2005 Recipient—Isadore Sharp

Ottawa, June 9, 2005 – Isadore Sharp, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, is being recognized for a remarkable business career and a record of dedicated community service with The Conference Board of Canada’s 2005 Honorary Associate Award.

"The success of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts reflects the character of Isadore Sharp and his commitment to excellence. The company transformed the hospitality industry through continuous innovation, remarkable expansion, and a single-minded dedication to the highest customer-service standards," said Anne Golden, President and CEO of the Conference Board.

An Officer of the Order of Canada, Mr. Sharp opened the first Four Seasons hotel in Toronto in 1961. Four Seasons is today the world’s leading luxury hotel operator with 66 hotels and resorts in 29 countries.

“A corporate leader has a responsibility to serve the wider community, and Mr. Sharp’s long list of contributions to charities, health-care institutions and the community is a shining example of what committed leaders can achieve,” said Golden.

Mr. Sharp has a distinguished record of community support. He initiated the corporate sponsorship program in support of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope and founded the Terry Fox Run Program. Mr. Sharp is Governor of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, and he served as United Jewish Appeal Co-Chairman in 1985. He also served in governance roles with two Toronto-area hospitals.

The Honorary Associate Award is the Conference Board's highest honour. It is conferred annually upon an individual who has served both his organization and his country with distinction. The award will be presented at the Conference Board’s 2005 Honorary Associate Award Dinner and 25th Annual General Meeting on October 18, 2005 at The Hilton Toronto (Downtown).