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About

Celebrating the best builders, renovators, designers, and industry partners across the region, the Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence (OHAE 2021) are an annual salute to the residential construction industry in the Okanagan.

Now in their 28th year, the Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence showcase excellence in new home building, renovations, and interior design. Winners within the Okanagan regularly go on to win awards at the Provincial and National levels.

Join us on the Red Carpet Saturday at 6:00PM and take your gala photos in the virtual photo booth! Use custom OHAE frames and backgrounds to capture your gala moments in a very weird year.

Be sure to share your bubble party on social media! Have fun with the digital photo booth in our virtual lobby and share using #OHAE2021!
Sponsors
Photos
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Speakers
Speaker
Brighton Gbarazia Speaker image
Brighton Gbarazia Speaker image
Brighton Gbarazia
Underwriter | New Home Warranty | Developer Surety for Aviva
Brighton joined National Home Warranty in 2019 and has experience with single family and large scale multi-family development projects.
Bryan Yu Speaker image
Bryan Yu Speaker image
Bryan Yu
Bryan Yu Deputy Chief Economist, Central 1 Credit Union
Through his engaging economics reports Bryan has become Central 1’s local celebrity, with his work featured by various media outlets including the Globe and Mail, BNN, Bloomberg and BC Business. When he’s not keeping busy as our Chief Economist, Bryan can be found spending time with his wife and kids or volunteering with various charitable and industry associations.
D'Arcy Allen Speaker image
D'Arcy Allen Speaker image
D'Arcy Allen
Senior Technical Representative | New Home Warranty Travelers Canada
D’Arcy has over 40 years of construction industry experience. A graduate of the BCIT ‘Construction Management/ Site supervision program, D’Arcy spent 25 years as a site superintendent overseeing multifamily low rise, hi-rise, ski hotel, commercial, and single family home developments. In addition he spent two years as a production manager for a shop producing panelized wood frame homes and apartments for export to Japan.
Graham Finch Speaker image
Graham Finch Speaker image
Graham Finch
MASc, P.Eng – Principal, Senior Building Science Specialist for RDH Building Science on behalf of BC
Graham Finch is a building science engineer who specializes in enclosure design, research, and investigation work for new and existing buildings. Graham also works with building product manufacturers and other clients on product research and development, performance monitoring, forensic investigations and field testing. He actively publishes guidelines and technical articles and is regularly invited to present on the latest building science information at local to international conferences. Much of his recent work has focused on highly insulated building enclosures, including specific research and publications related to new and existing buildings in British Columbia and beyond.
James Higgins Speaker image
James Higgins Speaker image
James Higgins
AScT, Associate, Building Science Technologist for RDH Building Science Inc. on behalf of BC Housing
James’s work includes forensic investigations, building monitoring, façade design, and field review and testing services for new construction and existing buildings at RDH. He combines his theoretical expertise with a practical approach to solving complex design and construction problems.
Jamey Trewartha Speaker image
Jamey Trewartha Speaker image
Jamey Trewartha
Regional Manager, Commercial Banking; Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union
Jamey Trewartha joined Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, in November 2019 as the Kelowna Regional Manager, Commercial Banking. Jamey and his team of Commercial Banking Advisors are trusted advisors to their members, helping members throughout the Okanagan grow their business and deliver on their strategic goals.
Rob Cupello Speaker image
Rob Cupello Speaker image
Rob Cupello
VP Business Development for Csek Creative
Rob brings two decades of strategic planning and marketing for crown corporations, tourism industry and a broad variety of SMBs. His passion is to help brands build their business and always look outside the traditional approach to ensure every marketing dollar spent sees a ROI. It’s not about pretty ads, it’s about marketing that connects the intended audience with the brand\'s message.
Presenter & Exhibitor
Landon Aldridge Speaker image
Landon Aldridge Speaker image
Landon Aldridge
VP Operations, SkyFire Energy Inc. Okanagan Division

Landon Aldridge, VP Operations for SkyFire Energy, has been involved in the solar industry since 2004. His company, SkyFire Energy, has been installing solar electric systems since 2001.SkyFire has installed well over 2000 systems consisting of everything from small Residential to Utility-scale projects. SkyFire Energy also installs Residential and Commercial energy storage systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall, and installs Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Residential and Commercial applications.

