HAMILTON, ONT. — The Hamilton-Halton Construction Association (HHCA) posthumously inducted Charlie Bennett of the Bennett Group of Companies into the HHCA Hall of Fame and also presented Amanda Convery of Lancaster Group with the Young Leader Award during the organization’s 97th annual general meeting and dinner recently.
Bennett was recognized for his contributions to the regional and national construction industry and his well-known zest for life.
The presentation included a number of colourful stories, descriptions of some of his most challenging projects and photos highlighting both his professional career and personal life, indicates an HHCA release.
Bennett left the family farm to become a plumber, first working with the Adam Clark Company Ltd. in Hamilton. In the mid-1970s, he founded Bear Construction, building his business in northern Ontario.
In 1981, in order to grow, Bear Construction transitioned to the Bennett Group of Companies and moved south into the Halton and Peel regions. Both companies focused on water and wastewater projects.
Bennett developed solutions to problems that no one else could find — inventing the solution when necessary, adds the release. He and Jeff Wood established B.N.W. Valve Manufacturing Limited in 1983 and notably designed rugged stainless steel slide and sluice gates that are used in water and wastewater facilities throughout North America.
Bennett’s sons Colin and Adam accepted the award on their father’s behalf.
Convery was given the HHCA’s Young Leader Award for her contributions to the industry.
Convery was introduced to HVAC at the age of 14 when her father opened his own shop, the release indicates.
She went on to become a CoQ Sheet Metal Worker and holds a G2 Gas Certification. She has worked in the field and also as a sheet metal instructor at Mohawk College’s Stoney Creek Campus.
Convery participated in the development of the Advance Women in Trades website with the YWCA, a site that offers employers tools to facilitate the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in trades.
She was also one of the keynote speakers at the launch event and shared her experiences working on the tools in a male-dominated industry.
Convery is also actively involved with the HHCA Women in Construction Group, leading the fundraising efforts for the HHCA’s Legacy Build 2020 with Habitat Hamilton.
"I’m extremely honoured to receive this award," said Convery in a statement.
"I’ve always been motivated by recognition from my supervisors, but never imagined I might be recognized for the commitment and dedication that I have put into my career and my success."
Convery is an estimator with the Lancaster Group in Hamilton.
The Young Leader Award was sponsored by HHCA member firm Arthur J. Gallagher Canada Limited. Young Leader Award recipients are under the age of 40 and employed by an HHCA member firm.
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