LaserNetworks and Alberta’s ComPrint Solutions Inc. join forces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

July 8, 2008

Offering comprehensive print solutions, supplies and service in Alberta and Nationally

July 8, 2008, OAKVILLE -- LaserNetworks, Canada’s leading print solutions company has acquired ComPrint Solutions Inc., Alberta’s largest printing and imaging service provider whose commitment to quality, service and innovation has been respected by thousands of businesses including some of the most prestigious throughout the province.

For over a decade ComPrint Solutions Inc. has been providing Albertans with industry leading networked print solutions that offer organizations printing advantages that include centralized management, highly responsive repair and maintenance services, and superior use of corporate resources. Additionally, they have been particularly effective at meeting the growing needs of customers in the oil and gas sector.

LaserNetworks is Canada’s leading print solutions company, and for over 20 years has been providing print solution services, and products to virtually every sized company across Canada and continental USA including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, major chartered banks, large law firms and virtually any customer whose demands require a local presence and central responsibility.

LaserNetworks is known for its revolutionary COST PER PAGE program of print fleet management services, including printers, multi-function devices, supplies and/or service on a Pay as you Print™ basis.

“Joining forces under the umbrella of LaserNetworks, provides both ComPrint and LaserNetworks a myriad of growth opportunities,” says Chris Stoate, LaserNetworks’ founder. “LaserNetworks’ full suite of print management infrastructure software will improve control and knowledge of ComPrint’s print fleets, and LaserNetworks’ consulting capabilities will help further optimize their client’s productivity and asset life cycle management. As for LaserNetworks, we’ll be able to expand our COST PER PAGE print solutions to more customers in western Canada.”

“We are delighted at the acquisition as it ensures a strong future for ComPrint's employees and an improved overall offering for ComPrint's customers,” say Mike and Stephanie Traynor, former owners of ComPrint Solutions Inc. “The partnerships forged with vendors such as HP and Lexmark, provide long term benefits for both ComPrint and LaserNetworks, and their clients.”

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For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF LASERNETWORKS
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

LaserNetworks website: www.lasernetworks.com

Garage Living introduces flooring that will revolutionize your garage

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2008

Great for do-it-yourselfers, this multi-purpose, water-resistant tile, is easy to install

July 2, 2008, TORONTO – For some, a garage is just a garage, but to an ever increasing number of home owners, there is a realization that a garage has the potential to become much, much, more; and a good place to start is with the garage floor.

Revolutionizing a garage can be as simple as installing tile flooring making it visually appealing while increasing its usefulness.

“Garages can be dull, cold, damp, and uninviting, but simply installing tile flooring introduces a whole new fresh look and feel that opens the door for increased functionality,” says Frank Spano, Vice President of Marketing, Garage Living, Canada’s leading garage specialists. “Our new multi-purpose, zipper-lock tile can be easily installed without adhesive; it’s really easy to install yourself too.”

The thermal and water resistant qualities of VersaTile makes a garage feel warm and dry, resulting in a room that is more appealing to be in. Because the tiles are seamless with an impervious surface that is hard wearing and resistant to many chemicals including salt, oil and grease, and easy to clean, the garage can be a messy dirty workshop one moment and a play area that is clean and dry the next.

With a range of different colours from taupe, red, grey and black, to design options which can include a classic grey floor or a checkerboard floor that creates a “racetrack” look, VersaTile can be customized to meet just about everyone’s needs. It can also be laid on a flat or sloped surface, and is so easy to install that a mallet and a utility knife is all that’s needed.

“Another great feature is the multi-functionality of these tiles. While they are great for the garage, they can be used for basements, storage rooms, workshops, patios, laundry rooms; it’s endless,” says Frank Spano. “And with a global emphasis on recycling, and waste diversion, Garage Living’s VersaTile is made from recycled PVC and comes with our 5 year limited warranty.”

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For further information or arrange an interview contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF GARAGE LIVING
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

The lack of money is never about money

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2008

Thoughts, not money are the true capital

July 2, 2008, TORONTO -- Obtaining financial wealth starts by understanding that the concept of rags to riches is not just a dream, but merely a change in what you believe about money.

Most believe that the road to financial independence is to buy a home, pay off the mortgage, and then retire. Common knowledge seems to dictate that by not having a mortgage to pay during retirement, living in one's home will be affordable and virtually worry free. But what happens when taxes increase to the point that they're larger than the average mortgage payment? Or what happens if the cost-of-living, as evidenced by the recent surge in oil and produce costs, rises faster than a person's pension?

It's obvious, but what seemed to work for our parents and grandparents is doubtful to work for this generation. A change in beliefs about money is in order.

For instance, a home is commonly referred to as an asset, but what if something's only considered an asset where the revenue exceeds its expenses?

"People tend to think of financial planning in terms of retirement, but a good planner can help you pay for a home, a vacation, or whatever is important to you," says Sandi Gale, one of Toronto's leading independent money strategists . "Money should be fun."

Someone once said, "If wealth is the product of one's capacity to think: then thoughts, not money are the true capital."

