After a few years’ absence, the Grand Gala des gens d’Affaires returned with panache on May 5 for its 37th edition. The Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Beauharnois Valleyfield Haut-Saint-Laurent (CCIBVHSL), in partnership with the Hôtel Plaza Valleyfield and several other regional partners, celebrated the contribution and successes of various local businesses and organizations over the past year.
A total of 30 finalists were in the running for awards in different categories. Among the proud winners from the Haut-Saint-Laurent were Saint-Anicet garlic producers Nicolas Taillefer and Karine Fournier of Une Touche d’Ail, who were presented with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award as well as the Small Business of the Year award for companies with between one and twenty employees. A second big winner from the Haut-Saint-Laurent was Gosselin Courtiers d’Assurances, which took home the Business of the Year award for companies with over 20 employees and was selected by the jury as the recipient of the Jean H. Besner Award.
The Public’s Choice award was given to the Fondation de l’Hôpital du Suroît, whose representatives thanked the donors, volunteers, and members of the board of directors for their tremendous support.
Among the other businesses and organizations honoured throughout the night were: The Cégep de Valleyfield for the Innovative Project award; Récupération Mario Hart for the Business Succession/Transfer award; Répit le Zéphyr as the Organization of the Year; and the Havre Veterinary Clinic as the New Business/New Franchise of the Year. The Découverte Nature Kayak company was presented with the Community Contribution Award.
Several local political figures were present for the evening, including Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille, Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, Beauharnois MNA Claude Reid, as well as Christopher Skeete, the minister of economy and minister responsible for the fight against racism, and Miguel Lemieux, the mayor of Valleyfield.
Following welcoming remarks by CCIBVHSL president Suzanne Carrier and executive director Éliane Galipeau, a tribute was made in honour of Michel Choinière, a well-known and appreciated businessman in the Valleyfield region who recently passed away. “Michel was very involved in various projects that were close to his heart,” shared Carrier. “He was an active partner of many organizations in the region through personal donations and through the Canadian Tire Foundation, where he played a leading role throughout Quebec as vice-president and president. He had a big heart and was very generous.”
Claude Reid presented the medal of the National Assembly to Choinière’s family, who warmly thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the honour. The family also noted the importance of values such as those held by Choinière, including social involvement and helping one another.