Tori Allen, CRM Manager, West 49 Inc. Tori Allen joined West 49 Inc. in February 2008. She is responsible for developing and executing a multi-banner loyalty and gift card program to support the long-term CRM strategy of West 49 Inc. Prior to joining West 49 Inc., Tori spent more than six years at the Hudson's Bay Company where she progressed through several positions focused on the loyalty and gift card programs. As Manager, 3rd Party Loyalty, she was responsible for the strategic development and execution of the marketing and sales plans for the external loyalty business. As Manager, Gift Card and Incentives, she had financial accountability over the external gift card programs with successful results.

Solomon Amos, Director of Customer Relationship Marketing, Holt Renfrew & Co., Ltd. With over 10 years experience, Sol spearheads the overall CRM strategy for Holt Renfrew & Co. Ltd. and directly manages all direct-to-consumer marketing including the American Express co-brand credit card relationship. Before joining Holt Renfrew, Sol consulted to several leading Canadian retailers in the loyalty space before selling his practice to a national competitor. Prior to that, he was a Senior Strategic Planner at Cossette where he worked with several key brands in Canada and the US on developing consumer centric strategies. He is recognized as a subject matter expert in the customer loyalty arena driving business results based on the understanding of consumers via research, advanced analytics and marketing measurement.

Amanda Aranas, Director of Retail Operations, Lush Handmade Cosmetics Amanda Aranas is an established leader with over 17 years of experience. Amanda joined Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics in 1998 and was at home with the company's passion for Animal Rights and Environmental Issues. As Director of Retail Operations for LUSH Canada Amanda has successfully directed a team of creative business professionals in the creation of innovative marketing, training and communication solutions that continue to improve the way Lush does business. Amanda's ability to identify business opportunities, and successfully implement usable solutions throughout the entire business, while maintaining Lush's strong ethics has uniquely positioned Lush as one of the cosmetic industry's leading providers of not only ethical products but also ethical business practices.

Sumantra Banerjee, President and Chief Executive Officer, RPG Retail Sumantra Banerjee is the President and Chief Executive of RPG Retail which pioneered organized retailing in India some 10 years ago and is the largest supermarket chain in India. Foods first retailing by RPG is done under the Spencer's brand in both convenience and destination formats (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets), music retailing under the "Music World" brand and books retailing through the "Books & Beyond" format. Sumantra has been instrumental in rapidly moving Spencer's from a South India based operation with 40 stores to a Pan India operation with 400 stores. Sumantra has a Masters degree in Engineering and an MBA (both from USA) where he was based for about 10 years before returning to India. He has been Chief Executive/Managing Director for over 20 years covering diverse businesses such as Power, IT, Entertainment, etc.

Stephen Bebis, President & Chief Executive Officer, Golf Town Stephen Bebis is the Founder, President and CEO of Golf Town. Since the company's inception in 1999, it has grown to have a current sales run rate of $300 million per year and has 35 stores across Canada. Stephen Bebis has been in retail management since 1972 and has held positions at Sears, Roebuck and Grossman's Lumber and Home Depot. Prior to founding Golf Town, he was the President and CEO of Sports and Recreation in Tampa, Florida — a big box store retailer with over one billion in sales. Stephen also served as President and CEO of Home Depot Canada from 1994-1996. Stephen has served on many charitable boards in Canada and the USA and is currently the Chairman of the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada.

Don Berezowski, Associate Vice President Loss Prevention and Safety, Sears Canada Inc. Don Berezowski has worked with Sears Canada for 19 years and is currently the Associate Vice President for Loss Prevention & Safety supporting all business channels of the corporation. Don has had many roles during his career including sales, operations productivity and presently in Loss Prevention. Don along with his team are responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring Loss Prevention programs that reduce corporate shrinkage and loss, as well as reduce workplace injuries. Don has been an active member of the RCC Loss Prevention committee promoting excellence in the profession as well as developing strong relationships with industry partners sharing and developing best of breed strategies to reduce loss.

Ian Booler, CA, Manager, PricewaterhouseCooper LLP Ian Booler is a Montreal-based Manager with PricewwaterhouseCooper's Performance Improvement and Risk (PI&R) advisory services practice. He specializes in performance improvement, risks and controls within the Retail industry. Mr. Booler has also performed internal control reviews related to regulatory compliance, as well as for the purposes of business process improvement. He possesses deep knowledge of the store operations aspect of retailing, having acted as a store manager for a major international footwear retailer prior to embarking on a professional career as a Chartered Accountant.

