CHARLOTTETOWN – Nov. 30, 2025 – The Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI has just announced the finalists for several of the entrepreneurial and economic awards that will be presented at its 2026 Entrepreneurs’ Gala at the Village in Abram-Village on March 21. The nominees represent a wide variety of fields, ranging from car repair and newspaper publishing to cultural and artistic event coordination and hardware sales.
Janine Arsenault, spokesperson for the Chamber, was pleased to announce the names of the finalists during the 2025 P’tite fête des Fêtes, the Christmas party for its members, clients, and partners, held in Charlottetown Nov. 29.
“Although we did not receive a huge number of nominations, those that were submitted were fortunately very deserving,” she said.
Here are the finalists in the first three categories:
2026 Distinguished Employee Award (for customer service and accomplishments):
• Alain Arsenault, sawmill team leader and truck driver at Arsenault Sawmill (2016) Ltd., St. Chrysostome
• Alison Jenkins, project manager at Actions Femmes ÎPÉ, Summerside
• Louis Gallant, hardware manager at Wellington Service Station Ltd., Wellington
2026 Business of Excellence Award (for achievements in sustainable development, innovation, quality of services, job creation, or community impact):
• MacKay’s Automotive (Jamie Gallant), Blue Shank Road, Summerside
• Triquetra Entertainment (Christian Gallant), Charlottetown
2026 Social Economy Business Award (for a business, co-operative, or economic organization that has distinguished itself through its accomplishments and successes):
• La Voix acadienne, Summerside (celebrating its 50th anniversary this year)
Unfortunately, no nominations were received for the 2026 Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award (for young people aged 15 to 30 who have distinguished themselves through their entrepreneurial efforts). However, the Chamber has decided to present a 2025 Special Recognition Award to deserving individuals from the Island’s Acadian and Francophone community for their special achievements in 2025 that contributed to the economy but did not necessarily fall into one of its regular award categories. Their names will be announced in the spring.
In addition, RDÉE Prince Edward Island will present awards in two categories at the Gala.
2025 Francophone Young Millionaires Award:
• Danica Paynter of Danica’s Creations (bracelets, candy, key chains), Summerside
• Lutchina and Mark Nakhleh, M&L Company (bracelets, necklaces, key chains, birdhouses, candles), Charlottetown
• Samantha Consejo Cadena, Samantha’s Tickle Trunk (bracelets, frames, key chains), Souris
2025 PEI IMPACT Sustainable Development Recognition Award
(Finalists to be announced this winter)
In addition to all this, the Chamber will induct three entrepreneurs and one businessperson into its PEI Acadian and Francophone Business Hall of Fame.
The CCAFLIPE spokesperson also held a draw for a prize among those who had submitted nominations. The winner, Edmond Gallant, had the choice of taking $100 cash or a pair of tickets to attend the Gala next spring (also worth $100).
NEXT AWARDS CONTEST
Arsenault concluded her remarks by announcing that next fall, the Chamber will hold another contest to invite nominations for the 25th edition of its Entrepreneurs Gala in the spring of 2027.
“We would really like to have all categories filled—at least three finalists per category. We will significantly reduce the length of our nomination form. We will ask for the contact information of the nominated person or business, and you will only have to answer two questions: what the candidate has accomplished and why they deserve to win the award. That’s it. We are sure to receive many nominations, as there are still dozens and dozens of potential candidates who provide exceptional services in our Island’s Francophone communities! ”
-30-
PHOTO : Janine Arsenault, left, spokesperson for CCAFLIPE, announced the names of the finalists for next spring’s Entrepreneurs’ Gala on Saturday evening in Charlottetown. Among the finalists who were present for the announcement were Marcia Enman, manager of La Voix acadienne (for 2026 Social Economy Business category) and Alison Jenkins and Louis Gallant (for 2026 Distinguished Employee category). Velma Leblanc, president of RDÉE Prince Edward Island, was also present.
PHOTO MONTAGE WITH ADULTS: The finalists is the 2026 Distinguished Employee category, in the first row, are Alison Jenkins, Alain Arsenault and Louis Gallant. La Voix acadienne is the finalist in the 2026 Social Economy Business category. Jamie Gallant from MacKay’s Automotive and Christian Gallant from Triquetra Entertainment are finalists in the 2026 Business of Excellence category.
PHOTO MONTAGE WITH YOUTH: The finalists for the 2025 Francophone Young Millionaires are (top row), left, Danica Paynter from Danica’s Creations and Samantha Consejo Cadena from Samantha’s Tickle Trunk and, second row, Mark and Lutchina Nakhleh from M&L Company.
For more information:
Alecia Arsenault
Coordinator of the 2026 Entrepreneurs’ Gala
902-432-2026
alecia@rdeeipe.org