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Winnipeg, Manitoba—The Board of Directors of Crocus Investment Fund today announced they have resigned effective June 29, 2005. The Board made this decision at their regularly scheduled meeting last night and advised the Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC) this morning.

Winnipeg, Manitoba—The Board of Directors of Crocus Investment Fund today learned that the independent prosecutor from the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General has completed a review of the auditor general's (OAG) report on the Crocus Investment Fund and recommended the matter be referred to the police for a criminal investigation. In response to this news, Alfred Black, President and CEO of Crocus, issued the following statement:

Winnipeg, Manitoba-The Board of Directors of Crocus Investment Fund today advised that the Fund would not return to sale. Having made this decision, Crocus will look for the best way to realize maximum value for shareholders from the Fund's portfolio and other assets.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba—Crocus Investment Fund today announced the appointment of three new members to the Fund's Board of Directors. Joining the Fund are Alan Brownridge as a "Community" designate appointed by the Board, Allan Martyszenko, representing the "I" Class shareholders (Institutional Investors), and Art Reimer as a designate of the Sponsor (Manitoba Federation of Labour). The Fund also announced that Van Hall, a representative of the Class "A" Common Shareholders was elected as Chair of the Board and Darlene Dziewit, Vice-Chair.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba—Crocus Investment Fund today announced the appointment of five new members to the Fund's Board of Directors. The Fund also announced the resignation of Charlie Curtis from the Board effective May 12, 2005. Joining the Fund are Lloyd LeVan (Van) Hall as a designate of the "A" Class Shareholders, and Carol Bellringer, Darlene Dziewit, Jim Husiak, and Leney Richardson.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba—The Board of Directors of Crocus Investment Fund today advised that non-essential staff have been laid off from the Fund effective immediately. The layoffs impact approximately a dozen employees in various departments, including management personnel and members of Local 76-07 of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba— Please be advised that at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fund on April 5, 2005, Alfred Black was appointed as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fund.

WINNIPEG – Crocus's Board of Directors today announced it approved a decline of approximately $46 million in the Fund's net asset value. This adjustment is a result of valuation work, including the independent valuations completed by four independent national accounting firms, at the request of the Crocus Board. When operating and other expenses incurred by the Fund since it voluntarily halted trading on December 10, 2004 are included in the financial calculation, the Fund's share value today would be slightly below $7.00.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba—The Board of Directors of Crocus Investment Fund today received formal "Notice of Hearing" and "Statement of Allegations of Staff of the Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC)". The substance of these reports was communicated to representatives of the Crocus Board of Directors in a briefing meeting on Monday, April 4, 2005. At that meeting the MSC clarified the basis for each of the various allegations.

CONSTRUCTION has begun on Manitoba's first wind farm and while the massive blades aren't yet generating wind power, the project is whipping up welcome economic benefits for businesses in the area.

The Manitoba Moose hockey club is the hottest pro show on Canadian ice.

The AHL club has outdrawn more fans than any other professional team in the country -- an accomplishment made possible because of the NHL lockout, leaving six Canadian markets in a sad state of affairs.

GRAND FORKS -- Winnipeg-based Canad Inns says it is now prepared to move forward with construction of a $40-million hotel and entertainment complex at Alerus Center in this North Dakota city. Though no date for the ground-breaking has been selected, Canad Inns' architect, Lonnie Laffen of JLG Architects, said he anticipated it would happen at the end of March. Laffen and Leo Ledohowski, Canad Inns president and chief executive officer, said the project -- called the Canad Inns Destination Center -- has been evolving since it was first announced in 2003.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Crocus Investment Fund confirmed this morning it is continuing to cooperate fully with the Auditor General of Manitoba (OAG) and indicated it expects the OAG's expanded examination to result in recommendations that will help improve Fund operations in the future.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Crocus Investment Fund confirmed today it had received a request from the Office of the Auditor General of Manitoba (OAG) to expand the scope of the OAG's limited review of the Fund.

