner of the Year. Pictured is Wildwood’s Jack Rapkowski and his proud wife Elaine.

Morrison Homes’ Al Morrison and his wife Donna. Morrison has won many SAM Awards over the years.

Looking fab at the 29th annual SAM Awards are Emco’s Sharon Mauro and Albi Homes’ Bobby Khakh.

MLA Craig Coolahan and his wife Sarah Somasundaram were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the 29th annual SAM Awards.

WestCreek Developments’ president Bravin Goldade and his son Jared Goldade. Legacy, by WestCreek Developments, was named Community of the Year-City of Calgary.