Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame
The Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI established the Acadian and Francophone Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame in 2020 to further honour long-time entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the island economy throughout their careers.
This «Business Hall of Fame» is located in the meeting room of Wellington's Rural Action Centre. On the wall of honour is the Hall of Fame's large logo, along with the Chamber of Commerce logo, as well as recognition of the Hall of Fame's official sponsor, Caisse populaire Provincial (formerly named Evangeline-Central). This large plaque is surrounded by photos of the Hall of Fame's entrepreneurs.
First, all past winners of the Chamber's Distinguished Entrepreneur Award were inducted, along with entrepreneurs who won national awards from RDÉE Canada's Lauriers de la PME. Starting in 2021, it will also induct the annual winners of the Chamber's Hall of Fame Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence (now replacing the former Distinguished Entrepreneur Award).
Video
Watch our great video (produced by Jean Lavergne of DigiFilm média-Presse) to learn more about the Hall of Fame.
People who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame over the years:
2004 - René Maddix, Maddix Construction, Urbainville (deceased)
2004 - Alphonse Arsenault, Wellington Construction, Abram-Village (deceased)
2005 - Adélard Gallant, fisherman/lobbyist/volunteer, Cap-Egmont (deceased)
2006 - Frank Legault, PEI Pest Control, Charlottetown (deceased)
2008 - Tilmon Arsenault, Les Entreprises Cap-Egmont (deceased)
2008 - Léo S. Arsenault, Lane Farm, Abram-Village (deceased)
2010 - Ivan Arsenault, Ivan's Garage, Wellington
2011 - Richard Bernard, Eye Care Optical, Summerside (deceased)
2012 - Alyre Arsenault, AJL Contractors Ltd, St-Philippe (deceased)
2013 - Réjeanne Arsenault, Les Maisons de bouteilles, Cap-Egmont
2014 - Henri and Gloria Gallant, HMS Office Supplies, Summerside
2015 - Julien Arsenault, Ferme Sanford-Arsenault, Mont-Carmel
2016 - Italo Marzari, Sirenella Ristorante, Charlottetown
2017 - Roger Arsenault, The Co-operators, Wellington
2018 - Jeannette Arsenault, Cavendish Figurines/Shop & Play, Borden-Carleton
2019 - Ray Brow, Britannia Corporation/Überloo International, Georgetown Royalty
2021 - Marcel and Gérard Arsenault, The Branch Manager/Deva Forestry, Abram-Village and Summerside
2022 - Alcide Arsenault, fisherman, Cap-Egmont
2022 - Julien Bernard, Ferme Bernadale, St-Philippe
2022 - Antoine Richard, Le Marchand de Mont-Carmel, Station de service Richard, Centre d'emploi and Coopérative Le Chez-Nous, Wellington and Mont-Carmel (deceased)
2022 - Franky Arsenault, Frank's Boathauling, Frank's Service Centre and Wellington Car Sales, Wellington
2023 - Ernest Arsenault, Wellington Cooperative, Wellington
2023 - Euclide Arsenault, Arsenault & Gaudet, Wellington Irving and Red Rock Beach, Wellington (deceased)
2023 - Euclide Gallant, Towerside Farms, Urbainville
2023 - Jeanne Durant, Coopérative de Mont-Carmel, Mont-Carmel (deceased)
2023 - Melvin Gallant, Melvin Gallant Farm and manager of the Evangeline Community Pasture, St-Timothée
2024 - Alfred Arsenault, Les Fermes Urbainville, Urbainville
2024 - Édouard Arsenault, Les Maisons de bouteilles, Cap-Egmont (deceased)
2024 - Ernest Arsenault, Arsenault Painters, Urbainville and Abram-Village
2024 - Franky Arsenault, Le Moulin à Franky, St-Chrysostome (deceased)
2024 - Joseph Caissie, Egmont Bay Seafood, Maximeville
2024 - John and Alphonse Arsenault, J.C. Drilling Inc, St-Raphaël
2024 - Léo-Paul Arsenault, LP Electronics, Day's Corner
2025 - Donnie Arsenault, Wellington Service Centre, multi-entrepreneur, Wellington
2025 - Louise Comeau, multi-entrepreneur and General Manager SDBA, Cap-Egmont (deceased)
2025 - Leonard Gallant, Len's Grocery and car salesman, Wellington and Summerside
2025 - Linda Lowther, The Lowther Group, multi-entrepreneur, Cavendish
2026 - Alcide Bernard, Manager/General Manager of various organizations, Wellington
2026 - Johnny Gallant, Ferme Gallant and M&J Professional Saws, St-Timothée
2026 - Karen Richard, La Coupe Classique, Urbainville
2026 - Wilfred Thompson, Thompson's Woodcraft, North Bedeque
Inductee biographies
2004
Alphonse Arsenault
Wellington Construction
Abram-Village
(deceased)
Alphonse Arsenault founded Wellington Construction with Edgar Gallant in 1972. They initially undertook residential construction projects, but over time moved into commercial and government projects. Mr. Arsenault ran the firm for 31 years, employing many workers. The company's reputation has always remained impeccable. The company has supported numerous community and school projects, as well as sports teams. Mr. Arsenault retired in 2003 and passed away in 2005; since then, his sons Roger and David have been in charge. In 2004, he received the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award.
