TORONTO, Ont. — Numerous transportation companies have once again been recognized among Canadas 50 Best Managed Companies.

Platinum Club status is in recognition of those outstanding companies who have sustained a standard of excellence and leadership in all areas of their business practices, and have qualified in the award program for at least six consecutive years. In total, 44 elite companies throughout Canada have been awarded Platinum Club membership in 2006 (up from 31 in 2005). Platinum Club Members in the transportation sector include: Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Man.; Kriska Holdings of Prescott, Ont.; MSM Transportation of Bolton, Ont.; Quik X Transportation of Mississauga, Ont.; Wheels Group of Mississauga, Ont.; and Yanke Group of Companies of Saskatoon, Sask.

In addition to the 44 new Platinum Club members, 84 leading Canadian companies requalified in 2006 for the Best Managed designation by successfully meeting stringent operational and financial review requirements. Requalified members from the transportation industry for 2006 include: Challenger Motor Freight of Cambridge, Ont.; Consolidated Fastfrate of Woodbridge, Ont.; Day & Ross of Hartland, N.B.; Groupe Robert of Boucherville, Que.; MacKinnon Transport of Guelph, Ont.; and Tandet Management of Oakville, Ont.

Achieving the highest level of business performance over the long-term is only possible when organizations embrace a culture of aligning every activity and resource with building value for their stakeholders, said Deloitte Partner with the Private Company Services Group, and national leader of the Best Managed program, John Hughes. Membership in these groups symbolizes the ultimate goal for any business sustained high performance. All companies strive for business success; what distinguishes Platinum Club and Requalified members is their ability to sustain that success.

The 50 new 2006 Best Managed winners will be announced on Feb. 7. A one-day symposium and gala event for Best Managed Companies follows on Feb. 12 in Toronto, Ont.

Established in 1993, Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies (Best Managed) is one of the countrys leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million.