"I studied the psychology of money five times before I got it. I looked into my own limiting beliefs around money and I realized that I had allowed the traumas in my life to limit my abilities to make money," explains Sandi. "A willingness to look at new things such as nontraditional philosophies, while not disregarding traditional methods can open up unlimited possibilities."

Believing that money is simply energy, Sandi has helped her clients learn to invoke various alternative and non-traditional learning models to un-block the flow of energy, increase prosperity in their lives and create an individual wealth identity.

"I had this friend who would focus on her debts all the time, and as a result was always in debt," tells Gale. "I finally convinced her to focus on saving, and to give me a plastic bag full of loonies and toonies every month to put in an account for her. While not financially independent yet, she's retired and still young with a whole new belief system about obtaining financial wealth. It doesn't have to be painful."

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For further information or to schedule an interview contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF Sandi Gale, Money Strategist
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

Namex poised for senior exploration

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2008

With mining, the old adage, location, location, location has great significance

July 2, 2008, MONTREAL -- Where do you find a new mine? The answer is simple, next to an old one.

In reality, it's not that simple; however, experts know that locating a new mine in close proximity to a previously developed one is a good indicator. After all, a vein carrying mineral deposits doesn't just shut off because of a property line.

Namex Explorations Inc. recently purchased the Huffman property, located northwest of Sudbury. This new property is on trend and some 8 kilometres east of the Jerome Gold Mine. In 1941 to 1943 the Jerome Gold Mine produced 56,878 ounces of gold, and 15,104 ounces of silver. Of great significance and as evidence of the importance of location, recent excavator work on the Huffman property has exposed mineralized porphyritic felsic bedrock in four trenches along a strike length of 240 metres.

"There are exciting things about to happen," says Oliver Maki, Chief Geologist for Namex Explorations Inc., former Professor of Geology at Cambrian College, and director of the exploration program that discovered the three billion ton Los Pelambres copper deposit on the Chile-Argentina border. "The [Huffman property] results of grab samples have been tremendous: the gold value is up over 2 ounces per ton and although confined to a somewhat narrow vein, it's occurring within quartz felsic porphyry which is the host draw for most of the mines in that area. We're optimistic of being able to locate an enlargement of it further down."

In fact all of Namex's properties are located in former or established mining camps, are part of former mines are adjoining, or adjacent to former mines, or are on trend and in very close proximity to known ore bodies. They also can be serviced by the existing infrastructure of skilled mine labor pools, good roads, power, cities and are in areas known to be friendly to mining.

Their Post Creek property is not only strategically located adjacent to FNX Mining's Podolsky North and Podolsky 2000 projects, but encompasses some 1,200 metres of the same Whistle Offset which hosts the Podolsky ore bodies. In August of last year, the Podolsky 2000 Deposit encountered massive copper, nickel, platinum, palladium and gold mineralization.

"The Post Creek rock type is correct, the geology is correct and it's surrounded by proven producers - that's what we base our excitement on," says Oliver Maki.

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For further information contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF O.T. MINING
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Web: www.stratcommsolutions.ca

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Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the Company, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including statements regarding the anticipated timing, process and scope of further exploration and drilling activities. These statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable but that are subject to uncertainties and business risks. Actual results relating to any and all of these subjects may differ materially from those presented. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include economic and political events affecting supply of and demand for base and precious metals, fluctuations in commodity prices, negative results of environmental or technical studies, negative results of further exploration, drilling programs, problems or delays in or objections to the permitting process, failure or delay of third parties to provide services, changes in the attitude of state and local officials toward its projects and other factors. Additional information is available at the Company’s website at www.namex-explorations.com.

Butte’s “richest hill on earth” may have a rival

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2008

OT Mining’s Ruby Property set to drill targets

June 2, 2008, MONTREAL -- The "Butte Mining District" that encompasses "The Richest Hill On Earth" and is second only to South Africa’s Witwatersrand, may have a rival - and it’s located only 14 miles north east of Butte.

It is believed that The O.T.’s Ruby Project’s North Anomaly may equal, or even surpass, the mineral wealth of the Butte Mining District.

Since 1880, Butte has produced almost 400 billion dollars worth of metals with estimates of a similar amount yet to be discovered. "The Richest Hill" has produced ore to depths of 5,500 feet. And drill results, to a depth of 8,500 feet, show continuance of the Butte mineralized structure. During the World Wars I and II, the Butte Mine alone produced 25 per cent of the United States copper demand.

In itself, the Ruby Property’s close proximity to "The Richest Hill" is telling. However, leading edge technology in the form of innovative geochemical techniques, airborne geophysical surveys and detailed mapping and sampling, has provided ample compelling evidence that the Ruby Property has the potential to contain base and precious metal ore that equal or exceeds that of the infamous Butte Mining District.

"The question is not if they’ll find precious metal, as our preliminary tests have pretty much determined that, rather it’s a matter of how much," says James Hess, President of The O.T. Mining Corporation. "The fact that major mining companies are contacting us is also very exciting."

Already, O.T.’s Montana technical team has refined the project data, selected drill targets from the 18 new drill site permits issued by The USFS (United States Forest Service) this past May and have begun to prepare the drill sites.

