London Firm Wins Coveted Ontario Chamber of Commerce Award

London, ON, September 24th, 2003 – Highstreet Asset Management has won a prestigious Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Business Achievement Award. The company was most recently recognized as the Small Business of the Year at the London Chamber’s Business Achievement Awards held this past March. Since the creation of the award in 1983 more than 100 companies from all sectors and of all sizes have been acknowledged at the OCC's gala event, which will be held this year on October 16th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Last year's event attracted nearly 1,000 senior business and political leaders including the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and the Premier. When Highstreet opened its doors on October 16th 1998 to offer individuals, foundations and corporations high quality investment counseling services, they had zero assets and zero clients. Today, nearly five years later, they manage three-quarters of a billion dollars on behalf of 300 private clients and institutions. In addition, they are a community minded firm that is recognized as an Imagine Caring Company by the Canadian Center for Philanthropy. President, Rob Badun, explains Highstreet’s success. “In our business, clients seek two things: 1) investment performance and 2) personal service. At Highstreet, we have been successful in providing our clients with excellent returns through our simple belief that People + Philosophy + Process = Performance.” “Highstreet is a cohesive team of 24 high-caliber investment and administrative professionals. In addition, all of our people act like owners because each of us shares in the success of our business. And, all of us have our personal assets invested in Highstreet, just like our clients.” “We are extremely proud of what Highstreet has been able to accomplish in such a short period of time and are absolutely thrilled that the Ontario Chamber has selected them to be in their winners circle”, said Gerry Macartney, General Manager and CEO of the London Chamber. This marks the first time the provincial organization has recognized a business from the investment management sector. The last London winner was Canada Trust in 1992 for their industry-leading customer service focus. For more information: Lina Bowden, Vice-President Highstreet Asset Management Inc. Ph. 519-850-9500 ext. 10 OR Gerry Macartney, General Manager, and CEO The London Chamber of Commerce Ph. 432-7551 (ext. 30) Fax 432-8063