Registration deadline: October 8

SUMMERSIDE – Oct. 2, 2019 – The Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI is preparing to unveil a big surprise that will help to further honor a whole series of longtime Acadian and Francophone entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the Island’s economy in recent decades.

This news will be officially announced Tuesday, Oct. 15, during two free French events that are open to the public: the Entrepreneurs’ and Co-operators’ Breakfast, which begins at 8 a.m. at the Centre Belle-Alliance in Summerside and the Entrepreneurs’ and Co-operators’ Networking Evening, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the PEI Brewing Company in Charlottetown.

« We look forward to sharing with you this beautiful secret that we have been trying to keep hidden for a few weeks, » says Raymond J. Arsenault, the Chamber’s activities coordinator. « Our Chamber’s spokesperson, Pierre Gallant, will explain the details of this new initiative to everyone as he launches our annual entrepreneurial excellence awards competition at the two events on Oct. 15. »

Gallant will also announce some changes to the names and eligibility criteria for certain categories of the awards competition.

SPEAKER AND GUESTS

Luc Pépin, co-owner of BuroPro Citation (member of the Hamster group) from Quebec, will be the guest speaker at both events. This super-interesting businessman, who manages a company with sales of more than $60 million a year, will share his recipe for entrepreneurial success while suggesting ways to overcome business challenges.

Also at both events, RDÉE Prince Edward Island will launch the new edition of its Francophone Ignition Contest, which will offer another $25,000 prize to the winning entrepreneurial project.

Participants in the Charlottetown session will also benefit from presentations from three other special guests. Entrepreneur Ghislaine Cormier will talk about her beneficial experience with RDÉE’s sales missions to Quebec. Immigrant entrepreneur Gideon Banahene from Kaneshii Vinyl Press will share his journey and challenges within the Island’s business community. Finally, Éliane Salgueiro will present the Six Sigma organizational method, which is used to increase business efficiency. Snacks and prize draws will be offered. A bar service will be available.

Anyone wishing to attend the Summerside breakfast free of charge is asked to register by Oct. 8 with Velma LeBlanc at 902-854-3439, ext. 228, or at velma@rdeeipe.org.

To register for the free networking evening in Charlottetown, contact Chérine Stevula by Oct. 8 at 902-370-7333, ext. 404, or cherine@rdeeipe.org

These two activities are presented through a collaboration between the LIENS project (funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Province of PEI), CBDC Central PEI, the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI, RDÉE Prince Edward Island and the Wellington Rural Action Centre.

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For more information:

Raymond J. Arsenault
Activities co-ordinator
Chambre de commerce acadienne et francophone de l’ÎPÉ
902-854-3439, ext. 231
raymond@rdeeipe.org