2004
Alphonse Arsenault
Maddix Construction
Urbainville
(deceased)
In 1977, René Maddix d'Urbainville, his wife and their eldest son formed Maddix Construction, handling numerous residential, commercial and industrial construction projects, mainly in Prince County. During his 25 years in business, he maintained a magnificent reputation in the industry. He usually employed about 25 people at a time. Mr. Maddix served on numerous boards and committees, and sponsored many community organizations, including several field hockey teams. He received several industry awards, including the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award in 2004. Mr. Maddix passed away in 2017.
2005
Adélard Gallant
Fisherman and lobbyist
Cap-Egmont
(deceased)
Adélard Gallant from Cap-Egmont has been a fisherman for some 45 years. Over the decades, this forward-thinking gentleman has been a fervent lobbyist, at provincial, Atlantic and national levels, for the conservation of this wonderful natural resource. It's largely thanks to his interventions that today we have limits on the number of lobster traps, and that each trap must be equipped with an escape mechanism to allow small lobsters to escape. Among his many accolades were the Ordre du mérite coopératif and, in 2005, the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award. Mr. Gallant sadly passed away in 2006.
2006
Frank Legault
PEI Pest Control
Charlottetown
(deceased)
Frank Legault founded P.E.I. Pest Control Ltd. in Charlottetown in 1976. For over thirty years, Mr. Legault, his wife Denise and eventually their son Ben, have worked to rid homes, buildings and properties of various insects, rodents and birds using natural and chemical products and catchers. Their efforts led to the complete elimination of certain species of insect pests from the province. They have always preached education to prevent infestations. Frank has held many volunteer positions, including President of the Canadian Pest Management Association. In 2006, he received the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award.
2008
Tilmon Arsenault
Les entreprises Cap-Egmont
Cap-Egmont
(deceased)
Tilmon Arsenault founded Les Entreprises Cap-Egmont in 1978. His company built a total of 433 boats in 28 years. Mr. Arsenault employed up to 10 workers at a time. He integrated three of his sons into the business, while his wife Irène took care of the accounting. Tilmon earned a magnificent reputation throughout the Atlantic provinces for the high quality of its product. Tilmon was also very involved in his community. The company closed its doors in 2006. Two years later, Tilmon received the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award. Mr. Arsenault passed away in 2015.
2008
Léo S. Arsenault
Lane Farm
Abram-Village
(deceased)
Léo S. Arsenault managed the ancestral Lane Farm in Abram-Village for over 36 years, after working there for several years with his father Sylvère. With his sons, he maintained 45 Holstein cows and harvested hay and grain on 250 acres. His cattle earned excellent reputations over the years. Mr. Arsenault was very involved in the community. Among the honours he received were the Acadian of the Year Award, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award in 2008. Mr. Arsenault passed away in 2018.