WINNIPEG cardiovascular drug discovery company Medicure Inc. has acquired the rights to a novel technology that could play a role in lowering cholesterol levels.

The acquisition spree at the Boyd Group continues with a twist.

The Winnipeg-based operator of collision repair centres and the main operating division of the Boyd Group Income Fund has purchased the auto glass repair and replacement division of Globe-Amerada Glass Company in Chicago.

Winnipeg biotechnology company Kane Biotech Inc. has acquired the world rights to a technology developed by the faculty of dentistry at the University of Toronto that could prevent the development of dental plaque.

Medicure Inc. (TSX:MPH)(AMEX:MCU), a cardiovascular drug discovery and development company, is pleased to announce that President and CEO, Albert D. Friesen, PhD, will be a featured participant at an upcoming major international Biotechnology Conference.

Medicure Inc. (TSX:MPH)(AMEX:MCU), a cardiovascular drug discovery and development company, is pleased to announce that an abstract highlighting recent collaborative work with Dr. Jawed Fareed, PhD, Professor, Departments of Pathology and Pharmacology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Ill. has been accepted for oral presentation at the 49th Meeting of the Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis in Mannheim, Germany to be held during February 23-26, 2005. An oral presentation by Dr. Wasim Haque, PhD, Senior Director of Chemistry, will highlight the biochemical and pharmacological profile of MC-45308 as determined in studies recently conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Fareed.

Viventia Biotech Inc. (TSX: VBI) today announced that it had completed the enrolment of patients for its second Phase I clinical study of Proxinium(TM) for the treatment of advanced, recurrent head and neck cancer.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba— Crocus Investment Fund announced today that the Board of Directors has received nearly all the external valuation reviews being undertaken by independent valuators as part of the voluntary portfolio valuation review launched in December. "The Board has received the majority of the external valuation reviews and expects to receive the last of fifteen reviews in the coming days," said Peter Olfert, Acting Chair of the Crocus Board. "These fifteen reviews provide the Fund with an independent estimate of value for approximately 88% of the portfolio based on the Fund’s total assets at the time the Fund voluntarily stopped trading on December 10, 2004. These independent reviews will be instrumental as we work to conclude the valuation work in the weeks ahead. It is clear now that the Fund’s overall asset value will decline by a material amount, although I must stress that the final price is not known at this time."

Eric Laflamme is hoping to take the boating industry by storm with the introduction of the Arrowhead...

Financial commentators are raising questions about the role of socially responsible investment in the affairs of three major Manitoba financial institutions -- the Crocus Investment Fund, the Workers Compensation Board and the Teachers Retirement Allowances Fund. But while these critics suggest that socially responsible investment has hurt investor returns, they are ignoring a wealth of evidence to show the benefits of incorporating social and environmental issues into the investment process.

WINNIPEG, MB, Jan. 11 /CNW/ - Boyd Group Income Fund (TSX: BYD.UN) ("Boyd Group" or the "Fund") today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Automation Paint & Body in Calgary, Alberta and Abbotsford Auto Body in Abbotsford, British Columbia. These two locations had combined annual sales of approximately $3.2 million in 2004 and are expected to make a positive contribution to the Fund's distributable cash going forward. The acquisitions will be funded primarily by way of Boyd Group's forgivable capital funding program and supplier loan facility.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Crocus Investment Fund today announced that Laurie Goldberg, Chief Operating Officer and President of Crocus Capital Inc. has resigned from the Fund. Mr. Goldberg joined Crocus in January 2004. The Fund also announced the appointment of Mr. Delmore Crewson as Special Advisor.

December 23, 2004

Dear Member of the Legislative Assembly:

We are writing to express our confidence in the Crocus Investment Fund and to ask for your understanding and support while we complete important voluntary initiatives to advance stakeholders' interests.

An Executive Summary

I. BACKGROUND & METHODOLOGY

The LSIF Economic and Fiscal Impact Study was conducted by Don Allen, President of Regional Data Corp. Mr. Allen started his career in econometric research at Statistics Canada in 1965. He has been developing and analyzing databases for 40 years.

