Pioneer Night 2019 Highlights

Pioneer Night 

On October 24, MCAM hosted their annual Pioneer Night to honour longtime Pioneers and induct James Derksen of Derksen Plumbing and Heating (pioneer sponsor) at a prestigious venue, The Manitoba Club. This long-standing, traditional event has been celebrated for over 35 years.

Pioneers are individuals recognized by their peers and colleagues through a nomination process. The criteria is based on a person who has made a significant contribution to the mechanical industry through actions of a Pioneer; those being an innovator, inventer, forerunner, developer  or creator. This contribution may have been in the form of service to the association through strategic planning and volunteering or ideas/actions directly impacting the functioning of the industry through activities such as driving legislation, mentourship and innovative change. This individual must be:

1. Retired
2. Employer or owner of an MCAM company
3. Contractor, associate or affiliate member company

MCAM's very first Pioneer was William B. Atkinson, founder of ABCO. Mr. Atkinson launched the William Atkinson Awards through Red River College and presented awards to students studying various trades of the Mechanical Industry. The award recipients this year were: 

1. Derrick Baraniuk - Level 2 Plumbing
2. Jesse Reich - Level 2 Plumbing
3. Mark Stewart - Level 2 Plumbing 

Each were presented the $1,000 award and special recognition from Mr. Atkinson and Red River college.

Fun fact: Mr. Atkinson is 102 years old, swims everyday and remains very active with the association and educational institutions. It was an Honour to be seated at his table with his daughter Samantha,.

The evening started off with an upscale cocktail reception in the beautifully decorated lobby, where Aaron Shorr and his trio performed elegant entertainment for everyone. Those in attendance were businesses, associates and leaders in the mechanical contracting industry. 

After the dinner service, the formal program began. Dan Olson of ABCO, MCAM president, took to the podium with Ramona Coey, MCAM executive director as emcees. Together, they highlighted the importance of the induction and reflected on the impact MCAM has made in the mechanical contracting industry.

A special presentation was provided by Chris Derksen of Derksen Plumbing and Heating (A Pioneer Sponsor), who spoke about his father James Derksen while a colourful slideshow rolled and laughter filled the room. It continued as speakers Rick Levesque of Eastside Ventilation and Eric Henstridge of Comco Pipe and Supply, who are both close colleagues of James, shared stories with everyone and toasted to James and the Pioneers.

It was clear James has touched the lives of many and made significant strides in the industry. In fact, Ross Robinson, chairman of Robinson Supply, stated, "James, you have been a great friend to all of us and a great Industry leader".

Humbled, James addressed the crowd and pointed out his success would not have been possible without the help and support from his wife of over 34 years, Moni Derksen.

After the induction ceremony, Pioneers were honoured with their 2019 Shields and each had the opportunity to say a few words to James welcoming him into "The Old-Timers Club," as quoted by them.

The program ended with a speech from Craig Hildebrandt of Westland Construction (a Pioneer sponsor), but the fun didn't end there. After the raffle prizes were drawn - which included very rare bottles of Scotch and a Google Mini - guests then socialized and congratulated James, the Pioneers and award recipients throughout the evening until closing hour.

MCAM is already preparing for next year's celebration. Who will be a 2020 Pioneer? Members and associates will have to wait and find out.

See event photos here