O.T.’s Project Manager has issued tenders for two drills to begin work as soon as weather permits.

"O.T.’s goal is to prove that the Ruby Property’s North Anomaly mineralized system has the potential to rival or surpass that of the Butte Mining District," says James Hess.

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For further information contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF O.T. MINING
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Web: www.stratcommsolutions.ca

------------------------------
Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including statements regarding the anticipated timing, process and scope of further exploration and drilling activities. These statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable but that are subject to uncertainties and business risks. Actual results relating to any and all of these subjects may differ materially from those presented. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include economic and political events affecting supply of and demand for base and precious metals, fluctuations in commodity prices, negative results of environmental or technical studies, negative results of further exploration, drilling programs, problems or delays in or objections to the permitting process, failure or delay of third parties to provide services, changes in the attitude of state and local officials toward the Ruby Project and other factors. Additional information is available at the Company’s website at www.otmining.com.

Preschoolers can learn to read and do math – in just minutes a day

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2008

dEcode for Kids has proven to be simple and effective in teaching kids how to read and do math

June 2, 2008, TORONTO -- dEcode for Kids is a unique program that teaches children between the ages of 3 and 6, earlier is even better, successful literacy and numeracy skills ­ in just minutes a day.

What parent doesn’t want their child to learn early and give them a head start at reading and doing math before they enter kindergarten? Generally speaking, when it comes to teaching their children how to read, parents don’t lack desire but more often it’s the lack of the tools and the time to do it. dEcode for Kids solves both these problems.

"In dEcode for Kids, both the reading and math programs are designed for maximum efficiency which is so important for children at this age whose primary job is to play!" says Leslie Grant (M.Ed.), Director of The Lawrence Park School in North Toronto, which uses the dEcode for Kids programs. "Ten minutes a day is more than enough, and the children really enjoy both the books and the CD programs."

Just about every level of society, inclusive of governments, municipalities, school boards, teachers and parents are recognizing the importance of starting the process of reading and doing math in the preschool years of a child’s life.

Teaching a child to read is considered the key to building self-confidence and instilling the necessary skills to succeed in school and life, according to the Ontario Ministry of Education.

dEcode for Kids is an effective program for teaching pre-kindergarten children how to read, because dEcode for Kids was founded on the same principles as ABC dEcode and 123 dEcode. Both ABC and 123 dEcode were developed through over thirty years of clinical practice with kids and adults struggling with dyslexia, Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), Learning Disabilities (LDs), and low literacy. These programs have proven to be successful 100 per cent of the time where the student follows the recommended course. The difference is that the full dEcode system, provides more in-depth drilling practice to overcome specific sorts of problems which for most children are not necessary.

With over thirty years of clinical practice, working with hundreds of young children between the ages of three and six, Dr. Debby Chesnie Cooper recognized a need for the very young to have an enticing way to learn about sounds and numbers. The dEcode for Kids curriculum delivers a solid learning foundation in reading for pre-school children and gives them an accelerated head-start in learning to read.

"dEcode for Kids is different than any other program as it is the only reading program that starts at the very beginning ­ with the auditory coding of single sounds," says Dr. Debby Chesnie Cooper, Developmental and Educational Psychologist and Director of The Chesnie Cooper Educational Centre*, leaders in child and educational psychology. "Other reading programs skip too quickly over the early stages of phonetic decoding­ only dEcode for Kids takes all the steps required to truly learn to decode. The dEcode for Kids program, with its careful early attention to auditory coding can even overcome certain mild LDs which may then never manifest in the future for the young learner."

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For further information contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF DR. DEBBY CHESNIE COOPER
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Web: www.stratcommsolutions.ca

What most corporations don’t know about print management solutions

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2008

The cost per page solution to hidden print management costs

June 2, 2008, OAKVILLE -- Operating at high efficiency in order to increase the bottom line is always a priority for businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

According to a study by InfoTrends, corporations spend an average of six percent of their gross revenue on their overall document management. Most companies, however, think they only spend around three percent of gross revenues, but when hardware, supplies and people costs are considered, the average is around six percent and growing. To reduce these costs, organizations need to consider alternative print solution options.

There are many opportunities for companies to reduce print costs. For example, organizations are quick to account for the hard and soft costs of purchasing a multifunction printer (MFP), supplies, toner, etc., but overlook the hidden cost of their daily operation.

Research has shown that an estimated 50 per cent of the overall printer cost can be tied to support, and of that, 20 per cent can be directly attributed to service calls to a company’s IT helpdesk, according to Principal Analyst Louella Fernades of Quocirca.

Most companies’ print management operations are askew with many departments operating independently with little or no knowledge of other departments’ printing supply needs. The savings that can come as a result of bulk buying are being overlooked.

This is the reason that LaserNetworks® launched its COST PER PAGE® program, in 1996, the first such program in the print solutions industry at that time. It includes on-site support of all printing and imaging devices and networks, management of all printer and imaging fleet assets, and provisioning of all printing supplies, everything except paper and power, for a pre-determined, fixed cost per page fee.