A smart investment for Canadians

In 2004, it's estimated that 437,840 Canadians held shares in labour-sponsored investment funds.

TORONTO, December 6th, 2004 – Ontario taxpayers have reaped impressive returns from federal and provincial government policies to encourage investment in labour-sponsored investment funds, according to a comprehensive new study of the sector.

Crocus Investment Fund - Board member departure

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Crocus Investment Fund announced that Paul Soubry Jr., who recently joined the Board of Directors of Crocus in October 2004, has stepped down.

Statement from Crocus Investment Fund

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Crocus Investment Fund released the statement below in response to the Office of the Auditor General's announcement to conduct a limited examination of the Fund.

Initiatives launched to advance shareholders' interests; Board appoints interim CEO

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Crocus Investment Fund announced today that it has initiated an organizational review and comprehensive assessment of the value of its portfolio. Further, Crocus announced it has requested and received regulatory approval to suspend redemptions and to halt sales of its shares during the review. The decision to undertake this work was precipitated by underperformance of the Fund and in light of new developments with key holdings in the portfolio.

THE switch was flipped and the downtown electrified as the city's newest and boldest landmark, the MTS Centre, had its long-awaited coming-out party.

Premier Gary Doer and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz reached the top of the stairs to the concourse of the MTS Centre in the same instant last night, kicking off a blue-ribbon reception to toast Winnipeg's new arena.

CHARLIE Spiring is so confident his newest executive will help take Wellington West Capital to new heights, he has given him shares in the company, the presidency and half of the CEO job.

Wind power, contrary to other forms of generating electricity, doesn't flood forests, blow pollution out of smokestacks, or operate with the constant threat of a nuclear accident. Wind turbines are even known to kill fewer birds than a good farm cat.

When Bob Spensley was looking for a place for his company to set up a new wind-powered generating station, he had to look no further than his better half. "My wife is from Winnipeg," said the president of Sequoia Energy and a new company called Bison Wind Inc. "Sequoia was looking in Alberta, in Oregon, but my wife said 'There's wind in Manitoba. I know there's wind in Manitoba.' So I followed her advice."

Sherman Kreiner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crocus Investment Fund today announced a number of important changes to the Fund's organizational structure. Principal among the changes is the appointment of Paul Soubry Jr., President of Standard Aero Limited, to the Crocus Board of Directors, Laurie Goldberg to the position of President of Crocus Capital Inc., and John Pelton as Chief Investment Officer.

Effective on Friday, September 24, 2004, Crocus Investment Fund set its year-end share price at $10.61, a decline of $1.10 per share. The adjustment is primarily associated with ongoing information technology positions Crocus took in the late 90's where performance expectations have not materialized. The optimism in the sector last year has not been sustained.

For the Coughlin brothers, getting an early peek at the MTS Centre yesterday came with an added joy.

The seats aren't in, walls aren't painted and concessions aren't yet stocked with hotdogs, but if you're looking to book time at the new MTS Centre arena, you'd better act fast.

The old Eaton's powerhouse will be transformed into an English-style pub, marking Canad Inns' first foray into the downtown bar market.

Known for re-inventing its watering holes on a regular basis, Canad Inns is ready to unveil its latest concept -- an online nightclub. Wildonwinnipeg.com will feature music, DJs and ways for patrons to connect with each other the way they do at its real-life clubs, said Ron Ledohowski, president of Canad Corp., which owns Manitoba's largest independent hotel chain with 10 large nightclubs.

Since May 1992, the National Research Council Institute for Biodiagnostics (NRC/IBD) in Winnipeg has grown from 25 people to over 200 researchers and staff. The Institute's mandate is to provide the forum to perform world-class research in noninvasive medical diagnostics and transfer this knowledge to the commercialization of this technology. The goal is that NRC/IBD-developed products and expertise should stimulate the local economy and that of Canada.