Adwoa K. Buahene, Managing Partner, n-gen People Performance Inc. As a managing partner of n-gen, Adwoa K. Buahene partners with clients to design and lead strategic people initiatives that measurably improve workplace performance. Adwoa supports organizations in understanding generational motivations both from a research and anecdotal perspective. Her analytical approach to helping clients meet their performance objectives means that solutions are strategic in nature, measurable and executed with discipline. Co-author of the book Loyalty Unplugged: How to Get, Keep & Grow All Four Generations. Adwoa has a Master's degree in analytic philosophy from Dalhousie University. She is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management, Human Resource Professionals of Ontario, member — Provincial Partnership Council, chair — United Way Allocations Panel and board director — VHA Home Health Care.

Ann Calder, Senior Solutions Specialist, Retail, SAS Canada Ann Calder, Senior Retail Solutions Specialist for SAS Canada, is responsible for providing strategic direction for SAS retail solutions in Canada and assisting retailers with implementing industry best practices and methodologies. Helping to drive SAS Canada's retail strategy with a primary focus on customer-and partner-facing activities, Ms. Calder fosters close working relationships with marketing and sales to ensure that SAS technologies are aligned with customer needs and market demand. Ms. Calder joined SAS in 2006 as a Senior Retail Consultant. She has over twenty years of experience in the retail industry and has held various management positions with leading retailers including Bowring, Hbc, Wal-mart and Winners.

Lino Casalino, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Lino is a Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Advisory Services practice and is PwC's Canadian Supply Chain & Logistics Leader. Lino has close to 20 years of experience in the areas of supply chain management, supply chain strategy and transformation, third party logistics, organizational effectiveness and the implementation of enabling technologies. He has completed a variety of performance improvement and technology related projects in the retail and consumer packaged goods industries. Lino has also worked on a number of third party logistics engagements in the footwear, apparel and drug/convenience retail channels. Lino is currently working with the Retail Council of Canada on a research paper on the topic of Third Party Logistics in the Retail Industry.

Tony Chapman, Founder and CEO, Capital C Tony Chapman is Founder and CEO of Capital C, a creative powerhouse that Marketing Magazine labeled "Canada's Agency of the Year." In the past four years, it has garnered over 50 Best of Show and Gold Awards in international and national competitions. In January 2008, Tony Chapman became one of the youngest individuals to be inducted into the Marketing Hall of Legends, as someone who has "dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in the field of marketing." Tony Chapman is a sought after and highly ranked presenter, and he has published numerous articles in the main stream press, and well as being a frequent guest on National Television and Radio programs.

Harold Chizick, Director of Corporate Communications, MEGA Brands Inc. Harold Chizick is Director of Corporate Communications at MEGA Brands Inc., a family of leading global brands in construction toys, games & puzzles, arts & crafts and stationery. Mr. Chizick is responsible for overseeing consumer, trade and internal communications strategies, social compliance initiatives and promotional activities. Before joining MEGA Brands, Mr. Chizick oversaw all execution of public relations, product launches, and promotions as Vice President, Global Promotional Marketing at Spin Master Ltd, a company that designs, manufactures and markets children's entertainment and lifestyle products. Mr. Chizick is currently the Co-Chair of the Canadian Toy Association's Communications Committee and an active member of the Toy Industry Association's Marketing Communications Committee.

Dean Correia, Manager, Partner & Asset Protection Canada, Starbucks Coffee International Dean Correia manages the Partner and Asset Protection function of Starbucks Coffee International in Canada and Latin America. With over 17 years of experience in the restaurant/retail industry, Dean and his team currently support Starbucks success through the protection of people, securing of assets, and contribution of margin throughout all lines of business. Dean is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and has been a member of RCC's Loss Prevention Council for the past six years. A member of CSIS and ASIS, Dean has also served a three year board term on the U.S. based National Food Service Security Council.

