Toronto, Canada

Today, WSI, a leading provider of Internet Consulting and Education services to small and medium sized businesses, announced the appointment of Mr. Tore Steen as its new Vice-Chairman.

A global leader, entrepreneur, strategist and team-builder, Mr. Steen has had a career in growing and managing major public and private companies in the United States and around the world. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for founding or managing companies in industries as diverse as franchising, banking and finance, technology, health care, as well as in technology and Internet-related industries.

Mr. Steen’s career has included serving as President of a $450 million company, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and serving as Chairman and CEO of Cascade General, a $100 million company with 1500 employees, traded on the NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange.

Mr. Steen also served as the Chief Financial Officer for WTD Industries, Inc, a $450 million NYSE company, employing 2,600 people. In addition to his management activities at WTD Industries, he facilitated a $500 million expansion project and arranged $1.3 billion in takeover financing.

“We are very excited to have Tore as part of our executive management team,” announced Louis Zalany, WSI’s Chief Executive Officer. “He is uniquely qualified to help us leverage our leadership position in the marketplace and expand our market share globally.”

In his native Norway, Tore served with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. After an honorable discharge, he was awarded a scholarship to study in the United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and Computer Science, which he followed with an MBA in Finance and International Trade.

After obtaining his MBA, Tore worked in the banking and financial services industry for almost two decades, first with Citibank and then with Chemical Bank (now Chase Manhattan Bank. For the latter, he served in the capacity of Founder and President of the Bank’s international leasing and asset-based financing subsidiary. With operations in 16 countries in Asia, Europe and North and Latin America, he built this subsidiary into a $500 million company.

Tore has not only focused his knowledge and energy in the business sector, he also has a heart for the youth of our world and is excited about participating in the WSI Youth Outreach Program. He has been very active in charitable fundraising and has been a frequent speaker and organizer for various conferences, including his participation in the White House Drug Advisory Council, hosted by President Bush.

The WSI Board is excited about the many ways that Tore Steen will contribute to the growth and development of the world’s #1 Internet consultancy network.

About WSI
WSI, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is ranked the #1 Internet Services Business in the world and the 14th fastest-growing Franchise in the United States. With systems that have been developed, utilized and proven by over 700 Internet Consultants in 87 countries worldwide, WSI delivers thousands of e-business solutions to small and medium sized businesses annually.