A note from the president of CAMX on Michael Leibowitz and the Service Award:
We’re still feeling the glow but unfortunately, not the hot weather from our successful 60th CAM-X Anniversary Conference in Tucson. There were many highlights – friendships rekindled, lessons learned, and new friendships begun. But for many of you and me, the big takeaway from this year’s conference was the celebration of the life of our good friend, Michael Leibowitz and the inauguration of the Michael W. Leibowitz Lifetime Service Award.
Judy Craik and Gary Kerner introduced the award, and Michael’s daughters, Abby and Rebecca, and their partners, attended the conference to be a part of the elements of the conference that honoured Michael’s memory.
Of course no good deed goes unpunished, and unfortunately a glitch in the recording of the ceremony means it’s not possible for us to share the moment, however, here’s excerpts from Judy and Gary’s announcement of the establishment of this very special award. Also included is the video tribute presented as part of the Gala evening event, Michael’s Speaker Spotlight interview with Linda Osip from December 2023 as well as a clip from John Ratliff’s keynote address where he spoke about Michael.
“Today and throughout much of this week, we are honouring Michael Leibowitz and celebrating his legacy of service and dedication and the profound impact his service has had on our industry and lives.
For me and many of you, Michael was more than a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, a confidant, and a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. It is impossible to sum up his profound impact on our community, our work, and many of us personally.
Michael believed that our industry wasn’t just about progress or profits; it was about people.”
He first got involved with the Canadian TAS industry when he attended a CAM-X conference in Whistler, BC, 23 years ago.
Not only did he become a member of the Canadian Industry Association, but he also became the first non-Canadian president of the association in 2005/2006 and then again in 2015/2016—being one of the few two-term presidents.
Michael travelled to every Canadian province and territory, whether on personal time or industry work. He supported, mentored, and inspired countless individuals, many of whom are leading the way today because of his influence.
Michael loved Canada, and it’s fair to say he single-handedly strengthened the bonds between US and Canadian TAS owners in a way no one else had or could. He was the unofficial, official cross-border ambassador.
Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of our industry and our lives.
To that end, on behalf of CAM-X, we are introducing the Michael Leibowitz Lifetime Service Award. This award honours individuals in our industry who exemplify Michael’s outstanding service and dedication to others and to the industry he loved. Recipients embody the spirit of commitment, inspiring others through their contributions.
We are honoured to present the inaugural Michael W. Leibowitz Lifetime Service Award posthumously to Michael himself, a man whose life was dedicated to service and ask Abby and Rebecca to accept it on his behalf. His unwavering commitment and impact on our industry continue to inspire us all.”
Click the image above to view the CAM-X interview with Michael Leibowitz.
Click the images above to view the keynote speech about Michael Leibowitz.