 
Presenter, Sponsor and Exhibitor
Ronda Barzilay Speaker image
Ronda Barzilay Speaker image
Ronda Barzilay
Editor, Build Magazine
Ronda Barzilay of Beyond Media Inc in cooperation with Build Magazine
Emcee
Cliff Prang Speaker image
Cliff Prang Speaker image
Cliff Prang
Comedian

Cliff Prang is a professional actor, comedian and amateur dad. His commercials can be seen on pretty much every major TV network and his season 4 appearance on the CW’s Supergirl finally shattered his ‘dad' typecast by playing the role as an Alien… dad. Other credits include, Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, The InBetween & Supernatural. He has been in love with making people laugh since birth and has a full menu of comedy options including stand up, improv, speaking, emceeing, auctioneering and delivers those services to a broad spectrum of audiences at Bars, Clubs, Schools, Churches, Fundraisers, Corporate Events, and now the INTERNET. Cliff has over 22 years of improv experience with VancouverTheatreSports, The Panic Squad Improv and now Funny Brothers Improv and as a stand up comedian Cliff has been lauded by Reader's Digest as one of 50 Canadian Comics to watch. So yeah, there's some sweet Grandma somewhere about to get a cavity filled that thinks Cliff Prang is a pretty big deal.

 

Acting Demo Reel - https://vimeo.com/426118384

Stand Up Comedy Teaser - https://vimeo.com/240708162 

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Agenda
29
8:30 AM
- 9:30 AM
New Home Warranty - Common Claims & How to Avoid Them
In our presentation, we cover the Top 10 claims items we receive and the corresponding customer service tips for these particular issues. We also discuss the most common construction issues to be aware of as this will help to mitigate the risk of these claims. In addition, we cover important Structural claims we encounter and, finally, we devote time to Soils and Geotechnical issues.
In our presentation, we cover the Top 10 claims items we receive and the corresponding customer service tips for these particular issues. We also discuss the most common construction issues to be aware of as this will help to mitigate the risk of these claims. In addition, we cover important Structural claims we encounter and, finally, we devote time to Soils and Geotechnical issues.
Main Stage
9:30 AM
- 9:30 AM
Connecting the Dots: Detailing for Better Wood Frame Buildings
When it comes to low-and mid-rise multi-unit residential buildings, wood-frame construction isn’t going anywhere. But as the industry evolves, builders and architects will need to get design and detailing right in order to meet current and future code requirements. This month, don’t miss James Higgins, experienced wood-frame enclosure designer and co-author of the new, updated 2020 Building Enclosure Design Guide for Wood Frame Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, as he shares his insight.
When it comes to low-and mid-rise multi-unit residential buildings, wood-frame construction isn’t going anywhere. But as the industry evolves, builders and architects will need to get design and detailing right in order to meet current and future code requirements. This month, don’t miss James Higgins, experienced wood-frame enclosure designer and co-author of the new, updated 2020 Building Enclosure Design Guide for Wood Frame Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, as he shares his insight.
Main Stage
10:40 AM
- 11:40 AM
Managing Working Capital in the Time of COVID
COVID-19 had a significant impact on the global economy in 2020 and will continue to be a major factor in 2021.  What are the anticipated changes given the global distribution of a vaccine?  What are the long-term impacts of the Federal funding programs and support?  In this educational session, we will provide an economic outlook as it relates to the impact of COVID and how it might impact the local economy.  Uncertain times and changes in the economy will require businesses to optimize their working capital.  Strong working capital can provide resilience through challenging times and also allow for investment and growth.  We will also speak to programs and methods that can be employed to help improve your working capital cycle and strength.
COVID-19 had a significant impact on the global economy in 2020 and will continue to be a major factor in 2021.  What are the anticipated changes given the global distribution of a vaccine?  What are the long-term impacts of the Federal funding programs and support?  In this educational session, we will provide an economic outlook as it relates to the impact of COVID and how it might impact the local economy.  Uncertain times and changes in the economy will require businesses to optimize their working capital.  Strong working capital can provide resilience through challenging times and also allow for investment and growth.  We will also speak to programs and methods that can be employed to help improve your working capital cycle and strength.
Main Stage
11:45 AM
- 12:45 PM
The Importance of Customer Service
Good customer service is the difference that really sets builders apart. Excellent customer service is more than just a happy face, it’s the ability to anticipate issues and solve problems so that pain for your client is minimal. Individuals attending will be provided a general overview of warranty obligations and the importance of having a good customer service process to avoid costly warranty-related claims.