Challenging frontiers. Unearthing discoveries. Working to reveal the cures of tomorrow. Seem like a dream to you? Well, it's all in a day's work for Dr. Albert Friesen.

Winnipeg digital transmission solution provider Novra Technologies believes it is on the verge of exponential growth.

Novra Technologies has announced a distribution deal with a prestigious Japanese firm, marking another in a string of positive business development announcements the Winnipeg-based firm has made during the last couple of months.

Maple Leaf Distillers Inc. has bought a controlling interest in a Florida-based importer of wines and spirit-based cocktails, a move it says will help it gain a foothold in the lucrative U.S. market.

The Boyd Group Income Fund is changing the name of all of its U.S. operations to Gerber Collision & Glass.

National Leasing has announced a partnership with a unit of American Express that will make the Winnipeg operation the designated Canadian leasing company for Amex customers with Canadian affiliates.

They've starred on stage and screen, worked with the poor, helped save the city's precious elm trees and brought professional baseball to downtown Winnipeg.

A major Chicago-area acquisition that closed at the end of January allowed the Boyd Group Income Fund to report significant increases in revenue and net income for the quarter ending March 31, 2004.

Take several young Manitoba university grads, a small lab in Fort Garry, a brilliant idea imported from California and a couple of million dollars and put them together. What you get is Albert Friesen's not-so-secret recipe for a new prostate cancer test that might some day corner a $500-million market. If his tiny Miraculins company succeeds, it will have turned the new science of proteomics into cures and cash faster than many big players in the United States have been able to do.

Medicure Inc. (TSX: MPH / Amex: MCU), a cardiovascular drug discovery and development company, is pleased to announce that it has been selected to present at two major biotech conferences in May. On May 12, 2004, Medicure will be making a corporate presentation at the Rodman & Renshaw Techvest Global Healthcare Conference in London, England, and also on May 12, the Company will present at the BioFinance 2004 Conference in Toronto.

Crocus Investment Fund continues to beef up its organization as a prelude to its expected expansion into the managing of third-party institutional funds.

A recent Global Environmental Management Initiative report adds to the growing body of evidence correlating social and environmental performance with shareowner value.

With a turn of the backhoe's blade, the long wait finally ended for Leo Ledohowski.

Winnipeg drug discovery company Medicure Inc. will announce results today of a preliminary pilot clinical study on its secondary compound being used to treat high blood pressure in patients with diabetes.

Medicure Inc. (TSX: MPH/Amex: MCU), a cardiovascular drug discovery and development company, is pleased to announce that the preliminary results from its Phase II study showed a positive trend in diabetic hypertensive patients. The data from this trial supports the Company proceeding with expansion of its MC-4232 clinical development program. MC-4232, a combination product incorporating MC-1 and an ACE Inhibitor is being developed for the treatment of patients with diabetes and hypertension, in addition to patients with essential hypertension.

Sequoia Energy Inc. Announces Manitoba Investment in Renewable Energy Development

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--: Sequoia Energy Inc. (the "Company") today announced that it has closed an offering of preferred shares through Crocus Investment Fund.

A major new wind energy project is one step closer to converting its first gust of wind into electrical power.

Leading-edge manufacturing efficiencies are going to be brought to bear on two Manitoba boat companies in an attempt to revitalize the unlikely maritime sector on the Prairies.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - (February 27, 2004). Medicure Inc. (TSX:MPH; Amex: MCU), a cardiovascular drug discovery and development company, is pleased to announce the issuance of the Company's ninth new patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The issued patent, number 6,667,315, covers composition of matter claims and compound claims in a series of novel drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular and related diseases.

When you think of investing in labour-sponsored investment funds (LSIFs) do you think of it as an ethical, socially responsible act? Do you think of it as contributing to the local economy and improving the lives of everyone in the province?

Sherman Kreiner, president and CEO of the Crocus Investment Fund, is among a group of 15 people from across the country selected to advise Prime Minister Paul Martin on the creation of a new deal for Canadian municipalities.

