COCA 2024 Awards for Outstanding Achievement

On June 20, 2024, COCA recognized outstanding contributions to improving the Ontario construction industry. The awards were presented at a June 20th ceremony at The Inn of the Twenty in Jordan, Ontario.

The award recipients represent a range of disciplines, but they share a commitment to excellence and a determination to shape a positive future for our industry and our province.

COCA Construction Hard Hat Award

Conceived by our Past Chair, Gary van Bolderen, the Construction Hard Hat Award is given to individuals who do something remarkable to advance the construction industry’s interests.

This year’s recipient is Steve Dietrich. Steve graduated with an Engineering degree from Western University and owned and operated Dietrich Steel in London, Ontario. He then sold his company to AGF, where he served as vice president. In 2022, Steve retired after 42 years at Dietrich Steel and AGF. He recently formed ClearStar Consulting, offering his services as an executive business coach. Steve remains actively involved in the industry, currently serving as chair of the London and District Construction Association and served as COCA Chair from 2018 to 2021.

Industry Ally Award

COCA’s Industry Ally Award is presented to individuals outside the COCA federation who have contributed significantly to the construction industry’s success or improvements to Ontario’s industry environment. The 2024 recipients are:

Elise Teitler is the Director of ODACC (Ontario Dispute Adjudication for Construction Contracts), CanDACC (Canada Dispute Adjudication for Construction Contracts) and Manager of ADR Services at ADR Chambers.
Brian Barron is the Senior Manager of the construction health and safety program at the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Mary van Buren is a former president of the Canadian Construction Association and is a governance and strategy advisor at TNG.
Office of the Employer Advisor provides Ontario employers with expert, free, and confidential advice, representation, and education on all workers’ compensation issues under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and on unjust reprisal issues under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The Chair’s Award

Given at the discretion of the COCA Chair, this award recognizes those who have made extraordinary contributions to the success of our provincial federation. Chair Ted Dreyer presented the award to:

Patricia Penney-Rouzes, Executive Director of the Association of Millwrighting Contractors of Ontario (AMCO).
Roger Hubbard, President of The Reinforcing Steel Institute of Canada (RSIC).
Darryl Stewart, Executive Director of the Ontario and Toronto Sheet Metal Contractors Association (retired).

The President’s Award

Presented at the discretion of the President, the President’s Award recognizes the outstanding contributions made by a member association or by a staff member of a member association to the success of COCA in any or all aspects of its business. This year, the COCA President Ian Cunningham presented the award to: