Don Lovisa holds the Innovative Technology Award given to Durham College at the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Business Excellence Awards. The award recognizes the college for its commitment to innovation and technology through Phase 1 of the Whitby campus expansion.

September 27, 2010

Durham College was honoured at the 2010 Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards on September 16 when it received the 2010 Innovative Technology Award. The college was recognized for the innovation and technology incorporated into Phase 1 of its Whitby campus expansion.

Phase 1 – a $9-million second-storey addition – offers new smart energy programs being offered via a one-of-a-kind living lab environment that features solar water heating, solar cell systems, wind turbines, geothermal technology systems and trombe wall solar thermal collections: seven smart classrooms; electrical, building system and computer simulation laboratories; and an incubation centre developed in partnership with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance, a non-for-profit organization comprised of business, government and educational institutions working together to advance local energy initiatives and support innovators and investors in prototyping and testing new products.

The 15th annual event, held at the Holiday Inn Oshawa Hotel & Conference Centre in Oshawa, Ont., pays tribute to local businesses, businesspeople and organizations that excel in all areas of business and display leadership within the business community.

“I am proud of our continued success and innovation,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College. “It is driven by all faculty and staff, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the job market and know the value of innovation in terms of helping employers succeed.”

Local businesses and organizations submitted nominations for the awards in May and winners were chosen in August. Lovisa was on-hand at the event to accept the award on behalf of the college.

“Everyone on campus plays a role in our success and for that I’d like to say thank you,” added Lovisa.

Other award recipients included Simcoe Hall Settlement House (President’s Award); Oshawa Generals Hockey Club (Civic Pride); Victory Cigars Inc. (New Enterprise); Northwind Solutions (Business Excellence); Perry Mechanical Inc. (Business Excellence); and Keith Miller of W.B. White Insurance Limited who was selected as Business Person of the Year.