The Canadian Pallet Council Honours the Best

The Canadian Pallet Council Honours the Best with Les Smith and Bernard Brunet Awards

The Canadian Pallet Council (CPC) recognized two exceptional members during its recent Annual General Meeting and Update with the distinguished Bernard Brunet and Les Smith Awards. This year’s awards for outstanding service went to Shawn Lacey, Metro Ontario Inc. and Diane Lalonde of Provigo Inc.

“The Canadian Pallet Council would not be the notable Canadian success story it is today if it weren’t for the unwavering support from its members. By recognizing those exceptional members who go beyond daily operations to truly make a difference in both their company and the CPC is an honour,” said Belinda Junkin, President and CEO of the Canadian Pallet Council. “I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge both Shawn and Diane for their continued commitment to this association as well as to the consumer goods industry.

The Bernard Brunet Award for Excellence in Pallet Management

The 2009 Bernard Brunet Award was presented to Shawn Lacey, VP Logistics & Distribution, Metro Ontario Inc. Shawn was nominated and recognized by his peers for his leadership, forethought and unwavering support to the ongoing success of the CPC. Shawn has been a proactive and determined member of CPC’s Board of Directors and effectively served on the Executive Committee. During Shawn’s tenure on the Board of Directors, and with his keen foresight, the CPC progressed ahead of schedule with crucial and timely directives based on Strategic Plan initiatives. Many of these accomplishments could not have been executed without Shawn’s leadership and resolve. Shawn has continued to champion the CPC, most notably to the retail community, which has led to broader recognition of this Canadian association.

The Bernard Brunet Award for Excellence in Pallet Management is presented to a senior-level person who has made a major contribution to the association and/or the industry and to the handling of pallets within his or her business. Bernard Brunet was a founding member of the CPC and a highly respected Distribution Executive with Steinberg’s in Montreal.


The Les Smith Award for Excellence in Pallet Administration

The 2009 Les Smith Award was presented to Diane Lalonde, Returnable Transport Items Technician of Provigo Inc. Diane was recognized for her commendable knowledge and meticulous work ethic. Many coworkers and colleagues applaud her efficient, cooperative and prompt resolution of pallet reconciliation, coordination and operations. Diane’s work with both the CPC and CTSWEB* in Quebec are unparalleled: she continuously looks for better or more efficient solutions; readily assists French CTSWEB users; and energetically addresses CPC member needs, when required. Diane certainly has earned the respect from her peers, which is evident in the range of supporters who nominated her for this celebrated award.

The Les Smith Award for Excellence in Pallet Administration honours the person who does their utmost within pallet administration to ensure timely, accurate and efficient recordkeeping. The recipient of this award is a team player who best exemplifies the spirit of co-operation. Les Smith was a founding member of CPC through his activities as VP of Distribution for Kraft Canada.