SUMMERSIDE, PEI – March 17, 2013 – Rustico’s Lise Buote, owner of Blue Heron Enterprises (North Rustico Home Hardware) and co-owner of Blue Heron Construction, has just earned the title of 2013 Business Woman of the Year from the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI.

Buote received her award during the 2013 Entrepreneurs’ Gala, held in Summerside March 16. The award, sponsored by CBDC Central PEI, seeks to recognize the efforts of a business woman or a female entrepreneur who has at least five years of experience and who is recognized for her exemplary accomplishments and her strong business sense, especially over the past year.

In 1972, the winner and her husband Wayne Buote of Rustico began a business that rented 22 cottages to tourists during the summer season. They operated it for 18 years. In 1980, they established Blue Heron Enterprises to provide a plumbing service and to operate a plumbing supplies store. In 1990, Blue Heron bought out Callbeck’s Home Hardware in North Rustico, a well-established hardware and building supplies provider. About 10 employees worked at the shop at that time.

In 2010, after Wayne passed away, Blue Heron was subdivided into two distinct companies. The first is Blue Heron Construction Inc., which now employs 32 people. Buote and one of her employees, Allan Tierney, became co-owners. This business specializes in residential and commercial construction. One of its greatest accomplishments is the Gables of PEI project, which is building 18 quadruplexes. A similar project is also in construction in Murray River.

The second company is Blue Heron Enterprises Inc., owner of North Rustico Home Hardware, a large store that sells both hardware and building supplies. This business employs 20 people; Lise is its sole owner. The store, which succeeds quite well, is the main provider of building supplies for Blue Heron Construction. Both businesses are often approached by sports teams, school groups and community causes; Buote contributes as much as possible to her community that supports her so much.

On a personal level, Buote – a well-respected lady in her community – has been a member of various community organizations, including the Rustico Lions Club and the local Home and School Association.

The other finalists for the 2013 Business Woman of the Year Award were Réjeanne Arsenault, owner of the Bottle Houses in Cape Egmont; Béatrice Caillié, executive director of the Centre Belle-Alliance in Summerside; and Norma Gallant, owner of the Fancy Cut hair salon in Wellington. Lise Buote was also a finalist in the 2013 Distinguished Entrepreneur category.

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CUTLINE 1: Lise Buote, owner of Blue Heron Enterprises and co-owner of Blue Heron Construction, won 2013 Business Woman of the Year Award during the 2013 Entrepreneurs’ Gala on March 16. In her absence, her son Chris Buote, in the middle, accepted her award from Paul Gillespie, left, loan officer with award sponsor CBDC Central PEI, and Martin Marcoux, representing the Acadian Chamber.

CUTLINE 2: Louise Comeau, left, a RDÉE PEI board member representing the SDBA, presents a finalist certificate to Réjeanne Arsenault from the Bottle Houses in Cape Egmont.

CUTLINE 3: Louise Comeau, left, a RDÉE PEI board member representing the SDBA, presents a finalist certificate to Béatrice Caillié, director of the Centre Belle-Alliance in Summerside.

CUTLINE 4: Louise Comeau, left, a RDÉE PEI board member representing the SDBA, presents a finalist certificate to Norma Gallant, owner of the Fancy Cuts hair salon in Wellington.

For more information:
Raymond J. Arsenault
Co-ordinator
2013 Entrepreneurs’ Gala
(902) 854-3665
Raymond@rdeeipe.org