Desjardins Unveils Winners of the Desjardins Entrepreneurship Prizes

Québec, April 3, 2008 – Desjardins Group, the largest financial institution in Québec, unveils the winners of the Desjardins Entrepreneurship Prizes. The prizes were awarded before Nathalie Larue, Desjardins Business Markets Vice-President, and before the governors of Fondation Desjardins representing the regions of each winner at the Mobilisation – catalyseur de la performance de SECOR/Les Affaires Seminar, presented by Desjardins.

The winning companies stood out for their international activities, their productivity, an exceptional ownership transfer or their commitment to sustainable development.

Desjardins International Commerce Prize, in partnership with Export Development Canada

The winners are:

Techsol Marine, Québec – Claude Messiaen, President
Techsol Marine works in the area of marine electrotechnology. By developing the MAX alarm, control and monitoring system for ship machinery, it has carved out a place for itself in the field of marine automation. Techsol Marine has no direct competitors and exports already represent 80% of its sales. Its system, which can be adapted to its clients’ needs, has allowed it to conquer European, Latin American and Asian markets. At the cutting edge of technology, Techsol Marine devotes a large part of its work to research and development.

PLB International Inc., Boucherville – Jocelyn Brasseur, President
PLB International, a Québec-based pet food company, was founded in 1969 and has received several recognition awards. The company offers high-quality internationally certified products. PLB’s sales represent close to 1% of the world pet food market. Already present in 25 countries, this company with 125 employees is aiming to grow on the European and Asian markets.

Desjardins Business Ownership Transfer Prize, in partnership with Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche

Engrenage Provincial Inc., Québec – André C. Nadeau, Martin Grenier and Dominique Huot, Owners
After a year of preparation, this business, founded in 1972, was smoothly transferred to managers who were already working for the company. Specializing in the design and distribution of hydraulic products for both manufacturers and users in the mobile and industrial markets, the business has received several industry awards. It employs 65 highly skilled workers.

Desjardins Sustainable Development Prizes, in partnership with Bell Canada

The winners are:

Eastern Québec

Groupe Coderr, Alma – Patrice Gobeil, President
Groupe Coderr is a consortium of four non-profit organizations that contribute to social integration by creating lower skilled jobs. For 25 years, Groupe Coderr has played a major role in implementing residual material management plans with companies and social forces in Lac Saint-Jean. It has 63 employees working in the various sectors of dry solids collection and recycling as well as in a second-hand store that offers a wide variety of imported, recycled, fair-trade products.

Western Québec

Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited, Preissac – Eberhard Scherkus, President and Chief Operating Officer
The goals of this company are to focus on quality, growth, and a strong financial position while protecting the environment and maintaining a safe workplace for employees. Its precious metal mines can be found in several countries and are in full development. Agnico-Eagle Mines is committed to following a strict environmental policy that includes assessing the impacts of mining to ensure responsible consumption of water and energy, waste management, site rehabilitation, education, and the health and safety of its employees and the public.

Central Québec
 
Société zoologique de Granby, Granby – Jacques Légaré, Chairman
This conservation institution, recognized both nationally and internationally, has been a premier Canadian tourist destination since 1953. The profits generated by this non-profit organization are fully reinvested. The Granby Zoo uses green construction methods as well as energy- and water-saving and recovery programs. It promotes quality of life and a feeling of belonging among its 523 employees, many of whom come from reintegration programs or hold student jobs.

Each winning company benefits from media visibility worth over $40,000, enabling it to enhance its reputation and consolidate its standing in the business world and in the eyes of its clientele. The winners also receive numerous free Desjardins products and services.

The jury for the Desjardins Entrepreneurship Prizes acknowledged the outstanding character of all the candidates. The jury members are: Catherine Ferembach, Assistant Deputy Minister, Secrétariat à la jeunesse of the Government of Québec; Diane G. Dubé, Regional Vice President, Québec Region, Export Development Canada; Marc-André Nadeau, Partner, Financial Advisory Services, Samson Bélair / Deloitte & Touche; Louis Gaudreau, Vice-President Strategies and Business Integration, Connexim; and finally, Michel Magnan, Professor and Associate Dean, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University.

About Desjardins Group

The largest integrated cooperative financial group in Canada, with global assets of over $144 billion as at December 31, 2007, Desjardins Group consists of a network of caisses/branches, credit unions and financial centres for Quebec– and Ontario-based companies, as well as about 20 subsidiaries in life and general insurance, securities, venture capital, and asset management, many of which are active nationwide. With the skills of its 40,000 employees and the commitment of more than 6,500 elected officers, Desjardins offers its 5.8 million members and clients–individuals and businesses alike–a full range of financial products and services. Its physical distribution network is rounded out by virtual access methods supported by leading-edge technology.

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Source (for journalists only):
Nathalie Genest
Advisor, Information and Media Relations
514-281-7275
1-866-866-7000, ext. 7275