Richmond, BC – (September 30, 2008) – London Drugs President and COO Wynne Powell will receive the prestigious 2008 Henry Singer Award by the University of Alberta’s School of Retailing on October 6th in Edmonton.

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel, University of Alberta president Indira Samarasekera, and members of the retail and business community will be in attendance at the event.

The Henry Singer Award recognizes an outstanding individual in the retail and service sector for their business excellence, leadership and community service.

Wynne Powell is joining a select group of highly respected retail leaders across the country who have been presented with the Henry Singer Award since it was created in 1992. 

“This is a great honour and significant acknowledgement of our team’s day to day efforts to look after our customers,” said Wynne Powell, president of London Drugs. “I’m proud that we have stayed true to the philosophy of the founder of London Drugs, Tong Louie and his father, HY Louie, who strongly believed in building and maintaining loyalty and trust with our customers – they are the heart and soul of our business.”

London Drugs has been recognized year after year for its commitment to provide customers with a superior shopping experience. For the tenth consecutive year, the Kubas Report has ranked London Drugs as having the top-rated drawing power in Western Canada.

London Drugs’ commitment to its customers extends beyond education, superior service and expertise. Giving back to the community is also a key priority. The company is a major supporter of local health and educational programs across Western Canada as well as the support of national organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

"Wynne is an exceptional example of retail leadership because he leads by example, not only in the stores, but in his community," said Paul McElhone, Associate Director of the School of Retailing. "He's innovative and forward-thinking - qualities that are imperative in the sector today in order for a business to thrive." 

At the October 6th Henry Singer awards event, Wynne Powell will discuss some of the secrets to London Drugs’ success. And in 2009, Mr. Powell will be an executive in residence at the University of Alberta’s School of Retailing.

About Wynne Powell
Wynne Powell joined London Drugs in 1982 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 1995. Two years later, he became President in 1998. Within the H.Y. Louie Group family of companies, Wynne is also President of TLD Computers Inc., President of London Air Services Limited, and President of Sonora Resort. He’s also a Director of IGA Canada and of BC Bearings Ltd.

Further to his comprehensive portfolio at London Drugs and related companies, Wynne contributes his time and expertise in a number of arenas. He serves as Board Chair of the BC Provincial Health Service Authority (PHSA) and is the Chair of Chairs for all of the Health Authorities in British Columbia.

Wynne holds a fellowship from the Certified General Accountants Association and was recently recognized as one of the Top 100 CGAs in Canada for making an outstanding contribution to his community and the lives of others.

He is a Business Administration graduate and was awarded an Honourary Doctorate of Technology from BCIT. Honoured with a lifetime appointment as Governor of the BCIT Foundation, Wynne has received the Retail Council of Canada’s Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award, the BCIT Distinguished Alumni of the Year, the Order of St. John and the Golden Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II.

About London Drugs
Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs currently has 69 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,500 people and carries a diverse range of health and consumer electronic products. With its strong commitment to innovation and customer appreciation, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.

Wendy Hartley 
604-817-2758
WendyHartley@telus.net