Wellington West Chief Investment Officer Sam Pellettieri announced as a
finalist for the Future Leaders of Manitoba Award

WINNIPEG , Jan. 26 /CNW/ - Wellington West Holdings Inc., a privately held, employee-owned financial services firm, congratulates colleague Sam Pellettieri in his announcement as a finalist for the Future Leaders of Manitoba Award in the Professional/Business category.

The awards, established by The Future Leaders of Manitoba Council in partnership with the Business Council of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, were implemented to celebrate Manitoba and its next generation of leaders who are committed to strengthening and championing the province they call home, ensuring it remains competitive and active on a national and international playing field.

"Everything is possible here. I think the big skies of the Prairies make us feel there is no limit as to what we can do and what we can accomplish," said Mr. Pellettieri in response to why he chose to stay in Manitoba despite the opportunities to live and work elsewhere.

As Chief Investment Officer, Sam provides thought leadership to all aspects of Wellington West's asset management business, with a focus on behavioural finance and quantitative portfolio management. Prior to joining Wellington West, Sam was a Portfolio Manager and founding Partner of Tetrem Capital Management, which he launched in 2003 and grew to over $8 billion in assets under management. In 2006, Tetrem managed the largest Canadian equity mutual fund in Canada - the CI Canadian Investment Fund - before Sam had celebrated his 30th birthday.

On a personal level, Sam's contributions to the community are numerous. Most notably, he is the Chair of the United Way's GenNext Council, a group of 25 to 40 year-old leaders in Winnipeg attempting to raise awareness of the United Way's impact on the community and engage young individuals to become involved through monetary, time and leadership volunteer efforts.

"I have known Sam for over a decade as a colleague and friend," said Kish Kapoor, President, Wellington West Holdings Inc. "He's smart, hard-working and has an infectious personality. I love the fact that he chose to stay in Winnipeg , attend the University of Manitoba and proudly work for hometown companies making their mark on the national landscape. He is truly an example of the best and the brightest Winnipeg has to offer and an exemplary role model for younger generations."

About Wellington West

The Wellington West group of companies provides full-service brokerage, financial planning, asset management and capital markets services. In over 16 years since its inception, the employee-owned Wellington West has become one of the largest and fastest-growing independent full-service wealth management firms in Canada with approximately $8.7 billion in assets under administration. Among its many corporate achievements, Wellington West has been ranked in the top quartile of the 50 Best Employers in Canada for the past five years, named one of Canada's Fastest Growing Companies in 2007 and recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for three consecutive years. In addition, Wellington West ranked No. 3 in the 2008 Brokerage Report Card survey, having historically held the No. 1 spot for four of the past five years. Its Founder and CEO, Charlie Spiring, won the top honour in the professional/financial services category of the Ernst & Young 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for the Prairies region.

About Sam Pellettieri

As Chief Investment Officer for Wellington West Holdings Inc., Sam is fully responsible for developing, implementing and guiding the overall investment philosophy and thought leadership of the asset management division of Wellington West.

With a background in quantitative portfolio management, Sam leads the augmentation of Wellington West's current separate account offerings. Working closely with advisors, Sam's team is responsible for introducing new client solutions, including multi-manager wrap accounts, fund of funds and other leading-edge investment products.

Sam provides a depth of expertise in the field of behavioral finance and the advances in portfolio optimization and construction and is thus able to facilitate Wellington West advisors and their clients in developing forward-thinking portfolio solutions.

A graduate of the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, where he majored in Finance and minored in Mathematics, Sam holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

He is a loyal supporter of Manitoba business and advocate for homegrown talent giving back to their community and to their province.

About The Future Leaders of Manitoba Council

The Future Leaders of Manitoba Council was formed in 2006. Members consist of a group of nine young professionals who are committed to promoting Manitoba, recognizing the future leaders of the province and bringing together all facets of Manitoba living.

The Future Leaders of Manitoba Awards, now in their second year, celebrate the next generation of leaders that value and advocate the professional and personal benefits of staying in Manitoba. The 2010 awards will be presented at the newly renovated space at the Fort Garry Place on Thursday, January 28th at the 2010 Annual Awards Reception entitled Celebrating Exceptional Manitobans. Distinguished Manitoba business and government leaders will be in attendance to support this next generation of leaders who continue to call Manitoba home.

For further information: visit www.wellingtonwest.com; Media Contacts: Kish Kapoor, [phone], or [email protected]