RE: The National Exempt Market Association is launched

CALGARY, Jan. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - As the Canadian exempt market rapidly grows and changes, so must its professional association. WEMA (the Western Exempt Market Association) is pleased to announce the changing of our name to the National Exempt Market Association (NEMA) as of January 14, 2013.

While the constitution may not allow for a national securities regulator, there is no reason why our industry should not have a united voice that truly represents it.

Based on industry and member feedback, we feel this name better reflects our mandate, membership base, and plans for the future.

As a new organization, WEMA has made significant strides in a relatively short time, including attracting a considerable membership base, forging relationships with many of our country's regulators, and brining many topics of importance to the forefront of the minds of both regulatory bodies and industry alike.

While the original intent for our organization was to focus our growth and efforts in our home base of Western Canada, it quickly became apparent from industry feedback that there is a necessity for an organization such as ours across the country. Accordingly, our membership base has grown to include individuals and organizations based outside of the four western provinces.

"I am ecstatic to see that what I envisioned for WEMA be surpassed so quickly. In a short 20 months," states President and founder, Craig Skauge, who saw a need for a collective voice to preserve the flexibility of the Western Canadian capital markets, specifically the newly regulated exempt market, "with the help of our industry leading board of directors and passionate members, we have outgrown our original mandate and are evolving as our industry evolves to meet our member's needs. We are humbled by the support we have received from industry and are honored to continue to be able to lead an organization filled with so many talented members."

We look forward to continue working with members on the improvement and growth of our industry on a go forward basis.

SOURCE: National Exempt Market Association

Cora Pettipas at [email protected] or [phone].