PME 2024: five prizes awarded in the Grand Falls region

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True to tradition, the NOW Network (Network of Women), the CBDC Victoria Madawaska-Sud and the Chamber of Commerce of the Valley (CCV) took advantage of SME Week to reward entrepreneurs and future entrepreneurs .

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The CBDC Victoria Madawaska-Sud and the Valley Chamber of Commerce chose to join forces to present a gala during which they awarded four prizes.

This year, the CBDC Victoria Madawaska-Sud awarded the “Future Entrepreneur of the Year” award to the owner of the micro-enterprise Angler’s Worm World, Sydney Walsh.

Five years ago, when she was just nine years old, Sydney Walsh decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and start her own business. With the latter’s support, the little girl set up a business selling earthworms.

After visiting businesses and building a clientele, Sydney Walsh allowed her business to expand. Today, Angler’s Worm World products are available at 12 businesses from Rivière-Verte to Riley Brook.

In addition, the CBDC Victoria Madawaska-Sud presented the “Young Entrepreneur” award to the owner of Metal and Plus Group of Companies Inc., Jean Leclerc.

Mr. Leclerc’s adventure in entrepreneurship began in 2012. At the time, his company was known as Leclerc Industries Inc., a local welding company.

A dozen years later, in 2024, Mr. Leclerc seized the opportunity to expand by offering machining services. The addition of utility tools, hydraulic cylinder repair and a 4D design service allows Metal and Plus Group of Companies Inc. to meet the demands of more customers needing its services.

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During the same evening, which was held on October 24, the CCV awarded the “Small Business of the Year” and “Large Business of the Year” awards.

Winner of the Small Business of the Year award, Linda’s Kitchen owner Linda Glazer says in 2022 she realized there was a need for a meal-on-wheels service, which allowed his business to see the light of day.

However, Ms. Glazer has adapted to meet the demands of her customers. Result: she now has a small restaurant that offers quality, home-cooked meals… “at fast food speed”. The capacity of its dining room increased from 12 to 18 seats.

The company S. Bouchard & Fils Construction Inc., owned by Shawn Bouchard, won the “Large Company of the Year” award.

When it started, in 2016, the company worked in the residential construction field and had only one or two employees. Over the years, the company has expanded and offers a variety of services ranging from residential renovation to large commercial construction, while the number of full-time employees varies from 13 to 17.

Winner of the “Woman Entrepreneur” Prize 2024

For its part, the NOW Network (Network of Women / Réseau des femmes) paid tribute to Louise Désilets. The latter is a member of the Fermes GAM Michaud Farms team, a company counted among the century-old farms of Saint-André.

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In addition to producing potatoes and weekly cereals, including barley, wheat and oats, on an area of ​​1,300 acres, the company engages in crop rotation and preservation of floors. Fermes GAM Michaud Farms also sells its products to large chains throughout North America as well as in the Caribbean.

It is said of Ms. Désilets that she was able to forge her place through her exceptional vision, her unwavering determination and a daily passion for her work. The winner of the “Woman Entrepreneur” award would be a “specialized agricultural entrepreneur and a dominant figure at Fermes GAM Michaud Farms”.

Originally from Saint-Grégoire, Quebec, Ms. Désilets devotes herself to management, whether financial or employee, to continuing education, to the management of the foreign worker program by supporting them in their process of adaptation to Canada. She also takes care of the promotion and marketing of farm products to different companies, whether in the region, province, country or internationally.

In addition to having expertise in food and safety programs, Ms. Désilets is involved in her community.

His passion is summed up as follows: feeding people while showing the greatest respect for the planet and finding sustainable solutions to climate change.

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