Gary Decatur, President & Chief Operating Officer, M&M Meat Shops Gary Decatur is a proven expert in building and advancing franchised businesses. With a career extending more than 30 years throughout North America, Gary joined M&M Meat Shops in May 2005. Gary is a dynamic leader and is advancing the M&M business through a vibrant growth strategy that includes expansion into new Canadian and international markets. In his role, Gary works closely with M&M founder Mac Voisin, and is committed to growing the M&M brand. Before joining the M&M team, Gary worked with the Choice Hotels International chain for more than 13 years. As President and Chief Executive Officer, Gary spearheaded the growth and restructuring of Choice Hotels Canada and increased franchise growth by 22 per cent in just two years.

Shane Dolgin, Senior Vice-President, Corporate & Technology, Edelman Canada Shane Dolgin leads Edelman Canada's Corporate & Technology practice. His professional experience covers a broad range of areas including crisis and issues management, financial communications, internal and labour communications as well as communications training. His recent client experience includes providing crisis management support for a major consumer packaged goods company facing a recall; developing an issue response program to support a major international aerospace manufacturer; and leading the development of a communications strategy for an international firm's $5B acquisition of a Canadian oil & gas trust. He holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) from McGill University and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario.

Kerina Elliott, Vice President of Human Resources, Store Operations & Central Administration, M&M Meat Shops Ltd. Kerina Elliott became familiar with M&M Meat Shops Ltd. while completing a consultation in 1989 to assess the company's corporate policies, processes and operations. Her expertise was almost immediately required full-time, and Kerina became an official member of the M&M family. Accepting permanent employment in 1990, she became the first Director of Human Resources. Formerly teaching full-time, Kerina acted as Program Director for the Conestoga College, General Arts and Science program and taught courses for members of professional associations, like the Canadian Institute of Management at Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to that, Kerina worked at Wilfrid Laurier University in a public relations and recruitment role, developing a keen interest in strategic planning and organizational development.

Rita Estwick, Postal Inspector in Charge, Canada Post Security & Investigation Services Rita Estwick is Postal Inspector in Charge, Canada Post Security & Investigation Services in Toronto. Within her 12 years at Canada Post, Rita has established strategic partnerships with many organizations and industry associations within various industry sectors as it relates to managing crime risk exposures. She is a recognized subject matter expert and addresses groups on a wide range of topics both within the Canadian and international markets. During the 2007 Calendar year, Rita was seconded to RCC acting as the Director, Loss Prevention and Chair, Retail Organized Crime Task Force.

Paul Ferley, Assistant Chief Economist, RBC Financial Group As Assistant Chief Economist, Paul is responsible for the analysis and forecasting of macroeconomic and financial market developments in Canada, the United States and key overseas economies. Paul joined the Economics Department of RBC Financial Group in 2007. Prior, he spent 20 years with another major financial institution where he was responsible for generating the macroeconomic outlook for the United States, Canada and Canadian regional economies. Paul is a member of the Economic Policy Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and is on the Editorial Board of Canadian Public Policy/Analyse de politiques. He is also past President and Director of the Toronto Association of Business and Economics (TABE).

Kevin Graff, President, The Graff Retail Group Recognized internationally as an authority on retail and one of the top speakers in this sector, Kevin Graff has spent the past 20 years working with retailers to drive revenue 'over the top'. Focused on improving staff performance, he is an expert on squeezing more sales out of each and every store by developing and implementing integrated training solutions for retailers. Kevin is the author of "Winning Retail" and "Selling with Passion" and also writes the monthly retail newsletter 'The Graff Retail Report.' Kevin's approach to store operations and focus on real, bottom-line store issues has consistently generated results for his clients.

Martha Healey, Partner, Ogilvy Renault LLP Martha Healey is a Partner at Ogilvy Renault in their Ottawa office and has considerable expertise in federal and provincial regulatory matters, including food, drug, nature health product, pesticide, communications and other commercial sectors. Her practice includes domestic and international trade regulation, telecommunications, transportation, life sciences and competition law, as well as information and e-commerce regulation and conflict of interest investigation. Ms. Healey advises clients on a number of issues, including industry certification programs, advertising and marketing programs and competition/privacy law advice for Canadian businesses. She has appeared before the Federal Court of Canada (Trial and Appeal), the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Court of Appeal.

Joe Jackman, CEO & Principal Consultant, Creaticality Joe Jackman, Principal Consultant and CEO of Creaticality Inc., is a strategic and creative advisor to North American retailers and brand marketers. Joe specializes in brand development and creative direction of substantial retail transformations. Highlights of Joe's career include the creative strategy and development of Canadian Tire's 20/20 store format, successive store formats for Loblaws Supermarkets, the launch of President's Choice Financial and PC Home, the retail creative strategy for Canada Post, and the brand development and launch of the Joe Fresh Style apparel brand. He was recently appointed Chairman of the Advisory Council for Ryerson University's Ted Rogers School of Retail Management, and is a frequent lecturer and conference speaker on retail and branding-related topics.