"Our experience working with over 500 North American organizations, including such companies as PepsiCo, and Boeing, has shown that print management costs can be reduced as much as 40 percent," says Chris Stoate, President of LaserNetworks®, Canada’s leading print solutions company.

LaserNetworks® currently supports over 50,000 printing and imaging devices, and delivers on-site service throughout Canada and the United States.

"There are numerous ways to reduce a company’s print operation costs, bulk buying and eliminating calls to a company’s IT helpdesk are only two of the many solutions available," says Chris Stoate. "Reducing equipment down-time, leveraging LaserNetworks®relationship with suppliers, using latest technology in the marketplace without incurring capital costs and taking advantage of the environmentally friendly options available are just a few ways that companies can improve their print management operations."

For further information contact:

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Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF LASERNETWORKS
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Web: www.stratcommsolutions.ca

Don’t build an addition to increase space - just organize the garage

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2008

Increase the home's useable space

June 2, 2008, VAUGHAN -- For most people, it seems, a home never has enough space. This is one of the reasons why the housing market is so busy - the family grows, stuff accumulates and then there’s a need for a larger home. But moving can be so expensive and time consuming. Now Garage Living offers another alternative.

Increase the useable square footage of a home without the extra expense of moving costs, real estate and closing fees, and the monthly financial demand of a larger mortgage. Moving can be put off for several years by simply increasing the home’s functionality and useable square footage, creating more space and strengthening the family’s financial position.

How is this possible? Simple, Garage Living helps homeowners increase the functionality of the home’s existing space. In fact, so much space can be freed-up, it’s like adding a 10 by 20 foot room onto a home. Savvy homeowners are now looking to organize their garage to increase their homes useable space. It’s the hottest new home improvement trend that not only gives homeowners more functional and useable space; it even increases the resale value of the home.

Take any unused or seldom used items off the floor anywhere in the home and store them neatly and conveniently in the garage. The unused items can be stored on overhead shelves, while the more frequently used things, such as sports equipment and toys, are kept within reach on adjustable wall organizers called slatwall. To optimize the use of the garage, get everything off the floor and make use of all the space with overhead storage cabinets and storage systems.

"For most, a garage is nothing more than a place to store large seasonal tools, equipment, and a place to collect junk, but it can be so much more," says Frank Spano, Vice President of Marketing, Garage Living, Canada’s leading garage specialists. "By installing shelving, cabinetry and overhead storage, the average two car garage adds 200 square feet of storage space while still functioning as a place to park the family vehicles."

People are beginning to realize the multi-function capabilities of a garage. Not only can it serve as a place to store vehicles or junk, but with a few improvements a garage can be like a new addition to the home. A garage can be used as a play area for the kids, a workshop for the handyman, a workout area, the possibilities are endless.

Garage Living’s organization concept is the answer to the home storage problems of suburban families. Their state of the art showroom is located in Vaughan, Ontario. This modern 85,000 square foot facility includes 10,000 square feet of showroom, 15,000 square feet of manufacturing and a 65,000 square foot warehouse. The showroom is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 201 Chrislea Road, Vaughan. In-home consultations can be booked at 1-877-850-8557.

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For further information contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF GARAGE LIVING
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Web: www.stratcommsolutions.ca

Dr. Misner, father of modern networking, launches Referrals for Life

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2008

The Referral Institute helps people create referrals for life and boost the bottom line

April 28, 2008, TORONTO - The Referral Institute, founded in California in 2001 by Dr. Ivan Misner, also the founder of Business Network International (BNI), is quickly expanding into the Canadian market.

"The Referral Institute is one of the world's leading referral training organizations with over a hundred trainers and coaches worldwide," says Paula Hope, President of the Referral Institute- Peel-Halton. "We're thrilled to have Dr. Misner here to launch what's going to be the Referral Institute's signature program - Referrals for Life."

Dr. Ivan Misner has been named the 'father of modern networking' by CNN for his work with BNI. The BNI organization now has over 4,200 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world and, last year alone, generated over 4.4 million referrals resulting in $1.7 billion dollars worth of business for its members.

"With the Referral Institute, Dr. Misner takes his entire referral-building expertise one step further," says Paula Hope. "The Referral Institute trains business professionals and entrepreneurs how to proactively increase their business through implementing structured referral strategies - moving relationships into profit."

The Referral Institute and Referrals for Life program were developed by Dr. Misner to ease the daunting task of cold calling. Dr. Ivan Misner and Paula Hope will unveil the full Referrals for Life program this week in Toronto.

WHERE: Holiday Inn - 370 King Street West, Toronto

WHEN: Thursday, May 1, 2008

TIME: 6:30PM to 8:30PM

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ABOUT DR. MISNER

Dr. Misner's Ph.D. is from the University of Southern California. He has written eight books, including his New York Times bestseller; Masters of Networking and his #1 bestseller; Masters of Success. He is a monthly columnist for Entrepreneur.com and is Chairman of the Board for the Referral Institute. He has taught business and social capital courses at several universities and sits on the Board of Directors for the Colorado School of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Misner is one of the world's leading experts on business networking and has been a keynote speaker for major corporations and associations throughout the world. He has been featured in the L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times, as well as numerous TV and radio shows including CNN, CNBC, and the BBC in London.

