Special Events

The 2006 WRA Awards

Local Achievement Awards for 2006

Gordy Ziglinski “Spirit of Education” Award

This award recognizes excellence in training and education in the industry in general, and Milwaukee/NARI in particular.  A member of Milwaukee/NARI for more than a decade, this person is a Certified Remodeler who has assisted the Certified Professionals program by serving as an instructor during the training program and she has successfully worked with several of her company’s employees to achieve Certified Professional status.  She volunteers her time to staff the association’s information booth at consumer shows, participates in panel discussions at area technical colleges, visits area high schools to make presentations, and serves as a professional liaison at MATC’s downtown campus for classes relating to home improvement and remodeling.  For the past four years, she has done a great job as the chair of the Seminar committee, while at the same time serving as the Association’s secretary.

Diane Ausavich, CR of Carl Krueger Construction in Milwaukee

Marvin Johnson Meritorious Service Award

Honors a member who has shown exceptional leadership, devotion, dedication, and accomplishment on NARI’s behalf.  Tonight’s recipient is the co-owner of a successful family run business, yet he is also a highly productive and an extremely involved participant in not only Milwaukee/NARI, but also the community as a whole.  A participant in association committees, a former board member, and a supporter of the chapter through sponsorship of events throughout the year, this gentleman currently serves as vice president of the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation.

Tom Callen of Callen Construction in Muskego

Professionalism Award

Salutes a member who has shown exceptional devotion, dedication, and accomplishment to the home improvement and remodeling industry through his efforts to promote NARI as a professional organization on the local level while at the same time serving as a tremendous resource for the community.  A long time association member, he plays a prominent role on the Ethics Committee.  He also is a prolific writer on all aspects of home improvement and remodeling with two books to his credit, plus a weekly newspaper column.  Best known for his Saturday morning radio program, he is also a speaker at shows across the Midwest, including a regular slot at the Milwaukee/NARI consumer shows.

Tom Feiza, Mr. Fix-It, of New Berlin

Mary Fox-Hagner Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is bestowed on a person who has been in the remodeling industry for at least 20 years and a member of NARI for at least seven years. This gentleman has played an active role on the Ethics Committee, handling cases that are assigned to him in a professional way.  He also is a tremendous resource for members, always willing to share his wealth of experience with those that ask for his input.

Robert Zidar, of CRC Concrete Raising Corp. in New Berlin

Certified Professional "Superstar" Awards

Recognizes individuals who recently showed their commitment to the home improvement and remodeling industry by taking part in the Certified Professionals training program.  The award goes to the person scoring highest locally on the written certification exam.

Certified Lead Carpenter “Superstar” Award: Bill Hamm, CLC, of Kerzner, Inc. in Oconomowoc

Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler “Superstar” Award Gary Millard, CKBR, of Wooden Thumb, in West Allis

Government Affairs Award

Presented to a member who has actively participated on the Government Affairs committee, focusing on the legislative interests of the professional remodeling industry.  He has worked hard to stay current on building code changes and legislation that may affect the industry, assisting the committee chair in communicating updates to members.

Tony Rink, CR, of Renovators Ltd. in Brookfield

Certified Professional of the Year

Recognizes a person who’s been a Certified Professional for at least three years and has continued to excel in the field, while sharing professional experience and expertise with other association members.  The 2006 recipient became a Certified Remodeler in November 1995 and was appointed Chairman of the Education/ Certification Committee for Milwaukee/NARI the following year, a position he held through the end of 2002.  For four years, he has worked with the Waukesha County Technical College to serve as the professional liaison for classes relating to home improvement and remodeling, providing guidance and suggestions on course offerings.  He is also heavily involved with NARI National, sharing his expertise and insight at regional and national committee meetings and serving as a resource for the national office as it seeks to enhance the educational offerings available to NARI members across the country.

Distributor of the Year

This honor recognizes a member company that has demonstrated a strong commitment to NARI, to the remodeling industry, and to our community.  This company has taken an active role in the association for many years, providing support through participation in the association’s various business activities.  This company was a major contributor to the first annual Milwaukee/NARI Rummage Sale, as it brought truckloads of materials to the NARI Office to assist in the fundraising effort.

Stock Building Supply of Sussex

Media Outlet of the Year Award

This award recognizes a media organization that assists Milwaukee/NARI in its effort to provide home improvement and remodeling resources to consumers throughout the area while enhancing the association’s image and community presence.  This media outlet is a strong industry advocate, working with the association’s marketing committee to include a quarterly article in the publication, which will now be a monthly feature in 2007.  In addition, this publication works with Milwaukee/NARI to create an annual “Home Guide” that is distributed in its May issue in recognition of National Home Improvement Month.  Milwaukee/NARI is proud to participate in the publication’s annual Kidsfest, distributing association materials to hundreds of area homeowners.

Metroparent Magazine of Milwaukee

Affiliate Organization of the Year

This honor is presented to a member company – not directly in the home improvement and remodeling industry – which has assisted the local association in its business activities and has enhanced its operations.  The 2006 recipient has assisted the association with the updating of its sample contract for members, updating bylaws, and serving as a tremendous resource when questions need answering.

von Briesen & Roper, s.c. in Milwaukee

Peter H. Johnson Image Award

This award  recognizes an individual or organization that has contributed to the enhancement of the industry’s image.  This year’s winner has been the main reason Milwaukee/NARI continues to grow and be the largest and leading chapter in the country.  Always willing to assist members get more from their membership, he helps members network and makes sure new members are made to feel welcome.

Bill Bobrowitz