Awards
2012 summit award® recipients
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
The APEGA Council may confer Honorary Membership in the Association upon any person who, through his/her own initiative and leadership, has rendered eminent service allied with the profession resulting in the betterment of society through the development of new material, equipment, techniques, philosophy or management related to engineering or geoscience.
Mr. John Chomiak
For nearly 50 years, Mr. John Chomiak has actively promoted the value of engineering to institutions and facility owners. As President and CEO of APEGA Permit Holder Hemisphere Engineering (previously Vinto Engineering), he has extensively lobbied public and government organizations to support the value of engineering in their projects and to provide fair compensation to engineering firms.
Mr. Chomiak has actively supported APEGA through his commitment to increase industry’s awareness of Professional Engineers and their contributions to society. He has also been an advocate for Consulting Engineers of Alberta and its promotion of the value of engineering, and has worked with many other boards and organizations to increase the profile of Professional Engineers.
Mr. Chomiak’s endorsement of Canadian engineering expertise goes beyond Canadian borders. He has championed the use of innovative technology and engineering knowledge through the use of computer technologies, commissioning and energy modelling. Under his leadership, Hemisphere Engineering was one of the first engineering firms in Western Canada to introduce the Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) software.
With his leadership in a national technical competition, Hemisphere was awarded Canada’s first high containment lab (BSL-4) project. Following this, Hemisphere was awarded a high containment lab in Atlanta, GA. These were followed by many other lab projects ranging in size and complexity in Canada, the US and Germany. Through Mr. Chomiak’s hard work and dedication to industry, Hemisphere Engineering is now internationally known for the specialized design of notable biocontainment lab projects.
Over the years, Mr. Chomiak has played a key role in a variety of public and private development, education and healthcare projects. He is an important resource for a number of organizations. His distinguished record of achievement shows his strong dedication and leadership role in both business and political communities. His involvement in strategic planning and implementation, fundraising, and campaign management demonstrates his willingness to serve, along with his commitment to be socially and politically responsible.
In addition to being a Rotarian, Mr. Chomiak has given back to his community through his work in various hospital foundations, most notably serving as chair of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.
Honours, Awards and Distinctions
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Alberta Centennial Medal (2005)
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Citation for Citizenship Award (1993)
Professional Affiliations and Activities
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Past-President, Building Owners and Managers Association
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Board member, Export Development Canada
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Past-President, Construction Specifications Canada
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Board member, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
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Past-President, Edmonton Petroleum Club
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Chair, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
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Past board member, Global Thermoelectric
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Board member on multiple hospital foundations