MARKHAM – From an energetic live music performance, to high-tech lucky draw prizes and a multi-course dinner, there was no shortage of entertainment and glamour at the Living Group of Companies’ 2014 Christmas Party and Sales Awards Gala.
This year’s event, held once again at the Shangri La Banquet Hall and Convention Centre in Markham, kicked off with a traditional keynote speech from Living Group of Companies chairman Stephen Wong.
Wong congratulated the Living Realty sales team not only on moving into their new, state-of-the-art office facility this summer, but also exceeding property resale expectations for the year, as the brokerage’s sales volume exceeded $1.1 billion worth of properties during the first 11 months of 2014.
“Being the biggest city in the country, and likely possessing the most job opportunities for new immigrants, Greater Toronto definitely offers the most attractive real-estate-related opportunities for investors from all over the world,” Wong noted, looking ahead at the real estate forecast for 2015.
“I am very confident that the Toronto real estate market will remain strong in the coming months.”
Next to take the podium was International Home Marketing Group’s Elliott Taube, who took the opportunity to reflect on a sterling year for the group – which achieved a 40 per cent growth in new home sales compared to 2013.
2014 Sales Award winners
Once again, outstanding Living Realty sales representatives were recognized for their sales achievements in 2014 with special awards – handed out personally by the manager of each branch.
Each year, four awards are distributed: the Top Producer Award, the President’s Award, the Award of Distinction, the Success Club Award, and the “Path to Excellence” award recognizing the hard work of new real estate registrants who joined the Company in 2014.
A fond farewell: long-time Living employee Emily Chan retires
Many of the evening’s speakers also took the time to congratulate and thank Living Realty’s Emily Chan, who announced her upcoming retirement after 33 years with the company.
“Emily was one of the original staff members when this company was established back in 1980, and has since been an integral part of our growth and development into what we are right now,” said Stephen Wong, who founded the brokerage and remains the Broker of Record.
“I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for Emily’s contributions and devotion to myself and our company.”
Holiday fun and lucky draw prizes
With the weekend’s weather providing a pleasant contrast to the snowfall earlier in the week, this year’s Christmas party attendees showed up full of cheer and ready to party – and the evening’s talented MCs, Yanny Lee and Eddie Ng – did not fail to keep the energy and enthusiasm up throughout the evening.
In addition to a festive dance performance, guests were treated to musical performances celebrating the music of two British legends – Tom Jones and Elton John – that had many up out of their seats and showing off their moves.
Following the musical feature performance, it was time for the most anticipated part of the evening: the raffle prize and employee “Lucky Draw” giveaways. Prizes this year included cash giveaways, pre-paid credit cards, and a huge array of high-tech gadgets – including iPads, cameras, and the evening’s most prominent prize, a flat-screen Samsung Smart TV.
Giveaway prizes were made possible through the generosity of donors such as Lone Wolf Real Estate Technologies Inc., Prime Advertising, Scotiabank, Tone Performance Communications Inc., LiVante Developments, Sing Tao Daily, and the official Lucky Draw Sponsor, Plaza Corporation.
