On Feb 21, 2009 I was the recipient of an Oscar. Not the 'real' Oscar, but a Calgary Oscar. Nominated in 4 categories, we won in one of them. Here is how it happened:
Jodi Gatemen, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Green Learning Academy decided it was time to create an event that celebrated and rewarded the best in Calgary, in business big and small, media and public facilities. Dozens of nominations were made and my team and I were nominated in 4 categories:
- Customer Service
- Employer
- Heart of the New West (celebrating the spirit of Western Canadian Entrepeneurship)
- Green Award (not an environmental category...see more below)
Voting was opened to the General Public and voting was done online from early January, 2009 until shortly before the awards.
Unfortunately for us, Westjet was also nominated in the first 3 categories above and won in each category, but we won the Green Award. The Green Award is defined as follows:
Green Learning Academy’s motto is “teaching children how to think, not what to think.” This makes the school incredibly non-traditional in the sense that children are given choices in their education: they tailor their own education according to their preferences. The Green Award, then, in honour of this new and innovative pedagogical philosophy, is awarded to the nominee that similarly shows prowess in their ability to think outside the box, to challenge dominant paradigms of thought and, to create spaces for their customers to achieve their own individuality.
Naturally, we were thrilled with the honour. I have worked hard, and continue to work hard, to create an environment at work that allows my team members to reach their potential and to grow as individuals. When this happens, the whole team performs at a higher level and our patients benefit.
Shortly afterwards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences contacted the Green Learning Academy and informed them they could no longer use the 'Oscar' name and likeness. The awards have been changed to the Calgary Choice Awards.
What is even more exciting, is for 2010 we have been nominated again in 4 categories. This time the categories are:
1) Best Independently Owned Business
2) Best Retail Experience
3) Best Medical and Health Care Service
4) Best Small Business Employer (Iess than 30 Employees)
The Calgary Choice Awards this year will be held at Flames Central on Saturday, March 6, 2010.
Enjoy some photos from the 2009 Awards night.
