Not all CEOs in Canada are feeling the credit pinch

John Sleeman, CEO of Guelph, Ont.-based Sleeman Breweries Ltd. expects a solid year. The beer industry is often seen as recession-proof, he notes, because consumers are always willing to treat themselves to a brew even if they can't afford a new car, dishwasher or vacation.

Even though sales to bars and restaurants are slipping, Mr. Sleeman said, the loss has been balanced by increasing take-home purchases.

Mr. Sleeman is also one of few respondents who said the credit crunch is not affecting his borrowing ability. In the brewery's case, that's because it has long-established relationships with Canadian banks, and its parent - Sapporo Breweries Ltd. of Japan - has similar links with large Japanese banks.

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