COPA Awards Gala

Announcing the 2014 COPA Awards winners

 

The Motown-themed 2014 COPA Stars Gala was another memorable and entertaining evening for our industry. Nearly 160 industry luminaries gathered on Thursday, November 27 at the Bellagio in Vaughan, Ontario to honour excellence and raise proceeds for the COPA Scholarship Fund and "Movember".

Guests started their evening off at the open bar mingling over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, as the silent auction table buzzed with stiff competition for two iPad minis and the 49" LG flat screen. The grand prize basket, courtesy of 3M Canada Company, which consisted of $500 worth of gift certificates ($150 at LCBO, $150 at Canadian Tire, $150 at The Keg, and $50 at Cineplex) was also hotly contended for. Overall, the silent auction, grand prize draw, winter accessories/jewellery table and candy bar, raised approximately $5,500 in proceeds.

Emceed by COPA’s own chair, Elio Tremonti at Staples Canada, and president, Sam Moncada, the night seemed to fly by once guests were seated for dinner and the awards show.
By far, the most touching moment of the night came during the Individual Award of Excellence presentation to Gary Quinnell, formerly of Staples Canada. Mr. Quinnell was overcome with emotion as Pete Gibel, his former boss at Staples Canada, talked of his great personal and professional contributions to the organization and OP industry. Mr. Gibel’s introduction was followed by a video tribute, created by the Staples Canada team, featuring testimonials from co-workers and colleagues, including vendors that worked with Mr. Quinnell, as well as his wife and children. Welcomed to the podium with a standing ovation, Mr. Quinnell gave an emotional acceptance speech and returned to his seat with another standing ovation. All in all, it is clear that Mr. Quinnell left a great personal and professional legacy across the industry and is a well-deserving candidate for COPA’s highest individual honour in 2014.


COPA handed out nine awards at this year’s Gala with ACCO Brands sweeping several categories thanks to their Hilroy and Kensington brands. Nevertheless, the Awards Committee had some close calls to make this year as the contention was very close in many of the categories. The 2014 COPA Awards winners are:

Category Development

  

3M Canada Company - Scotch® Expressions

 

 

Honourable mention in this category:

 

Fellowes Canada Inc. - Auto Feed Shredders - AutoMax™

 

Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership – Program

 

Beatties Basics Office Products - Environmental Responsibility
 

Staples Canada - Staples Canada Recycle for Education Computer Lab Contest

 

 

 

 

Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership – Product

ACCO Brands Canada - Me to We Back-to-School Collection in conjunction with Staples and Free the Children

Best Marketing Team

Staples Advantage Canada Marketers

 

 

Traditional Marketing Campaign

ACCO Brands Canada - Five Star Problems

 

 

 

Honourable mentions in this category:

Fellowes Canada Inc. - Fellowes Tax Time Shredder Campaign

Staples Advantage Canada - Hidden Germ Campaign

 

Best Online Marketing Campaign

ACCO Brands Canada - Zwipes & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Back-to-School Program

 

 

Honourable mention in this category:

 

Staples Advantage Canada - Make the Connection Happen
 

Innovative Product Development

ACCO Brands Canada - Kensington PresentAir™ and PresentAir™ Pro 4.0

 

 

Honourable mentions in this category:

ACCO Brands Canada - Kensington Charge & Sync Cabinet 2nd Generation for iOS & Android

Synnex Canada – IRONKEY Workspace W300 for Windows To Go

Synnex Canada – SEAGATE Wireless Plus

 

People’s Choice: Best New Office Product of the Year

Synnex Canada – IRONKEY Workspace W300 for Windows To Go

 

 

Honourable mentions in this category:

Fellowes Canada Inc. - Auto Feed Shredders - AutoMax™

ACCO Brands Canada - Me to We Back-to-School Collection

 

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!