The Boyd Group has acquired a 16-outlet northern Illinois collision repair chain, making it the largest chain of its kind in North America by number of locations.

City council here has given preliminary approval to Canad Corp.'s proposed $50-million Cdn entertainment complex, including a 192-room hotel, a movie theatre and a 30,000-square-foot indoor water park.

A new-look Glen Hnatiuk tees it up for the first time on the PGA Tour next week in the California desert.

With money in the bank and two drugs well along the development route, Medicure Inc. is right on track with the industry rule of thumb that says it takes 10 to 12 years to develop a new drug.

Laurie Goldberg, the former chief operating officer of Assante Corp., has been appointed to the same position with the Crocus Investment Fund.

With a $14.5-million cash infusion into its treasury, Medicure Inc. now has cash on hand to last the company for the next two years.

Harris Liontas is confident Novra Technologies Inc. has received the right investment at the right time.

Winnipeg's True North Centre yesterday got a new name, a big financial backer and a pledge to make it the most high-tech arena in Canada.

When Peter Nygard took a step in his company's commitment to technology in fashion -- the company's slogan is Where Fashion Meets Technology -- he looked to Novra Technologies Inc.

A Centre for Employee Ownership has been created at the University of Manitoba, making it the only university in North America with such an area of specialization.

Asham Curling Supplies of Winnipeg today announced that they have produced and will market a line of curling apparel, available to customers this fall. Asham has partnered with Canadian clothing designer and manufacturer Mondetta, to produce the line of shirts and jackets.

After 25 years in business, the founder and CEO of Cando Contracting Ltd. is celebrating by giving every member of the firm's staff 25 shares in the company.

Winnipeg based National Leasing has won the 2003 Business Technology Solutions Award presented by the Equipment Leasing Association (ELA) for the development of their Securitization Administration System.

Canad Corp. is officially going international.

A quote from an otherwise serious and intelligent money manager in a story that appeared in the Free Press some months ago has become a one-line joke in our corner of the newsroom.

The Winnipeg International Airport has become the busiest express cargo centre in the country with the announcement yesterday that Cargojet will use Winnipeg as the hub for its nine-plane Canadian cargo operation.

One of the largest flooring installation companies in the U.S. recently switched to Woodstalk composite fibreboard, helping an Elie plant that makes the product move it one step closer to the mainstream.

Winnipeg biotechnology company Medicure Inc. announced yesterday it has received preliminary endorsement from U.S. regulators to begin testing a second new drug.

Winnipeg-based National Leasing has partnered with Canadian Western Bank as the preferred funder for CWB's small ticket equipment financing customers.

A founder of the Crocus Investment Fund and an architect of much of the former Tory government's economic development policies has died.

Now that the Crocus Investment Fund is in its 11th year of operation, it should not be a surprise that the labour-sponsored venture capital fund is looking to divest some of its portfolio with about as much energy as it is looking for new companies in which to invest.

Winnipeg-based security personnel company Inner-Tec Security has been sold to Initial Security Services, a multinational security firm, producing a handsome profit for its owners including one of Manitoba's labour-sponsored venture capital funds.

A new heart-tissue drug being developed by Winnipeg biotech company Medicure Inc. performed far better than even the investigators expected, according to the full results of phase II clinical trials released this week.

For the most part, Portage la Prairie has the reputation for being the agricultural center of Manitoba. With this in mind, it may be surprising to even its residents that the leader of a growing market is located on its main street. Incorporated in 1989, Westward Industries Ltd. is enjoying its success as the sole manufacturer of three–wheeled street legal vehicles and stands as an example of a small company in Manitoba taking on a niche market and winning.

A one-city hotel operation until last month, Leo Ledohowski says Canad Corp. will be a regional chain targeting travellers within a five-hour drive of Winnipeg by Christmas 2004.

A recent surge in attendance has the numbers looking better for the Manitoba Moose but it's likely the club will still finish short of last year's average attendance total.

