André and Chad Arsenault earn first francophone Young Millionaires Award

SUMMERSIDE, PEI – March 17, 2013 – Two youth from the Evangeline area who had established a small business last summer to sell magnetic bracelets that reportedly help restore one’s balance have just been rewarded for their efforts.

André and Chad Arsenault, first cousins, best friends and co-owners of “Les bracelets de André et Chad” received the brand new francophone 2012 Young Millionaires Award during the 2013 Entrepreneurs Gala hosted by the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI Saturday night in Summerside.

“Tonight, we have the honor of presenting this award to two youth from the Acadian and francophone community of PEI who stood out in an exceptional way last summer,” said Francis Thériault, special projects officer with RDÉE Prince Edward Island, as he read the citation.

He said the two estimate they’ve ordered on line and sold some 200 Power Balance brand magnetic sports bracelets. These bracelets are said to help circulate one’s energy and to help restore the electromagnetic centre of one’s body, thereby improving balance, strength and flexibility.

“These bracelets are the modern version of the ones our grandparents wore to soothe their rheumatism pain or the magnet bracelets that some people wear to restore their equilibrium or to prevent sea-sickness,” explained Thériault.

It was through the francophone edition of the Young Millionaires program that the dynamic duo learned how to establish, promote and operate a business.

“These young guys worked really hard last summer and attended a number of activities organized by the Young Millionaires program, including the Wellington Party Under the Tent and the Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival, to sell their products.”

Chad is the son of Raymond and Susan Arsenault of St. Raphael while André is the son of Gilles and Léonie Arsenault of Abram-Village.

The Young Millionaires Program seeks to stimulate the business sense and the entrepreneurial spirit among youth aged 8-16. Participants participate in a series of training sessions to acquire elementary business skills in bookkeeping, marketing, customer service and public speaking.

Once the workshops are completed, the youth submit a business plan and receive a non-refundable grant of $100 for individuals and $150 for partnerships to help them get their summer business off the ground.

For several years now, the Baie Acadienne Development Corporation and more recently RDÉE Prince Edward Island have been coordinating the French edition of the provincial program. Each year, about 20-40 youth participate.

On the occasion of the program’s 20th anniversary last year, the Central Development Corporation, which manages the provincial Young Millionaires Program, developed this award of excellence, to be presented to one business from each host organization, in recognition for their exceptional contribution to the program in 2012.

RDÉE PEI’s PERCÉ internship program sponsored the presentation of the francophone edition of the award.

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CUTLINE: RDÉE PEI president Martin Marcoux, left, presents the 2012 Young Millionaires award to Chad Arsenault while his cousin, friend and business partner André Arsenault receives his award from RDÉE project officer Francis Thériault. The two youngsters formed the company “Les bracelets de André et Chad” through the Young Millionaires Program last summer.

For more information:
Christian Gallant
Youth Development Officer
(902) 370-7333
christian@rdeeipe.org