Good customer service is the difference that really sets builders apart. Excellent customer service is more than just a happy face, it’s the ability to anticipate issues and solve problems so that pain for your client is minimal. Individuals attending will be provided a general overview of warranty obligations and the importance of having a good customer service process to avoid costly warranty-related claims.
Main Stage
12:55 PM
- 1:55 PM
Digital Marketing
With consumers spending most of their time indoors these days, marketing opportunities are getting slimmer as venues across the country remain closed. Most businesses know what digital marketing is, but are you aware of how to do it effectively? In this educational session, Rob Cupello will speak to digital marketing and the basics, as well well as industry trends and targeting. By the end, you’ll have the foundation you need to help take your business to new heights in the digital world.
With consumers spending most of their time indoors these days, marketing opportunities are getting slimmer as venues across the country remain closed. Most businesses know what digital marketing is, but are you aware of how to do it effectively? In this educational session, Rob Cupello will speak to digital marketing and the basics, as well well as industry trends and targeting. By the end, you’ll have the foundation you need to help take your business to new heights in the digital world.
Main Stage
2:00 PM
- 3:00 PM
The Three Keys for Airtight Buildings
What does it take to achieve a very tight building enclosure? This presentation will address the stringent targets needed for Passive House or Net Zero projects, and even beyond. Learn about design, material selection, and on-site measures to meet your project’s air barrier performance requirements. This webinar will provide an overview of successful strategies to design, build, and confirm airtight enclosures through informed detailing material selection, and field commissioning. We’ll share lessons learned from some of North America’s tightest building enclosures and show that hitting very tight Passive House targets is readily achievable with good design and implementation.
What does it take to achieve a very tight building enclosure? This presentation will address the stringent targets needed for Passive House or Net Zero projects, and even beyond. Learn about design, material selection, and on-site measures to meet your project’s air barrier performance requirements. This webinar will provide an overview of successful strategies to design, build, and confirm airtight enclosures through informed detailing material selection, and field commissioning. We’ll share lessons learned from some of North America’s tightest building enclosures and show that hitting very tight Passive House targets is readily achievable with good design and implementation.
Main Stage
3:10 PM
- 4:10 PM
Our BRAND is your story!  Make a lasting impression...
Branding is the first impression your company will have on a prospect. A strong brand is able to express the importance of their drive, products, mission, policies or services to their customer base with good branding. … As branding gives values and benefits insight into a company, it helps them form a bond.  During this presentation, you will gain insight into developing a strong brand and how to leverage your brand to work for you to help make a difference in your bottom line. 
Branding is the first impression your company will have on a prospect. A strong brand is able to express the importance of their drive, products, mission, policies or services to their customer base with good branding. … As branding gives values and benefits insight into a company, it helps them form a bond.  During this presentation, you will gain insight into developing a strong brand and how to leverage your brand to work for you to help make a difference in your bottom line. 
Main Stage
4:20 PM
- 5:20 PM
 How to Plan For Net Zero Ready, and Getting to Net Zero with Solar
Main Stage
30
6:00 PM
- 10:00 PM
Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence Gala

Celebrating the best builders, renovators, designers, and industry partners across the region, the Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence (OHAE 2021) are an annual salute to the residential construction industry in the Okanagan.

Now in their 28th year, the Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence showcase excellence in new home building, renovations, and interior design. Winners within the Okanagan regularly go on to win awards at the Provincial and National levels.

Celebrating the best builders, renovators, designers, and industry partners across the region, the Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence (OHAE 2021) are an annual salute to the residential construction industry in the Okanagan.

Now in their 28th year, the Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence showcase excellence in new home building, renovations, and interior design. Winners within the Okanagan regularly go on to win awards at the Provincial and National levels.