ABOUT PAULA HOPE

Paula Hope, M.A., B.A. Hons., a successful business development executive, has mentored sales professionals in product areas ranging from medical devices to hard copy supplies. It is Paula's mission to dramatically improve the business-building efficiency of entrepreneurs and business professionals by utilizing proven referral marketing approaches.


For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington / Strategic Communications Solutions / ON BEHALF OF THE REFERRAL INSTITUTE / Direct Phone: 905.901.9218 / Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

dEcode® for kids inspires and teaches reading and numeracy for preschoolers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

April 2, 2008

The premise behind dEcode® is simple – All children can learn, some just learn differently!

April 2, 2008, TORONTO - Everyone needs to learn to read and just about every level of society, inclusive of governments, municipalities, school boards, teachers and parents are recognizing the importance of starting this process in the preschool years of a child’s life. Neuroscientific research also supports this position (see The Early Years study by Margaret McCain and Fraser Mustard).

Teaching a child to read is key to building self-confidence and instilling the necessary skills to succeed in school and life, according to the Ontario Ministry of Education.

However, there are an alarming number of children who enter our educational system without these skills.

“We know that 25 per cent of children enter kindergarten without the skills they need to succeed,” says Shirley Bond, British Columbia’s Education Minister.

Why is it so important to teach pre-kindergarten children how to read?

“Textbooks make too many assumptions and move too quickly, as they assume learning has already taken place by the time the child enters grade one and that students have learned all the previous facts needed to move forward,” says Dr. Debby Chesnie Cooper, Developmental and Educational Psychologist and Director of The Chesnie Cooper Educational Centre*, leaders in child and educational psychology. “I discovered this fact twenty-five years ago when I met a child who didn’t respond to traditional methodologies, and when I couldn’t find curriculum that supported this position, it led me to developing ABC dEcode®, 123 dEcode®, and ultimately dEcode® for Kids.”

Seventy-four per cent of children who are unsuccessful readers in the third grade are still unsuccessful readers in the ninth grade (Journal of Child Neurology, January, 1995).

And at least 50 per cent of adults have weak numeracy skills, according to ABC Canada.

With over thirty years of clinical practice, working with hundreds of young children between the ages of three and six, Dr. Debby Chesnie Cooper recognized a need for the very young to have an enticing way to learn about sounds and numbers. The dEcode® for Kids curriculum delivers a solid learning foundation in reading for pre-school children and gives them an accelerated head-start in learning to read.

“In dEcode® For Kids, the way the sounds and symbols are emphasized and contrasted makes it very easy for very young children to grasp and master the concepts and have success with reading,” says Leslie Grant (M.Ed.), Director of The Lawrence Park School in North Toronto, which uses the dEcode® For Kids program. “The dEcode® For Kids Math program, the children really understand what the numbers represent. Both programs are designed for maximum efficiency, which is so important for children at this age whose primary job is to play!”

“It brings out the natural tendency of children to find pleasure in imitation and repetition, and is simpler to implement than any other program,” says Dr. Debby Cooper. “It turns repetition into learning and is unlike other programs which begin where dEcode® for Kids ends.”

“Ten minutes a day is more than enough, and the children really enjoy both the books and the CD program,” says Leslie Grant.

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For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington / Strategic Communications Solutions / ON BEHALF OF DR. DEBBY CHESNIE COOPER / Direct Phone: 905.901.9218 / Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

To succeed in business, going ‘green’ is a competitive advantage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

January 30, 2008

LaserNetworks provides steps for businesses to reduce costs and be better environmental stewards

January 30, 2008, OAKVILLE - Good business practices embrace environmental responsibility. In fact, a recent article published by the National Post, suggested that for businesses to succeed in this era, environmental stewardship is not an option, it's a must.

For many companies, the motivation to get started exists but questions about feasibility and profitability loom large bringing caution and hesitation about implementing changes. At first glance, it seems difficult for a business to become environmentally responsible and maintain financial viability.

"The task of becoming a good environmental steward is large, but manageable if broken down into small steps that are easy to navigate," says Chris Stoate, President of LaserNetworks®, Canada's leading print solutions company. "Making the environment a priority with a clear and comprehensive environmental strategy is a good place to start."

From their beginning in 1987, LaserNetworks® has modeled environmental responsibility and has had the objective to give customers the flexibility to make environmentally-friendly choices that reduce environmental impact and carbon footprint.

As Canada's leading print solutions company, providing environmentally friendly print solution services and products to virtually every sized company across Canada and continental USA including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, major chartered banks, and large law firms, LaserNetworks® is proof that companies can be both environmentally responsible and profitable.

"One easy step for organizations is to look at their large volume consumables, such as paper and toner, and consider the reduction possibilities," says Chris Stoate. "For example, LaserNetworks® has recently decided to exclusively offer the REFLEXION brand of remanufactured toner cartridges because they're known to reduce the carbon footprint by 74 per cent - a small change that brings substantial environmental impact and at less cost than regular toner."

