CONGRATULATIONS to the Second Quarter Winners of the 5 Star Volunteer Program

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Each day our members put on one of their many hats and tirelessly volunteer their time towards leading our chapter. Our volunteers exemplify the strong support and participation needed to help the chapter and industry grow and succeed. These volunteer winners made outstanding contributions to their committees in the first quarter, and the MPI Toronto Board would like to thank them for their time and efforts in making the Toronto Chapter great! Watch out for upcoming profiles of these winners in the next edition of the e-newsletter.

The 5 Star Program is based on the 5 points of a star. Volunteer recognition points are as follows:

• Commitment/Dedication – a reliable, self-motivated person who contributes to the committee through feedback and taking on tasks
• Team Player – a person who respects others and their opinions, someone who asks questions and is a good listener
• Passionate – a positive, passionate person who is enthusiastic about MPI
• Accountability – a prepared person who keeps the lines of communication open at all times and does what they say they will do
• Time Availability/Attendance – a dependable person who is committed to MPI’s values and the association by attending/contributing to committee meetings and MPI activities.

Volunteers will be nominated once per quarter and recognized through a variety of mediums: biographies and pictures in the monthly newsletter, their name on the big screen at meetings and a 5 Star Program nominee sticker on their name badge at monthly meetings. At the end of the year, all nominees will be entered into a final draw for fabulous prizes.

The program is now in effect, so keep an eye out for those volunteers who you feel are going above and beyond and should be recognized – even if this volunteer is you! Second set of nominations for volunteers is due in February and we would love to honour and recognize your contributions as a member!

5 STAR PROGRAM WINNER PROFILES:

Paul Alves, Member Care Committee - First Quarter 2010 Winner
Volunteering allows me to contribute in creating a healthy community. In the hospitality industry for over 13 years, I attended Ryerson University on a partial scholarship from the Canadian Hospitality Foundation. I have represented major hotel brands, casinos and resorts in different cities and I am currently involved in various organizations including City Kidz Hamilton and Big Brother/Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington. Since joining MPI two years ago, I have tried to participate in all things MPI. Joining committees is easy, but staying active and involved is the hard part. I am true believer that "what you put in...is what you get out". The increased awareness in MPI personally & professionally has opened many doors and has allowed me to work with so many clients, develop new colleagues...and create new friends. Paul is currently Senior Sales Manager at Deerhurst Resort and can be reached by e-mail at palves@deerhurstresort.com. 

Jamie Crackower, Special Events Committee - First Quarter 2010 Winner
For 15 years, I have been changing the way companies produce their special events, conferences, business meetings and corporate road shows. I have designed, directed, and produced some of Canada’s most prestigious charitable galas, corporate award ceremonies, fashion shows, and product launches. Being a volunteer at MPI has opened the door to a whole new world of opportunities and a direct network to fellow event planners. I am thrilled to be part of this illustrious community that has grown to mean so much to me. As a member and volunteer for the last year and a half, MPI has enabled me to continue learning, to explore new avenues and to seize the opportunity to grow in the meetings industry. The most remarkable aspect of being an MPI volunteer is the synergism. Everyone involved collaborates and work as team! Jamie is currently Vice-President at Plumtree Group and can be reached by e-mail at jamie@plumtreegroup.ca.

Crystal Stephenson, Education Committee - First Quarter 2010 Winner
One of the main reasons I decided to volunteer was to get connected to other people! When you take part in these different committees, you get closer to people. You are given the opportunity to work alongside people you never would have otherwise. It was a way for me to remember more names and faces because we had more of a connection than just once a month! The second reason was for growth, as an individual and a team player. What a better way for me to take part and feel important in such a large association. To know that my team and I had a hand in that month’s event running smoothly or for the beautiful décor that was chosen... It means a lot! And lastly because how would anything get done without volunteers! Sure I have an hour or two a month to spare for an association that provides a playground for networking, growth and learning how to work together! Crystal is currently Sales Manager for the Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown and can be reached by e-mail at Crystal.Stephenson@hilton.com.

Sharda Sukdeo, Special Education Projects Committee - First Quarter 2010 Winner
I have been an active member of MPI for about eight years, volunteering on the Professional Development, Special Education Projects and the Educational Advisory Board committees. My quest for knowledge and continuous improvement has led me to successfully achieve my CMP designation in 2009. My favourite part of every program is the end result, "seeing the participant’s face as they experience what was created makes it all worthwhile". Being involved with something I’m passionate about is reward in itself and the relationships that have grown out of volunteering are immeasurable. I volunteer primarily on the educational committees to foster my love of life long learning and to share what comes out of these committees with others. If we learn together, we grow together. Sharda is currently an Account Executive for Maritz Canada and can be reached by e-mail at sharda.sukdeo@maritz.com.

Congratulations to our first quarter winners. For more information about the 5 Star Program, visit here.