SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. – A young magician, internationally renowned musicians, a highly reputed Acadian festival, as well as manufacturers and retailers of toys, souvenirs, bicycles, vinyl records and skin-care products have earned seven awards from the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of P.E.I.
The 2018 Acadian Entrepreneurs' Gala attracted more than 130 people to the Centre Belle-Alliance in Summerside recently.
Vishten, the globe-trotting Acadian-Celtic group composed of Pastelle and Emmanuelle Leblanc and Pascal Miousse earned the 2018 President's Award of Excellence.
Jeannette Arsenault of Summerside, co-owner of Shop and Play, formerly Cavendish Figurines , was named the 2018 distinguished entrepreneur.
The immigrant entrepreneur of the year was Gideon Banahene of Charlottetown, owner of Danso Bikes and Kaneshii Vinyl Press, and partner in The Great Shea.
The social economy award went to the Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival, Abram-Village.
Ghislaine Cormier of Charlottetown, owner of The Great Shea and partner in Kaneshii Vinyl Press, was named the business personality.
The enterprising youth award was presented to Jérémie Buote of Rustico, magician-comedian with the Carnaval en Promenade.
And the Young Millionaires award went home with Birch Hill’s brother-and-sister duo Isabelle Fisk of "Izzy's Rockpile" and Nicholas Sauvé of "Nick's Spinners”.
Chamber spokesman Pierre Gallant noted in his gala kickoff message that the winners, as well as the other 12 finalists, share certain traits.
"First, they all provide exceptional customer service. Nowadays, that's worth its weight in gold. And secondly, our finalists all have a distinct advantage over the majority of their competitors: they all provide services in two or three languages."
The spokesperson noted that three-quarters of this year's finalists were women or businesses or organizations managed or co-managed by women. This proportion, he said, is "definitely a record".
"We are therefore extremely pleased to see that women are taking the place they rightfully deserve in the Acadian and francophone business world as well as on the provincial scene. You are all tremendous role models for the young girls and women who will follow in your footsteps. So, congratulations and keep up your fantastic work."
