Wednesday, December 18, 2002

It has been a tough year for business worldwide, but despite all the adversity some companies managed to shine. Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies is an annual national awards program that recognizes 50 companies that have implemented world-class best business practices in a range of industries, including technology, retail, manufacturing and services.

The program was established in 1993 to pay tribute to companies that achieved remarkable success despite the harsh economic conditions of the early '90s. Today, the award helps companies drive new business, secure financing, attract top talent and increase morale.

To qualify, firms must have revenues between $10-million and $2-billion; demonstrate strong growth in the past three years; be more than 50% owned and closely held by Canadians; and, if public, have less than 50% of their shares traded. To find out about the program to www.canadas 50best.com.

The national sponsors -- Deloitte & Touche, CIBC, Queen's School of Business and National Post -- congratulate the winners. These companies passed an extensive interview process and were evaluated by an independent judging panel (see below). The winners will be honoured at a gala event on Jan. 27, 2003.

© Copyright 2002 National Post

THE JUDGES:

Frances McIsaac is vice-president of strategy and business development with CIBC, commercial banking, and has more than 15 years of marketing experience in the financial services industry. Ms. McIsaac graduated from the Securities Industry Executive Program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1998.

Ken Wong is a faculty member at Queen's School of Business and was the principal architect of Queen's MBA for Science & Technology. He was named 1998 winner of Financial Post's Leaders in Management Education award for his work in undergraduate, MBA and executive development programs.

Terence Corcoran, editor-in-chief of Financial Post, joined the National Post as Financial Post editor when the paper launched on Oct. 27, 1998. Mr. Corcoran has been writing on business and economic policy matters for the past 30 years.

Terry Noble is a group managing partner at Deloitte & Touche, Toronto, and a chartered accountant. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School A.M.P. Mr. Noble has knowledge in telecommunications and mid-market manufacturing.

Luc Martin, national leader of Deloitte & Touche's emerging strategic clients program, has more than 23 years experience in auditing and consulting and is a respected business advisor. He lectures regularly on risk management and cost reduction ideas.