VenGrowth Gets Advice

VenGrowth Private Equity Partners has named three new members to its Traditional Industies Advisory Board: Doug Berchtold, former president and CEO of Brick Brewing Co., Donald McCreesh, president of The Garnet Group; and Leonard Simak, former president and CEO of Footmaxx Holdings Inc.

PRESS RELEASE

VenGrowth Private Equity Partners Inc. and its affiliates (“VenGrowth”), a leading Canadian private equity firm, today announced the addition of three experienced business executives to its Traditional Industries Advisory Board.

Doug Berchtold

Doug was most recently President and CEO of Brick Brewing Co. Limited. During Doug's tenure at Brick Brewing (2004 – 2007), he was instrumental in leading a strategic turnaround for the company, resulting in strong growth and sustained profitability. Before that, Doug was President of Sleeman Brewery, during which time he led a financial restructuring of the company. His past experience also includes progressively senior roles at Stroh Brewery in Detroit and Ford Motor Company.

Donald S. McCreesh

With over 30 years of executive experience, Donald is currently a management consultant, and President of The Garnet Group. A leader in the professional development of other directors, Donald specializes in connecting a company's strategy to all facets of the business such as leadership succession, global expansion and mergers and acquisitions. He was previously the global head of human resources at Celestica, CIBC and Nortel.

Leonard Simak

Leonard is a seasoned business executive with international experience and a track record of success leading start-ups and turnarounds. He was most recently President and CEO of Footmaxx Holdings Inc., guiding the company through several years of refinancing, reorganizations and strategic positioning in the market place, culminating in a sale to Footlevelers Inc. Previously he held senior positions in the healthcare and technology industry with firms including Nestle Clinical Nutrition, Clinitec Nutrition Company and Baxter Healthcare.

“The members of the our advisory board are instrumental in providing industry insight and guidance to our investee companies, and can open doors to prospective customers or strategic partners,” said Graham McBride, Managing General Partner, VenGrowth.

About VenGrowth Traditional Industries Group

VenGrowth Traditional Industries Group specializes in financing solutions for mid-market Canadian companies in traditional manufacturing and services industries that are expected to generate sustainable cash flows. The Group primarily invests using debt instruments with the objective of generating interest and dividend income to participating VenGrowth Funds. In addition, the Funds will typically hold equity interests alongside the loans. Formed in 2003, the Group had invested over $130 million into 18 companies as at January 1, 2008. The Group is led by Graham McBride, a highly regarded mezzanine financing expert with over 20 years of experience. For more information, please visit www.vgpartners.com.