Leslie Named ABC GM

EDMONTON - Dec 6/05 - SNS -- The Alberta Barley Commission named R. Michael (Mike) Leslie as general manager of the Calgary-based organization effective immediately.

The founder and president of a resourced-based management firm that specializes in developing export products for Japan, Leslie has worked extensively in Asia throughout the past 16 years. Until recently, he also worked for AVAC Ltd., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building the economic viability of Alberta's agrivalue and renewable resources. While at AVAC, Leslie held posts as knowledge manager, manager of new ventures and investment manager for wellness products.

Most of the more than five million tonnes of barley grown each year in Alberta are consumed in the malt and feed industries. One of Leslie's priorities will be to increase the knowledge and use of barley in foods and bioproducts, such as fuel and cosmetics. Other priorities will be to address producer issues such as access to markets, fuel costs and pesticide use; expand and develop new domestic and international markets; and develop policy recommendations that improve support for and economic returns to Alberta barley producers.