2010
Ivan Arsenault
Ivan's Garage
Wellington
Before retiring in 2005, Ivan Arsenault had a career as a mechanic spanning more than 50 years. He first worked for various garage owners in the Evangeline and Summerside regions, as well as for several car dealerships. He also owned his own garages for several years, in Day's Corner, Wellington and Abram-Village. He was also a car salesman for several years. One of his sons, Christien, now operates Ivan's Garage in Abram-Village. Ivan has always found time to volunteer in his community. In 2010, he received the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award.
2011
Richard Bernard
Eye Care Optical
Summerside
(deceased)
Richard Bernard of Mont-Carmel was an optician for 32 years before launching his own business, Eye Care Optical, in Summerside, with the daughter of one of his former employers, Betty Hunter. The popular optician always took his profession to heart, and was renowned for his excellent customer service and the individual attention he gave to each customer. After a wonderful 50-year career, Mr. Bernard retired at the age of 69 in March 2010. Sadly, he passed away suddenly just two months later. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award in 2011.
2012
Alyre Arsenault
AJL Contractors Ltd.
St-Philippe
(deceased)
Alyre Arsenault founded AJL Contractors Ltd. in St-Philippe in 1958. He managed the company for 30 years. His specialties were road building, site preparation and the installation of water and sewer systems. In winter, his team cleared snow from the roads. Mr. Arsenault was recognized as a contractor of exceptional repute. Three of his sons followed in his footsteps to work in the company, as did at least two of his grandsons. For the past 25 years, his son Stephen has managed the company. Alyre received the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award in 2012; he passed away just five months later.
2013
Réjeanne Arsenault
Bottle houses
Cap-Egmont (Dieppe, NB)
After the death of her father Édouard T. Arsenault, Réjeanne Arsenault took over management of Les Maisons de bouteilles tourist site in Cap-Egmont in 1988. This popular attraction features, among other things, three bottle-built buildings, a gift store and a beautiful flower garden with pond. The company has become one of the province's tourist "châteaux-forts" and is recognized worldwide. Réjeanne has received numerous awards, including a Coup de cœur des Lauriers de la PME from RDÉE Canada in 2005 and the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award in 2013. She sold her business in 2017 and now lives in Dieppe.
2014
Henri and Gloria Gallant
HMS Office Supplies
Summerside
Henri Gallant and Paul Arsenault founded HMS Office Supplies in Summerside in 1982. In 1999, Henri's wife Gloria replaced Mr. Arsenault as co-owner. The company is renowned for its excellent customer service. Fierce competition shook them at the start of the new millennium, but they emerged with great success, focusing even more on customer service and redirecting their efforts to selling office furniture to businesses and public institutions. This tenacity earned them several awards, including Lauriers de la PME awards in the Retail category from RDÉE Prince Edward Island and RDÉE Canada in 2014. The couple took a well-deserved retirement in 2019, after transferring the business to their son Pierre.
2015
Julien Arsenault
Sanford-Arsenault Farm
Mont-Carmel
In 1965, Julien Arsenault married and established his farm in Mont-Carmel, specializing in beef finishing. He worked hard to improve the quality of his meat and crops. After returning from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, his daughter Darlene quickly became involved in the farm's day-to-day operations. Over time, Ferme Sanford-Arsenault became recognized as one of the best beef farms on the Island, if not in the Maritimes, producing around 400 cattle a year. Julien retired in 2012 at the age of 78. He received the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award in 2015.
2016
Italo Marzari
Siranella Ristorante
Charlottetown
Italian-born Italo Marzari operated restaurants in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for many years. He moved to the Island to teach at the Atlantic Culinary Institute in 1990. Two years later, he established his high-end authentic Italian restaurant Sirenella Ristorante in Charlottetown, specializing in seafood. Thanks to his fantastic food and magnificent wines, his restaurant was recognized as one of the best in the province. He earned numerous awards and recognitions, including the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award in 2016. In November 2015, Italo retired.
2017
Roger Arsenault
The Co-operators
Wellington
In 1972, Roger «Co-op» Arsenault was hired as an insurance agent with The Co-operators, a position he maintained for 25 years. His customer service was exceptional. He was the first agent in the Atlantic region to achieve million-dollar sales. He took his well-deserved retirement in 1997. Over the years, Mr. Arsenault served as president, advisor and volunteer for numerous community organizations and cooperatives. He has received many recognitions for his involvement, including two Ordres du mérite coopératif and the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award in 2017.
