CEO Doug Smith named to Canada's Highest Order of Canada

GORE BAY, Ont. -- For at least one family of truckers, the year that just ended will go down in the annals for generations to come.

We’re referring to the Smiths, of Gore Bay, Ont., and specifically patriarch Doug Smith, founder of the Manitoulin Group.

In November, at the Ontario Trucking Association’s (OTA) annual conference, Smith was presented with the Trailmobile Service to Industry Award. It’s among our industry’s most coveted citations.

And then just before the calendar year ran out, Canada’s Governor General Michelle Jean announced that Smith was named to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honor.

According to a statement from the Ms. Jean’s office, Mr. Smith, one of 60 appointees to the Order in ’07, was recognized in the industry, commerce and business category, for his "contributions as a business leader, philanthropist and champion of economic and community development in Northern Ontario." Entrepreneur, philanthropist, inventor and now Officer of the Order of
Canada Doug Smith appeared with his wife Phyllis to accept the
Service to Industry Award from Bert Clay of Trailmobile.

Doug Smith, CEO and Founder of the Manitoulin Group of Companies receives OTA's highest honour, 2007 OTA-Trailmobile Service to Industry Award.

TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Trucking Association awarded its highest honour, the 2007 OTA-Trailmobile Service to Industry Award to Doug Smith, CEO and Founder of the Manitoulin Group of Companies. The award ceremony took place during the Ontario Trucking Association’s 81st annual convention at the Toronto Congress Centre on November 16, 2007.

Each year the Ontario Trucking Association dedicates the highest award of distinction –“The OTA-Trailmobile Service to Industry Award” to one person in recognition of excellence and outstanding service in the Ontario Trucking industry. The award acknowledges an individual who, by their commitment, vision, great leadership and generous service, has made an outstanding contribution to the development and success of the truck transportation industry.

The Manitoulin Group of Companies, an industry leading global transportation provider delivers more shipping options that are designed to help customers optimize the supply chain and expand their business reach. Transportation services include Expedited Ground Transportation, Rail Intermodal Service, Transborder Service, International Freight Forwarding, Warehousing and Distribution, Customs Brokerage and Supply Chain Management and Logistics.

This is truly an extraordinary achievement for our Founder and CEO and we are proud to have received this award of distinction.

For more information, please visit http://www.ontruck.org/news/releases/

Gordon Smith, President of the Manitoulin Group of Companies, announces the acquisition of Landing Transport Ltd.

TORONTO, ON October 29, 2007 – Gord Smith, President, today announced the acquisition of Alberta-based Landing Transport. “We are very pleased to welcome Landing Transport Ltd. to the Manitoulin Group of Companies. This acquisition greatly complements our ability to provide a full range of transportation services to customers within the Athabasca Oil Sands Reserves,” said Gord Smith, President of the Manitoulin Group of Companies.

Landing Transport, based in Athabasca, Alberta, provides general freight services from Edmonton to Athabasca, Red Earth, Slave Lake and Wabasca, Alberta regions, with a focus on the oil and gas and forestry sectors.

The acquisition further expands Manitoulin’s transportation portfolio in Western Canada enhancing our less-than-truckload business with increased visibility and flexibility to provide direct service to customers in Northern Alberta including the Athabasca and Slave Lake regions.

The Manitoulin Group of Companies is a privately owned Canadian consortium. Associated companies within the group provide the full spectrum of global shipping solutions to customers throughout North America.
http://www.landingtransport.com