Vancouver, BC, Canada – The BCIT Board of Governors has announced that it will award an Honorary Doctor of Technology degree to Concert Properties CEO and President David Podmore.
"David Podmore has made extraordinary contributions to the well-being of the residents of BC through his many volunteer activities, including being part of the leadership to secure the 2010 Olympics and his significant support, both personally and with the building industry, of Trades Training." says Dr. Tony Knowles, BCIT President.
The honorary doctorate is awarded to individuals who are widely recognized for outstanding and sustained achievements in their area of expertise, and will be presented as approximately 1,500 BCIT students graduate at convocation ceremonies this week in Burnaby.
“David Podmore is an exceptional leader in the Canadian building industry, with his strong commitment to working with community groups, cities and municipalities to provide a win-win situation for the communities in which Concert builds,” says Jack Poole, Chairman of the Concert Board of Directors.
Founded on the principle of building high-quality affordable rental and for-sale homes, Concert Properties also plays a key role as community builder and see that role as extremely important.
One way that Concert fulfills this commitment is to the development industry itself, believing that a strong industry hinges on the availability of skilled, well-trained trades people. Concert takes an active role in finding ways to provide opportunities and money for education and training. In 1995, Concert established the Concert Properties Bursary Fund for BCIT students who enroll in eligible trades and technology programs related to the construction industry.
The endowment now exceeds $300,000 and to date, some 85 students have received bursaries. In 2002, building upon this success, Concert inspired numerous industry partners to work with them in establishing the Trades Discovery Sponsorship Program to help young people explore careers in approximately 20 different construction trades.
Two other honorary recipients joining David Podmore this year are Stephen Lewis, United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and Wendy McDonald, Chair and CEO, BC Bearing Engineers Limited.
BCIT is British Columbia’s largest post-secondary institution and Canada’s leading polytechnic. The institute offers a wide range of credentials from certificates and diplomas to applied degrees.
About Concert
Properties Concert is an award-winning diversified real estate enterprise involved in developing and acquiring commercial and industrial properties, rental housing, multi-family condominium housing, seniors living communities, and resort developments in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. www.ConcertProperties.com
For media inquiries contact:
Heather Harley
Telephone: 604.602.3713
Email: HHarley@ConcertProperties.com