FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2004-09-29

Conference picks up speed with Canadian ski legend, Ken Read

OTTAWA – The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) today announced that alpine ski great, Ken Read, will deliver the breakfast keynote address on November 17, 2004 at its National Standards System (NSS) Conference, to be held in Calgary Alberta.

“We are excited to have Ken Read be a part of this important event,” said Peter Clark, Executive Director of the Standards Council. “His legendary achievements, both on the slope and in the boardroom have inspired many.”

Becoming a world class skier requires vision and determination. For Ken Read, the road from aspiring athlete to World Cup Champion has led to his current position as President of Alpine Canada.  His personal voyage has given him the insight necessary to direct this group of athletes, coaches and enthusiasts whose talents are raising Canada's profile to championship heights. At Mr. Read's breakfast keynote, NSS Conference delegates will have the opportunity to hear first-hand how Canada's Ski Team has set clear goals for success in 2006, 2010 and beyond.

Dedicated to strengthening and advancing Canada's role as a leader in standardization, the NSS Conference itself is much like a journey.  The Conference will bring together people and organizations from across the country to share ideas and experiences, learn from one another and chart the future course of standardization in Canada.

Ken Read has been at the head of Alpine Canada for over 2 years. In that short period he has proven his business leadership to be equal to his skiing talents.  Alpine Canada is one of the first Canadian sport organizations with an approved 6 year business plan, an athlete development system and clear goals as they lead Canadian ski racers in their “relentless pursuit of excellence”. Mr. Read is an original member of the legendary Crazy Canucks men's teams of the 1970's, a winner of five downhills and a two-time Olympian. Following his competitive career, he founded the “Breath of Life” Ski Challenge which has raised over $3 million for research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.

The Standards Council of Canada is a Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective use of voluntary standardization. It is Canada's representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The SCC also coordinates and oversees the efforts of the National Standards System and offers a variety of standardization-related programs and services. For more information on the Standards Council of Canada visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].

- 30 -