Chances are, you are contemplating RRSPs these days -- either topping up your 2002 contribution or making your 2003 contribution early to get the tax sheltering working for you sooner.

After focusing on expansion across Western Canada for the last two-and-a-half years, Wellington West Capital has set its compass to the east.

Encouraging clinical trial results for Medicure Inc.'s heart drug has prompted the company to embark on further trials while rounding up industry and investor support from around the world to continue the drug's development.

A local broadband firm is confident its just-launched test market in the United Kingdom will get a passing grade and lead to multimillion-dollar contracts in the near future.

The Crocus Investment Fund announced yesterday it has received a $10-million investment from Fonds de Solidarité FTQ, reportedly the largest institutional investment ever received by any labour sponsored venture capital fund.

Shares of Medicure Inc. soared close to 20 per cent yesterday following release of positive preliminary results on phase II clinical trials for its cardiovascular drug MC-1.

Winnipeg digital media software company, eZedia Inc. is basking in the enthusiasm generated by two new products timed to coincide with the annual Macworld conference being held this week in San Francisco.

A merger between two Prairie production companies could prove to be a boon to a newly expanded Winnipeg soundstage.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 25 /CNW/ - Cargojet is continuing to redefine and set new industry standards for the premium overnight air cargo market in Canada. The months of July and August 2002 proved to demonstrate record-breaking highs with on time performance levels exceeding 98% thus establishing a solid benchmark for Cargojet in the air cargo industry.

A new Winnipeg company is turning heads as the potential model for a business enterprise with a double bottom line -- one to record the financial state of affairs of the business, the other its social impact.

After having a friendly takeover offer spurned by Fort Garry Brewing Co., Maple Leaf Distillers has decided to go it alone with plans to open a new microbrewery in the city.

Is your RRSP misbehaving when you sleep? Is your money really green? These questions have taken centre stage with the emergence of ethical funds. To be honest, I've long thought that limiting your portfolio to only so-called ethical companies does yourself a financial disservice. It's akin to the arbitrariness of only investing in companies whose ticker symbols exclude the letter S. You might get lucky once or twice, but you've narrowed your financial choices - never a good strategy.

Anyone who has ever thought they were getting a great deal on a used car, a car allegedly only driven by a little old lady to church on Sundays, and later discovered the transmission was filled with sawdust and there was a reverse switch on the odometer, can sympathize with the way investors are feeling about stock markets these days.

Winnport Logistics Ltd., which was going to turn Winnipeg into an international air cargo hub, has been sold to a fledgling Toronto-based company.

Maple Leaf Distillers Inc. walked away with a top award at the prestigious American Tasting Institute awards ceremony held in April at Carnegie Hall in New York.

What a win! At the 55th Yorkton Short Film and Video Festival (YSFVF) Gala Awards, MythQuest "brought home the metal" winning BEST CHILDREN'S PRODUCTION for Episode #1 - Minotaur.

Shareholders of the Crocus Investment Fund attended the 10^th Annual General Meeting on Saturday May 4, 2002 at Celebrations Dinner Theatre in Winnipeg. Copies of the presentations made by President and CEO Sherman Kreiner, CIO James Umlah, and CFO Jane Hawkins are reprinted below.

The Crocus Investment Fund is entering a partnership with an international biotech venture capital fund that could inject as much as $30 million into the province's biotechnology and life sciences field.

Maple Leaf Distillers has signed a $10-million deal to produce and bottle Caesar coolers with the Keg restaurant brand.

Michael Bessey, the architect of much of the former Tory government's economic development policies, will now help design the Crocus Investment Fund's strategy for diversifying its product base.

Crocus Investment Fund has joined with several investors to create a fund designed to provide early-stage investment in research emanating out of the University of Manitoba.

A month-old biomedical firm is hoping to use an infusion of venture capital to find an antidote to combat the kind of bacterial growth that caused the drinking water disaster in Walkerton, Ont.

