Last week in Orlando, Florida, the National Association of Home Builders paid tribute to former BILD (Building Industry and Land Development Association) CEO, Stephen Dupuis, who passed away suddenly last September. A special video in tribute to Dupuis, produced by BILD, opened the NAHB Awards. The video highlighted some of Dupuis' achievements and contributions to the real estate development industry, including his long-standing membership in the NAHB Advisory Team.

BILD members did very well at the Awards, earning 15 awards for distinction in real estate design, marketing and sales; a commendable reward for participating in a ceremony usually dominated by American firms. The biggest winners of the night were Daniels Corporation and Montana Steele Advertising, who received six trophies for work on Toronto's Cinema Tower. Montana Steele also picked up a seventh award for Best Radio Commercial for their ad for Treviso by Lanterra.

The Toronto advertising firm L.A. Inc. recieved five awards for their work on The Station by Brandy Lane Homes, Peter Street Condos by CentreCourt and B.streets Condos by Lindvest Properties.

The Building Industry Community Spirit awards went to Race for Humanity, the Amazing Race-style fundraiser BBQ for BILD's community partner Habitat for Humanity. Liberty Developments was also recognized for its $2 million contribution towards a four-storey, 385,000-square-foot addition to the Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Lastly, the awards celebrated BILD member Andrew Brethour of PMA Brethour Group with the Legends of Residential Marketing award for his many years of service to the industry. Clearly, this was a landmark year for honouring the role of real estate development industry leaders in the GTA.

To view the tribute video to the late Stephen Dupuis, click here. A flickr photo gallery of the ceremony can also be accessed here.