Michael Scissons Named CIBC Student Entrepreneur of the Year

TORONTO, ON (May 17, 2006) - Michael Scissons of General Entertainment Corp. was named the 2006 national CIBC Student Entrepreneur of the Year by Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship Inc. (ACE). The Saskatchewan provincial finalist from University of Saskatchewan stood victorious after two rounds of competition. This year marks the tenth anniversary of CIBC Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award and, in honour of this milestone, the program has been expanded to include ten provincial finalists and a grand prize of $10,000.

Michael Scissons was named one of four finalists after the first day of national competition held in Toronto on May 15th and 16th. He then proceeded on to the final round of competition on May 16th, presenting his business to a panel of twenty top executives, including CEO's of major corporations, media personalities and past successful CIBC Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipients.

"Having the opportunity to compete against the best student entrepreneurs from across the country has provided valuable insights to help me reach my goals," said Michael Scissons, 2006 national CIBC Student Entrepreneur of the Year. "I am looking forward to representing Canada in the global competition."

General Entertainment Corp. won over the judges because of the accomplishments Michael Scissons has achieved as a small business owner while attending the University of Saskatchewan full-time.

General Entertainment Corporation specializes in developing youth-focused branded entertainment properties and partner marketing programs. In the last five years, the company has developed and executed some of Saskatchewan's most successful youth branded events and sponsorship programs. Their client list includes: Budweiser, Bud Light, Kokanee, Mini, Saturn, University of Saskatchewan Student's Union, and the City of Saskatoon.

Since opening the doors of his business, Michael's greatest accomplishment has been initiating, developing, and franchising two of Saskatchewan's most successful and profitable event brands, Coco-Loco and X-Jam, both targeted at a youth market. Coco Loco was sold to the University of Saskatchewan Students Union in the fall 2005.

The CIBC Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award celebrates the commitment, determination and achievements of student entrepreneurs across Canada. The ten provincial finalists were selected from more than 200 nominations.

"We are thrilled to name Michael Scissons the 2006 National CIBC Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient," comments ACE President, David Henderson. "Now, in our tenth year of celebrating student entrepreneurs across Canada, we have had the privilege to honour many exceptional young people who have gone on to achieve higher levels of business success due to the recognition they received from this award."

Michael Scissons will represent Canada at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards to be held in Chicago, Illinois on November 4, 5, 6 2006. Currently operated by Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and supported by Mercedes-Benz Financial, the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards program has recognized students for nearly 20 years who are successfully building businesses while pursuing academic degrees.

About ACE
Founded in the mid-1980s, ACE is a national, not-for-profit organization that is igniting young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Working in partnership with business and higher education, ACE recognizes the entrepreneurial achievements of full-time university and college student business owners through the annual CIBC Student Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.