A voice from out of the crowd at the posh cocktail party jokingly yelled over to Costas Ataliotis, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Distillers: "We'll drink to your success, if you open the bar."

With a $1.3-million contract about to be signed, Ash Modha says there is little doubt the transformation of Mondetta Clothing Inc. is complete.

A 93-kilometre stretch of railway track running from Winnipeg to Gimli has been rescued by a Brandon-based company.

Crocus Investee Companies Speak Out.

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. plans to lease its 93-kilometre Winnipeg Beach Subdivision to Cando Contracting Ltd., which will provide service on the line that connects with the CPR main line at Winnipeg. Cando will also provide haulage services for CPR to the Imperial Oil Ltd. facility at Birds Hill, Man., CPR said, adding the long-term deal is intended to provide continued service on the line despite declining volumes in recent years. Employees affected by the agreement "will be covered by the provisions of their collective agreement," CPR said. Cando of Brandon, Man., is employee-owned.

Crocus Investment Fund, drawn into the public spotlight this week by Tory finance critic John Loewen, has done as well or better than most other labour-sponsored venture capital funds across the country.

Endorsement from Maple Leaf Distillers

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Winnipeg, Manitoba: Mr. John Loewen, Finance Critic for the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Caucus today made false and inaccurate statements about the Crocus Investment Fund. These statements were made by Mr. Loewen without any investigation or research by him as to the accuracy of his comments. At no time prior to making these statements did Mr. Loewen speak to the Fund, its auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers, or to Wellington West Capital Inc., the Fund's lead broker. These false statements are irresponsible and damaging to Crocus, its shareholders and the Manitoba economy.

Maple Leaf Distillers is stepping into the void in the local microbrewery scene left by the pending closing of Agassiz Brewing Co.

Whoever thought the creaky, musty and decrepit Big 4 Sales building would become a film industry's dream?

Pollard Banknote Ltd. thinks it has hit the jackpot with the acquisition of a U.S.-based gaming player.

The Boyd Group continues its strategy of incremental growth with the purchase of another body shop in Atlanta.

Maple Leaf Distillers has signed an agreement with Pernod Ricard International that is expected to create 69 new jobs in the province over the next two years.

Seven Manitoba companies have been named to two of the most prestigious lists in Canadian business.

The Boyd Group Inc. continues to expand its autobody-shop network in North America with the opening of another collision repair facility in Calgary.

Despite the bursting of the technology bubble, Crocus Investment Fund hasn't given up on Manitoba's new economy.

Sam Katz says if the fans keep coming, the organization could pay off its debt in 10 years instead of the forecast 16.

Manitoba emerged as one of the biggest winners when homegrown entrepreneurs walked away with four of the 11 awards handed out at this week's Prairie Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Calgary.

When Mind's Eye Pictures opens an office in Winnipeg this fall, the plans are to bring as much as $50 million in TV and film production with them.

Bert Friesen is the kind of entrepreneur about whom it could be said that good luck comes with hard work.

In the game of venture capital, the Crocus Investment Fund knows how to pick a winner.

As a venture capital company, you know you have arrived when your portfolio of firms is large enough to have its own trade show.

National Leasing Group has forged a deal with ScotiaBank that will almost immediately become the Winnipeg-based leasing company's largest source of new customers.

Terry Smith predicts his company could become the largest auto collision repair provider in North America before the end of 2004.

If I told you there was a way to have the government pay you $1,500 a year for the rest of your life, would you be interested?

The Boyd Group Inc. ("Boyd"), operating principally as Boyd Autobody and Glass, has announced that its interim report to shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2001 reflects strong net earnings of $1.1 million, an increase of 49% over the $0.7 million reported for the same period last year. Earnings per share rose to $0.074 for the period, compared to $0.051 in 2000, reflecting earnings per share growth of 46%.

The True North Project group unveiled plans and building design concepts for a proposed $125-million downtown entertainment, sports and performing arts complex on the vacant Eaton's store site.

Online Business Systems has officially committed itself to the financial services sector with the acquisition of a niche player in the Toronto market.

