New Sponsors and Partners Announced for Canada's Prestigious National Business Book Award

TORONTO, June 21, 2018 /CNW/ - Freedman & Associates is excited to announce the new sponsors and partners for the 2018 National Business Book Award, Canada's most prestigious literary award for business writing. Joining long-time Presenting Partner BMO Financial Group is national business law firm Bennett Jones. DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University and Toronto Region Board of Trade are new Supporting Partners and The Globe and Mail and The Walrus are Media Partners. The winner of the $30,000 prize will be revealed on October 2, 2018 at the Award Ceremony in Toronto.

As Canada's leader in recognizing Canadian business writing for over 33 years, the National Business Book Award is awarded annually to authors who present ground-breaking perspectives on Canadian business issues. The nominees are judged according to innovation, thought leadership, analytic abilities, depth of research and relevant subject matter.

Freedman & Associates has grown and managed the National Business Book Award for over 30 years. "We are grateful to long-time presenting partner BMO Financial Group for continuing to support exceptional Canadian business writing," says Mary Ann Freedman, President, Freedman & Associates Inc. "We extend this gratitude to Bennett Jones for joining BMO in presenting the award and helping shape the Canadian business-leadership landscape."

The National Business Book Award jury is chaired by Peter Mansbridge and includes Leonard Waverman, Dean of the DeGroote School of Business; Deirdre McMurdy, Adjudicator; David Denison, Corporate Director; author and publisher Anna Porter and Senator Pamela Wallin.

"What makes the National Business Book Award incredibly fresh and relevant year after year is the dialogue it creates among business and literary leaders across Canada," says Gino Scapillati, Vice Chair, Strategy and Innovation, Bennett Jones. "As advisors, our lawyers have a shared intellectual curiosity with the business community for innovative and thought-provoking perspectives. We look forward to celebrating the authors whose stories inspire and enlighten."

"BMO is proud to continue our long-time support for Canada's business writers," says Catherine Roche, Head of Marketing and Strategy, BMO Financial Group. "Canada has great business writers who have a global perspective. This award highlights the issues, trends and analysis that the nominees bring to the table each year providing unparalleled value to Canada's business environment."

The National Business Book Award has consistently been a leader in spotting current and future Canadian and global business issues. Fake news, transformative technology, consumerism, the rise of social media and blockchain are examples of the important topics and stories told over the history of the award. The authors are academics, journalists and business people with loud voices who are telling stories demanding to be heard. For the list of past winners visit: www.nbbaward.com.

The winner for 2017 was Daniel J. Levitin for his book A Field Guide to Lies: Critical Thinking in the Information Age, published by Allen Lane Canada (Penguin Random House Canada), which explores how in a world of "fake news" we can distinguish misinformation and outright lies from reliable information.

About Freedman & Associates Inc.
Freedman & Associates is a Canadian marketing, public relations and sponsor development company which focuses on helping clients open doors, build new relationships and realize their brand promises. Freedman & Associates has grown and managed the National Business Book Award for over 30 years and continues to transform and re-invent ways of promoting thoughtful innovation through business writing. In 2017 Freedman & Associates assembled an exceptional new cohort of sponsors to re-launch Canada's Top 40 Under 40 Award and continues to engage new partners and sponsors for Canada's Outstanding CEO of the Year.  www.freedmanandassociates.com

About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817, and currently marking its 201^st year of operations, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $688 billion as of October 31, 2016, and more than 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets. www.bmo.com

About Bennett Jones
Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms and home to 400 lawyers and business advisors. With deep experience in complex transactions and litigation matters, the firm is well equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world. www.bennettjones.com

Follow us on Twitter @NBBAward and visit www.nbbaward.com for more information.

SOURCE National Business Book Award

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