The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, today congratulated Frank Coleman on being named Atlantic Canada's Top CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine. Mr. Coleman is the first Newfoundland and Labrador business person to receive the honour.

"Mr. Coleman has chartered an ambitious course that has landed him on the top of a very impressive list of leaders from Atlantic Canada's business community," said Minister Skinner. "Earning such recognition and standing above your peers in a very crowded and competitive business environment requires a deft skill-set and leadership qualities shared by only a select few. What separates these individuals from others is their high degree of integrity, dedication, and openness to explore innovative ways of approaching business."

Mr. Coleman is president and CEO of Coleman Group of Companies, Humber Valley Paving, and Humber Valley Asphalt and Aggregates.

"Operating a successful, family-owned group of companies and building a diversified portfolio demonstrates his innovative thinking and belief in the province as a place to do business," said Minister Skinner. "The foundation for Mr. Coleman's success is obvious. He is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and identifying innovative opportunities to meet the demands of his client base that is only matched by his generous commitment to the community, his employees, and family."

The award is part of Atlantic Business Magazine's profile of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs who have displayed exceptional leadership and contributed to the growth of their communities.

In addition to Mr. Coleman, other individuals from Newfoundland and Labrador named as one of the region's Top 50 CEOs are Cathy Bennett, CEO, Bennett Group of Companies; Ken Bennett, CEO, President, Johnson Corporation; Rick Burt, General Manager, Cougar Helicopters; Allison Chaytor-Loveys, CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union; Bernard Collins, President, PF Collins International Trade Solutions; Nora Duke, President and CEO, Fortis Properties; Christopher Hickman, Chairman and CEO, Marco Group of Companies; Captain Sidney Hynes, Executive Chairman, Oceanex; Karl Kenny, President and CEO, Marport Deep Sea Technologies; Earl Ludlow, President and CEO, Newfoundland Power; and Stephen Winter, President and CEO, Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation.

"On behalf of the Provincial Government, I congratulate Mr. Coleman and members of the province's business community that were named as Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs," said Minister Skinner.

For more information on Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs, go to www.atlanticbusinessmagazine.com.

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Media contact:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca