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CELEBRATING NEW ENTREPRENEURS         Journalist: Myriam Sainson

On March 13, a press conference was held, relating to the 4th edition of New Entrepreneurs 2012 (Cuvée 2012), which will take place, on Tuesday, May 8, at 5p.m. at the Club de Golf de Lac-Mégantic, under the joint Honorary Presidency of Francine Bernier and Vincent Poisson, who are both from the firm of Proforêt Consultants and who were themselves prize winners of the Cuvée 2010. The organizing committee is in place: the Megantic Chamber of Commerce, the CLD of the MRC du Granit, Intro-travail, Carrefour Jeunesse Emploi du Granit, Rue principal de Lac-Mégantic and the SADC du Mégantic (Photo 1).

"Entrepreneurship at the heart of our dynamism" is the theme for this year's Cocktail Party honoring new businessmen and women, "seeking to promote and develop the entrepreneurship spirit and to celebrate the dynamism of the area. This event also welcomes business people already established within the MRC du Granit, putting them in contact with these new entrepreneurs, supporting their integration into the heart of the business community".

Under the economic conditions today still being monitored, this Cocktail Party takes on a particular significance which is that of a long-term inspiration to the next generation, which will prove to be beneficial in the coming years. One speaks, of course, of company start-ups as well as acquisition of companies. The criteria of admission for this 4th edition are as follows: the entrepreneur's company must be his "principal source of income"; in "the case of a changeover or an acquisition, the businessman/woman must hold at least 25% of the shares"; the company must be his/her first of its kind or the first acquisition in the territory of the MRC du Granit, has been in operation at least 12 months and for a maximum of 3 years, on April 30, 2011, which puts the starting date between May 1 and April 30, 2011. All participating entrepreneurs must be present at the Cocktail Party and agree to be honored.

Information: 819.583-5392

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Photo 1: The two Honorary Presidents surrounded by members of the organizing committee

Photo 2: Francine Bernier and Vincent Poisson, Honorary Presidents of the 'Cuvée 2012'.

Photo credits: Myriam Sainson