Approximately 97 per cent of the combined components (plastic, metal, rubber, paper, foam, and toner) in the toner cartridge can be recycled. If it isn't, the plastic, made of engineering-grade polymers, takes at least 1,000 years to decompose.

A study by PE International showed that REFLEXION toner cartridges reduce CO2 emissions by 74 per cent, global warming by 76 per cent, ozone depletion by 72 per cent, and provide energy savings of 70 per cent.

"We're excited about being able to offer clients desiring to be better corporate stewards, a product such as REFLEXION that does so much to preserve our environment," says Chris Stoate. "Environmental reductions such as these are an example of the small, simple steps companies can take, to become better environmental stewards - a small step perhaps, but multiplied by the number of businesses in North America, the significance is huge."

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For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington / Strategic Communications Solutions / ON BEHALF OF LASERNETWORKS / Direct Phone: 905.901.9218 / Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

Treat the problem, not the symptoms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

January 24, 2008

Underachieving students and high drop-out rates are a literacy problem, not a racial one

January 24, 2008, TORONTO - There has been much research done linking low literacy with high drop-out rates.

Recently, a concerned TD Canada Trust published a report which stated that low literacy rates are hampering life skills and affecting business. It also stated that if left unaddressed, other issues may arise which lead to increased high school drop out rates, crime and unemployment.

That high drop-out rates due to low literacy exist should not be a surprise. According to The Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL), low literacy is also closely linked to poverty, poor health and unemployment.

There was a time when there were lots of good jobs for people who couldn't read, but those days are gone. Today a person who can't read has trouble just finding work of any kind. As a result, people who cannot read, fall outside the norms of society with alarming frequency.

Seventy per cent of the people in jail in North America read at the two lowest literacy levels, which means they read nothing, or only well enough to understand the directions on a pill bottle.

While the Toronto District School Board's consideration to start an Afro-centric school could benefit the community by instilling an increased appreciation for culture, instilling pride of heritage, among other things, it will do little to reduce drop-out rates because drop-out rates are not a racial issue, but one of literacy. Low literacy rates affect all cultures and socio-economic classes as evidenced by The Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL) which estimates that 9 million out of 36 million Canadians lack the literacy skills needed for daily living.

"The problem is low literacy, but to correct it we must deal with the root cause - ineffective teaching methodologies," says Dr. Deborah Chesnie Cooper, Developmental and Educational Psychologist and Director of The Chesnie Cooper Educational Centre*. "For years the teaching methodology used by the educational system was Whole Language, but they admit now, that it was faulty at best."

Seventy-four per cent of children who are unsuccessful readers in the third grade are still unsuccessful readers in the ninth grade (Journal of Child Neurology, January, 1995).

"It would be easy to blame the students for their lack of progress, and many mistakenly do, except for the fact that over 85 per cent of Canadians are either average or above average in intelligence, so the students are smart enough to understand - they just can't read well enough to understand what they read," says Dr. Debby Cooper. "However, with early detection and successful remediation, teaching of basic reading skills is possible and can lead to effective change - I know this to be true because throughout my 30 years of practice working with those with low literacy, dyslexia and Learning Disorders (LD's), I've seen success first hand."

Every child has the ability to learn, but some just learn differently.

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For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington / Strategic Communications Solutions / ON BEHALF OF DR. DEBBY CHESNIE COOPER / Direct Phone: 905.901.9218 / Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

CEO of Major Ukrainian Brewery visits Canada

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January 21, 2008

Petr Chernyshov plans international expansion of Ukraine’s leading premium beer, Slavutich

January 21, 2008, OAKVILLE - Petr Chernyshov, CEO of Baltic Beverages Holding (BBH), Ukraine, one of the country's largest brewers, recently met with John Vellinga, President of Multiculture Bevco, the Canadian distributor of the company's two premium beer brands, Slavutich and Lvivske.

Chernyshov is the first BBH Ukraine official to visit Canada.

"Canada is going to be one of our most important export markets and we plan to dedicate far more resources than we have up to now", said Petr Chernyshov. "There is a large population of Ukrainians in Canada who understand that beer is also about culture, heritage and community. Ukrainians appreciate and know how to enjoy their beer-that's why Slavutich and Lvivske have done well here in Canada. That is why this market has so much promise."

Chernyshov also unveiled the new logo and can design which will be on display and available in Canadian stores early 2008. The new look has been received well in the Ukraine. Slavutich sales have tripled and BBH brands now make up over half of the Ukrainian premium beer segment.

In 2001, Multiculture Bevco began importing Slavutich to Canada. In its first year Slavutich sold three times more than that of its Ukrainian predecessor, mostly due to its superior quality. Lvivske launched in 2004, has enjoyed similar success. Both beers are crafted according to the Bavarian Purity Act and use only natural ingredients and no preservatives.

BBH Ukraine has a varied and interesting brewing heritage with its Slavutich and Lvivske brands. Slavutich is produced at the most modern brewery in Europe. Its gleaming, state-of-the-art Kyiv brewery is the newest on the continent. On the other end of the scale, Lvivske is crafted in the oldest and most historic brewery in Ukraine.

