La Vita Land receives nominations for Fireside and The Willows communities

While Calgary's economic downturn has provided its share of challenges to builders, it did not stop the best of the industry from competing for the 2016 SAM Awards.

After receiving 800 entries, BILD Calgary Region has announced their 2016 SAM Awards finalists featuring 78 companies spread across 10 categories, competing for some 60 different awards.

"The awards are proof that BILD Calgary Region members have the drive and ability to create outstanding communities, homes, renovations, marketing collateral and so much more, even in the face of economic adversity," said Shane Wenzel, the chair of the SAM Awards Committee and president of Shane Homes Ltd. "This perseverance shows the dedication and determination of our industry, which makes winning a SAM Award that much more of an accomplishment."

Full steam ahead for new communities in Calgary

Calgary's residential development sector continues to move dirt, lay down infrastructure and create lots as it responds to current consumer interest and prepares for the inevitable economic turnaround.

Within the city limits are several active new-home communities that continue toward buildout or are adding phases.

"Despite Alberta's current economic challenges, there is still a demand for the homes we build in Calgary and Edmonton," said Jason Palacsko, vice-president of Calgary communities for Brookfield Residential. "We are confident in Calgary's future and are moving forward with major projects."

Broadview, Avi Urban big winners at SAM Awards

Broadview Homes and Avi Urban walked away as the big winners Saturday night as the newly amalgamated Canadian Home Builders' Associaton - Urban Development Institute Calgary Region Association held its 29th Sales and Marketing (SAM) Awards at the Telus Convention Centre.

Broadview Homes, which is part of the Qualico Group of Companies, took home Builder of the Year honours, while Avi Urban, a division of Homes by Avi, captured Mult-Family Builder of Year.

Broadview also won in three categories for single-family homes, while Avi Urban won in two individual categories.

95 companies announced as 2015 SAM Awards finalists

Nearly 100 companies and professionals in the Calgary and area's residential construction industry were recognized Thursday as the newly amalgamated CHBA – UDI Calgary Region Association announced finalists for the 2015 Sales and Marketing (SAM) Awards.

The 29th annual awards, which celebrates and acknowledges innovation and excellence in the industry, will hand out 60 piece of hardware, including the top Grand SAMs – three builder categories (Builder of the Year, Builder of Merit for a small-volume builder and Multi-Family Builder of the Year).

With the completion of the SAM Awards March 29, Morrison Homes emerged as Builder of the Year for 2013.

For the last 27 years, the awards — an event of the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) — have celebrated Calgary and area's construction industry with this year's event seeing a record 776 submissions from various members.

The 27th annual SAM Awards will be presented this month by Canadian Home Builders' Association – Calgary Region. Celebrating innovation and excellence in the Calgary and area's residential construction industry, the full list of finalists for the 2013 SAM Awards have been announced.

The SAM Awards Gala takes place on March 29th at the Telus Convention Centre, where the top five entries in each category will be featured.

The Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) National SAM awards have announced the list of finalists.

The awards celebrate excellence in new homes, home renovation, innovative technology and construction, outstanding presentation and marketing across Canada. This year the 23rd CHBA SAM awards will be presented in Whistler, BC at the association's 71st national conference on April 4, 2014.