2018
Jeannette Arsenault
Cavendish Figurines/Shop&Play
Borden-Carleton
Jeannette Arsenault and Don Maxfield founded Cavendish Figurines in Summerside in 1989 to make high-end figurines honoring the characters in Lucy Maud Montgomery's stories. When they moved to Gateway Village in Borden-Carleton, sales exploded. They welcomed over 100,000 visitors a year to their gift store! The company eventually changed its name to Shop & Play. The owners sold the business in 2018. One of Canada's «100 Most Powerful Women», Jeannette has received numerous recognitions, including the 2018 Distinguished Entrepreneur, the Queen's Jubilee Medal, the Canada 150 Medal and the Order of Prince Edward Island. She is past president of RDÉE Île-du-Prince-Édouard and past spokesperson for CCAFLIPE.
2019
Ray Brow
Britannia Corporation and Überloo International
Georgetown Royalty
Ray Brow, of Georgetown Royalty, founded Britannia Corporation, a company specializing in housing and care for the elderly. In 1984, he obtained the very first community care facility license on the Island. Over the years, his company has managed a dozen such senior care facilities in Charlottetown. At its peak, the company employed 200 people. Mr. Brown sold Britannia in 2017 and now owns Überloo International, a supplier of various «hands-free» bathroom appliances, including automatic doors. He received the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award in 2019.
2021
Marcel and Gérard Arsenault
The Branch Manager and Deva Forestry
Abram-Village/Summerside
Since 1987, brothers Gérard and Marcel Arsenault of The Branch Manager/Deva Forestry have been offering tree planting, plantation pruning and tree cleaning/thinning services to customers of all kinds. The company operates year-round, typically employing four full-time and 12 part-time staff. Marcel is responsible for the planting side of the business. The company has planted around 20 million trees. Gérard is responsible for pruning, cleaning and thinning. For over 30 years, the duo has volunteered to present the «Pole Climbers» show during the Agricultural Exhibition and the Festival acadien de la région Évangéline.
2022
Alcide Arsenault
Fisherman
Cap-Egmont
Alcide Arsenault from Cap-Egmont has surely set a record for the longest career on the sea with his 77 years of experience! Starting out as a fisherman's helper in 1944, he fished for many species, but especially lobster, over the years. Alcide bought his first boat in 1969. Three years later, he bought his own equipment and fishing license for the south coast (after fishing both coasts for several years). This great community volunteer also acted as harbour manager at Cap-Egmont for many years. Alcide retired in 2021 at the age of 91.
2022
Antoine Richard
Le marchand de Mont-Carmel, La station de service Richard, Le centre d'emploi and La coopérative le chez-nous
Wellington and Mont-Carmel
(deceased)
Antoine Richard owned «Le Marchand de Mont-Carmel» general store for 15 years, then «La Station de service Richard» for 18 years. He was the first development officer of the former Société Saint-Thomas d'Aquin. He then held various federal positions, including manager of the Wellington Employment Centre, until his first retirement in 1992. He then became a director of Coopérative Le Chez-Nous Ltée until 2005. A great volunteer and leader, Mr. Richard has been involved in numerous local, provincial, Atlantic and national organizations. His honours include the Order of Canada and the Order of PEI.
2022
Franky Arsenault
Frank's Boathire, Frank's Service Centre and Wellington Car Sales
Wellington
A welder and mechanic, Franky Arsenault went into business in 1969 when he bought Texaco's garage in Wellington. Two years later, he established Frank's Boathauling. After selling the garage, he built Frank's Service Centre. For several decades, Franky was responsible for maintaining and repairing school buses in the Evangeline region. At the same time, he launched Wellington Car Sales. The three companies operated together for 16 years. In 2001, Mr. Arsenault decided to sell Frank's Boathauling after 30 years of service. Franky retired in 2016 at the age of 79. He was a firefighter for 45 years.