Ellis Jacob, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cineplex Entertainment Mr. Jacob has 20 years experience in the motion picture exhibition industry. In his current position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cineplex Entertainment, Mr. Jacob leads Canada's largest motion picture exhibition company. Prior to the acquisition of Famous Players and the creation of Cineplex Entertainment, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Cineplex Galaxy LP. In 1999 he co-founded Galaxy Entertainment Inc. Before founding Galaxy, Mr. Jacob represented Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. as Integration Consultant from September 1998 to the summer of 1999. From 1987 to 1998, Mr. Jacob held various positions with Cineplex Odeon Corporation culminating in the role of Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Jacob is a Director of Cineplex Galaxy Income Fund as well as a member of the board of directors and chair of the audit committee of the Toronto International Film Festival. He also a member of the board of governors for Mount Sinai Hospital and the board of directors for the Youth Technology and Mentor Program.

Mitch Joel, President, Twist Image As a marketing and communications visionary, interactive expert, community leader, Blogger and Podcaster, it's not surprising that Marketing Magazine called Mitch Joel, President of Twist Image — an award-winning Digital Marketing agency a "Rock Star of Digital Marketing." He has shared the stage with the likes of Bill Clinton, Anthony Robbins and Dr. Phil and has spoken to groups like, Google, Visa and Microsoft. Joel is a Board Member for the Canadian Marketing Association and the Interactive Advertising Bureau Canada. He is also an executive for the National Advertising Benevolent Society of Quebec. He is presently writing his first book, Six Pixels of Separation.

Willy Kruh, Partner, KPMG Management Services LP Willy Kruh — National Leader of KPMG's Canadian Consumer and Industrial Businesses Practice, which includes consumer product manufacturing and retailing. Based in Toronto, Mr. Kruh is a member of KPMG's Canadian Management Committee, Global Consumer Markets and Global Retail Steering Committees. He has more than 24 years as an audit and business adviser to leading companies in Canada, the U.S. and internationally. Mr. Kruh has substantial experience in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, initial public offerings and restructuring services to a wide range of consumer and industrial, public and private companies. He is KPMG's Canadian Consumer Markets spokesperson and regularly presents at seminars and conferences on retail trends and issues. Mr. Kruh is a Charted Accountant and holds an MBA from York University.

Kevin Layden, Chief Operating Officer, Best Buy International Kevin Layden provides operational leadership for the company as it continues to grow its presence in Canada, China, Europe, Turkey, and Mexico. After joining Best Buy Canada (then Future Shop, Ltd.) in 1997, Mr. Layden focused on integrating the Canadian operation with Best Buy Co., Inc. Since then, he has played a major role in executing the company's successful dual brand strategy. Previously, he led a highly successful 17-year career with Circuit City Stores Inc. in the United States. He is the Chair of Retail Council of Canada's Board of Directors and has served on the Board since 2001. He is also on the board of the Business Council of British Columbia and the Board of Tree Island Industries.

Jim Lenskold, President, Lenskold Group Jim Lenskold is President of Lenskold Group and author of Marketing ROI, The Path to Campaign, Customer and Corporate Profitability. Founded in 1997, the Lenskold Group provides consulting services to deliver a comprehensive approach to marketing ROI management, marketing measurement and analytics, and profitability planning tools. Jim's career began in the mid-1980's at AT&T where he managed a $20 million marketing budget for retention marketing and new strategy development. He also successfully launched and grew a technology firm before starting the Lenskold Group. The Lenskold Group serves Fortune 1000 and emerging companies in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Chris Lund, CEO, Perennial Group of Companies Since becoming Perennial Group of Companies' CEO, Chris Lund has charted a clear strategic course, enlarging the company's client base throughout North America and into China and India. Perennial has more than 18 years experience collaborating in the design and strategic direction of Loblaw Companies Limited banners, The Home Depot of Canada, Spencer's Retail in India, and numerous other clients. Under his guidance, Perennial has expanded into a group of companies that work together seamlessly, building meaningful retail experiences for customers. Perennial Investment Group brings great retail ideas to the market, while Perennial Solutions Inc. offers turnkey project execution management. Chris is also a member of the Young President's Organization, the advisory board at the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management at Ryerson, and a lifetime member of North York General Hospital's Board.

