DAngio receives professional award

A City of Powell River manager has received recognition from a professional organization for his work on waterfront development projects.

John Leech, executive director of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC), presented a Professional Achievement Award to Frank D’Angio, acting manager of engineering services, at the February 7 council meeting.

ASTTBC is a self-governing, professional association of some 10,000 technologists and technicians in BC, said Leech. “They are typically graduates from BCIT [BC Institute of Technology] and from a number of colleges throughout the province,” he said. “These individuals work in a myriad of fields.”

Members work in traditional areas of engineering, including civil, mechanical, electrical and electronics, Leech said, but also emerging fields, such as environmental. “These individuals are found throughout our communities doing a variety of functions,” he said, adding the city employs eight members of ASTTBC.

ASTTBC presents a number of awards during the course of a year, said Leech. One of the awards is for achievement in the application of technology. “A particular individual came to mind and the quote that was given to us was that this individual was a huge asset to the city and his commitment to the city is unsurpassed,” he said. “He’s an innovator and during the course of his work as an ASTT member here on staff, saving taxpayers dollars.”

Leech also said that D’Angio was an exemplary member of ASTTBC. “I’m told that he has a sense of humour, a great big smile and he enjoys the outdoors,” he said.

Mayor Dave Formosa thanked Leech for travelling to Powell River and bestowing the honour on D’Angio. “He’s a great employee of ours,” he said. “We’re proud of him and all we can say to him is thank you very much for his dedication to the community and his trade.”

D’Angio said he was taken aback by the award. He thanked Leech, pointing out that one of the big projects he worked on was waterfront development. “Although I was the lead of the project, it takes a team,” he said. “This award that I was given just reflects all the staff and the time and effort that they put forward into this project.”

He’s proud of the project, D’Angio added, and he thinks council should be proud as well, adding it was a legacy for the community.