GTA Construction Report staff writer
The Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) has honoured Don Gosen as its newest Hall of Fame inductee. Gosen received the recognition in February at the association’s annual general meeting.
The association has used this honour since 2006 to recognize members who show commitment to the industry, the community and the association.
GVCA education co-ordinator Danita Jaipersaud says: “Don loves our industry and has without a doubt has left a stamp of devotion and commitment on the world of construction, particularly within the electrical industry.”
Likening the honour to that of being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, the association sets criteria in similar categories: player-character, contribution to the team and the construction industry as a whole; builder–coaching, managerial or executive ability; referee–officiating ability, sportsmanship.
“Don Gosen meets all of these criteria, in all categories,” the GVCA says in its Hall of Fame recognition. “He is the quintessential construction player/leader and, in many situations, an officiator.”
Gosen’s career began in 1977 when he left his job as a water technologist to take his ailing father’s place at the helm of Gosen Electric. Using electrical skills he had learned from his father as a teenager and his own business sense he pulled the struggling company from the brink of bankruptcy. Along the way he became a master electrician and built the company to a successful 50-employee enterprise.
His other achievements include:
- Supporting the high school-based Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Gosen brought students under the tutelage of the company’s journeymen to receive training and experience. Several have since returned to work for the company.
- In 2007 Gosen received recognition with a Labour ministry Apprenticeship Employer Recognition Award. In 2009 he received the Waterloo Region Board of Education’s Award of Excellence for his support of technical education.
- He has participated on technical training advisory boards for the Waterloo County Board of Education and Conestoga College, and is past chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board’s Fast Forward program.
Gosen has served as GVCA chair and during his term focused on improving education and communication, launching the association’s first member e-newsletter. He is currently chair of Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA) and is an Ontario College of Trades board member.
He has served as president of the Ontario Electrical League and vice-chair of the Electrical Contractor Registration Agency.. He served on the Provincial Advisory Committee for Electrician – Construction and Maintenance.
Gosen’s community support goes beyond the industry. He has been chair of the Waterloo Region Heart and Stroke Chapter and chair of the trustees at Benton Street Baptist Church. He has also been vice-chair of the Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA), reflecting his personal hobby and interest.