Kevin Maurer, Senior Manager, Insurance and Risk Control, Hudson's Bay Company Kevin Maurer is the Senior Manager, Insurance and Risk Control for Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc). Kevin has worked for Hbc in the Risk Management Department for eight years. His primary responsibilities include: managing the corporate insurance program; leading the product recall team and developing product recall processes; environmental protection and compliance; emergency response; loss prevention strategies and programs; and operational risk assessment and analysis. Prior to joining Hbc, Kevin had over 10 years of work experience in the fields of health & safety and environmental management. Kevin graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1992, with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies Honours Degree.

Paul McElhone, Associate Director of the School of Retailing, University of Alberta School of Business With more than 25 years of direct experience in retailing, and 10 years experience in retail education, Paul McElhone has a passion for the retail industry and has worked with regional, national, and international companies and educational institutions. His main areas of interests include the use of technology in specialty retail markets, retailing and channel management, merchandising strategies, and branding. Having held a variety of retailing positions from sales associate to store manager, to buyer, to head of corporate sales, Paul's award-winning lectures are rich with anecdotal content. Paul is currently completing his PhD with the European School of Management in Paris.

Elizabeth Mills, President & Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA) Elizabeth Mills is the founder, President & CEO of the Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA). She is currently a Director on the Board of OSSA, and holds positions as Vice Chair for both the Centre for Health and Safety Innovation and Prevention Dynamics Corporation. Elizabeth's prior experience includes positions with the Ministry of the Government Services and the Ministry of the Solicitor General, as well as the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association. From May 1995 to June 1997, she served as Director, Government Relations for Retail Council of Canada, where she worked on issues related to employment standards, health and safety, workers' compensation and the environment. Elizabeth is a member of the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario the Advisory Committee for the Centre for Research Expertise for Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Andrew Pelletier, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Wal-Mart Canada Corp. Andrew Pelletier is a seasoned corporate affairs advisor with more than 18 years of experience. In 1998, Andrew joined Wal-Mart Canada as the Director of Corporate Affairs, and was promoted in 2006 to the position of Vice-President of Corporate Affairs. Reporting directly to the CEO, Andrew and his team are responsible for all corporate affairs nationwide, including public and media relations, government affairs, community relations and corporate social responsibility. Prior to Wal-Mart, Andrew held positions with several high-profile organizations including Sears Canada, the Ontario Government, and one of Canada's oldest public relations firms.

Sara Presutto, Director, Partner Resources, Starbucks Coffee Canada Sara Presutto is the director of Partner Resources for Starbucks Coffee Canada. In her role, she is responsible for the overall strategic direction and execution of integrated human resources initiatives within Canada. She works very closely with a talented team of HR professionals to ensure Starbucks store partners and support teams are engaged to continue Starbucks growth. Sara joined Starbucks Canada five years ago and has watched the company expand from 370 retail locations in Canada to over 900. Prior to joining Starbucks, Sara worked as a human resources professional in information technology and insurance companies, but her true passion is in retail. Along with her Masters in Experimental Psychology, Sara is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).

Joel Rabideau, National Manager, Health & Safety Risk Management, Gap Inc. Joel Rabideau is currently the National Manager, Health & Safety Risk Management, Canada Operations at Gap Inc. where he oversees the management, development, implementation and compliance to all aspects of Environment, Health and Safety and Risk Management program requirements for the Canadian Operations for all Gap, Old Navy and Banana-Republic Stores in Canada. Joel serves on the Steering Committee for the Retail Council of Canada Safety Groups Program and is a member of Board of Directors at the Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA), serving on the Governance and Finance Committees, as well as a member of Retail Wholesale and Office Advisory Committee at OSSA.

Jason Reilly, Director of Marketing, The Home Depot Canada Jason Reilly is the Director of Marketing for The Home Depot Canada. In his role, he is responsible for the overall strategic direction and implementation of Canadian marketing initiatives. Jason began his career at The Home Depot in 2005, and has held the positions of Marketing Manager for the Soft Lines business and Senior Manager of Marketing. Jason was instrumental in launching The Home Depot's Eco Options brand in Canada which was later adopted by Home Depot in the United States and China. Prior to joining The Home Depot, Jason held various positions in marketing and advertising with Canadian Tire Corporation.

