UPI Energy honours its people in style

UPI Energy’s Rendezvous 2012
Rendezvous is an event that brings UPI Energy employees, gas bar agents/dealers and their spouses together for a fun-filled evening that includes an annual business review, followed by dinner, dancing, entertainment and awards. This year's event was held on Sept. 15 at White Oaks Resort and Conference Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

While employees and guests arrived from across Ontario throughout the afternoon, they were welcomed with the vibrant energetic sounds of UPI’s five-piece house-band inviting guests to join them on the outdoor patio for an interactive jam session. Guests actively took to the opportunity by playing their choice of instrument or singing a hit-song from recent decades.

“Due to popular demand, we decided to include the jam session again this year. It really is a good jump start to the event and puts people in a celebratory mood,” says John Canjar, UPI director, sales marketing & development.

The official opening ceremony kicked-off with a flag procession led by the 2012 4-H Ontario Ambassadors and accompanied by the 48th Highlanders Pipes and Drums. Seen here (L-R) are 4-H Ontario Ambassadors Steven Stockdale of Peterborough with the Canadian flag, Victoria Kyle of Brant with the American flag, Julia Romagnoli of Niagara with the Ontario flag, Dianne Kennedy, UPI manager, customer relations and sales development, holding the UPI flag, 4-H Ontario Ambassadors Samantha Klaver of Perth with the FS flag and Jennifer Pollock of Wellington with the Suncor flag.

Special guests attending the evening’s awards and dinner included Kevin Carroll, GROWMARK’s vice president, Energy, and Shelly Kruse, GROWMARK.’s vice president, Midwest Retail and Acquisitions. In addition, the event was highlighted with a performance by country-music artists Emerson Drive.

During the annual event, a total of 21 long-time service awards were presented to employees ranging from five to 30 years of service. Among them was Robert Sicard, UPI Energy’s President and CEO who was recognized for 20 years of service.

Special congratulations also went to the 2012 President’s Award for Excellence winners:

• Driver of the Year: Norm Ireland
• Retailer of the Year: Mike and Chantal Reynolds
• UPI Energy/CASE ’N DRUM OIL Employee of the Year: Jackie Rodgers

UPI Energy's 2012 Joint Venture Millennium Award was presented at the Co-operative Partners Retreat held at Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville on Sept.21. This year's Best in Class Award recipient was North Wellington Co-operative Services with a top score of 91 per cent.


The award recognizes UPI's joint venture partners for excellence in energy marketing and operations.

This was the fourth consecutive year that North Wellington Co-op has won the award and their fifth victory in the past six years. Seen here receiving the award from North Wellington Co-op, Kelly Boyle, general manager and Allan Williamson, Energy Division manager. From UPI Energy is (L) Robert Sicard, president and CEO and (R) Tony Silvestro, director, Finance & Member Services.