In fact, the Lvivske brewery hosts Ukraine's only museum of brewing and its tasting cellar is home to Lviv's most popular restaurant. The brewery even has a chapel in which services are conducted for employees and water is blessed for each batch of beer.

Oliver Dawson, a noted Canadian beer expert and President of the Beer Lover's Tour Company, conducted a private tasting for Cheryshov, giving him the opportunity to sample a variety of Canadian mainstream beers and micro-brews. Mr. Chernyshov also visited the Brick brewing company in Waterloo, Ontario's first micro-brewery. He toured Brick's facilities and met with senior managers and company founder Jim Brickman.

"In terms of production, BBH is the size of the largest breweries in Canada, however, I think that our beer has more in common with micro-brews like Brick," said Chernyshov. "Like us, they make beer from all natural ingredients and promote the culture and enjoyment of good quality, authentic beer. We also brew craft beer - just on a very big scale."

"If you were only allowed to have one beer in your fridge, Slavutich or Lvivske should be it", says Vellinga. "These beers are crowd pleasers. Drinkers of imported and premium beers appreciate their high quality, while mainstream domestic beer drinkers appreciate the taste - which is not that different from what they are used to - just better."

Slavutich and Lvivske, through Multiculture Bevco, has supported hundreds of Ukrainian community organizations throughout Canada, including the Bloor West Ukrainian Festival, the Dauphin Canadian National Ukrainian Festival, the Shumka Ukrainian Dancers, several multicultural fairs, cultural clubs and student organizations. Both beers are available at the LCBO in Ontario, MLCC Liquor Marts in Manitoba, SLGA liquor stores in Saskatchewan and over 100 Alberta liquor stores. For more information go to www.ukiestore.com.

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For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington / Strategic Communications Solutions / ON BEHALF OF MULTICULTURE BEVCO / Direct Phone: 905.901.9218 / Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

Remediation teaches a student to learn any subject—even math

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January 7, 2008

Dr. Debby Chesnie Cooper talks about 123 dEcode® Math

January 7, 2008, TORONTO - Learning disabilities affect up to 20 per cent of North America's population and greatly impact both literacy and numeracy skills.

A recent report by TD Canada Trust stated that low literacy rates are hampering life skills and affecting business. If not addressed, other issues may arise which lead to increased high school drop out rates, crime and unemployment.

A Durham District School Board teacher notes just how serious the issue of low literacy and numeracy skills is becoming.

"A grade nine student couldn't add six plus one without a calculator," said the teacher. "After teaching the same class for several weeks it became apparent that many students were so accustomed to working with calculators they couldn't do the simplest of math problems."

Dr. Debby Chesnie Cooper and The Chesnie Cooper Educational Centre's clinical and research practices over the past 30 years have focused almost exclusively on those referred to as "unresponsive learners," with great success. For those seeking help for their literacy and numeracy deficiencies, many of Dr. Chesnie Cooper's peers view her as a last resort.

"Every child has the ability to learn," says Dr. Debby Cooper. "Some just learn differently."

Dr. Cooper has taken time to listen and study children, choosing to follow the example of Jean Piaget, a Swiss philosopher, natural scientist and developmental psychologist, who is well known for his work studying children and his theory of cognitive development.

"Textbooks make too many assumptions and move too quickly," says Dr. Debby Cooper. "They assume learning has already taken place by the time the child enters grade one and that students have somehow learned all the previous facts needed to move forward."

With over 25 years of development and augmentation in a clinical environment, working with people of all ages and different socioeconomic groups, ABC dEcode® Reading and 123 dEcode® Math are unique in that they address the underlying processing problems which often occur in the development of reading and numeracy skills.

123 dEcode® is a learning program that systematically and thoroughly teaches the basic, simple computational skills - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, using a series of math workbooks reflecting this unique learning approach.

"This is the most complete and thorough teaching I have ever come across," is a common remark of mothers after reviewing 123 dEcode®'s computational skills.

123 dEcode® progresses to teaching the application of mathematical skills through a rules-based learning approach - fractions, integers, rationals and beyond. Like an encyclopedia, each topic can be easily referenced to view a problem's computational steps.

"For students of all ages, 123 dEcode® is serious learning and provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn math," says Dr. Cooper. "Learning through the program is satisfying and effective."

One student who had just completed learning squares with 123 dEcode® in the summer, came home after the first week of school's fall session excited and proud of what he had accomplished.

"Guess what," he exclaimed to his mother. "We had a test on squares. And thanks to Dr. Cooper, I got 100% because she made me learn that book."

"123 dEcode® has a broad application and is not limited to those with learning disabilities," says Dr. Cooper. "It can greatly benefit those without disorders; it has even proven effective with preschoolers."

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For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington / Strategic Communications Solutions / ON BEHALF OF DR. DEBBY CHESNIE COOPER / Direct Phone: 905.901.9218 / Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

Festive season just getting started

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January 6, 2008

Over one million Ukrainians in Canada celebrate Christmas January 7

January 6, 2008, OAKVILLE - Just when the majority of Canadians think the festive season is over and it's back to business as usual, close to 1.1 million Ukrainian Canadians are beginning their Christmas festivities - starting with Christmas Eve celebrations on January 6.

