CIRI Announces Corporate Donation Program

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 11 /CNW/ - The Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI) is pleased to announce the launch of its Corporate Donation Program (CDP).

"This program allows Canadian companies to directly support CIRI and its mandate to raise the effectiveness, awareness and stature of investor relations in Canada through professional development/education, research and issues advocacy," said Tom Enright , CIRI President & CEO.

CIRI is also thrilled to announce that ARC Energy Trust and Teck Resources Limited have already donated to the CIRI CDP, both at the Champion level. "We applaud the leadership, commitment and recognition of the important role played by investor relations shown by these two companies," said Enright.

"We are launching the CDP to directly enlist the support of Canadian companies to move CIRI to the next level in its evolution, because a strong and successful CIRI means more efficient Canadian capital markets with 'best in class' governance and disclosure practices," said David Carey , CIRI Chairman and Senior Vice President, Investor Relations at ARC Energy Trust.

"Teck is very pleased to support the CIRI CDP as we are committed to the education and professional development that fosters excellence in investor relations in Canada ,' says Greg Waller , Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategic Analysis at Teck Resources Ltd.

Since 1992 CIRI, a not-for-profit association, has had membership and sponsorship as its primary sources of income. While CIRI has operated successfully since its inception, the new CDP will provide a third substantial income stream allowing CIRI to further enhance its professional development/education, research and issues advocacy activities and involvement.

The CDP consists of either single or multi-year arrangements at the Champion level ( $50,000 minimum total commitment), Patron level (total commitment between $25,000 and $50,000 ), Supporter level (total commitment between $10,000 and $25,000 ) and the Friend level (total commitment between $5,000 and $10,000 ).

"Investor relations is coming of age in Canada and the CIRI CDP will allow investor relations to take its rightful place and contribute to the continued evolution of the Canadian capital markets," said Enright.

About CIRI

CIRI is a professional, not-for-profit association of executives responsible for communication between public corporations, investors and the financial community. CIRI is dedicated to advancing the stature and credibility of the investor relations profession and the competency of its members.

For further information: Yvette Lokker, Director, Communications & Professional Development, CIRI at [phone] or [email protected]