Simon Rodrigue, Senior Manager, eCommerce/Interactive Marketing, The Home Depot Canada Simon Rodrigue joined homedepot.ca in August 2004 with the responsibility of creating a consumer-centric business that supported the Canadian retail channel, and the goal of developing a best-in-class online business in the home improvement industry. Four years later, the site continues to achieve aggressive growth and now ranks among the top online retailers in Canada. Additionally, Simon oversees the interactive marketing strategy for The Home Depot Canada as it continues to evolve from a traditional media plan to a mixed media strategy, leveraging the power of The Home Depot's extended community. Prior to joining homedepot.ca, Simon worked as a Senior Business and Marketing Consultant with Nortel Networks Global Services.

Rui Rodrigues, National Manager, Loss Prevention, Best Buy Canada Ltd. Rui Rodrigues is responsible for Supply Chain and Corporate Headquarters Loss Prevention, Safety and Security Programs. From a strategic position in the organization, he is able to look objectively at areas where there is potential for loss and make recommendations for improvement. Mr. Rodrigues has held several loss prevention positions with companies such as Shoppers Drug Mart, ICI Canada Inc., Hudson's Bay Company and T. Eaton Company Ltd., and started his career in Loss Prevention as a private investigator.

Larry Rosen, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Harry Rosen Inc. Eldest son of Harry Rosen, Larry Rosen has worked for Harry Rosen Inc. for more than 20 years. After practicing corporate law in Toronto, Larry joined the company as a buyer in 1985. He then took on the role of General Merchandise Manager and later a Director of the company. In 1997, Larry was named President and Chief Operating Officer. He was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 2000. Among other volunteer endeavours, Larry spearheads the Harry Rosen United Way campaign and major initiatives to raise funds for prostate cancer research, including Harry's Spring Run-Off, which have raised more than $1.2 million to date.

Robert Sarner, Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Roots Canada Born in Toronto, Robert Sarner is the Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Roots Canada. He joined Roots in 2004 following an international career in journalism. He previously lived in Israel for 14 years during which he worked as a Senior Editor/Reporter/Anchor on the country's only English-language nightly TV news show, and was Editor of the Jerusalem Post's weekly magazine. Robert, who has written for publications in several countries, began his career in Toronto as an editor/writer on a national weekly. In 1979, he moved to France and worked initially as a freelance writer. In 1981, Robert co-founded Paris Passion, an English-language city magazine of which he was the Editor until 1990.

Bob Sartor, Chief Executive Officer, Forzani Group Ltd. Bob Sartor is the Chief Executive Officer of the Forzani Group and has served as a member of the Board since February 2003. Most recently, Bob held the position of President, Business Support and Chief Financial Officer of The Forzani Group Ltd. from February 1997 to January 2003. He is a Chartered Accountant and graduate of McGill University. Bob's background is primarily in the food business, having held positions in treasury, financial planning and mergers and acquisitions in addition to core finance functions with Kraft General Foods of Glenview Illinois and The Oshawa Group Limited of Toronto.

Nicolle Scavuzzo, Senior Manager, Customer Centricity and Loyalty, Best Buy Canada Ltd. Nicolle Scavuzzo is the Senior Manager of Customer Centricity and Loyalty at Best Buy Canada. Nicolle focuses on differentiating Best Buy in Canada's competitive consumer electronics landscape. She has experience in loyalty marketing programs and manages Best Buy Canada's Reward Zone loyalty program. Her expertise in consumer database management has helped the company create the foundation for the Reward Zone program and become more consumer-centric. Prior to joining Best Buy Canada, Nicolle spent five years with TELUS Mobility. While at TELUS Mobility, she launched corporate loyalty and motivational programs for sales associates. She also managed consumer-oriented promotional campaigns for product launches.

Glen Seibel, Retail Software Manager, Home Hardware Stores Limited With over 20 years experience focusing on retail point-of-sale and inventory control, Glen manages vendor liaison with Home's retail software business partners and leads a dedicated team providing technology advice and support to Home Hardware's 1,000 store network of independent dealer owned stores. He plays a key role to ensure that Home's retail marketing and card programs are fully integrated with point-of-sale systems and in-store best practices. Glen participates in the development of Home Hardware's IT strategy and provides leadership to the implementation of retail IT programs in partnership with Home's Dealer/Owners across Canada.