Canada has the world's third-largest Ukrainian population; only the Ukraine and Russia have more. They're a community that hasn't forgotten their roots as they still observe age-old customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation.

Festivities begin Christmas Eve and end 12 days later with the Feast of the Epiphany, bringing the family together to eat special foods and recall past traditions. For instance, two tablecloths are spread over the table, one for past ancestors and another for those still living. And as not to forget the real reason for the season, hay is placed under the tablecloths and under the table to remember Christ's birth in a manger.

"One of the traditions I like best is the twelve courses served for supper honouring each of Christ's Apostles," says John Vellinga, President of Multiculture Bevco. "It's great to celebrate with family and friends - dancing, singing and, enjoying Ukrainian products such as Slavutich and Livivske."

In a recent visit to Toronto, Petr Chernyshov, CEO of Baltic Beverages Holding (BBH), one of Ukraine's largest brewers announced that BBH is dedicated to growing sales of Slavutich and Lvivske in Canada. He also unveiled the new logo and can design for both beers, which will be available in Canadian stores early this year.

"Canada is going to be one of BBH's most important export markets," said Petr Chernyshov .

Slavutich and Lvivske, through Multiculture Bevco, support hundreds of Ukrainian community organizations, including the Bloor West Ukrainian Festival, the Dauphin Canadian National Ukrainian Festival, and the Shumka Ukrainian Dancers.

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For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington / Strategic Communications Solutions / ON BEHALF OF MULTICULTURE BEVCO / Direct Phone: 905.901.9218 / Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

SupperWorks gives post secondary students have healthy meal choices

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MEDIA RELEASE

January 2, 2008

Return to school with more than just suitcases full – more time for studies

January 2, 2008, OAKVILLE - It's an accepted fact that nutritious meals have tremendous health benefits. However, common complaints such as time and affordability often prevent people from developing healthy eating habits. University and college students are no exception.

"In University it's always busy, so healthy meal choices aren't always an option," says Harmony, a third year student at Ottawa University. "Lack of time and a tight budget led to quick-food choices; macaroni, hotdogs, pizza, and fast-food restaurants."

For several years, SupperWorks, Canada's premiere meal prep business, has been helping students deal with these very issues - saving time and providing nutritious, cost-effective meals.

"For me, not eating properly resulted in weight gain, a sluggish feeling and tiredness," says Harmony.

These effects are consistent with a 2004 pediatric study about the Effects of Fast-Food Consumption on Energy Intake and Diet Quality Among Children. It showed that those who eat fast food regularly could gain up to 6 pounds per year over a 15-year period.

"For less than five dollars per entree, and two hours prep time, families can pack their students over a month's supply of healthy, nutritious meals to take back to school," says Joni Lien, Co-founder of SupperWorks. "It's simple and inexpensive - SupperWorks does all the prep, clean up and menu selection, allowing you to prepare 12 full-sized entrees each serving 4-6 people."

In a student's busy world, the less time it takes to prepare meals, the more time there is available for study. Nutritious meals play an important part in academic performance - resulting in a healthier body and mind.

"It's a great way to send students back to school after the winter break," says Joni Lien. "Just pack them a month's supply of our nutritious entrees, frozen to preserve their goodness and ready to stick in the oven at a moments notice."

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For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington / Strategic Communications Solutions / ON BEHALF OF SUPPERWORKS / Direct Phone: 905.901.9218 / Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

Canada's largest polar bear dip for charity raises over $62,000

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 1, 2008

23rd Annual Courage Brothers' Polar Bear Dip for World Vision raises record amount

January 1, 2008 - Todd and Trent Courage, founders of the Courage Brothers' Polar Bear Dip for World Vision, are pleased to announce that this year's event at Coronation Park, Oakville, raised upwards of $59,000 for World Vision's water projects in Sudan.

"The funds raised here today will help drill boreholes, install wells, lay pipes and repair existing wells in four villages in Sudan." says Trent Courage. "We had over 400 dippers today and close to 5,000 spectators from all over Canada. It's great to see everyone working together for such a great cause."

ABOUT THE COURAGE BROTHERS' POLAR BEAR DIP FOR WORLD VISION:

• The Courage Brothers' Polar Bear Dip for World Vision first took place in 1985 on a dare from Todd and Trent's mother.
• The Courage Brothers' Polar Bear Dip for World Vision is now Canada's largest polar bear dip for Charity.
• Visitors to the Courage Brothers' Polar Bear Dip for World Vision have traveled from as far away as Australia and Hong Kong.
• Platinum level sponsors for the 23rd Annual Courage Brothers' Polar Bear Dip include: Campbell's Soup at Hand; Megaloid; Thermos.
• Full details about the 23rd Annual Courage Brothers' Polar Bear Dip can be found at www.polarbeardip.ca

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For further information or interviews contact:

Peter Turkington / ON BEHALF OF THE 23RD ANNUAL COURAGE BROTHERS' POLAR BEAR DIP / Direct Phone: 905.901.9218 / Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca