[HALIFAX] — At yesterday’s meeting of the Board of Directors for the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS), Purdy Crawford, Counsel at Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt, and former non-executive Chairman, Imasco Limited CT Financial Services Inc., in Montreal, Quebec, was unanimously elected as the first ever Chairman Emeritus for the Institute.

“Purdy Crawford played a pivotal role in the Institute’s early days,” says Brian Lee Crowley, president of AIMS, “he did more than any other single person to ensure the success of AIMS.” Mr. Crawford, one of Canada’s most distinguished business leaders, was one of the Institute’s earliest directors at a time when the Institute was little more than an idea.

Gerald Pond, Chairman of AIMS and newly appointed CEO of iMagic TV Inc., said, “Purdy Crawford, during the five years that he presided over the Board, has given AIMS a tremendous degree of prestige and influence.” Mr. Crawford was pivotal in supporting fundraising, board recruitment, and generally helping to establish the Institute’s profile among Canada’s business, political and academic leaders.

“Purdy’s support has never wavered, even in moments of crisis, he has always been a calm but resolute guide,” according to Mr. Crowley, “While Purdy must leave the Board at the end of this fiscal year because of the time limits imposed on Directors by the Constitution, appointing him as Chairman Emeritus enables the Institute to keep his name associated with our work, while allowing us to recognize in the most public way possible the debt of gratitude we owe him.”

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For further information, please contact:
Brian Lee Crowley, President of AIMS, (902) 429-1143.