Laura Sousa, Associate Vice President of Enterprise IT Delivery and Governance, Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd. Laura Sousa is an information technology professional with a consulting and corporate background in both the Retail and Financial Services industries. She currently holds the position of Associate Vice President, Enterprise IT Delivery and Governance with Canadian Tire Corporation. She has a proven track record of building compelling strategies supported by solid business cases.

Jason Stanton, Director, Purchasing and Marketing, Running Room Canada Inc. Jason has been an integral part of the Running Room since he was the age of fifteen. He was active in the company's growth from a small one room store in the renovated living room of an old house to now a Partner in North America's largest chain of specialty running stores. He is part of the culture, active in weekly run clubs and a many races. For over 15 years Jason has completed in races. He has completed over 20 marathons and two ironmans, including the Hawaii Ironman. Today the Running Room employs over 900 people and has 89 stores in Canada, including Quebec and 7 stores in the U.S.A.

Wayne Stribling, Vice President of Client Services, Bazaarvoice, Inc. As Vice President of Client Services, Wayne is responsible for managing Bazaarvoice's content review, community analytics, implementation and strategic services teams. Prior to joining Bazaarvoice, Wayne served as Managing Director of Technical Services at Callidus Software (CALD), the leader in Enterprise Incentive Management, where he built and managed a worldwide team of technical support engineers and professional development instructors that generated more than $17M in revenue in 2005 and were responsible for supporting and training more than 120 customers, including Allstate, AOL, GE, The Home Depot, HP, Sprint, and many others. Prior to Callidus, Wayne served as Vice President of Client Services at InfoGlide Software, a business intelligence and search engine company. Before that, he co-founded Pace Consulting, LLC, and was a Senior Manager in the SAP Practice at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). Earlier in his career, he was an SAP Management Consultant at Price Waterhouse (now IBM) and a Systems Engineer at EDS. Wayne has more than 16 years of information technology experience and holds a BS degree in Business Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX.

Uwe Stueckmann, General Manager, Blitz, Direct and Data Division, Cossette Communication Group Uwe leads a team of 80 professionals dedicated to providing best-in-class direct response and CRM programming to Blitz's blue-chip client list in retail, telecommunications and business-to-business marketing. Blitz provides the implementation, hosting and turn-key management of several loyalty programs - a marketing discipline for which Uwe is well-known and highly regarded within the Canadian marketing community. Before joining Blitz, Uwe was Vice-President, Marketing for Lowe's Companies Canada. Prior to that, he was Vice-President, Marketing and CRM for Shoppers Drug Mart, where he played a key role in the evolution of the Shoppers Optimum program. Uwe has more than 15 years experience in direct marketing, CRM and customer loyalty program development.

Tom Via, Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing, Toys "R" Us, Canada Tom Via joined Toys "R" Us Canada in 2002 as Vice President Merchandising and Marketing. Tom has 30 years of retail merchandising experience in women and children's product including apparel, footwear, electronics, video games, infant care, and of course, toys. Tom's business experience includes key merchandising positions with regional and national discount chains in both Canada and the United States at retailers that include Wal-Mart Canada, K Mart, Payless Shoesource, and Hills Stores. Mr. Via is a graduate of University of New York at Buffalo holding a degree in Business Administration.

Adrienne Warren, Senior Economist and Manager, Scotiabank Adrienne Warren, a Senior Economist and Manager at Scotiabank, specializes in forecasting the Canadian and U.S. economies. Her "Real Estate Trends" focuses on the economic and financial market conditions shaping the North American residential and non-residential construction outlook. She is the editor of the widely circulated "Weekly Trends," a round-up of economic, industry and financial developments from around the world. Adrienne has been with Scotiabank since 1993 and holds a PhD in Economics from York University.

Karine Wascher, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Visual Merchandising Karine Wascher is the creative mind behind the iconic brand images of La Senza, La Senza Girl, La Senza Express and La Senza Spirit. Since joining La Senza in 1991, Karine Wascher's visionary style and focus on building powerful brand experiences, have contributed to the corporations Canadian successes and worldwide expansion into over 44 countries.

OTHER CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:

• Joanne Taylor, Director, Corporate Human Resources and Organizational Development, STAPLES Business Depot