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Desjardins International Commerce Prize
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HONCO STEEL BUILDINGS, Lévis – Francis Lacasse, President
Founded in 1974, Honco mainly operates in the design, manufacture and installation of freestanding steel buildings for commercial, industrial and recreational construction projects. Honco exports to the United States, Central and Eastern Europe, Asia,
North Africa, Turkey and Cuba. The company integrates environmentally friendly practices in its regular operations and has the capacity to design buildings that meet LEED certification requirements. One of Honco's biggest strengths is its team's ability
to work on both local and international projects.
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Sonaca Montréal, St-Janvier – Philippe Hoste, Chief Executive Officer
This aeronautics industry business, founded in 2003 and a subsidiary of Belgium's SONACA Group, manufactures wing panels and structural parts for the leading manufacturers of regional and business aircraft. The company employs more
than 250 people and takes effective measures to limit the environmental impact of its production processes. The company holds 85% of the world market in wing panels for regional aircraft and aims to reach 50% of the business aircraft market as well. To
do so, it plans to increase its marketing activities in the key U.S. and European markets.
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Desjardins Young Entrepreneur Prizes
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Eastern Quebec
Synertek Industries, St-Romuald – Jean-François Boutin, Vice-President of Sales
Created in 2004 by four shareholders, Synertek Industries is a sub-contractor specializing in precision sheet metal manufacturing. Its product is designed for use by high tech businesses operating in the optics, medical, food, transport and electronics
sectors. In its 4 years of operation, the business has created 28 jobs in its region.
Finalist
Techni-Arp inc., L'Ange-Gardien – Jean-François Bernier, President
Surveyor services
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Western Quebec
Zorah Biocosmetics Inc., Montréal – Mélissa Harvey, President
Zorah Biocosmetics develops, produces and distributes high-end, organic, environmentally friendly and fair-trade cosmetics. Created in 2006, Zorah's mission is to promote a more human approach to trade, and one that is more respectful of the environment.
Made from natural ingredients with excellent cosmetic qualities, Zorah products are comparable if not superior to the highest quality cosmetics produced in the industry. All Zorah products have been certified organic or have received compliance
certification for the use of organic ingredients by Québec Vrai or Ecocert. Zorah employs nearly a dozen people and is recognized for its dynamic spirit and innovative talent.
Finalist
Groupe Lettra inc., Boisbriand – Martin Caron, President
Sign production and installation and large format printing
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Central Quebec
Le Trou du Diable Microbrewery, Shawinigan – Isaac Tremblay, President and CEO
Founded in 2005 by a group of beer-brewing aficionados, the cooperative quickly grew into a choice locale, offering Shawinigan residents forty-five locally brewed beers. The business grew substantially and now has a staff of twenty-five. Current plans,
including oak cask aging, should allow the company to start exporting its products as early as the fall of 2009. What makes them stand out is the quality of their products, as well as their high-end restaurant menu, featuring local fare.
Finalist
La Source, Bains Nordiques, Rawdon – Patrice Lalancette and Caroline Simard, Founders
Specialized water relaxation services
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Desjardins Sustainable Development Prizes
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Eastern Quebec
Roche Ltd., Consulting Group, Québec City – Mario W. Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer
Founded in La Malbaie, this major engineering/construction company, which stands out for its multidisciplinary skills and abilities, has a staff of over 1,350 employees and exports its products to some fifty countries around the world. It has carried out
a number of actions since the creation of its sustainable development sector in 2007, which has become integrated into its engineering and construction projects, day-to-day operations, awareness activities and support for national and international
causes.
Finalist
Concept Mat, Matane – Isabelle Gauthier, President
Manufacturing of construction components
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Western Quebec
Produits de marque Liberté Inc., Saint-Hubert – Martin Valiquette, General Manager
Originally founded in Montréal in 1928, this company offers a range of more than 100 regular and organic dairy products. Liberté has been producing certified organic products for the past 15 years. It first extended its market into Western
Canada and the Eastern United States, then, two years ago, to the whole of the U.S. Waste management, energy efficiency, eco-friendly packaging, environmental compliance, support for responsible purchasing and responsible business practices are all
aspects of the sustainable development policies that Liberté Inc. integrates into its day-to-day management, in addition to offering only natural products.
Finalist
Complexe Dompark, Montréal – Natalie Voland, President
Transformation of industrial buildings into commercial lofts
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Central Quebec
Auberge Le Baluchon, Saint-Paulin – Louis Lessard, President
In addition to lodging, the Auberge offers a combination of haute cuisine, health care and a chance for patrons to recharge their batteries. Founded in 1990, the retreat now has a staff of 190. The business is concerned with a
number of aspects of sustainable development, including reforestation with noble wood species, water purification, energy savings and the transformation of used cooking oils. They also use organic and environmentally friendly products, showcase local
foods, and design and offer activities that highlight local talent and history.
Finalist
Armoires Cuisines Action, Sainte-Sabine – Christian Van Gennip, President
Design, manufacturing and installation of kitchen cabinets
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Ontario
Bridgehead, Ottawa – Tracey Clark, Managing Director
Bridgehead specializes in fair trade and organic coffees and teas, operating ten cafés in Ottawa. Its first coffee shop opened in 2000. Bridgehead's mission is to put its clients in touch with small producers organized into cooperatives through
fair trade practices. They created a sales-by-correspondence service, which today has more than 10,000 clients across the country. Fair trade practice is the founding principle of this business, which helps improve the lives of people working under
difficult conditions in South America.
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Desjardins Business Ownership Transfer Prize
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Dubé & Loiselle Inc., Granby – Daniel Lachapelle, President
A distributor of dried, refrigerated, frozen food and packaging products for the past 60 years, Dubé & Loiselle Inc. has a staff of 150, with a team of six experienced people set to take over the business. The transfer
process was prepared as a partnership, with the support of several consulting firms in order to ensure that everything runs smoothly for the future of the company and its shareholders, while making sure to keep its clientele informed of the changes. A
subsequent transfer phase involving the stakeholders' children is also planned to take place in approximately ten years. In the medium term, the focus is on developing major accounts and on acquisitions.
Finaliste
Le Groupe Robin, St-Hyacinthe – Robert Robin, President
Real estate developer, builder and manager
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Desjardins Agricultural Prize
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Le Domaine du Parc Reg'd., Sainte-Élisabeth – Denis Ouellet and Josée Rainville, Co-owners
This family cattle production business has five employees and stands out for the experience of its owners, inter-generational business transfer and a sound management that helps the company balance its finances. The healthy, balanced diet fed to
the livestock allows the company to produce and export top quality beef; this is one of the keys to its success, along with attention to the health, safety and well-being of its workers. It plans to expand in the direct marketing of traditional soybean
seeds for retail sale.
Finalist
Ferme Bessette & Frères (Waterville) inc., Waterville – René Bessette and Carole Chassé, Co-owners
Holstein breeders
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