MARKHAM – Long distinguished as the most exciting and well-attended event in the Living Group of Companies’ calendar, the Living Realty Sales Awards Gala and Christmas Party took on a special significance this year, as it coincided with the end of Living Realty’s milestone 35th year in business.
Taking place at the Markham Event Centre on the evening of December 12, this year’s edition was attended by special guests from not only the Living Group of Companies, but also real estate development companies, industry partners, and VIP dignitaries from both provincial and municipal levels of government.
As always, the evening’s ceremonies began with a special address from Chairman Stephen Wong, who reflected on his memories of founding the company before turning his focus toward the year to come.
“2016 will be another good year for healthy growth of the real estate market here in the GTA, and real estate businesses will once again be the engine of our economy,” said Mr. Wong. “Together, [Group] will drive this engine full steam ahead.”
Mr. Wong also noted that roughly 90 per cent of 2015’s home buyers were families who went on to occupy the properties they purchased – helping Living Realty stay true to its mission statement of “helping homes and owners connect.”
Political dignitaries in attendance included Members of Provincial Parliament Michael Chan (Markham-Unionville) and Bas Balkissoon (Scarborough-Rouge River), both of whom delivered remarks to congratulate Living Realty and personally presented certificates of recognition.
Representing the local municipalities, Councillor Alan Ho (Markham, Ward 2) was joined onstage by Regional Councillor Joe Li (York Region), Councillor Amanda Yeung Collucci (Markham, Ward 6), Logan Kanapathi (Markham, Ward 7), and Alex Chiu (Markham, Ward 8) to present Mr. Wong with certificates awarded on behalf of the City of Markham and the York Regional Government.
“I would like to thank all of the real estate agents, builders, and developers – people who have worked hard to make the Living Group of Companies an integral part of every community they have built, marketed and managed over the years,” Mr. Ho said.
“You have grown and become an economic force that has contributed immensely to Markham and York Region.”
Prior to and in between speeches and the evening’s entertainment, outstanding Living Realty sales representatives were once again recognized for their 2015 sales performance with special awards, handed out personally by the manager of each branch.
Every year in December, the Top Producer Award, the President’s Award, the Award of Distinction, the Success Club Award are awarded to agents based on their sales success, while the “Path to Excellence” award is presented to recognize the hard work of new real estate registrants who joined the company within the same year.
The evening was capped off by a live musical performance featuring the jazzy hits of some members of the Rat Pack, as well as the Lucky Draw and Raffle Draw events, in which the prize list included gift cards, iPad Minis, printers, an Apple Watch, and even a 55’ flat-screen television.
Thanks in large part to the emcees of the evening, David Wong and Yanny Lee – as well as President William Lau, who was on hand to help personally present awards and prizes – it was an evening full of celebration and fun, and one that will no doubt be remembered fondly until Living Realty hits its next milestone in 2020.
