The Institute of Corporate Directors launches the Southwestern Ontario Chapter to support the local director community

TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is pleased to announce the addition of a new chapter in Southwestern Ontario to better serve its dynamic and flourishing community of directors.

The ICD, a member-based, professional association for directors and boards, has more than 6,200 members and 11 chapters located in British Columbia, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Toronto, Southwestern Ontario, Ottawa, Quebec, the Maritime, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 2011, the ICD set up an affiliate chapter in Southwestern Ontario to gauge interest amongst the local business and director community.

"Over the past year, we have received phenomenal interest and support from regional companies and business leaders. More than 100 new members have joined the ICD to benefit from the shared wisdom and experiences of directors from across the country as well as professional development and networking opportunities," said Terry Reidel, Co-Chair of the ICD Southwestern Ontario Chapter.

The outstanding response has prompted the ICD to grant full chapter status to the affiliate so that members in Southwestern Ontario can be better served by and connected to their professional association.

"The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated by directors in this region speaks volumes to their commitment to pursuing the highest standards of directorship. We are pleased to be able to provide them with a forum to engage and exchange ideas with their peers and represent their interests in the issues that affect directors and boards in Canada and abroad," said Stan Magidson, President and CEO of the ICD. "Kudos to the individuals who sit on the Chapter Executive; without their hard work and dedication, this wonderful addition to our national network of local chapters would not have been possible."

The ICD Southwestern Ontario Chapter will host its next professional development and networking events on October 30^th in Kitchener and October 31^st in London. Members and non-members are invited to attend this interactive breakfast session on Mergers & Acquisitions: Directors on the Front Line. An expert panel has been assembled to share insights and experiences on the role of the board in navigating complex M&A situations. For more information about the event, please contact Sue Howe at [phone] or visit www.icd.ca.

About The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD):

The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is a not-for-profit, member-based association representing Canadian directors and boards across the for-profit, not-for-profit, and government sectors. The ICD has more than 6,200 members across a network of 11 chapters. We foster the sharing of knowledge and wisdom through education, professional development programs and services, and thought leadership and advocacy to achieve the highest standard of directorship. For more information, please visit: www.icd.ca.

SOURCE: Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)

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