Posted on Oct. 28: Tourism Hamilton recognizes McMaster staff

McMaster chair of Biology Turlough Finan has received the 2002 Tourism Hamilton Convention Ambassador Award.

The award recognizes Finan for helping organize “The International Congress on Nitrogen Fixation” conference held at the Hamilton Convention Center July 2 to 7, 2001.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from Tourism Hamilton,” Finan says. “It's nice to be recognized for something that helps boost Hamilton's image. The folks and facilities at the Hamilton Convention Center were excellent.”

Attended by 300 scientists from 44 countries, the five-day conference discussed biological and chemical aspects of nitrogen fixation — the process in which ammonia is formed from the gas nitrogen.

Sponsored by About Town Event and Meeting Planner, the award is given to a local individual who played a significant and active role in securing and co-ordinating a conference, meeting or related event that is generally held in a different city each year. The individual, who demonstrated a concerted effort to promote Hamilton's image, did not receive personal financial gain and the activity was not job-related.

Earlier this year, Finan received a $3-million Genome Canada award with biology professor Brian Golding to support their research into Genomic Analyses of Soil Microorganisms. Click here for more information about the award.

Wendy Read, conference co-ordinator of McMaster's Housing and Conference Services, was nominated for a Tourism Hamilton Behind the Scenes Award. Sponsored by the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce, the award recognizes an individual who typically works behind the scenes ensuring that complete customer satisfaction is obtained through the effective and efficient delivery of his or her responsibilities.