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Awards and Recognition
NOMINATION FORMS: Online Nomination Form and Nomination Form for PD Bursary Award ARCHIVES: Award Archives/Images PAST RECIPIENTS: History of Past Recipients The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association continues to grow with the same determination as that of the small group of six men who established the roots of this association in 1947 when the Ontario Arenas Association first began.From these founding fathers, through to our current organization, a great number of our members have volunteered their time and expertise to help enhance competencies and shape policies and procedures for the betterment of the recreation facility industry…a fact that does not go unrecognized. Annually, the ORFA recognizes a number of individuals for their commitment, inspiration and support to the recreation facility industry. The Awards and Recognition categories are:
Nomination ProcessAny ORFA member may nominate a deserving candidate by completing the Online Nomination Form. Nominations are open year round. However, must be received by no-later than October 1st (with the exception of the ORFA Professional Development Bursary Fund) for consideration and approval and to be announced at the ORFA annual general meeting typically held the beginning of December each year. The ORFA Awards and Recognition Committee review and make recommendations for award recipients to the ORFA Board of Directors for final approval. Life MembershipA Life Membership is awarded to a fully retired member who has made a significant contribution to the recreation profession through their dedication to the ORFA in various roles and responsibilities. This award requires ORFA Board of Directors to nominate. C.C. Dahmer Award of ExcellenceThe C.C. Dahmer Award of Excellence is the highest honour that can be awarded to an ORFA member. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a minimum of 10 years dedicated service to the ORFA, has chaired at least two committees and has served on the Board of Directors. The award is presented in recognition of exemplary professionalism, service and dedication in the advancement of the Association’s mission: "to strategically provide leadership in the professional development, promotion, awareness and enhancement of the recreation profession." Clare "Jada" Dahmer was a former arena manager with the City of Niagara Falls and in 1955 became the Secretary-Treasurer/Manager of the Ontario Arenas Association. A position he held for 35 years. Ronald G. Burnside Memorial AwardThe Ronald G. Burnside Memorial Award is presented to an individual in recognition of his/her outstanding contribution to the ORFA in the area of professional development. Ron Burnside served the Association in various capacities, particularly as Assistant Secretary Manager and editor of the magazine. Any member making a significant contribution in the area of professional development is very deserving of this award named in his honour. Don Harrison Energy Champion AwardThe Don Harrison Energy Champion Award is presented to an individual in recognition of a project resulting in significant energy consumption reduction, improved energy management education and/or research, or a record achievement of service in recreation facility energy management. Don Harrison was a Facility Manager in the Town of Bradford/West Gwillimbury and Chair of the ORFA Energy Committee in the early 1990s. His analytical approach to energy management was pivotal to creating a municipal energy management program between the ORFA and the Ontario Provincial Government. Doug Moore Ambassador AwardThe Doug Moore Ambassador Award is presented to an individual in recognition of his/her outstanding promotion to others of the benefits of membership in the ORFA. Doug Moore was originally the Chief Engineer at Maple Leaf Gardens and then moved on to become founder and President of Jet Ice Ltd. who promoted membership in the Association as he travelled and introduced his contacts within the NHL, international and national events. Doug was also the instructor and coordinator of the Ice Making Technologies course delivered at the University of Guelph annual professional development program. Tony Brenner Mentor AwardThe Tony Brenner Mentor Award is presented to an individual who embraces the vision of the ORFA, and through professional conduct and service, openly shares and mentors others in the recreation facility profession. Tony was both a President of the Ontario Arenas Association and Chair of ORFA's Professional Development Committee, responsible for the annual professional development program at the University of Guelph. His passion and dedication to ongoing learning and willingness to give back to the profession is embedded in this mentor award. Accessibility and Inclusion AwardThis award is presented to a recreation facility, or recreation-related business/organization who have significantly included accessibility and/or inclusion elements into the design, build, or retrofit of indoor/outdoor recreation facility infrastructure and/or the provision of related service(s). The award submission must be made by a current ORFA member in good standing and the submission will be considered against the following criteria:
Recreation Facility Asset Management Award of ExcellenceSponsored by Marmak This award is presented to a recreation facility professional or recreation business/organization, who has displayed an advanced comprehension and application of Recreation Facility Asset Management (RFAM). The award recipient will have demonstrated skills in asset management including infrastructure inventory controls, preventative and operational maintenance tracking, lifecycle planning, sustainability, and safety compliance and program development. The award recipient is an ORFA member, currently utilizes RFAM in their operations, and provides leadership in:
The award recipient will receive a $1,000.00 credit voucher for use towards a RFAM subscription. Certificate of MeritThe Certificate of Merit is awarded to a member who has contributed a significant amount of volunteer time and effort to the development and advancement of the ORFA through education, training, and/or research projects. Certificate of Merit (Corporate)The Certificate of Merit (Corporate) is awarded to a corporate member in recognition of outstanding contribution to the advancement of the ORFA through education, training, and/or research projects. Doug Poulin Certificate of AchievementThe Doug Poulin Certificate of Achievement is awarded to an individual who has achieved the highest grade in the Basic Arena Refrigeration course throughout the current year. Doug was a Facility Technician at the City of Thunder Bay and instructed the Basic Arena Refrigeration course at the University of Guelph's annual professional development program. His ability to translate basic learning principles of the cycle of refrigeration in practical terms to students was legendary. ORFA Professional Development Bursary Fund (*New)
For over 75 years, the ORFA has encouraged members to adopt lifelong learning for both their personal and professional benefit. The ORFA Professional Development Bursary Fund (OPDBF) is designed to assist members who seek access to ORFA professional development but may desire financial assistance to help them achieve their end goals.
Category 1 Bursary - $1,000 credit towards one ORFA event (online self-study, instructor-led or in person) awarded annually to one recipient. Applicants must submit up to a 1000 word (i.e. two-page write-up) of (a) a current issue, or an emerging trend in the recreation sector, and (b) how you would address this matter within your own operation. The written submission may include supporting information through the inclusion of a PowerPoint presentation, use of audio and video, etc.
Category 2 Bursary - $500 credit towards one ORFA event (online self-study, instructor-led or in person) awarded annually to one recipient. Applicants must submit up to a 500 word (i.e. one page write-up) of an operational issue you personally experienced in your job (examples: customer service, financial, human resources, physical plant, etc., and how best you managed the outcome of the problem for the betterment of your recreation facility and its user groups. The written submission may include supporting information through the inclusion of a PowerPoint presentation, use of audio and video, etc.
Category 3 Bursary - $250 credit towards one ORFA event (online self-study, instructor-led or in person) awarded annually to two recipients. Applicants must submit up to a 250 word (i.e. half page write-up) of at minimum three positive reason(s) you have chosen to work in the recreation profession.
Eligibility
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