MIRAMICHI, NB, Oct. 6 /CNW/ -- ATCON Group today announced the formation of an External Advisory Board. The Advisory Board's mandate is to advise ATCON on its business operations. The Board held its inaugural meeting last week and will continue to meet on a regular basis.

Board members include Purdy Crawford, former CEO and Chairman of Imasco; Don Cameron, former Premier of Nova Scotia; Bruce Richmond, the former Deputy Chief Executive of Deloitte & Touche in Canada; Bruce McCubbin, Chief Executive Officer of Moosehead Breweries Limited and John Puckering, a former Vice-President of Canadian Natural Resources Limited.

Mr. Crawford will act as representative for the Province of New Brunswick, and was elected by fellow board members to serve as chairman. As a former CEO and Chairman of Imasco, Crawford's seasoned leadership will be of great help as a Board member.

"We have a significant opportunity to help ATCON make a positive impact in New Brunswick," said Crawford. "This Board has a very diverse background and I'm humbled to have been chosen to help lead this group."

ATCON Group President and CEO Robbie Tozer is very pleased with the formation of the board. "We are very excited to work with this group," said Tozer. "Every member has an extensive business background and will be able to provide one-of-a-kind advice on ATCON's key business decisions."

About the ATCON Group

The ATCON Group was founded in 1978 in New Brunswick. Headquartered in the Miramichi, ATCON has a diverse group of industrial-based companies focusing on four primary sectors: heavy civil construction, steel fabrication and machining, environmental products and services, and manufactured wood products.

Background on External Advisory Board Members

Purdy Crawford (Chairman)

After graduating from Mount Allison University, Mr. Crawford received his LL.B from Dalhousie Law School and his LL.M from Harvard Law School. Crawford pursued a legal career with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt before becoming the CEO of Imasco in 1985, a position he held for 10 years. Crawford also served as Chairman of Canada Trust. Crawford has always been heavily involved with many not-for-profit organizations and is currently a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. In 1995, Crawford was awarded the United Way Canada Volunteerism Award for outstanding contribution to Canadian society. Crawford had the distinguished honour of being inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 2000 and in 2007 became a Companion of the Order of Canada. Crawford is also currently Chancellor Emeritus of Mount Allison University.

Don Cameron

Cameron served as Premier of Nova Scotia from 1991-93 instituting reforms aimed at addressing budget deficits and holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill University in Montreal.