For Immediate Release | Check Against Delivery
January 28th, 2015
Remarks for BILD GTA Chairs Dinner – Lifetime Achievement Award for Harold G. Shipp
The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) honoured Harold G. Shipp with their Lifetime Achievement Award during the organization’s annual Chair’s Dinner. The following are remarks by Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie celebrating Mr. Shipp’s life as a successful businessperson and committed city-builder, delivered during the event.
“Good evening, everyone.
“Let me begin by recognizing the team from BILD and incoming Chair Steve Deveaux of Tribute Communities.
“As Mayor of Mississauga it gives me immense pleasure to speak about the late Harold G. Shipp – this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
“Mr. Shipp quite literally built the City of Mississauga and was its champion for over 70 years.
“His work as a successful businessman brought Mississauga great renown – turning us from a bedroom community into the 6th largest city in the country.
“Mr. Shipp more than qualifies for tonight’s award through his devotion to city building; his philanthropic work; and his efforts to build many of the communities that form the foundation of our city today.
“From Applewood Acres, to Credit Woodlands, to Riverview Gardens, to the Mississauga Executive Centre, which is an anchor property in downtown Mississauga, Mr. Shipp’s work has helped to shape the Mississauga of today.
“Along with his tireless work to build up this community, he also helped to build our city through his many volunteer efforts.
“Whenever there was a need, Mr. Shipp was the first to answer the call.
“He served as the Chairman of Citizen’s Committee for opening of new Mississauga Civic Centre in July 1989.
“He was a philanthropist of the highest order, donating $6 million to Trillium Hospital in 2005 and encouraging man others to follow his lead.
“He was also a regular contributor to many local charities and worthwhile causes.
“As a result of his business and volunteer work, Mr. Shipp had been honoured many times.
“Just some of Mr. Shipp’s honours and distinctions include: being named the 1986 Mississauga Business Person of the year; earning the 2009 Mississauga Board Of Trade Inaugural, “Lifetime Business Achievement Award”; and being elected to Canadian Home Builders Hall of Fame.
“More recently, I was honoured to nominate Mr. Shipp to the City of Mississauga’s Legends Row.
“This prestigious city-wide distinction recognizes men and women – of different professions and callings – who have brought spirit and pride to our community.
“There are few businesses that have remained truly Mississauga-based, but Harold Shipp made it a point to be known as a Mississauga company.
“In fact, his company is the oldest Mississauga-based development company in our city, having served our community for 63 years.
“On a personal level I knew Mr. Shipp for many years and always found him to be a warm and caring person with only the best interests of this city at heart.
“Although, Mr. Shipp is no longer with us, his work and generosity to Mississauga are ever present.
“I am honoured to have had the opportunity to be mentored by Mr. Shipp and to have called him a dear friend – he will be greatly missed.
“Thank you, again, to BILD for celebrating Harold Shipp’s accomplishments with this Lifetime Achievement Award.”
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