2022
Julien Bernard
Bernadale Farm
St-Philippe
Julien Bernard of St-Philippe has been farming for over 60 years. He first took over the family farm, then bought 16 other small farms. In 1971, he bought his first Holstein cow, and before long, the name Ferme Bernadale became synonymous with the word «quality». Today, there are around 400 animals on the farm. Julien also buys and exports Holstein cows and beef cattle nationally and internationally. He trades around 2,000 cattle a year. Julien's cattle continually win ribbons and championships. Julien has always been a volunteer with various agricultural organizations.
2023
Ernest Arsenault
Wellington Cooperative
Wellington
Ernest Arsenault is recognized for his role as former manager of the Wellington Cooperative. He was hired as manager of the meat department in 1970. Ten years later, he was promoted to store manager, a position he held for 27 years, until his retirement in 2007. Ernest led the cooperative through a series of changes and transformations over the years, including the construction of a beautiful new store attached to Place du Village. In 1994-95, he developed a project to make cotton shopping bags for distribution to members.
2023
Euclide Arsenault
Arsenault & Gaudet, Wellington Irving and Red Rock Beach
Wellington
(deceased)
The late Euclide Arsenault of Wellington is best known for his major role in the development of the family-owned general store Arsenault & Gaudet Ltd. He started there in 1950, eventually becoming secretary-treasurer, manager and owner. Following a warehouse fire in 1958, he rebuilt the store, adding a gas bar and service station, a television and appliance store, and a plumbing supply depot. In 1969, he carried out a major modernization. It closed its doors in 1972. Euclid was also co-owner of Maximeville's Red Rock Beach in the 1960s.
2023
Euclide Gallant
Towerside Farm
Urbainville
Euclide Gallant of Urbainville is honoured especially for his more than 50 years of work in the agricultural industry. It was in 1978 that Euclide took over the family farm, transformed it into a dairy farm and named it Towerside Farms. He raised 75 to 100 cattle annually, 25 of them in dairy production, and grew most of the feed for his herd. He exhibited his cattle for many years at agricultural shows. In 1999, Euclide transferred the farm to his son Daniel, but continued to help him. Euclide has served on numerous boards of agricultural and community organizations.
2023
Jeanne Durant
Mont-Carmel Cooperative
Mont-Carmel
(deceased)
Jeanne Durant of Mont-Carmel is best known for her extensive role in managing the former Mont-Carmel Cooperative grocery store for 37 years. It was in 1960 that she was hired at the old Co-op to work with her husband Ronnie Durant, who was manager. Jeanne played many roles in the store, always with a warm smile on her face: bookkeeper, cashier, shelf stocker, customer service, and so on. Essentially, she was the co-op's very reliable assistant manager throughout her time at the store. Jeanne and Ronnie have received many accolades for their extensive service and community contributions.
2023
Melvin Gallant
Farmer and Pasture Manager
St-Timothée
Melvin Gallant of St-Timothée has been recognized for his extensive contribution to the agricultural sector for over 73 years. Melvin began working on the family farm at the age of 7. He became manager in 1975, then owner in 1980, concentrating on milk production. He managed 235 acres of land and maintained 25 dairy cows and 25 young stock. He was director of the Pâturage communautaire Évangéline board of directors from 1970 to 2016, then treasurer for one term. From 1991 to 2020, he was full-time manager and, for the past two summers, co-manager of the pasture.
2024
Alfred Arsenault
Urbainville farms
Urbainville
A former letter carrier, dairyman and bus driver, Alfred Arsenault founded Les Fermes Urbainville in the mid-1980s. More than 40 years later, Les Fermes Urbainville is one of the largest potato farms on the Island and one of the largest employers in the Evangeline region. A few years ago, the company bought the old Olde Barrel building to turn it into a washing station for its own potatoes and those of other farmers. Although the business was transferred to his son Robert several years ago, Alfred continues to work there almost full-time, even though he is well into his 80s.
