Shad Valley Open Day July 24, 2008

What happens when a diverse group of high school students from across Canada come together in the spirit of science, technology, and entrepreneurship? What will the Shads of 2008 dream up?

Visit Open Day on Thursday, July 24 at one of our twelve host campuses to find out that and more… Open Day includes opportunities to witness and appreciate the abilities of exceptional high school students from across Canada. Participants will present the fruits of their Shad Valley labour and answer questions about their innovations.

A variety show will follow. These events are free and open to the public. Don’t miss this opportunity to get a glimpse at the leaders of tomorrow.

Become part of the Shad experience: it’s fun, it’s entertaining, and it’s truly amazing to see what these students have accomplished in four short weeks.

Visit this link to see the Open Day schedules for each Shad Valley campus: http://www.shad.ca/shad/myweb.php?hls=10171

Shad Valley International announces new Chairperson, welcomes former Group President, Health Care of MDS Inc., John Morrison

WATERLOO, ON –– Shad Valley, an enrichment program targeted at youth grades 10, 11, and 12 with a focus on science, technology, engineering and entrepreneurship, announced today that John Morrison has been named as Chair of the Board of Directors. Mr. Morrison replaces outgoing Chair, Edmée Métivier, who served for a successful term.

“I have been involved with Shad Valley as a parent, as a regular board member over the past five years, and more recently, as the Chair this past year. It has been a great honour to serve with my fellow board members and I am proud of the work we have done together,” says Edmée Métivier Executive Vice President, Financing & Consulting, Business Development Bank of Canada. “I am thrilled to see my esteemed fellow Board member, Mr. Morrison as the new Chair, as he brings extensive business acumen and expertise to this very special organization. I wish him great success.”

“We have been so fortunate to have outstanding professionals on the Shad Board during my time as President. The governance and guidance of leaders like Edmée and John, and others before them, has moved Shad towards higher levels of success,” explains Barry Bisson, President of Shad Valley International. “We continue to advance in positive ways as an organization, and we look forward to demonstrating our effectiveness in inspiring 600+ high potential students to achieve their goals and reach their highest academic and career objectives.”

John Morrison has been a member of the Shad Valley Board for two years. He is a business consultant whose past experience has included the positions of Group President and CEO of Healthcare at MDS Inc., a health and life sciences company, and President and CEO of MDS Nordion, a supplier of isotopes to the global nuclear medicine and sterilization communities. John was also President and CEO of Continental Can Canada, a diversified packaging company.

“I feel privileged to be part of an organization that can contribute to Canada’s future knowledge economy, says John Morrison. “I look forward to leading this exceptional team of professionals, and continue the outstanding work that has been done over the past 27 years stimulating exceptional students.” John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick. In addition to serving on the board of Shad Valley International, he is a board member and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and a member of the International Expert Panel of the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation. He is a past Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Guelph.

About Shad Valley:
Shad Valley identifies outstanding talent at a young age; helps them develop an entrepreneurial mindset; encourages them to consider fields of study that will increase Canada’s innovation capacity; and motivates them to take advantage of their advantage. Shad is a Canadian not-for-profit registered charity based in Waterloo, Ontario. The award-winning Shad Valley program was launched in 1981, and is hosted at 12 leading Canadian universities each summer. 600+ high-potential students benefit from the Shad Valley experience each summer and Shad currently boasts a network of over 10,000 Shad Valley alumni, including 18 Rhodes Scholars, and numerous award winning business and academic leaders.

Province recognizes importance of innovation, provides funding for Shad Valley youth enrichment program

EDMONTON AB and WATERLOO ON– Funding to support the development of Alberta’s high school students who have been identified as top performers, innovative thinkers, and future leaders continues to be invested by the Government of Alberta.

2008 marks the second instalment of a three-year funding commitment to Shad Valley International. The Waterloo, Ontario based organization offers summer enrichment programs to students in grade 10, 11 and 12. The four week program helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, encourages them to consider fields of study that will increase Canada’s innovation capacity, and motivates them to take advantage of their advantage and make an impact.

“Increasing Alberta’s innovation is a priority for future business and economic prosperity. The province is in need of strategies to advance its environmental, social, and economic growth,” explains Doug Horner, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology Minister. “These strategies will be initiated and implemented by our future leaders who are developed in programs like Shad Valley.”

This year, close to 60 students from Alberta will benefit from the Shad Valley program during the month of July. Currently, Alberta has the third highest provincial enrollment rates in the program.

The province and Alberta businesses also engage strongly in Shad’s internship program, which complements the academic Shad Valley session with real-world business experience. 20% of all Shad Valley internships nationally were offered in Alberta to Alberta participants in 2007. This number reflects both the vibrant economy in the province as well as the desire by Alberta companies to introduce bright, innovative talent to their companies at an early stage. In 2007, five placements were offered by the Alberta Government in the departments of Education, Environment, Sustainable Resource Development, Agriculture and Food, and Advanced Education

“Canada faces the growing problem of a shrinking labour force and retiring baby-boomers. The youth of today will affect our national and global economy tomorrow. Alberta has recognized the need for student programs where youth can be exposed to the business arena,” says Horner.

“Our three-year plan with Alberta solidifies their commitment to providing leadership and innovation opportunities for students,” said Barry Bisson, President of Shad Valley International. “As well, it raises other provinces’ awareness and encourages them to provide their youth with the same competitive advantage that Albertan students have: the chance to be part of a life-directing, life-changing experience and to take their places as the leaders of tomorrow.”

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Shad Valley International is a not-for-profit registered charity. The award-winning Shad Valley program was launched in 1981, and is hosted at 12 leading Canadian universities each summer, including the University of Calgary since 1984. Over 600 high-potential students benefit from the Shad Valley experience each summer and Shad currently boasts a network of over 10,000 Shad Valley alumni, including 18 Rhodes Scholars, and countless award winning business and academic leaders.