CHARLOTTETOWN - October 3, 2005 - John Gustavson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Marketing Association has been awarded the top honour for association management in Canada, the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Pinnacle Award.

The Pinnacle Award has only been awarded to 16 association executives in the 51-year history of CSAE. The award honours the association executive in Canada who has best demonstrated exceptional and outstanding leadership qualities within their association, has contributed to other voluntary organizations and the community-at-large, and to CSAE at the local and national levels. Presentation ceremonies took place at the CSAE annual convention in Charlottetown on October 1, 2005.

President and CEO of the Canadian Marketing Association since 1990, Gustavson is responsible for developing CMA's strategic direction and for managing a $7-million annual operating budget and 36 staff which together make CMA the largest marketing association in Canada. Overall guidance on CMA policy is provided through a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of senior marketing executives from member organizations.

"John Gustavson has transformed the Canadian Marketing Association into one of Canada's most respected national trade associations," noted CSAE President Michael Anderson. "He has lead the organization through a fundamental change in its mandate, a name change and a seven-fold increase in its budget. Under his leadership, the Canadian Marketing Association has the support and respect of governments and corporate leaders, as well as the admiration of his peers."

Gustavson has engaged in private law practice, government service as chair of an appeal board, public policy management for private-sector companies, and has 20 years' experience in association management. He has served on numerous government/industry task forces, on the Board of Directors of Advertising Standards Canada, and is a past chairman of the Canadian Society of Association Executives. He has also actively supported a number of charities and quietly encouraged, mentored and taught many young people and new recruits in association management.

Media Contacts

Melissa Thurlow
Communications Officer
T. 416-644-3740
mthurlow@the-cma.org

Bob Hamp
Canadian Society of Association Executives
Tel. 416-363-3555, ext. 233