2024
Édouard T. Arsenault
Bottle houses
Cap-Egmont
(deceased)
From 1980 to 1984, Édouard T. Arsenault built three small houses from 30,000 bottles and mortar. Curious onlookers stopped to admire his work, creating the tourist enterprise Les Maisons de bouteilles in Cap-Egmont. Édouard was a fisherman and carpenter, building several fishing boats. He operated the Cap-Egmont lighthouse from 1950 to 1958. In the mid ’60s, he helped establish the Village pionnier acadien and the Étoile de Mer restaurant in Mont-Carmel, working as manager for a time. He also helped build the cottages and canteen at Red Rock Beach.
2024
Ernest Arsenault
Arsenault Painters Ltd.
Urbainville/Abram-Village
In the 1970s, Ernest Arsenault and Bud O'Brien set up a commercial painting business. In 1977, he purchased his partner's shares and adopted the name Arsenault Painters Ltd. The company has specialized in painting homes, apartment buildings and commercial buildings for over 46 years. When his four sons were growing up, he invited them to come and work with him. They worked side by side for over 20 years; three of his four sons are still with the company today. Together, they have earned an impeccable reputation for high-quality work throughout the province.
2024
Franky Arsenault
Franky's mill
St-Chrysostome
(deceased)
The late Francois J. Arsenault of St-Chrysostome (Franky à José) built a sawmill with his father's help in 1946. The sawmill, known as «Le Moulin à Franky», quickly earned an excellent reputation. When a fire destroyed the sawmill in 1970, Mr. Arsenault simply rebuilt it. Franky retired due to illness in 1985, after 39 years of loyal service. His sons continued their father's work for many years. Today, his granddaughters Janine and Janelle Arsenault operate the mill under the Arsenault Family Lumber name with the same reputation for quality that was established 78 years ago.
2024
John and Alphonse Arsenault
J.C. Drilling
St-Raphaël
Brothers John and Alphonse Arsenault went into business in the 1980s, purchasing an earth and gravel haulage truck under contract to the provincial government for over 10 years. In 2006, they launched their own company, specializing in horizontal underground drilling, tunnelling through earth and rock to insert underground cables, water and sewer pipes of all sizes. Three years later, they formally incorporated under the name J.C. Drilling. John is mainly in charge of digging. Alphonse makes sure all the machinery works perfectly.
2024
Joseph «Joe» Caissie
Egmont Bay Seafood and Fisherman
Maximeville/Wellington
Joseph «Joe» Caissie began his long career by serving as a fisherman's helper for 10 years before becoming captain of his own boat. He fished a variety of species for 51 years. In addition, for some ten years, with his son Ronald, he co-owned Egmont Bay Seafood and a herring smokehouse across the street from his home in Maximeville. He went into commercial sales because he saw a need in the community. With a total of five employees, he sold everything from lobster and clams to herring and mackerel.
2024
Léo-Paul Arsenault
LP Electronics
Day's Corner
Léo-Paul Arsenault established LPTV and Stereo in 1981, at his parents' home, to repair televisions and other electronics. He moved into the attic of a house in Day's Corner, before building a new home, workshop and store in a single building in Day's Corner. Due to the ever-changing electronics industry, the company, which had changed its name to LP Electronics, began installing satellite antennas and high-speed Internet services. Having prepared his son Donald to take over in 2022, Léo-Paul sold him the company, which now operates under the name LP Internet Services.
2025
Louise Comeau
Le marché Cormier, Le p'tit cotton, Les créations Louise Comeau - Économusée de la courtepointe, General Manager of the Société de développement de la Baie acadienne
Abram-Village and Cap-Egmont
(deceased)
During her 17 years as an entrepreneur, Louise Comeau founded Le Marché Cormier, a small home-based convenience store in Abram-Village; Le P'tit Coton, a textile store; and Les Créations Louise Comeau - Économusée de la Courtepointe, which provided employment for a dozen local women. During her 13 years as Executive Director of the Société de développement de la Baie Acadienne, she contributed to various flagship initiatives, including the establishment of RDÉE Canada's national network and its provincial arm RDÉE Prince Edward Island, as well as the major expansion of the Community Business Centre in Wellington. She was also a great volunteer.