The Boyd Group could become a $500 million a year company in as little as five years and that's the less optimistic forecast by management.

Call it a classic blending of social equity with just plain equity.

Charles Spiring, founder and chief executive officer of Wellington West Capital Inc., has expansion on his mind these days as he oversees a multitude of developments that will significantly grow the company and expand the number of services the province's largest Manitoba-owned brokerage can provide.

As one of Manitoba's strongest and most respected information technology companies, Online Business Systems Inc. will soon have as many U.S. offices as Canadian outlets.

Ask Nick Logan, president of National Leasing Group (NLG) why his company has been able to fend off competition to become arguably the largest financial leasing services company across Canada, and he cites the speed at which the company can approve transactions as a definable competitive advantage.

Chances are when Leo Ledohowski, chief executive officer and president of Canad Inns, approached Crocus Investment Fund in late 1999 to encourage some investment in his family's company, he never realized he and brother Ron would be planning their eighth hotel this year.

Or, that his family's unique hotel chain would be named one of the 50 Best Managed Private Companies in Canada for the fourth consecutive year by Arthur Anderson in a survey conducted for the National Post and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Or, that it would be named as Hotel Company of the Year for Canada by Hotelier Magazine.

STEVE ZILINEK - STREET SMARTS

I notice a lot of angst and worry among investors today, which is completely understandable considering their portfolios are more battered than a bucket of southern chicken.

MIDCAN's BRAD HOPLOCK Receives Two Blizzard Nominations for Animation – "The Sharing Circle" and "The Complete Angler" and BRUCE LITTLE Shares Blizzard Nomination for Best Overall Sound – "The Genius of Lenny Breau".

MidCanada Productions is pleased to hold two out of three nominations in the Animation Category for the 2001 Blizzard Awards. BRAD HOPLOCK, MIDCAN's chief animator and artistic director for the two projects is elated with the news.

Crocus Investment Fund has entered into a long-term lease agreement to be the anchor tenant in a soon-to-be renovated heritage building in Winnipeg's Old Market Square known to most Winnipeggers as Big 4 Sales.

Manitoba's largest labour sponsored fund is banking on the growing biotechnology and biomedical fields with its latest investments.

Online Business Systems is pleased to announce its receipt of the "Canada's 50 Best Managed Private Companies" award at an awards ceremony held today in Toronto.

Crocus Investment Fund today announced it has invested nearly $1 million in Maple Leaf Distillers Inc., a new distillery based in Winnipeg. Maple Leaf's key personnel bring over 100 years of combined experience in blending and new product development to the company.

Crocus Investment Fund announced today that it has acquired an interest in eZedia Inc. (formerly MediaSmith Inc.) with an investment of $500,000. Manitoba Science and Technology Fund (MS&T), an institutional investment pool managed by Scitech Management Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Crocus Fund, also invested $500,000.

Crocus Investment Fund announced today it has invested US $575,000 in Blye Brothers Entertainment Inc. (BBE), a new company established to pursue film production opportunities in Manitoba. The principal partners in BBE are Allan Blye and Garry Blye, who lived in Winnipeg before moving to the United States where they established themselves in the film and television industry.

Today, Crocus Investment Fund announced it has invested $5 million in Canad Corporation of Manitoba Inc. The largest hotel chain in Manitoba, Canad Corporation has operated locally since the mid-1960s as Ledohowski Hotels and until recently as Hospitality Corporation of Canada Inc.

Biovar Life Support Inc. announces a clinical trial of their biologically variable ventilation technology (BVV). The trial, scheduled to begin in early February, will be conducted at St. Boniface General Hospital under the direction of Dr. Ian Thomson and will be sponsored by Pittsburgh-based, Respironics, Inc. a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced products used in the cardiopulmonary market.

Angus Reid Group, which started 20 years ago as a tiny one-room office above a 7-Eleven store on Academy Road, has been sold for $100 million to Paris-based Ipsos, the world's ninth largest market research company.