2025
Linda Lowther
Cavendish Esso, Chalets sundance l'oasis, Island Wide Distribution, Le groupe Lowther, Deker Hockey
Cavendish
Along with her husband Gary, Linda Lowther ran several businesses over 52 years! First there was an Esso garage and gas station in Cavendish and then Sundance Cottages, where they were the first to introduce innovations like hot tubs and pools. Next, they founded L'Oasis, Canada's top-rated naturist/nudist resort. They co-founded Island Wide Distribution. In 2011, Linda founded Le Groupe Lowther, a consulting firm specializing in tourism and education. She co-launched the island branch of Deker Hockey to sell sports equipment, clothing and medals.
2025
Donnie Arsenault
Wellington Service Station, Wellington Hardware, Coolers and D.A. Car Sales
Wellington
Wellington's Donnie Arsenault bought a local garage in 1991, and a few years later opened Coolers Dairy Bar with his wife Christine, which they ran from 1998 to 2005. Following a change of location in 2003, Donnie became owner and manager of Wellington Service Station Ltd. employing over 20 islanders. Today, the business includes a gas station, convenience store with counter and coffee window, hardware store and car wash. In addition, Donnie rents office space in the former Coolers building and has been running a car sales business since 2006.
2025
Leonard Gallant
Len's Grocery and GM Car Dealer
Wellington and Summerside
Leonard Gallant was a salesman with Rogers and Arnett Wholesale Ltd. in Summerside for 22 years. From 1975 to 1981, he also managed Len's Grocery, a small home convenience store. He then switched to auto sales at Summerside's GM/Chevrolet dealership, a position he maintained for over 21 years. He received a national award from General Motors for his exemplary service. Leonard also played a key role in his community. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Wellington Fire Department for 24 years, including 14 as Fire Chief.
2026
Alcide Bernard
Managing Director and General Manager
Wellington
After completing his studies in business administration, Alcide became manager of the Coopérative du Village pionnier acadien de Mont-Carmel. He was eventually appointed General Manager of the former Société Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin from 1977 to 1983. Alcide was then one of the founders and General Manager of the Prince Edward Island Potato Chip Cooperative. This cooperative became Olde Dutch (Humpty Dumpty), where Alcide acted as financial analyst and project manager for nine years. He then managed several projects for the Association touristique Évangéline and the Village musical acadien. At the same time, Alcide is actively involved in municipal politics, serving as deputy mayor and mayor of the municipality of Wellington.
2026
Johnny Gallant
Ferme Gallant and M&J Professional Saws
St-Timothée
Johnny Gallant grew up on the Gallant Farm, where he developed a deep passion for nature and agriculture. After his studies and a few outside jobs, Johnny returned to the Island in 1978 to continue the family business with his brother Gary. In 1979, he founded M & J Professional Saws, a company specializing in the sale, maintenance and repair of forestry equipment, including Husqvarna products. Johnny became a key player in the industry, also acting as an instructor for the Timber Harvester course at Holland College and helping to train forestry workers across the province.
2026
Karen Richard
La coupe classique
Urbaiville
With a degree in cosmetology, Karen Richard began her career at two hair salons in Summerside and Wellington, where she perfected her skills and developed an approach focused on the well-being and satisfaction of her customers. In 1992, Karen established her own salon, La Coupe Classique, initially located in Place du Village. In 1996, she moved to her home in Urbainville, where she still operates today. Her salon has been recognized as a Redken Salon and featured in Canada's Flare magazine, a national recognition of her commitment to excellence. Karen regularly lends her expertise to Evangeline Funeral Home.
2026
Wilfred Thompson
Thompson's Woodcraft
North Bedeque
Wilfred Thompson is a renowned craftsman and founder of Thompson's Woodcraft, established in North Bedeque since 1972. A passionate woodturner, Wilfred has never ceased to perfect his technique and is best known for his famous large salad bowls. He uses mainly hardwoods such as birdseye maple, cherry and walnut, as well as a variety of exotic woods from around the world. His workshop-boutique, named Thompson's Fine Wood Products, is open seasonally. Visitors can see the craftsman at work and purchase his products, which are also sold in several boutiques across the island.
The PEI Acadian and Francophone Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame and annual awards are sponsored by :
